McGraw: Lynch should be given Congressional Medal of Honor

Parkersburg News and Sentinel ^ | April 12, 2003

[flutters]

West Virginia Supreme Court Justice Warren McGraw is sending letters to President Bush and the state's congressional representatives to encourage the awarding of the Congressional Medal of Honor to Pfc. Jessica Lynch, the 19-year-old former prisoner of war from Palestine.

"It's clear to me that she demonstrates the characteristics of an American hero," McGraw said.

Lynch, a supply clerk with the 507th Maintenance Company, was rescued April 1 from a hospital in Nasiriyah. She had been taken prisoner March 23 after her convoy took a wrong turn and was ambushed by Iraqi forces.

Reports said Lynch fired on her attackers and fought fiercely before being captured.

She has been treated for a head wound, injury to her spine and fractures to her right arm, both legs and right foot and ankle.

"It's just absolutely heart-stopping," McGraw said.

"It brings tears to my eyes every time I hear a story about it."

"While many others have served with great honor and distinction in our struggle in Iraq, I believe that the bravery shown by Pfc. Lynch and the impact her conduct had upon the morale of our troops and the mood of our nation qualifies her for this high honor," said McGraw.

The Medal of Honor was made a permanent decoration by Congress in 1863. It is the "highest award for valor in action against an enemy force which can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the Armed Services of the United States," according to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society.

More than 3,400 Medals of Honor have been presented, according to the U.S. Army.

Only one woman has ever been awarded the Medal of Honor. Mary Walker, the first American woman to be a military doctor and a prisoner of war, received the medal in 1866 for her service during the Civil War.

[flutters]

I've been collecting stories of Jessica that has been posted on FR. Now is a good time to post the links, IMO. If anyone can add to the links, please ping me.

1. March 26, 2003, 9:07am; AP (Yahoo News) FREEPER optik_b
Why are we sending Teenage Girls into the Battle Zone?
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/876258/posts

2. April 1, 2003, 4:10pm; FREEPER – William McKinley
Centcom Announces: POW Rescued [Jessica Lynch (19) of West Virginia]
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/882298/posts

3. April 1, 2003, 5:13pm; Yahoo (Reuters)
Jessica Lynch, US POW Rescued in Iraq
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/882336/posts

4. April 1, 2003, 5:18pm; MSNBC
U.S. forces rescue POW in Iraq (Jessica Lynch confirmed!)
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/882343/posts

5. April 1, 2003, 6:39pm; Fox News Channel
FNC reporting that 9 bodies found in the same compound as Pvt. Lynch
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/882389/posts

6. April 1, 2003, 6:32pm; Fox News
Fox News: Nine Bodies of American Soldiers Located at same time as Pfc. Lynch
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/882391/posts

7. April 1, 2003, 8:43pm; CNSNews.com
American POW Jessica Lynch Rescued in Iraq
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/882492/posts

8. April 1, 2003, 9:35pm; New York Times
In a Tiny Town, an Explosion of Joy [Re: Rescued POW Jessica Lynch]
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/882537/posts

9. April 1, 2003, 11:42pm; MSNBC
U.S. forces rescue POW in Iraq (Lynch tortured)
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/882623/posts

10. April 2, 2003, 12:18am; WorldNetDaily.com
U.S. rescues female POW: Pfc. Jessica Lynch listed as missing after unit ambushed near Nasiriyah
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/882644/posts

11. April 2, 2003, 12:38am; MSNBC
MSNBC/Centcome: ELEVEN American bodies found with Pfc. Lynch
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/882659/posts

12. April 2, 2003, 4:39am; Fox News Channel
Coming up on Fox News: Interview with father of Pfc. Jessica Lynch
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/882727/posts

13. April 2, 2003, 5:40am; NY Daily News
Saving Pvt. Lynch a big hit in W.Va.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/882764/posts

14. April 2, 2003, 7:18am; Associated Press
Lynch Family Rejoices Over Iraq Rescue
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/882876/posts

15. April 2, 2003, 9:01am; West Virginia University News and Information Services
West Virginia University To Offer Financail Assistance to Private Lynch
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/882997/posts

16. April 2, 2003,10:26am; FREEPER ChemistCat
Honoring Iraqis Who Help Us
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/883077/posts

17. April 2, 2003, 11:19am; FREEPER Lord_Balter
Where to send Get Well messages to PFC Lynch
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/883137/posts

18. April 2, 2003, 12:03pm; Freerepublic.com
Notice: Cards for Jessica Lynch and her family
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/883181/posts

19. April 2, 2003, 2:40pm; Fox News
Jessi Lynch arrives in Germany
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/883279/posts

20. April 2, 2003, 7:40pm;The Washington Post
Lynch Shot Iraqi Soldiers
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/883536/posts

21. April 2, 2003, 8:01pm; The Sun (U.K.)
Teamwork: THE Saving of Private Lynch was a fantastic start to a spectacular day
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/883550/posts

22. April 2, 2003, 8:08pm; The Sun (U.K.)
Saving Private Lynch
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/883554/posts

23. April 2, 2003, 8:51pm; Newsmax
Rescued POW Jessica Lynch Wins Scholarship
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/883574/posts

24. April 3, 2003, 3:03am; Reuters
Rescued U.S. Soldier put up fierce fight – Wash Post
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/883729/posts

25. April 3, 2003, 3:24am; Associated Press
POW Reportedly Fought Captors With Gun
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/883751/posts

26. April 3, 2003, 5:13am; National Post
Generals watched the action via video (rescue operation)
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/883857/posts

27. April 3, 2003, 6:04am; LA Times
LOS ANGELES TIMES: Saving Private Lynch
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/883893/posts

28. April 3, 2003, 8:55am; The New York Times
Rescue in Iraq and a ‘Big Stir’ in West Virginia (PFC Jessica Lynch)
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/884048/posts

29. April 3, 2003, 1:24pm; Associated Press
POW Family Denies Daughter Shot, Stabbed
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/884315/posts

30. April 3, 2003, 6:30pm; The Parkersburg News and Sentinel
Beilein knows about rescue from enemies
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/886719/posts

31. April 3, 2003, 6:32pm; FNC
All But Officially Confirmed: Some of 11 Bodies Returned With PFC Lynch Were Executed U.S. POWs.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/884521/posts

32. April 3, 2003, 8:30am; Associated Press
Rescued POW Pfc. Lynch Speaks to Family
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/884024/posts

33. April 3, 2003, 9:23am; The Marshall Parthenon
POW’s Educational Desire Prompts Full Marshall U. Scholarship (thru Grad School!-PFC Lynch)
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/884076/posts

34. April 3, 2003, 9:36am; Associated Press
Rescued Pfc. Lynch Undergoing Surgery, has called home
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/884087/posts

35. April 3, 2003, 4:54pm; Associated Press
POW Father Denies Daughter Shot, Stabbed
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/884467/posts

36. April 3, 2003, 5:03pm; WorldNetDaily
OPERATION: IRAWI FREEDOM How ‘Mohammad’ helped save POW
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/888424/posts

37. April 3, 2003; 6:43pm; FOX News
Jessica Lynch Press Conference 2AM Pacific
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/884525/posts

38. April 3, 2003, 7:09pm; Knight Ridder Newspapers
Iraqi informer angered by treatment of POW
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/884539/posts

39. April 3, 2003, 11:26pm; Houston Chronicle
Sympathy for Lynch led Iraq tipster to aid POW
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/884648/posts

40. April 4, 2003, 12:53am; Washington Post
Iraqi Man Risked All to Help Free American Soldier (A Moslem hero saves American soldier)
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/884688/posts

41. April 4, 2003, 12:55am; New York Post
JESSICA’S IRAQI HERO A WITNESS TO HORROR
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/884765/posts

42. April 4, 2003, 2:02am; WorldNetDaily.com
How ‘Mohammad’ helped save POW: Brave Nasiryah lawyer gave Marines info
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/884718/posts

43. April 4, 2003, 2:15am; WorldNetDaily.com
Famale soldiers: Prisoners of PC: Jane Chastain blasts Congress for putting women in harm’s way
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/884731/posts

44. April 4, 2003, 2:40am; AP
Reports: Iraqi Lawyer Aided in POW Rescue
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/884754/posts

45. April 4, 2003, 2:58am; TownHall.com
Our brave women
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/884768/posts

46. April 4, 2003, 2:59am; CNSNews.com
Female POWs Spark Calls to Reassess Military Role for Women
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/884770/posts

47. April 4, 2003, 3:04am; CNSNews.com
Landstuhl Hospital Describes Jessica Lynch’s Injuries
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/884772/posts

48. April 4, 2003, 8:06am; National Review
The Other Side of the Story … The Other Side of the Story …[Frum on Jessica Lynch]
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/885012/posts

49. April 4, 2003, 7:38pm; The Associated Press
Doctors Say Lynch Suffered Gunshot Wounds
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/885489/posts

50. April 4, 2003, 10:50pm;Washington Times
Nobles and Knaves
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/885576/posts

51. April 5, 2003, 12:43am; Parkersburg News and Sentinel
Lynches to visit Jessica
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/885631/posts

52. April 5, 2003, 1:18am; New York Daily News
Jessica took awful beating
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/885639/posts

53. April 5, 2003, 5:44am; Internet Move Data Base
No Elizabeth Smart Movie for Sweeps …But Jessica Lynch Movie Is in the Works
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/885719/posts

54. April 5, 2003, 6:27am; The Associated Press
Command Releases Details of Lynch Rescue
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/885744/posts

55. April 5, 2003, 7:54am; Reuters
Lynch US rescue team dug up bodies with bare hands
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/885798/posts

56. April 5, 2003, 9:04am; NewsandSentinel.com
Leave Jessica a message:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/885848/posts

57. April 5, 2003, 10:00am; Charleston Daily Mail
Lynch’s Family Going to Germany
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/885879/posts

58. April 5, 2003, 10:04am; AP
Some Voices From the War on Saturday
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/885881/posts

59. April 5, 2003, 10:51am; FREEPER kattracks
WebCam – Jessica Lynch’s Family Will Speak
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/885899/posts

60. April 5, 2003, 11:37am; Palmetto Journal
Kerry to make political hay out of Lynch rescue?
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/885921/posts

61. April 5, 2003, 12:09pm; News Observer
Ex-POW Lynch gets VIP treatment in Germany
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/885943/posts

62. April 5, 2003, 12:14pm; Associated Press
Piestewa, Lynch were friends; now their families mourn, rejoice
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/887368/posts

63. April 5, 2003, 12:56pm; Sydney Morning Herald
Humble Iraqi hero who saved Jessica
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/885967/posts

64. April 5, 2003, 3:18pm; Arab News
Exclusive: Lynch Rescue ‘Was a Perfect Operation’
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/886038/posts

65. April 5, 2003, 3:20pm; The Sunday Times
Private Jessica Lynch: Precious cargo
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/886039/posts

66. April 5, 2003, 3:38pm; AP
‘I’m an American Soldier, Too’: Central Command Releases Details of POW’s Rescue
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/886049/posts

67. April 5, 2003, 7:24pm; Army Times
Details released about U.S. commando team’s rescue of Lynch
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/886187/posts

68. April 5, 2003, 9:13pm; Knight Ridder Newspapers
Electrical wire nearly doomed POW’s rescue
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/886227/posts

69. April 5, 2003, 9:19pm; NY Times
Saving Private Lynch [Op-Ed Piece]
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/886233/posts

70. April 5, 2003, 11:22pm; DFU SONG PARODIES
DFU SONG: Take Me Home Country Road (PFC Jessica Lynch)
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/886271/posts

71. April 6, 2003, 5:08am; AP
Family of Rescued POW Arrives in Germany
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/886346/posts

72. April 6, 2003, 9:44am
Florida Businessman Offers $10K to ‘Mohammed’
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/886455/posts

73. April 6, 2003, 10:20am; Associated Press
Jessica Lynch Welcomes Kin With Big Smile
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/886475/posts

74. April 6, 2003, 12:44pm; The New Tech Diary
Jessica Lynch Domain Names Snapped Up
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/886549/posts

75. April 6, 2003, 3:01pm; Guardian unlimited
Jessica Lynch Welcomes Kin With Big Smile
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/886622/posts

76. April 6, 2003, 7:19pm; The Sun-Herald (AU)
Sad types who glorified Jessica’s darkest hour
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/886185/posts

77. April 6, 2003, 8:49pm; Toronto Star
Now playing: Saving Private Lynch (Toronto Barf Alert)
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/886795/posts

78. April 6, 2003, 11:19pm; Cable News Network
CNN-Pfc. Jessica Lynch Moved Into Intestive Care (Monitoring Infection and Fever)
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/886505/posts

79. April 7, 2003, 10:16am; Canada.com
Jessica Lynch leaves behind her best friend
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/887248/posts

80. April 7, 2003, 11:15am; Associated Press
More surgery, apple sauce for Jessica Lynch
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/887318/posts

81. April 7, 2003, 11:38am; Millionsof americans.com
Millions of Americans, Thank you Jessica card
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/887341/posts

82. April 7, 2003, 12:14pm; Associated Press
Piestewa, Lynch were friends; now their families mourn, rejoice
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/887368/posts

83. April 7, 2003, 2:01pm; toogoodreports.com
No Time For Jessi Lynch – She’s Too Hick, Too Patriotic, And Just Not The Feminists Type
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/887451/posts

84. April 8, 2003, 12:52am; American Family Association
Sign the WORLD’S BIGGEST THANK YOU CARD THANK YOU, JESSICA
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/887780/posts

85. April 8, 2003, 3:31am; Reuters
Father says Lynch in good spirits after POW ordeal
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/887835/posts

86. April 8, 2003, 5:23am; AP
Lynches Say Jessica is ‘Real Cheerful’
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/887933/posts

87. April 8, 2003, 6:46am; Belfast Telegraph
Jessica Lynch: War heroine from Ulster pioneering stock
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/888011/posts

88. April 8, 2003, 10:01am; AP
Family Not Pressing U.S. POW on Details
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/888167/posts

89. April 8, 2003, 10:30am; Toogoodreports.com
Serving Up The Lives Of Soldiers, All For A Jessica Lynch Photo Op
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/888190/posts

90. April 8, 2003, 12:41pm; Parkersburg News & Sentinel
Petition to Grant “Mohammed” U.S. Citizenship
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/888274/posts

91. April 8, 2003, 5:05pm; WorldNetDaily
ON THE HOME FRONT
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/888428/posts

92. April 8, 2003, 9:47pm; The Mercury News/Knight Ridder Newspapers
Pvt. Lynch shielded by family, doctors
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/888620/posts

93. April 8, 2003, 11:05pm; WoldNetDaily.com
U.S. citizenship sought for ‘Mohammad’ (Jessica Lynch)
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/888648/posts

94. April 9, 2003, 5:45pm; American Family Association
Online Thank You Card for POW Pfc. Jessica Lynch
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/889415/posts

95. April 9, 2003, 9:15am; The WPBF Channel
Boca Raton Man Wants to Donate Money to Iraqi Hero
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/889025/posts

[Michael.SF.]

Are West Virginia Supreme Court Justices elected? And if so, is this an election year?

Can't answer the question, but it does sound like grandstanding, on his part.

Did John McCain get the CMoH for being held captive?

I mean no disrespect to the good Private Lynch, she deserves a lot, but not a soldiers highest honor.

My guess is this will not go too far.

[DaughterOfAnIwoJimaVet]

If Pfc. Lynch had thrown her body on a grenade to save another, or if she had deliberately placed herself in grave danger to guarantee the success of a mission, she would be more in line with others who have received the Medal of Honor.

Her story, as dramatic as it may be, is not one of that sort of extraordinary valor.

I have no problem with a woman getting it, but the standard needs to be consistent for both males and females.

(And most of those who have received the MoH died earning it, as far as I know.)

Unless we find out something REALLY significant about her story that we don't know yet (and my understanding is that witnesses would be needed), my opinion is that this is a terribly irresponsible and unfortunate suggestion.

What an awkward position for a politician to put Pfc. Lynch in.

[Ajnin]

The last warriors I remember revieving the MOH was Sgt's Gordon and Shughart of Delta Force. Despite knowing they would surely die they went to help a wounded comrade. They knowingly and willingly gave up their lives to save a downed helo pilot. They killed numerous enemy personnel before they themsleves succumbed to their wounds. I can't even fathom how the hell they made that decision. As brave as PFC Lynch is I don't think her actions in Iraq qualifies for a MOH.

[DaughterOfAnIwoJimaVet]

Very high standard here. We MUST keep it that way.

RUHL, DONALD JACK

Rank and Organization: Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. Born 2 July 1923, Columbus, Mont. Accredited To: Montana.

Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a rifleman in an assault platoon of Company E, 28th Marines, 5th Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 19 to 21 February 1945.

Quick to press the advantage after 8 Japanese had been driven from a blockhouse on D-day, Pfc. Ruhl single-handedly attacked the group, killing 1 of the enemy with his bayonet and another by rifle fire in his determined attempt to annihilate the escaping troops. Cool and undaunted as the fury of hostile resistance steadily increased throughout the night, he voluntarily left the shelter of his tank trap early in the morning of D-day plus 1 and moved out under a tremendous volume of mortar and machinegun fire to rescue a wounded marine lying in an exposed position approximately 40 yards forward of the line. Half pulling and half carrying the wounded man, he removed him to a defiladed position, called for an assistant and a stretcher and, again running the gauntlet of hostile fire, carried the casualty to an aid station some 300 yards distant on the beach. Returning to his platoon, he continued his valiant efforts, volunteering to investigate and apparently abandoned Japanese gun emplacement 75 yards forward of the right flank during consolidation of the front lines, and subsequently occupying the position through the night to prevent the enemy from repossessing the valuable weapon. Pushing forward in the assault against the vast network of fortifications surrounding Mt. Suribachi the following morning, he crawled with his platoon guide to the top of a Japanese bunker to bring fire to bear on enemy troops located on the far side of the bunker. Suddenly a hostile grenade landed between the 2 marines. Instantly Pfc. Ruhl called a warning to his fellow marine and dived on the deadly missile, absorbing the full impact of the shattering explosion in his own body and protecting all within range from the danger of flying fragments although he might easily have dropped from his position on the edge of the bunker to the ground below. An indomitable fighter, Pfc. Ruhl rendered heroic service toward the defeat of a ruthless enemy, and his valor, initiative and unfaltering spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of almost certain death sustain and enhance the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

[capitan_refugio]

There are many websites with this information. I was using my World Almanac.

[flutters]

ping

[Keith in Iowa]

The team that rescued her should get the MoH...

[Polybius]

Only one woman has ever been awarded the Medal of Honor. Mary Walker, the first American woman to be a military doctor and a prisoner of war, received the medal in 1866 for her service during the Civil War.

Mary Walker's Medal of Honor was revoked in 1917 and so were the Medals of Honor of 911 other individuals.

Great care must be taken when comparing Civil War era "Medals of Honor" with the current Medal of Honor.

Prior to the Civil War, the United States armed forces awarded no medals. During the Mexican-American War, a "certificate of merit" was established to honor those who distnguished themselves in action but no medal went with the award.

At the start of the Civil War a medal for individual valor was proposed to General-in-Chief of the Army Winfield Scott. However, Scott felt that medals smacked of European affectation and nixed the idea.

The Navy, however, established a medal of valor in December 1861. The Army followed suit with a medal of honor in July 1862 and the measure provided for awarding a medal of honor "to such noncommissioned officers and privates as shall most distinguish themselves by their gallantry in action, and other soldierlike qualities, during the present insurrection."

Therefore, during the Civil War, the "medal of honor" was the only medal that the U.S. Army handed out.

It was given out for "gallantry" with great risk to life.

It was given out for "soldierlike qualities" to individuals that never heard a shot fired in battle.

For example, in June, 1863, approximately 300 of the 864 members of the 27th Maine agree to remain to guard Washington, DC after their enlistment had expired. In return Secretary of War Edwin Stanton submitted the entire group of volunteers for Medals of Honor. Later, Medals of Honor were awarded to members of President Licoln's Funeral Guard. The Civil War era "Medal of Honor" was therefore America's first "Gedunk Medal" too.

In later years, more U.S. medals were created and a certain pecking order was established. The Medal of Honor was no longer given out like Halloween candy. It became reserved for the highest acts of bravery in the U.S. Armed Forces. For example, not a single American fighter ace in the entire European Theater was awarded the Medal of Honor. They were deemed worthy of only the Distinguished Service Cross which ranked below the Medal of Honor in the gallantry pecking order.

This change came about with America's entry into World War One when strict criteria were instituted.

During the "Medal of Honor Purge of 1917", a commission was formed to review the awards of all Civil War era Medals of Honor to determine if they met the new criteria. In all, 911 individuals had their "Medals of Honor" revoked.

The Medals of Honor handed out to the 27th Maine and Lincoln's Funeral Guard as "Gedunk Medals" were revoked.

Mary Walker's Medal of Honor was also revoked. (Feminists usually leave this part out.) However, Walker refused to turn the Medal of Honor back to the Army as requested.

So, yes, it is true that "Mary Walker, the first American woman to be a military doctor and a prisoner of war, received the medal in 1866 for her service during the Civil War". However, the Medal of Honor did not mean the same in 1866 as is does today.

Is Pfc. Lynch a hero? Yes.

Would Pfc. Lynch meet the criteria for a Civil War era Medal of Honor? Yes. Three hundred members of the 27th Maine got a Civil War era Medal of Honor simply for re-enlisting to stay in Washington, DC. Pfc. Lynch certainly did much more than that.

Does Pfc. Lynch meet the criteria for a current Medal of Honor? No.

How about a Bronze Star or maybe even a Silver Star. That is a more realistic ballpark assuming that the stories of her fighting back during the ambush are true and not media hype.

[Polybius]

For example, not a single American fighter ace in the entire European Theater was awarded the Medal of Honor

....in World War II.

[flutters]

Great find. Thank you.

[billclintonwillrotinhell]

Jessica Lynch deserves a lot of hugs, kisses and continued prayers for a swift recovery.

However, the Congressional Medal of Honor should be reserved for the 32-year-old Iraqi lawyer named Mohammed who walked bravely through the coalition bombing to help the U.S. Marines plan a successful rescue.

I'm sure Jessica would agree that Mohammed and the rescuers are the bigger heroes in this story.

[byteback]

It looks like teh "wrong turn" story was wrong and it was an ambush. The squad fought them off the best they could so this is a battlefield casualty.

[poet]

"It looks like teh "wrong turn" story was wrong"

That's precisely what's wrong with the story. It keeps changing.

FReegards

[DaughterOfAnIwoJimaVet]

Excellent post.

[Non-Sequitur]

Don't they need a witness for the MoH?

Two actually.

[Non-Sequitur]

Did John McCain get the CMoH for being held captive?

No, I think that was James Stockdale.

[wku man]

"That's precisely what's wrong with the story. It keeps changing."

'Zactly. First she was shot, then she wasn't now, she's shot again. First the convoy ran into an ambush, then it was an ambush with tanks. If the circumstances we're being told are true, it would be a great story of courage under fire. Until then, I think it's just, well, a great story.

As far as the MoH goes, I wouldn't be surprised if she got it. After all, those three dumba** scouts who got lost in Macedonia back in 1999, then were captured without firing a shot by Kosovar villagers, were awarded the Bronze Star for their valor in surrender. In Gulf War 1, a lot of senior NCOs and company/field grade officers who never heard a shot fired in anger, were given the Silver and Bronze Star(s). Military awards have become a sick, PC joke.

Scouts Out! Cavalry Ho!

[freebilly]

This is who is awarded The Congressional Medal of Honor, an award given only to the bravest of the brave in selfless service to their fellow soldiers.

BENAVIDEZ, ROY P.

Rank and Organization: Master Sergeant, Detachment B-56, 5th Special Forces Group, Republic of Vietnam. Place and Date: West of Loc Ninh on 2 May 1968. Entered Service at: Houston, Texas June 1955. Date and Place of Birth: 5 August 1935, DeWitt County, Cuero, Texas.

Master Sergeant (then Staff Sergeant) Roy P. Benavidez United States Army, who distinguished himself by a series of daring and extremely valorous actions on 2 May 1968 while assigned to Detachment B56, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces, Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 2 May 1968, a 12-man Special Forces Reconnaissance Team was inserted by helicopters in a dense jungle area west of Loc Ninh, Vietnam to gather intelligence information about confirmed large-scale enemy activity. This area was controlled and routinely patrolled by the North Vietnamese Army. After a short period of time on the ground, the team met heavy enemy resistance, and requested emergency extraction. Three helicopters attempted extraction, but were unable to land due to intense enemy small arms and anti-aircraft fire. Sergeant Benavidez was at the Forward Operating Base in Loc Ninh monitoring the operation by radio when these helicopters returned to off-load wounded crewmembers and to assess aircraft damage. Sergeant Benavidez voluntarily boarded a returning aircraft to assist in another extraction attempt. Realizing that all the team members were either dead or wounded and unable to move to the pickup zone, he directed the aircraft to a nearby clearing where he jumped from the hovering helicopter, and ran approximately 75 meters under withering small arms fire to the crippled team. Prior to reaching the team's position he was wounded in his right leg, face, and head. Despite these painful injuries, he took charge, repositioning the team members and directing their fire to facilitate the landing of an extraction aircraft, and the loading of wounded and dead team members. He then threw smoke canisters to direct the aircraft to the team's position. Despite his severe wounds and under intense enemy fire, he carried and dragged half of the wounded team members to the awaiting aircraft. He then provided protective fire by running alongside the aircraft as it moved to pick up the remaining team members. As the enemy's fire intensified, he hurried to recover the body and classified documents on the dead team leader. When he reached the leader's body, Sergeant Benavidez was severely wounded by small arms fire in the abdomen and grenade fragments in his back. At nearly the same moment, the aircraft pilot was mortally wounded, and his helicopter crashed. Although in extremely critical condition due to his multiple wounds, Sergeant Benavidez secured the classified documents and made his way back to the wreckage, where he aided the wounded out of the overturned aircraft, and gathered the stunned survivors into a defensive perimeter. Under increasing enemy automatic weapons and grenade fire, he moved around the perimeter distributing water and ammunition to his weary men, reinstilling in them a will to live and fight. Facing a buildup of enemy opposition with a beleaguered team, Sergeant Benavidez mustered his strength, began calling in tactical air strikes and directed the fire from supporting gunships to suppress the enemy's fire and so permit another extraction attempt. He was wounded again in his thigh by small arms fire while administering first aid to a wounded team member just before another extraction helicopter was able to land. His indomitable spirit kept him going as he began to ferry his comrades to the craft. On his second trip with the wounded, he was clubbed from additional wounds to his head and arms before killing his adversary. He then continued under devastating fire to carry the wounded to the helicopter. Upon reaching the aircraft, he spotted and killed two enemy soldiers who were rushing the craft from an angle that prevented the aircraft door gunner from firing upon them. With little strength remaining, he made one last trip to the perimeter to ensure that all classified material had been collected or destroyed, and to bring in the remaining wounded. Only then, in extremely serious condition from numerous wounds and loss of blood, did he allow himself to be pulled into the extraction aircraft. Sergeant Benavidez' gallant choice to join voluntarily his comrades who were in critical straits, to expose himself constantly to withering enemy fire, and his refusal to be stopped despite numerous severe wounds, saved the lives of at least eight men. His fearless personal leadership, tenacious devotion to duty, and extremely valorous actions in the face of overwhelming odds were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflect the utmost credit on him and the United States Army.

And that is who is awarded the CMOH

[strela]

Which brings up a related question - other than a few Purple Hearts (which have been documented elsewhere), have there been any other medals, awards, etc. handed out so far for heroism in this particular war? I've heard of almost none.