Posted on Jan 19, 2017
Why do most recent Medal of Honor recipients leave the military shortly after being awarded it?
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Mainly speaking about the latest MoH recipients from the Global War on Terrorism. I understand you receive a number of benefits for being a recipient of the award, such as; $1200 per month for life, 10% increase in military retirement pension, qualified dependents are automatically approved for attendance at military academies, commissary and PX privileges for life, the list goes on and on. Just wondering why the ones that had under 20 years wouldn't finish. Any thoughts on this?
Please follow the this link for more information.
http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2011/06/the-benefits-for-medal-of-honor-recipeints/
Please follow the this link for more information.
http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2011/06/the-benefits-for-medal-of-honor-recipeints/
Medal of Honor
Military service
Benefits
Edited 8 y ago
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 206
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Understanding that this particular award Is very personal.... I'm not sure WHY military members would leave before retirement.... because TECHNICALLY?....you didn't RETIRE..... you QUIT.....and got out...good for you..... but the bullshit of getting XTRA PERKS? After receiving this particular award?.... is like I said..... BULLSHIT!!!..... I know of two people who are both SS/BS AWARD WINNERS..... And they don't get anything extra!.... so.... let's stop with all the hype behind this award, and let it be known we serve for honor.... not medals or money....HOOAH?....
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My current battalion has a MoH recipient that's still actively serving (CPT William D. Swenson), so it isn't like it's everyone that gets out after receiving the award
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Retirement pay and benefits are already in place. No need to continue to full retirement. They already have served their country well and in most cases, partially or fully disabled.
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P. S. Their dependants also are not "automatically approved for attendance at military academies." They CAN be congressionally appointed, but they still go into a pool for that, and have to meet minimum GPA requirements, etc.
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Actually, one of the biggest reasons is security. MOH recipients are on the top 25 list of targets from foreign enemies. Looking at this from a prospective of some "other" areas...their beliefs only see those who die in service to the cause as martyrs and heroes. Whereas America recognizes and decorates living people as "heroes." If you have ever been to an event where recipients are present, you'll notice US Secret Service, FBI, or other contract security is present. Additionally, not all of them retire. My dad served for 20+ years after he was decorated, even did another tour or two in Japan. It is a decision that is, most of the time, made 100% by the recipient. - Semper Fi
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In that even the President must salute a MoH recipient the individual would not have a superior.
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SFC (Join to see)
Oh trust me, they still have superiors like any other G.I. You are just required to salute them, that's all.
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Medal of Honor recipients deserve to retire simply for receiving the elite award
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Gunny Highway didn't retire, just kidding. I have never thought about that, but I'm curious about this. Are they forced to retire and if so when did that start. As my Marine brothers will know, we have had to of our own win it twice if my memory of boot camp knowledge serves me correctly. Dan Daly and Smedley Butler? Help me out Devil Dogs. Semper Fi.
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CWO3 (Join to see)
No forced retirement Devil Dog. During my service there were 2 enlisted still serving - MSgt Pitman and Sgt Maj Kellogg. Pitman died in Oct. 2016. There were a handful of Colonels - Barnum, Fox, Modrzejewski, Vargas - and Lt Gen Livingston. The CMC that was retiring when I first enlisted was Gen Wilson, who earned his on Guam in 1944. He was doing his farewell tour and came to Japan when I was stationed there in 1979. I may have overlooked someone but these come to mind from my limited memory. During the GWOT Cpl Dunham received MOH posthumously. Cpl Carpenter and Sgt Meyer also received the MOH and are still alive. Carpenter was injured severely and medically retired. Meyer was wounded less severely and opted to get out but remains active with causes for Veterans. Plenty more stayed in before my time. Many from all wars received them posthumously. Both Sgt Maj Daly and Maj Gen Butler received 2 MOHs and Butler was also awarded the USMC Brevet Medal. Semper Fi and keep your powder dry.
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