Posted on 11/17/2009 12:29:19 PM PST by Califreak
Washington (CNN) -- Military victims of the Fort Hood massacre will be eligible to receive the Purple Heart if Congress passes a bill introduced Tuesday.
Non-military victims could receive the Secretary of Defense Medal of Freedom -- the civilian equivalent of the Purple Heart. Both military and civilian personnel killed or wounded in the November 5 attack would be granted the same legal status as combatant casualties in Afghanistan and Iraq.
The bill was introduced by Texas GOP Rep. John Carter, who represents Fort Hood in the House of Representatives.
(Excerpt) Read more at cnn.com ...
BTW, your DOT COM reference appears to be somewhat dated.
I’m not sure why they didn’t go for Treason. The only thing I can guess is Casey got some political pressure to pursue a criminal charge of murder. But now the politicians want it both ways (as they often do) they don’t want to admit there are enemy inside the wire because that shows they failed to protect us, but they want to give Purple hearts to the victims which means the enemy was inside the wire. Obviously they don’t realize that Congress doesn’t award Purple Hearts....its the only one that the enemy decides who gets it.
Do suicides get the Purple Heart?
Do crime victims get the Purple Heart?
I say only combatants and in the line of fire support personnel are deserving of the Purple Heart.
Let’s not degrade these military decorations too much. The Air Force is handing out Bronze Stars to desk jockeys far from danger but still serving in Iraq.
Agreed. This wasn’t a combat zone. What if a bunch of soldiers got shot by looters while they were responding to Katrina in New Orleans - should they get Purple Hearts?
I know it’s a tough call emotionally. My opinion this will never reach the president’s desk.
I’m an active duty Major, US Army. Never wounded in combat but shot at several times. I know many soldiers who’ve been awarded the PH.
“I disdain your euphemism of REMF. Any idea how many REMF died supporting the “real” combat heros?”
Two points:
1.
Yes, that was the point of my entire post: in asymetric warfare, those previously dismissed as “REMFs” are almost as likely to be killed as forward comabt troops.
Indeed, that was the point of two posts, back-to-back.
I’ve heard of Freepers that don’t read the article, but to pop-off without actually reading the post one is popping off about is a new level of stupidity.
2.
Being offended is for liberals. At least you weren’t “deeply saddened.”
I absolutely agree.
Ft Hood fits your scenario.
This is not a requirement for the Purple Heart, Major.
Even if it was, where exactly would the combat zone be in the Global War on Terror? Anywhere there are bullets flying? That would have been Ft Hood the day of the attack.
These kids knew the risks involved when they joined, but they joined anyway in order to participate and fight.
If they hadn't, they would still be alive.
They absolutely deserve this medal as recognition of their sacrifice.
I agree with you concerning the President's desk, though.
Not really.
Fort Hood happened because people in positions of leadership ignored all the warning signs.
Even after the slaughter, a General was on tape saying he hope this doesn’t get in the way of diversity.
Well, I’m 5’9”, 235 lbs and can’t even run 40 yards without stopping for breath and I have a lousy attendance record and I like to goof off at work. I would add to the diversity of the Army if they would allow me to enlist but never carry a gun.
Diversity is another word for diversion and diversion is what you do to your enemies.
Did ya know Hasan was complaining daily that his fellow soldiers should be prosecuted for war crimes.... and they were getting ready to send him to Iraq???
Did ya know he called his female Captain an, "Infidel that should burn in hell"..
Do suicides get the Purple Heart? Do crime victims get the Purple Heart?
You're suggesting the Texas Fort Hood massacre was mass suicide or a simple crime?
OOOK
“This wasn’t a combat zone.”
Neither was the Pentagon and those guys got PHs on 9/11.
Terrorists don’t wear uniforms and don’t operate on a traditional battle field.
Hey, in case you’re misunderstanding me, I’m not here defending Maj. Hasan.
I’m defending the integrity of the Purple Heart Medal.
If there were any military personnel onboard one of those flights on Sept. 11th, would you advocate a PH on their behalf? I wouldn’t, but only because the criteria for receiving the award was absent.
I thought the punishment for treason was to be hanged? Or, does the military code specify something different in these cases?
Allow me to restate my position, and the government's as well, on this.
If the attack at Ft. Hood is declared a terrorist attack by this administration, then the current policy on awarding the Purple Heart allows each of the dead and wounded active duty personnel to be awarded a Purple Heart.
I disagree with your position.
Can ANYONE explain to me why this ISLAMIC JIHADIST who penetrated the top levels of government — he was an adviser on Obama’s Homeland Security panel, and had a DIRECT LINK to the EXECUTIVE BRANCH of the US Government (not to mention a member of the U.S. Armed Forces) — is NOT being tried for TREASON?
This world does not make sense to me anymore...
Yes of course. They put their lives on the line to save our troops, in a situation just as dangerous as one encounter find in many overseas combat situations.
Moreover, there's no doubt that they were fighting against a genuine enemy of the USA, a man who in fact called himself a "soldier" of Allah.
Finally, it may be a bit misleading to think of them simply as "civilian police" since they are Department of Defense employees and they're an integral part of the military installation at Ft. Hood.
“Executive Order 12464, dated 23 February 1984, authorized award of the Purple Heart as a result of terrorist attacks or while serving as part of a peacekeeping force subsequent to 28 March 1973.”
That doesn’t strike or override the fact that the proposed recipient was participating in direct or indirect combat operations is a necessary prerequisite.
This is by an act of Congress, and must be overridden by an act of Congress.
Disdain: : a feeling of contempt for someone or something regarded as unworthy or inferior.
No where did I say I was offended. Talk about stupid. If you are a combat vet, as you say, you wouldn’t use the term. THAT was my point.
I don't believe this will ever be declared an act of terrorism and I don't believe any bill awarding the Purple Heart to these kids will ever cross the President's desk.
You suffer from bogint.
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