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I remember the military tradition of rendering a hand salute to officers and warrant officers as well as friendly Allied officers went outdoors. I also recall that when reporting to an officer indoors one would render a hand salute.
But I have often wondered if for example one was in classroom training and a Medal of Honor recipient enters the room do you call the room to attention and announce to the Medal of Honor recipient is present? Do you render a hand salute? I've never been able to find a straight answer on this.
But I have often wondered if for example one was in classroom training and a Medal of Honor recipient enters the room do you call the room to attention and announce to the Medal of Honor recipient is present? Do you render a hand salute? I've never been able to find a straight answer on this.
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Tradition
Tradition
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 4
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SGM Steve Wettstein is correct, there is no current regulatory guidance, for the Army, mandating the salute of the recipient or the award. However, the Air Force actually mandates it:
"You salute the President, Vice President, Secretary of Defense, Service Secretaries, all superior commissioned and warrant officers, all Medal of Honor recipients, and superior officers of friendly foreign nations." -AIR FORCE STANDARDS 1-1
In the Army, The Soldiers' Guide (FM 7-21.13) used to indicate that there is a tradition of saluting the recipient or the award. I have heard it asks on boards, but never read it in any of the newest editions (since 2012). The current Soldiers' Guide (TC 7-21.13) makes no mention of the tradition.
That being said, I will always carry the torch for the tradition of saluting the recipient for their actions and teach new Soldiers of the tradition in similar fashion to CSM Wettstein.
"You salute the President, Vice President, Secretary of Defense, Service Secretaries, all superior commissioned and warrant officers, all Medal of Honor recipients, and superior officers of friendly foreign nations." -AIR FORCE STANDARDS 1-1
In the Army, The Soldiers' Guide (FM 7-21.13) used to indicate that there is a tradition of saluting the recipient or the award. I have heard it asks on boards, but never read it in any of the newest editions (since 2012). The current Soldiers' Guide (TC 7-21.13) makes no mention of the tradition.
That being said, I will always carry the torch for the tradition of saluting the recipient for their actions and teach new Soldiers of the tradition in similar fashion to CSM Wettstein.
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SSG Robert Ricci
I just came across this but of course it refers to custom and tradition rather than regulation:
"Although not required by law or military regulation, members of the uniformed services are encouraged to render salutes to recipients of the Medal of Honor as a matter of respect and courtesy regardless of rank or status, whether or not they are in uniform."
"Although not required by law or military regulation, members of the uniformed services are encouraged to render salutes to recipients of the Medal of Honor as a matter of respect and courtesy regardless of rank or status, whether or not they are in uniform."
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SSG Brian Carpenter
I personally would call the room to attention and loudly and in my best military manner announce the MOH recipient to my fellow soldiers in recognition of the act of bravery and selfless service that this person exemplifies
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SSG Robert Ricci
SSG Brian Carpenter that is exactly what I would do with the did I would have the room render absolute. These are distinguished men and one woman from the Civil War that should command respect and reverence from those that they stand before. I always wondered if I'd get my butt chewed for disturbing the training session but it would probably be worth it. When one sees that easily recognizable Blue Ribbon with the attached star it should instantly command respect.
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I don't believe that there is any regulatory guidance on saluting a Medal of Honor recipient. I've always been told and read that it is a custom and courtesy given to someone that did something very extraordinary during the worst situations. When I have seen a MoH recipient I have always saluted them. I don't think one would call a room to attention, unless the recipient is still in the service, but I believe having everyone stand would be appropriate.
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SSG Robert Ricci
Wouldn't having everyone stand be calling the room to attention? Asking for a friend. I should have been clear that the the MoH was in uniform. I know. Not much guidance in the regs.
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SSG Roger Ayscue
SSG Robert Ricci - I would call the room to attention, present arms myself, and have everyone face the MoH out of respect.
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