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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I concur with CSM Chuck Stafford.
1. I think they are overwhelmed.
2. new images and public awareness, where they were in the background before
3. fear of not having the opportunity or surviving the second time
1. I think they are overwhelmed.
2. new images and public awareness, where they were in the background before
3. fear of not having the opportunity or surviving the second time
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SPC Matthew Johnson
Look back at the reception of Alvin C York. After receiving the CMoH, he was a national hero. The politicians made him the face of America. That was one of the reasons York stepped away from everything and moved back to middle Tennessee, isolated from the lime light. 82nd All American Division. AATW
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I feel inclined to agree with some of the people here that the awardee is probably tired of public speaking events where they are placed on a pedestal. Most likely during the action that afforded the award they lost comrades and are still remorseful. As for the comments about promotions, I will definitely agree with the LTC Paul Labrador, I don't care if you have every medal clothing sales sells, I will still rate your performance.
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SCPO Morris Ramsey
Do you think a MOH's performance would be less that superior to all others. His uncommon valor would allow nothing less.
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SFC Clark Adams
Gregory Boynton once said" show me a hero, I'll show you a bum". He was awarded his MoH posthumously after being shot down in the Pacific. They didn't know he was a PoW until after Japan's surrender! His previous record of alcohol , gabling and recklessness created concerns after he attempted to return to regular service in the Marines. Review the pre-MoH service SP/6 Lawrence Joel and his post service life for more enlightenment.
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SFC (Join to see)
SCPO Morris Ramsey - Based on my experience and research of those that were awarded this medal, often times they were not stellar performers. It was in the heat of battle that something came over them and in that instance they did what they felt needed. This medal nor any other medal does not confer the traits of a leader, they merely did something that someone felt justified the medal. Now some were great leaders and it was that leadership mentality that motivated them to do whatever they did.
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You have to remember a couple of them were already separated by the time the award was approved. Outside of that, I was at JBLM for a while during the time Ty Carter was there. 7TH ID used the guy as a weirdo pseudo-mascot for ceremonial purposes...I can't imagine anyone would want to be in that position.
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Why don't they finish? Do you realize what it takes to get the MoH. It takes a special kind of hell to put that medal on.
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I am honored and privileged to have known, served with and been friends with a few CMH recipients that stayed in and retired, Jon Caviani, COL Howard, Roy Benavidez and have met a couple of others.
COL Howard was my CDR when I went through the SFQC. Simply put, he was harder than wood pecker lips. He was what all SF guys should strive to be.
I think in many instances, it is because of the severity of injuries and they are not able to recover enough to continue on active duty. Roy was an exception. When he earned his, he had something like 38 wounds. It amazes me that he lived much less stayed on active duty. I think his sense of humor helped him a lot. He was frickin hilarious once you got to know him.
COL Howard was my CDR when I went through the SFQC. Simply put, he was harder than wood pecker lips. He was what all SF guys should strive to be.
I think in many instances, it is because of the severity of injuries and they are not able to recover enough to continue on active duty. Roy was an exception. When he earned his, he had something like 38 wounds. It amazes me that he lived much less stayed on active duty. I think his sense of humor helped him a lot. He was frickin hilarious once you got to know him.
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I think a lot do actually stay in. Unfortunately, the majority of recipients are posthumously awarded, so they don't get a future, then another group would be the draftees, who had no intention of being SMs to begin with. Then there are the guys who just carried on with their career and there a lot of them who stayed in. There are a few who do get out, think about what you have to see, do to receive it, lot of reasons to just peel afterwards.
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PVT Ryan P. Quirk
Well I wrote a note to myself yesterday saying it was true. Then used that same note today as past precedence to show it happened :).. Just saying :)
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While I imagine some do due to injuries, others remain on active duty. I served under LTC Jack Jacobs in Panama in the early 80s. He had been awarded the MOH as a captain in Vietnam. He finally retired as a full bird, and you can see him on TV occasionally as a military analyst.
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Aren't you required to salute a MoH recipient? That might get weird for the recipient.
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MAJ (Join to see)
Incorrect. There is no law or regulation that mandates a salute be rendered an MoH recipient where a salute would otherwise be inappropriate; it is, however, *customary* in cases where the recipient is wearing the medal and the person saluting is in uniform, and is actively encouraged by all branches.
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PO2 Nasser Montes
How I was told, we salute the officer out of respect of the rank and uniform. You salute the Medal of Honor recipient, you are saluting the man in the uniform.
Of course it can be a woman and there is a woman who received one during the Civil War.
Here's the link where you learn more about it:
http://www.history.com/news/the-medal-of-honor-6-surprising-facts
Of course it can be a woman and there is a woman who received one during the Civil War.
Here's the link where you learn more about it:
http://www.history.com/news/the-medal-of-honor-6-surprising-facts
The Medal of Honor: 6 Surprising Facts - History in the Headlines
Discover six things you may not know about the Medal of Honor, which was signed into law 150 years ago, and its recipients.
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I think that our brothers and sisters who earn this honor whether it is belatedly awarded either to living recipients or posthumously awarded are incredible. They embody American exceptionalism in its purest form. We should all be humbled by the sacrifices and selfless bravery they showed. God bless these fine people and God bless all service members who gave their lives for our freedom! I am truly grateful.
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