[JimVT]

During WWII, his combat reporting for Stars and Stripes earned him the Bronze Star. Because of his admirable service, many Americans still lend their ears to what he has to say about our soldiers.

3. Criteria: a. The Bronze Star Medal is awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity in or with the military of the United States after 6 December 1941, distinguished himself or herself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service

So what the heck was heroic or meritorious about writing for the S/S in Paris?

Maybe he ought to pull a Kerry and throw the medal back!

[Little Ray]

I don't like Andy Rooney. I have read his book, but I stopped watching 60 (Too Many) Minutes a long time ago, and don't have time for his columns.

But, for what it is worth, Andy Rooney flew repeated missions on US bombers during the darkest days of daylight bomber offensive - before we had fighter escorts to Germany and back. He did this to write about bomber crews. He could have settled for interviewing the crewmen or just flown one mission, but he repeatedly braved subzero temps, flak and fighters to get the real story. This is certainly meritorious and quite possibly heroic.
IMHO, he earned his Bronze Star the hard way.