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Hollywood cares more about its stars than the Defense Department about its own. One can go online and find every Academy Award winner on its database. Not only does the Defense Department not have a comprehensive or complete database of all those awarded medals of valor but the Defense Department is opposed to proposed legislation to create one. What’s wrong with an Honor Roll for those we have honored?

MOUNT PLEASANT -- Five dark-suited FBI agents showed up at Patriots Point on Friday with two Civil War-era Medals of Honor. And while the agents had few details about the investigation it took to bring the medals to their new home, they didn't mince words when it came to describing the kind of people involved in the theft of the nation's highest military honor. "I can't imagine anything more despicable than taking away the honor of those people who earned those medals," said David Thomas, South Carolina special agent in charge. The FBI investigates stolen and counterfeit Medals of Honor...

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~ The FReeper Canteen Presents ~Happy 77th to the Purple Heart Canteen Mission StatementShowing support and boosting the morale ofour military and our allies militaryand the family members of the above.Honoring those who have served before. President George W. Bush shakes the hand of Marine Cpl. Andrew L. Tinsley of Annapolis, Md., Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2005, after Cpl Tinsley was presented the Purple Heart during a visit by the President and Laura Bush to the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md. White House photo by Paul Morse. The Purple Heart is an American decoration-the oldest military decoration in...

Eight years of war in Afghanistan and Iraq. About 4,000 members of the U.S. military killed in action. More than 34,000 wounded. Just six considered worthy of America's highest military award for battlefield valor. For some veterans and members of Congress, that last number doesn't add up. They question how so few Medals of Honor—all awarded posthumously—could be bestowed for wars of such magnitude and duration. Pentagon officials say the nature of war has changed. Laser-guided missiles destroy enemy positions without putting soldiers in harm's way. Insurgents deploy roadside bombs rather than engage in firefights they're certain to lose. Those...

WASHINGTON (AP) - Eight years of war in Afghanistan and Iraq. About 4,000 members of the U.S. military killed in action. More than 34,000 wounded. Just six considered worthy of America's highest military award for battlefield valor. For some veterans and members of Congress, that last number doesn't add up. They question how so few Medals of Honor—all awarded posthumously—could be bestowed for wars of such magnitude and duration. Pentagon officials say the nature of war has changed. Laser-guided missiles destroy enemy positions without putting soldiers in harm's way. Insurgents deploy roadside bombs rather than engage in firefights they're certain...

Queen Beatrix awarded a Dutch commando the country's highest military medal on Friday for his heroics leading an elite military unit in Afghanistan. Beatrix pinned the Willems Order cross and orange ribbon on Capt. Marco Kroon before slapping him on the left shoulder with her right hand to knight him at a ceremony in The Hague. It was the first time in more than 50 years that the medal has been awarded to an individual soldier. It also can be awarded to entire military units. Beatrix said Kroon showed "courage, discretion and dedication" in leading a commando unit in the...

TIKRIT, Iraq, May 19, 2009 – Nine Iraqi police officers at two stations in Kirkuk city received U.S. Army Achievement Medals awarded by the 1st Cavalry Division’s 3rd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, May 14. Army Lt. Col. Terry Cook, right, faces off against an Iraqi police officer during a soccer match at a police station in Kirkuk, Iraq, May 14, 2009. U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Justin Naylor  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. The first five awards went to police officers who maintain safety of the city through effective patrolling. Army Lt. Col....

Daily Egyptian > News Administrator accused of lying about military service retires Brian Feldt Published: Friday, February 13, 2009 Updated: Friday, February 13, 2009 James Scales, the university’s director of Career Services who was accused this month of lying about his military service, will retire effective March 1, university spokesman Rod Sievers said Friday. Sievers said Scales will immediately utilize his vacation days and not return to work. According to a university statement, Scales cited health and personal reasons. Scales hung up the phone when asked for comment from the DAILY EGYPTIAN. “I have enjoyed my association with the university...

Lest anyone doubt the significance that veterans and the armed forces place upon the medals they earn, for the second time in as many weeks a local veteran will receive recognition for bravery in wars decades ago. Thursday is 87-year-old Joseph Moser's turn. The Whatcom County resident will receive the Distinguished Flying Cross at McChord Air Force Base on Thursday for his actions 65 years ago over Germany. Photo by Gabriel Rodriguez Joe Moser in 2008 Moser, originally a farm kid from Ferndale, on July 30, 1944 -- more than three weeks after the Normandy invasion -- earned the award...

KABUL, Afghanistan, Dec. 5, 2008 – A battalion, or “kandak,” of Afghan soldiers celebrated a milestone Dec. 4 when the U.S. Army decorated them for their military achievements. U.S. Army Maj. Brian Gary, an embedded training team leader, presented medals to more than 30 soldiers with the Afghan National Army’s 1st Kandak, 2nd Brigade, 207th Corps, during a ceremony held at Camp Zafar in Afghanistan’s western province of Herat. The Army Commendation Medal was awarded to nine members of the unit, including the kandak’s commander, Lt. Col. Raheem Khan of Khowst province. Khan has commanded the unit for the past...

The Bali bombers died this morning. And while their deaths are news and must be reported, I believe it is right to acknowledge the heroism that came out of that terrible day. On October 12th 2002, at Bali, Indonesia, Islamist terrorists detonated a number of bombs in an attempt to kill innocent victims. 202 people were killed. 88 of these were Australians. This makes it, by far, the greatest terrorist atrocity in Australia's history - and it ranks quite highly on the overall list. We remember the dead, but for some reason, in my opinion at least, we haven't really...

At John McCain’s rallies these days, the talk is of taxes and Joe the Plumber and the financial crisis and mortgage relief and an end to wasteful federal spending. Those are all perfectly fine things for a campaign to emphasize; polls show voters of all stripes are overwhelmingly concerned about the economy. But at McCain’s events, you’ll also find people who’ve come for another reason, one that is slipping in the polls of voters’ concerns but is deeply personal to them: the war in Iraq. “I just gave John McCain my Purple Heart,” Marine Sgt. Jack Eubanks told me a...

More than 38 years after being recommended for a Bronze Star, a Texas man has received the medal for helping avert a Viet Cong attack in South Vietnam. Jim Greenwalt of Rockwall, Texas, a former U.S. Army sergeant, helped to prevent a surprise attack by Viet Cong, the Dallas Morning News reported Wednesday."I fired at muzzle flashes, sounds, any movement," Greenwalt said, recalling the violence that repelled a Viet Cong attack.Greenwalt's bravery on Jan. 30, 1970, was remembered at a ceremony at Fort Hood, in central Texas, after a paperwork snafu delayed the honor.The U.S. Army has awarded more than...

After listing the total medal count by the highest number of medals won, Yahoo now lists China first due to more Gold medals.

BEIJING – Across the Chinese media, the story has hit saturation coverage. China, once mocked as “the weaklings of Asia,” is going to win what it calls the total medal count for the Beijing Games.

ON Wednesday night Harry Smith uncorked two bottles of fine red wine to celebrate the award of gallantry medals to his men for their role in the epic Battle of Long Tan. "The fat lady has finally sung," Smith told The Australian. ..... The main problem with the retrospective awarding of gallantry medals is deciding what point to stop, says historian Michael McKernan, former head of the Australian War Memorial. He warns of possible legal problems with awarding the Victoria Cross of Australia to World War I heroes, for example. ..... McKernan says it remains incomprehensible that 18-year-old Oerlikon gunner...

A family whose house was raided by police in error is outraged that eight officers involved were honored. Police say the eight, who also took fire, "performed bravely." First, the city apologized. Then it gave awards. Eight Minneapolis officers received medals in City Hall Monday for their valor in a botched raid that the city apologized for last year. That isn't sitting well with the family shot at multiple times by the officers. "I'm shocked that they're receiving awards for that night," said Yee Moua. "My family is a mess right now. My [9-year-old] son, who saw the shooting, still...

On Monday, Minneapolis Police Chief Tim Dolan handed out honors to a team of officers involved in a botched raid at an innocent family's home more than seven months ago. The family is upset and their attorney criticizes the awards and questions the timing. Just days before Christmas, the sound of intruders breaking into their home in North Minneapolis prompted Vang Khang to grab his shotgun to protect his six children. His terrified wife called 911. Khang fired several shots at the "intruders" who turned out to be members of the Minneapolis Police Department's SWAT team. The officers returned fire....

    Major gongs for heroic Our Boys   Award ... Captain Paul Britton is congratulated by Major General Gary Robison    By TOM NEWTON DUNN Defence Editor Published: Today     AN Army officer who led a battle despite a lump of burning shrapnel in his shoulder was one of 19 forces heroes awarded the Military Cross yesterday.   Praise ... Lieutenant General Graeme Lamb  Captain Paul Britton, 28, refused morphine so he could control artillery and air strikes to beat off Taliban attackers in Helmand province, Afghanistan. The Royal Artillery officer was wounded by a rocket-propelled grenade...

KORENGAL VALLEY, Afghanistan, July 12, 2008 – The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff yesterday took the opportunity to present 12 paratroopers with awards here for valorous and heroic achievements in combat. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen pinned five Army Commendation Medals with valor devices, five Purple Heart Medals, one Bronze Star with valor device, and one Silver Star on the troopers’ chests during a ceremony at their combat outpost here. “It’s an honor and privilege to be here,” Mullen said to the awardees. “This ceremony is about individuals who represent the sacrifice of so many.” The paratroopers are assigned...

THE Returned Services League has called for military personnel and veterans carry to be allowed to carry their medals with them on commercial flights. RSL national president Major General Bill Crews said he knew of at least one incident in which a veteran was told by airport security he could not bring medals on board an aircraft because of the security risk. Maj-Gen Crews said airports should show more trust. "Airport security and the government in particular should recognise that people carrying medals are those whose own service is distinguished by those medals and who have the trust of the...

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26, 2008 – Fourteen Defense Department civilians became the first to receive the Secretary of Defense Medal for the Global War on Terrorism during a ceremony at the Pentagon today. The medal, approved Aug. 7, 2007, recognizes the contribution of DoD civilians operating in direct support of military forces engaged in the war on terror. According to Pentagon statistics, seven DoD civilians have been killed in the line of duty in operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Since Sept. 11, 2001, more than 16,000 DoD civilians have qualified for the award, according to Patricia Bradshaw, the deputy undersecretary...

‘BULLIED’: 15-year-old Catrina McDermott, who was suspended for wearing religious badges, one representing St Patrick, the other a guardian angel PICTURE: Courtesy Fermanagh Herald THE Catholic bishops have refused to back the stand taken by a 15-year-old girl suspended from a Catholic school for wearing emblems of her faith. Catrina McDermott was suspended from St Eugene’s College in Roslea, Co Fermanagh, this week because she refused to remove or hide two religious badges. Her parents said the fourth-year pupil had been wearing the St Patrick and guardian angel symbols on her lapel to give her comfort following bullying when she...

There are 24 million Americans with these common memories. In the next few hours, many of the nation's veterans will recall their military service — the highs and lows, the guts and glory — not to mention boots, buddies, commanders, bivouacs, chow, deployments, homecomings. Hoo-ah. Oo-rah. Hip-hip. But wear your medals today. That's an order. The Department of Veterans Affairs has suggested all vets pin on their military decorations on Veterans Day for a well-earned display of personal pride and patriotism. There's more at stake, though. "By wearing our decorations, we show the world the unity of our support for...

An Iraq war veteran said Tuesday he is returning his military medals in what anti-war groups are calling a rare and powerful protest.Josh Gaines, 27, plans to mail the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and National Defense Service Medal to former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. He said he would do so during a protest scheduled for today in Madison. "I'm going to give those back because I truly feel that I did not defend my nation and I did not help with the Global War on Terrorism," said Gaines, who lives in Madison. "If anything, this conflict has bred...

Minnesota National Guard soldier who led a fierce firefight south of Baghdad to defend a convoy of 20 trucks and their civilian drivers was awarded Saturday with a Silver Star, the nation's fourth-highest military decoration. "He's a hero, no question about it," Gov. Tim Pawlenty said of Staff Sgt. Chad Malmberg before a crowd of about 1,000 National Guard soldiers and their families in a ceremony at St. Paul RiverCentre. Malmberg, a St. Paul native, is the first Minnesota National Guard member since World War II to receive the medal, which is awarded for gallantry in combat. During the firefight,...

Staff Sgt. Chad Malmberg will become the first Minnesota National Guard member to be awarded the Silver Star medal since World War II during a ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 22. The Silver Star is the fourth highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of any branch of the United States Armed Forces and is designated solely for valor in the face of the enemy. Staff Sgt. Malmberg demonstrated ‘gallantry in action’ while deployed to Iraq with the 1st Brigade Combat Team of the 34th Infantry Division. Malmberg is credited with taking immediate action when his convoy was...

A follow up on the East Texas Marine that had his car stolen. 20 year old Blake Weller, a Marine from Whitehouse, is on leave and, just three days ago, his car was stolen along with his uniform and medals, including a purple heart. Police were able to get his car back and now the suspected thief is in jail. But Blake said he is still missing the thing most important to him. About 5:45am Monday morning Blake received quite a wake up call. "I received a phone call from Tyler PD and they said they have recovered my car...

ExclusiveWar crime: FBI targets fake heroes BY THOMAS ZAMBITO DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITERSunday, May 6th 2007, 4:00 AM The FBI is using a new law to nab phonies like Georgia's Richard Thibodeau, who was outed as a fake marine. Federal agents are taking aim at phony war heroes who tell tall tales of battlefield valor and pin bogus medals upon their chests, the Daily News has learned.The FBI's Washington headquarters receives at least 15 tips a week about fake heroes - and most of the information comes from veterans who are furious that the scam artists are demeaning real...

Circulating somewhere in the Pentagon is a list of dozens of soldiers and Marines who committed acts of supreme valor during the war in Iraq. One serviceman, for example, charged a row of Republican Guards under fire, killing 20 enemy soldiers. At least three others jumped on grenades to save their brothers. Yet relatively few medals have been issued in the 4-year-old war. The Medal of Honor, for instance, the highest citation a soldier or Marine can receive, has been handed out only twice since the war began, both times posthumously. By comparison, the military gave 245 Medals of Honor...

2/1/2007 - CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. (AFNEWS) -- Seven Charleston AFB Airmen were presented Bronze Stars Jan. 29 here by the Air Mobility Command commander in front of their families, friends and several hundred military members. Gen. Duncan J. McNabb said these individuals embody the heart of the nation. Awarded the Bronze Stars were: -- Capt. John Clagnaz, the 1st Combat Camera Squadron officer in charge of the Combat Operations Flight, for his performance as OIC of the joint camera operations for the Multinational Corps in Baghdad from May 7 to Sept. 10. Captain Clagnaz led 74 Soldiers, Sailors...

1/31/2007 - LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. (AFNEWS) -- Two explosive ordnance disposal Airmen from the 314th Civil Engineer Squadron received combat medals for their actions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom Jan. 30 in a ceremony here. Staff Sgt. Lawrence Lipinski was awarded the Bronze Star and Staff Sgt. Matthew Patnaude received his second Purple Heart for their actions while deployed with the Army's 101st Airborne at Kirkuk Air Base, Iraq. "They define the wingman concept; meeting the objective under the worst of circumstances," said Brig. Gen. Kip L. Self, the 314th Airlift Wing commander who presented the...

FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas, Jan. 29, 2007 – With the star-studded grand opening just a day away, Army Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Richard A. Cody yesterday officiated over the first awards ceremony at the Center for the Intrepid here. Army Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Richard A. Cody helps Master. Sgt. Daniel Robles, who lost both his legs after an attack in Iraq, stand Jan. 28 during the first awards ceremony at the Center for the Intrepid, a new, state-of-the-art rehabilitation center at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Cody awarded Robles the Purple Heart and Bronze Star as his...

WASHINGTON, Nov. 6, 2006 -- With National Veterans Awareness Week under way and the national Veterans Day observance on Nov. 11, the Veterans Affairs secretary is urging all veterans to show their pride by wearing their military medals. The Department of Veterans Affairs’ Veterans Pride initiative encourages all veterans to wear their military decorations this Veterans Day, Nov. 11.  '(Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. R. James Nicholson’s “Veterans Pride” initiative calls on veterans to wear the medals they earned while in uniform this Veterans Day to “let America know who you are and what you did for freedom,”...

Murtha received his Bronze Star V one year after his service and during his campaign for the 22nd Congressional District according to an article from The Daily Courier dated October 21, 1968. The article says he served one year in Vietnam from August 18, 1966 to July 1, 1967 yet he received his Bronze Star over one year later.

FORT BRAGG, N.C. — Three Fort Bragg soldiers were honored Tuesday with the Silver Star — the Army’s third-highest award for valor in combat — for their actions in Afghanistan. Sgt. 1st Class Bruce Holmes and his team sergeant, Master Sgt. Keith Logsdon, received the medal for a 14-hour battle in a village in southern Afghanistan last year. Staff Sgt. Matthew Keefe received the medal for a separate battle. “I went in and did my job. No one expects to go and get a Silver Star,” Holmes said.

FORT BRAGG, N.C. (Army News Service, Aug. 10, 2006) – Thirty-one Soldiers from the 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) were decorated with honors to include three Silver Star Medals for valorous actions in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom in a ceremony here, Aug. 8. The three Silver Star Medal recipients were Master Sgt. Keith Logsdon, Sgt. 1st Class Bruce Holmes and Staff Sgt. Matthew Keefe. The Silver Star Medal, the Army’s third highest award for combat valor is awarded to Soldiers for distinguished gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States during military operations. Maj. Gen. Thomas R....

Jf'nK: "Well, we're not going to resolve this today..." John Bolton: "You got that right..."

WASHINGTON -- In the hierarchy of military medals, the Bronze Star ranks in the top tier. But in the war on terror, some troops have been honored with the medal for going above and beyond the call of duty, while others received it for just getting the job done. For example, the Bronze Star has been awarded to: Army Lt. Col. Andrew MacDonald, Soldier Systems Center chief of staff, for leading a team of military and civilians in delivering equipment to troops in Iraq. U.S. Army Reserve Maj. Patrick Burke for "transporting a hospital" from Pakistan to Afghanistan with "no...

Federal Bureau of Investigations Washington, D.C. Gentlemen: I was very pleased to read about your "sting" investigation and to learn that you have finally uncovered Congressman John P. Murtha for what he has been doing to the people of this Congressional Districy. He has been parading up and doen this 6-county area with a twice-wounded Vietnam War hero background, and even has the audacity to list this in his Congressional Directory. In your investigation, you will discover a phoney! Murtha's own Marine Corp Official Record indicates that he incurred two lacerations during his Vietnam service-- March 22, 1967 -- on...

And let the tourist dollars flow, the parties rage and the protests simmer. The seventh Gay Games - called simply the Gaymes by those in the know - begin Saturday with nearly 12,000 athletes marching into Chicago's Soldier Field and wrap up a week later with closing ceremonies at Wrigley Field. In between, in 30 contests across the city and its suburbs, gay former Olympians will compete alongside weekend warriors in a sprawling event that leaders pride on its inclusiveness. Yes, there will be same-sex pairs figure skating and a "Pink Flamingo Aquatic Show" - but fans can also watch...

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Richard Perez made just one request when he said goodbye to his son on a tarmac at March Air Reserve Base just east of here. "Get back here no matter what," Perez told Rich Jr. Six months later, and one week shy of his return from Iraq, the 19-year-old Marine was killed when a truck accidentally crushed him. At the funeral, Perez asked a military officer about his son's Purple Heart - and was told the military issues the honor only to those killed or wounded in combat. There would be no special medal for Richard...

FORT BRAGG, N.C., May 18 -- Sgt. 1st Class David Lowe and his Special Forces A-team were in their last week in Afghanistan on June 10, 2005, when their base received an urgent call: A small group of 82nd Airborne paratroopers was pinned down in a firefight near the Pakistan border and needed support. "When you're that close to leaving the country and you've survived the whole time, you kind of stand down a little bit," said Lowe, 26, of Lancaster, Pa., recalling that much of the team's equipment was packed. "But they needed help," he said, "so we went,"...

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (AP) -- A proliferation of phony heroes is prompting such groups as The Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation to lobby for tougher laws to punish the impostors. The organization reports that there are 113 living recipients of the nation's highest military award, but an FBI agent who tracks the fakes said impostors outnumber the true heroes. "There are more and more of these impostors, and they are literally stealing the valor and acts of valor of the real guys," said Agent Tom Cottone, who also works on an FBI violent crime squad in West Paterson, New Jersesy..." [snip][snip]...

  The Freeper Canteen Looks At The Global War On TerrorExpeditionary Medal Bush Establishes Medals for Global War on Terror By Jim Garamone American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, March 13, 2003 -- President Bush has issued an executive order establishing two military awards for actions in the global war on terrorism. The president signed the order March 12 establishing the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. A White House spokesman said the medals recognize the "sacrifices and contributions" military members make in the global war on terror. The Global War on Terrorism...

A military veteran was pinned with Bronze Star and Purple Heart medals - more than 60 years after he earned them. Adam Macht served as a combat infantryman during World War II in Tunisia, Algeria and French Morocco. He earned a Bronze Star for heroic service and a Purple Heart for wounds suffered in battle. But he never received them - until Wednesday. "This is a long overdue presentation," Chief Master Sgt. Benito Salinas of the Air National Guard said before pinning the three-inch medals to Macht's green Army jacket. The oversight was uncovered when officials at Cypress Place Senior...

2/17/2006 - WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- The Air Force Uniform Board announced Feb. 6 that the Good Conduct Medal will no longer be awarded. The Air Force director of Airman development and sustainment recently explained the reasons behind this decision. "The quality of our enlisted personnel today is so high, we expect good conduct from our Airmen," said Brig. Gen Robert R. Allardice. "It begged the question, ‘Why do we have a Good Conduct Medal?’" "Having a medal for good conduct is almost to say we don't expect Airmen to do well, but if they're good we will give them a...

SIERRA VISTA — It was in December 1941 when Benjamin Franklin Williams was a private first class, serving with a New Mexico National Guard unit in the Philippines. Japan struck what was then a U.S. territory. A few months later, Williams found himself a prisoner of war. Like many captured in the Philippines, he would spend World War II in Japanese POW camps, where he was forced to work on starvation rations and abused. Some of his teeth were knocked out by a Japanese guard who used the butt of his rifle on Williams after knocking him to the ground...

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Vice President Dick Cheney awarded medals for valor in combat to two Army aviators and two infantrymen during a visit with the Combined Joint Task Force-76 troops Dec. 19. Cheney awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Valor to Staff Sgt. Jonathan Brooks and Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Holland, both infantrymen assigned to 1st Battalion, 508th Infantry (Airborne), for their actions in combat May 30. Chief Warrant Officer 3 Guy Betts, a pilot from Company B, 3rd Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment, received the Air Medal with Valor for engaging the enemy during a medical evacuation mission June...