Army Staff Sergeant nominated for Medal of Honor

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[KingSnorky]

>>”Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13<<

Nothing else needs to be said.

[Hot Tabasco]

Some may think that falling on a grenade is heroic, but it just doesn’t impress me that much.

I know what you mean, its just so stupid isn't it? /sarc

[freema]

Agreed.

[Ajnin]

I especially loved the part where he stuck that raghead bitch and bled him..Oh yeah,..that’s right...so satisfying. God Bless our warriors.

[Jet Jaguar]

Purple - Star votive candel holder

[rochester_veteran]

I'm not sure if this has been posted here yet, but SSGT David Bellavia is running for Congress, for the 26th District Seat being vacated by the retiring, Tom Reynolds. The 26th District represents an area of Western New York State from Buffalo to the Rochester suburb of Greece, NY. Here's the announcement:

Local war hero will run for Congress

This is exciting news! We're seeing if David will hook up with Iraq Veterans for Congress. David is currently on the road with the National Heroes Tour. Here's their schedule for the next 10 days:

The National Heroes Tour

Monday, March 31 - Louisville, KY

Thursday, April 3 - Columbia, SC

Friday, April 4 - Charlotte, NC

Saturday, April 5 - Fayetteville, NC

Sunday, April 6 - Virginia Beach/Norfolk, VA

Tuesday, April 8 - Washington, DC / Vets on the Hill

Wednesday, April 9, 2008 - New York, NY

[DUMBGRUNT]

Fractal Trader

Please take the time to read this poignant homage to Private First Class Milton L. Olive.

All Americans should be proud and grateful that PFC Olive was an born in this country.

Simple words can never diminish true honor.

The men of Baker Company; Four Soldiers Survived Viet Nam Because Milton Olive Didn’t

Chicago Tribune, 12 May 2002

http://www.8thwood.com/milton_l_olive.htm

[Stonewall Jackson]

What an amazing article about an even more amazing man. Thank you for posting it.

[jazusamo]

Thank you for posting this and the ping, DG.

PFC Olive, MOH recipient is a true hero and it’s wonderful to know his fellow soldiers know that and remember him.

[Mustng959]

Good story. Bookmarking so I can purchase his book.

[Mr. Silverback]

Some may think that falling on a grenade is heroic, but it just doesn’t impress me that much.

When a young man knowingly exchanges his life for that of several others, that's heroism of the highest order. It says something sad about you that it doesn't mean much to you.

Besides, you're arguing with Jesus on this one: "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."--John 15:13

[Mr. Silverback]

It use to be taught in the US ARMY that if there is time to throw yourself on a grenade, there is time to throw it away. I was also told this by people with combat experience.

If you notice the grenade and it's grab or fall on it, you're correct. The average grenade has a 3-5 second fuse. However, if there's confusion or you're in an enclosed space (as was the case with one of the Marines who died jumping on a grenade in Iraq) then jumping on it is a reasonable action.

[Mr. Silverback]

Thanks for the clarification.

BTW, according to the Mythbusters, putting it in the fridge is a really, really bad idea. :-)

[Mr. Silverback]

Nicely put!

[Mr. Silverback]

I’ll lay odds that you were a Reservist Supply Officer in the Air Force who pulled duty at a UN building. It is evident that you certainly didn’t spend a single hour in the mud with the fighting men on the front lines.

Whoa, whoa, whoa dude. Quit hating on the Air Force. I was Air Force and a guy who came to my old base and started spouting off about how you're no hero if you jump on a grenade would be lucky to get out of the NCO club with his head attached.

[Mr. Silverback]

Salute to your nephew, a hero proved in liberating strife.

[Mr. Silverback]

When we got to the Purple Star he said: that’s a medal you don’t want to earn! In comparison with the extreme feats of leadership and courage under fire that the above acts represent, jumping on a hand grenade does not compare, in my /i>

You have only compounded your stupidity.

[Mr. Silverback]

Oh yeah, BTW, what’s a Purple Star?

[B4Ranch]

>I’ll lay odds that you were a Reservist Supply Officer in the Air Force who pulled duty at a UN building. It is evident that you certainly didn’t spend a single hour in the mud with the fighting men on the front lines.<

The comment above was meant for fools such as Fractal Trader, not the airmen that I knew when I served in the SeaBees.

[Mr. Silverback]

No, the purpose of a medal is to reward and highlight actions above and beyond the call of duty.

Seriously, do you think all the posthumous MOH's and other medals we've awarded in over a century were given by mistake? Frank Luke, Addison Baker, John Jerstad and Vince Capodano all got their MOHs by mistake? Aspberger (mentioned upthread) shouldn't have gotten his Navy Cross because he died in another battle before it was awarded? We shouldn't award posthumous Purple Hearts anymore?