The Victoria Cross is awarded for: most conspicuous bravery, or some daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice, or extreme devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy.
It's an incredibly high standard.
And while there is no doubt that this man is a hero, personally I can see why it would take a while to decide whether or not his heroism deserves the Victoria Cross.
To be frank, I believe his heroism, as described, is more deserving of the CGC - the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross - than the Victoria Cross. The CGC is the second highest award for courage in the face of the enemy - and those who receive it are also genuine heroes (as are those who receive the Miltary Cross, or a Mention In Dispatches - the third and fourth highest awards for courage (the MID can also be awarded for other exceptional acts, not necessarily related to heroic behaviour).
Yes, he is a hero - but not all heroes get the VC. Acting as if it is the only suitable award for heroic behaviour denigrates the achievements of those who have received other honours for their heroism.
Thank you for the explanation. I should have informed myself about the Victoria Cross. I have the highest regard for all those who fight for the cause of freedom. I meant no disrespect, and would never intentionally denigrate the honors received for heroism.
God bless.
What is more "most conspicuous bravery, or some daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice, or extreme devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy" than immediately jumping on a grenade and offering your own life to save your comrades? Not only does it fit the criteria, there is no other sacrifice higher. The fact that he survived thanks to his quick action in grabbing the body armor to place between himself and the grenade and the weak grenade itself, does not diminish the fact that he was fully willing to sacrifice himself, and carried out actions that he knew would lead to that act, in his duty to his country and fellow man. That it is a miracle that he survived does not lessen the intent.
Acting as if it is the only suitable award for heroic behaviour denigrates the achievements of those who have received other honours for their heroism.
How absurd! Acting as if awarding a person a VC for actions the should have led to his death as a sacrifice to save his comrades is not in any way making a claim the the VC should be awarded for "any heroic behavior." This is specific behavior -- behavior that should have led to his death, and not just any death, but specifically death to save his fellow comrades. That does not happen very often. You denigrate his actions by your ho-hum attitude towards it.
...pre-eminent act of valor, or extreme self sacrifice, or extreme devotion to duty...
...to lay down your life for your fellow man...
A no brainer IMHO.
Ref: your tagline
I just want to tell you that you and your countrymen/women have my love and gratitude for all the sacrifices your country has made in support of America.
Did Gunga Din get the VC?