[Babalu]

In the interest of full disclosure, I am a retired Army major. That may or may not be pertinent; however, as an Army retiree I felt I should speak up.

Consider this:

1. A servicemember who is diagnosed with PTSD is very likely to receive some level of compensation in the form of a disability rating by the Veteran’s Administration. This translates into at best compensation, and at least a certain percentage of non-taxable income.

2. A servicemember who receives a Purple Heart can be of two varieties — wounded or killed in action. Actually it’s bit more complex than that and the criteria can be found here http://www.tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil/awards/ph1.html. However, a Purple Heart does NOT translate into disability benefits nor any other additional VA benefits.

My point is that servicemembers who are diagnosed with PTSD do in fact receive recognition, whether it be in the form of benefits, or an honorable discharge, or a service award at the time of separation. However, a servicemember who receives a Purple Heart, under the present criteria, are not entitled to any additional benefits (nor are their survivors).

Over my years of service, I observed how the significance and honor of military awards were diluted. Hopefully, this is not the case with the Purple Heart, as well as the Medal of Honor. By the way, I see so many people refer to the Medal of Honor as the Congressional Medal of Honor (CMH). The proper name is Medal of Honor (http://www.tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil/awards/ph1.html)

[magslinger]

Thank you Major, for clearing up some points I was trying to make and adding your experience and knowledge. As a four year veteran who never heard a shot fired in anger, I am gratified that we seem to be on the same page here.

Thank you, sir, also for your service.