John Kerry got a Silver Star for something far less heroic and meaningful, chasing down and killing a fleeing wounded (out of uniform) combatant who had dropped his weapon. This young Marine inside the mosque was in at least as much danger as Kerry was that day along the river bank.
Leni
No kidding. I got whacked in the lip by a richochet recently - about as minimal a hit as could be, but still hurt, bled, swelled, and left a chunk of lead inside. Now I understand the receiving end a lot better ... getting it full force must be unreal ...