The real hero behind the 'bravery' of Private Jessica

The Daily Telegraph ^ | 27/07/2003 | Julian Coman

[protest1]

I would like to see more recognition of the real Heroes of the ambushed convoy. Those who fought bravely, against overwhelming odds, but were killed or captured like Sgt Donald Walters.

[annyokie]

Amen. And take back that Bronze Star while we're at it.

[boxerblues]

At least give it to those who rightly deserve it

[TomServo]

FYI - thought you might like to see this...

[McGavin999]

We need to honor ALL of our fallen warriors. This one sounds like quite a guy, his parents, and his country should be awfully proud of him.

[annyokie]

https://www-perscom.army.mil/tagd/tioh/Awards/BRONZE%20STAR1.html

[SouthernFreebird]

Agreed. Surviving does not make one a hero.

[annyokie]

See my post below.

[boxerblues]

Did the others in the 507th recieve this medal?

[csvset]

Walters honored as loving father, committed soldier

[CWOJackson]

Private Lynch earned her Bronze Star in her own right. Don't blame Private Lynch if the press and some PR types decided to make her a celebrity.

[JoeSchem]

It subsequently emerged, however, that the young soldier's rifle had jammed and her injuries were caused by her lorry colliding with another vehicle as the convoy came under attack.

She joined the military. She went to war when the time came. She went into the field of battle. She intended to return fire. And if she had not been stopped from doing so by an accident that was not her fault, she probably would have been killed in the firefight.

Sgt. Walters should be recognized for his bravery, but to use his courage as a pretext to take something away from Jessica Lynch strikes me as something that only a real loser would conceive of doing.

[The Hon. Galahad Threepwood]

But Jessie's a girl. Naturally it's more important that we play up the myth that women are just as capable in combat as men. This is worth far more than acknowledging the heroism of some male person.

[petitfour]

In the days following the elaborately staged rescue of Pte Lynch from her hospital ward on April 1, a blizzard of American media reports told how the soldier had exhausted all her ammunition before capture, in an isolated and brave "fight to the death". I'd like to see some accurate reporting for a change.

[CWOJackson]

Yes, why waste time and effort recognizing the courage and contribution of a soldier when she should have been home and in the kitchen where all women belong.

[annyokie]

Not that I am aware of.

[Arkie2]

This sounds right. I've been suspiscious of the whole Lynch affair almost from the beginning when there were conflicting reports from the military. The myth has already been established though and those who try to correct the record will be called cynical and biased against women in the military. The truth doesn't matter, the myth does.

[nravoter]

Private Lynch earned her Bronze Star in her own right.

How, exactly? Anybody could be in a vehicle accident and get captured. I'm not saying she did anything wrong, but what did she do that any other soldier would not have done?

[foreverfree]

bump

[Arkie2]

To give her credit for anothers actions seems to me like something a loser would do. Also, something someone would do who is not concerned about the truth. Many soldiers do far more than she did on a daily basis and their reward is the trust of their comrades. A Bronze star for her is ludicrous.