"The way to win a war is not to die for your country, it is to convince the enemy to die for his country."
The Medal of Honor has become primarily a Dead Man's Medal, and is often divorced from the achievement of any major military objectives. Like the Purple Heart, is has become an award you don't want to win, at least if you value your own life.
I'm perfectly happy to be on the same side as Patton on this issue.
You said the purpose of medals is to see them pinned on a live soldier's chest. I'll ask again: Were 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 have ever awarded posthumous Purple Hearts? Colin Kelly's DSC should never have been awarded? The Brits shouldn't have given the Victoria Cross to Andrew Mynarski, who today still inspires young Canadians with his courage and selflessness 63 years after his death?
Why don't you show some courage and answer the bloody question?
“The Medal of Honor has become primarily a Dead Man’s Medal, and is often divorced from the achievement of any major military objectives”
Could you show where any US award is linked to military objectives?
MOH FAQ: Congressional Medal of Honor Society
http://www.cmohs.org/medal/medal_faq.htm#1A
10. What are the guidelines for which the medal could be awarded?
10A. On July 25,1963 Congress established a set of guidelines under which the Medal of Honor could be awarded:
a.) while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States;
b.) while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or,
c.) while serving with friendly forces engaged in armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.