I don't intend my question to be disrespectful, but I am hoping that someone can explain to me how a soldier who has been in the army less than one year and in Afganistan for only three weeks, gets awarded:
"Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terror Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal"
Again, I mean no disrespect to this brave young man.
It seems most who serve in certain operations are eligible to wear certain decorations.
For instance, the "Army Service Medal" appears to be awarded to everyone who makes it through a certain level of training. It dates from the beginning of the Reagan administration. NATO medal for anyone who serves under NATO command - dates from the NATO actions in the former Yugoslavia in the 90's. Etc.
The Bronze Star (which dates from WWII) is awarded for heroism and valor, and the Purple Heart of course is for wounds suffered. I'd note that both of these may be awarded posthumously.
The Bronze star is awarded for exemplary service, above and beyond the call of duty, but only when accompanied by the "V" device pin is it for "valor."
Given SPC McCarrah's time in service and in country, my guess is his awards for the Bronze Star (likely with V device, but not stated...it seldom is in the press) and the Purple Heart were posthumous.
His death is a primary example why most vets attribute survival to luck. In most cases, that is a major part of it all. Fight like the best, die like the rest covers a lot of ground.
One of my former bosses, a Commander here and later in Los Angeles District, as well as two tours as an Opposing Forces officer in Irvine , CA, reported for duty in Afghanistan today, as Commander of the northern District there.
I wish him well and a safe return. He is one of the very few Colonels I've worked for I'd follow in to harm's way. He knows how to lead, he starts by listening, so you know his decisions are informed decisions. He's a big man, legacy West Point, football lineman, generally intimidating if you're faint of heart. He can even sound "corny" at times, but don't be deceived. He'd never abandon you, it's just not in him.
I'm fairly sure that the Bronze Star and Purple Heart are posthumous awards.
Perhaps it's my age, but these deaths weigh on me more and more. He's so young! But aren't they all...
It's hard to transition from being the protector of children to children protecting me.
I know, these youngsters aren't children...they're marines and soldiers and sailors and airmen...but to me they're precious children, and my heart hurts.
"It's hard to transition from being the protector of children to children protecting me. "
In "Twelve O'Clock High," (the book and the movie), General Savage says something to the effect of "Some of these boys are 21 years old. It is a shame they had to grow up at such a young age."
As Fay said, Lady red, what a beautiffuly written sentiment.
Agreed - beautifully written, and capturing the essence of the uncanny feeling perfectly.
I the second link, a neighbor recounts the time Clay McCarrah knocked down her mailbox. He was eleven. That would have been around the time of 9/11.
I have two "nephews" (sons of close friends) around that age. It gives me a very queasy case of the shivers to think they might be off to war in nine years time. But then I suppose every young soldier has people who fondly remember him as a child.
RIP Spc. Clayton McGarrah.
ReplyDeleteI don't intend my question to be disrespectful, but I am hoping that someone can explain to me how a soldier who has been in the army less than one year and in Afganistan for only three weeks, gets awarded:
"Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terror Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal"
Again, I mean no disrespect to this brave young man.
I Googled the medals.
ReplyDeleteIt seems most who serve in certain operations are eligible to wear certain decorations.
For instance, the "Army Service Medal" appears to be awarded to everyone who makes it through a certain level of training. It dates from the beginning of the Reagan administration. NATO medal for anyone who serves under NATO command - dates from the NATO actions in the former Yugoslavia in the 90's. Etc.
The Bronze Star (which dates from WWII) is awarded for heroism and valor, and the Purple Heart of course is for wounds suffered. I'd note that both of these may be awarded posthumously.
Awards and Decorations of the United States Military.
The Bronze star is awarded for exemplary service, above and beyond the call of duty, but only when accompanied by the "V" device pin is it for "valor."
ReplyDeleteNot a big point, but significant none the less.
Thanks lewy and Aridog.
ReplyDeleteGiven SPC McCarrah's time in service and in country, my guess is his awards for the Bronze Star (likely with V device, but not stated...it seldom is in the press) and the Purple Heart were posthumous.
ReplyDeleteHis death is a primary example why most vets attribute survival to luck. In most cases, that is a major part of it all. Fight like the best, die like the rest covers a lot of ground.
One of my former bosses, a Commander here and later in Los Angeles District, as well as two tours as an Opposing Forces officer in Irvine , CA, reported for duty in Afghanistan today, as Commander of the northern District there.
ReplyDeleteI wish him well and a safe return. He is one of the very few Colonels I've worked for I'd follow in to harm's way. He knows how to lead, he starts by listening, so you know his decisions are informed decisions. He's a big man, legacy West Point, football lineman, generally intimidating if you're faint of heart. He can even sound "corny" at times, but don't be deceived. He'd never abandon you, it's just not in him.
I'm fairly sure that the Bronze Star and Purple Heart are posthumous awards.
ReplyDeletePerhaps it's my age, but these deaths weigh on me more and more. He's so young! But aren't they all...
It's hard to transition from being the protector of children to children protecting me.
I know, these youngsters aren't children...they're marines and soldiers and sailors and airmen...but to me they're precious children, and my heart hurts.
"It's hard to transition from being the protector of children to children protecting me. "
ReplyDeleteThe most simple of sentiments are often times the most profound. What a beautifully written sentiment lady red.
Thanks everyone for the medal explanations.
ReplyDelete"It's hard to transition from being the protector of children to children protecting me. "
ReplyDeleteIn "Twelve O'Clock High," (the book and the movie), General Savage says something to the effect of "Some of these boys are 21 years old. It is a shame they had to grow up at such a young age."
As Fay said, Lady red, what a beautiffuly written sentiment.
Agreed - beautifully written, and capturing the essence of the uncanny feeling perfectly.
ReplyDeleteI the second link, a neighbor recounts the time Clay McCarrah knocked down her mailbox. He was eleven. That would have been around the time of 9/11.
I have two "nephews" (sons of close friends) around that age. It gives me a very queasy case of the shivers to think they might be off to war in nine years time. But then I suppose every young soldier has people who fondly remember him as a child.