The real hero behind the 'bravery' of Private Jessica

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

[Monster Zero]

Hey, as long as we're on the subject: What's Private Shoshanna Johnson doing these days?

Has anyone heard?

[kms61]

I've posted this on other threads...there are people here who have worn the uniform. There opinions mean something on issues like this. There are also quite a few weighing in on these threads who haven't....to put it bluntly, THEY don't have a right to judge the actions of people in combat, whether one person deserved a particular award, whether a certain oldier's bitching has crossed the line, etc.

If you think they can do a better job, go down to the recruiting office and put YOUR life on the line. Otherwise, shut up and let the professionals take care of business.

[Arkie2]

She didn't earn it. She was given one as a PR ploy and apparently you've bought into it.

[#3Fan]

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

2 posted on 07/27/2003 4:22 PM CDT by annyokie (Admin Moderator has got it in for me.)

Based on this response, I would have no idea why anyone would have anything in for you. /sarcasm

[kms61]

The previous post was of course not directed at you in particular.

[Lizavetta]

At least give it to those who rightly deserve it

Damn right. Give the parades for the guys (SEALs?) that performed the rescue, and the Iraqi dude that led them there.

[OldCorps]

Amen.

Sounds like SGT Walters should be awarded a posthomus Silver Star, or even a Distinguished Service Cross. Like others, I'm sick of the hero worship of Lynch, just because she's pretty. Lets reward the real hero. Anyone know if he's been awarded anything?

[boxerblues]

Im not up on military rules and regulations but it would seem to me that they are unfairly rewarding Jessica if they do not award this to the rest of her unit. Im sure there are others here on FR who can enlighten me.

[#3Fan]

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?

If you look at the qualification for a regular Bronze Star, you'll see that everyone in the 507th earned one.

[annyokie]

Being injured in a vehicular accident doesn't earn one a Bronze Star. See my previous post about the Bronze Star.

[#3Fan]

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.

Some others got Silver Stars, Lynch got a Bronze. She earned it herself.

[nravoter]

If you look at the qualification for a regular Bronze Star, you'll see that everyone in the 507th earned one.

Did everyone in the 507th get one? I don't mean that as a rhetorical question--I honestly don't know.

[CWOJackson]

The Army passes out Bronze Stars by the gross any more. Hundreds were given to low level Pentagon staffers who were even remotely involved with the planning of the Iraq invasion; those who had a more active role received far higher awards. Everyone in the convoy has received at least the Bronze Star; some are receiving higher awards.

At least Private Lynch was in a combat zone, not eating pizza at the Pentagon.

Beyond that she showed real courage as a painfully wounded POW; she is still in almost constant pain. Watching her put up with all the pomp and BS, despite her obvious pain, in itself is worthy of recognition.

[csvset]

Click the link on post # 10. Includes pics.

[#3Fan]

Like others, I'm sick of the hero worship of Lynch, just because she's pretty.

You must go through life angry all time. I bet your blood just boils when pictures of Coulter or Dhue get posted here.

[annyokie]

You have never served have you, Sir?

[boxerblues]

Everyone in the convoy has received at least the Bronze Star; some are receiving higher awards

Thank you for answering that. I will now shut up

[the Deejay]

"the Iraqi dude that led them there."

Exactly. That dude really did some serious travelling on foot. Not only the 3 trips to save Jessica, but then returning home, and disappearing into the desert on foot with his family. (Endangering his life, his wife's & their daughter.)

[#3Fan]

Im not up on military rules and regulations but it would seem to me that they are unfairly rewarding Jessica if they do not award this to the rest of her unit. Im sure there are others here on FR who can enlighten me.

About everyone else was given what Jessica got or better.