Purple Hearts proposed for Fort Hood victims

CNN ^ | 11/17/09 | unnamed

[John.Galt2012]

Just before 1900, Captain McKenna and the eight Marines of 1st squad were returning from the foot patrol. As they crossed an open intersection to gain entry to the observation post, the patrol suddenly came under heavy fire from well-concealed insurgents approximately 200 meters to the north. From after-action reports and witness statements, it is believed that the patrol was engaged by enemy snipers, whose actions were covered by a team of other insurgents firing AK-47s and other automatic weapons. The insurgents used nearby buildings, rooftops, and cars to fire on the Marines, making it almost impossible to see from where their fire was originating. This is a common enemy tactic in Fallujah that was used to deadly effect in this incident. The point man of the patrol, Lance Corporal Michael D. Glover, was immediately and fatally struck in the head by well-aimed enemy fire. He fell dead in the middle of the intersection where the fire was most heavily concentrated. Captain McKenna instantly sprang into action, rushing to the corner and directing the suppressive fires of his Marines. He also ordered them to employ smoke grenades in an attempt to obscure the enemy’s vision of the kill zone and the wounded Marine. Despite these efforts, the enemy fire intensified. Insurgents in the industrial sector to the south began to engage the Marines with automatic weapons and rocket propelled grenades, as did enemy fighters to the east. With heavy fire now coming from three directions, every Marine in the area was engaged in a desperate attempt to gain fire superiority over the enemy. The Marines in overwatch and at the observation post engaged insurgents to the south with machine guns, rifle fire and 40mm grenades, as the Marines of the quick reaction squad started to maneuver their vehicles into position to support. Meanwhile, the Marines of 1st Squad and Captain McKenna were trapped in the midst of the enemy kill zone. With the intersection still under relentless enemy fire, Captain McKenna decided he could wait no longer to go to the aid of Lance Corporal Glover. Ignoring the imminent risk to his own life, Captain McKenna dashed into the middle of the intersection to reach Lance Corporal Glover’s side. Completely exposed to the vicious enemy fire, Captain McKenna knelt to assess Lance Corporal Glover’s condition, then started to drag the Marine to the relative safety of a more covered position. As he turned to shout further orders to the men of 1st Squad, Captain McKenna was struck in the head by an enemy bullet and mortally wounded. Captain McKenna’s courageous and completely selfless actions were an inspiration to his men, who after 20 minutes of intense fighting were able to force the enemy to flee the battlefield. His bravery and willingness to sacrifice his own life for the sake of one of his Marines were the epitome of the virtues to which all Marine leaders aspire. He gallantly gave his life to try and rescue one of his men, and is strongly deserving of being posthumously recognized with the Silver Star Medal.
Captain McKenna's actions were not conspicuous enough to merit the MoH, so he received the Silver Star. Yet what you are recommending is that two DoD police officers that do not meet the basic criteria of a person who, while a member of the Army, Navy, Air Force or Marine Corps ... while engaged in action against an enemy of the United States ... while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force ...The deed performed must have been one of personal bravery or self-sacrifice so conspicuous as to clearly distinguish the individual above his or her comrades and must have involved risk of life. I am not saying these DoD police were not brave or don't deserve to recognized, because they do. Their actions just don't merit a Nobel Peace Prize for Economics, if you get what I am saying.

[Wu]

As a PH recipient during Vietnam, I also disagree.