[lepton]

Wonder if department of the Navy still does the DI of the year award. Sgt Novak I think certainly deserves it.

Two comments: First, he wasn't a DI at the time, was he? Second, how does this compare to the valor of the others?

[Americanwolf]

Your correct he was not a DI at the time, but outside of what he was doing in Iraq his normal job Is a Drill Instructor as note here: "Distinguishing himself in combat, Novak, a drill instructor with Platoon 1085, Charlie Co., 1st RTBn., recently received the Navy Commendation Medal with a "V" for valor at the Drill Instructor Monument. How is his valor differing from others? He took initive and quick action to save a number of his fellow soldiers that were pinned down. Exposing himself to direct fire. This does not differ greatly from what a lot of Other guys are doing over there. There are a lot of cases of this we don't hear about. Why I think he should get recoginized as DI of the year? I think he exemplifies the heart of what a marine is, and the type of fighting man the American military wants. And if he is in the postion of teaching young soldiers he should be used as an example.