(Marine Corps Times) Backtalk: Recognize our heroes

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Recognize our heroes
By Scott A. Huesing

More than seven years have passed since we began the war on terrorism. Nearly 5,000 U.S. troops are dead. Thousands more have risked their lives, and sacrificed their blood and sweat in Afghanistan and Iraq. But to date, only five veterans of these conflicts have received the Medal of Honor — all posthumously.

In looking at the statistics dating back to World War I, when only 33 of the 124 MOHs awarded were done so posthumously, I am hard-pressed to find even some insane calculation for how the nation’s highest combat valor decoration is awarded. And if I continue to try, it only furthers my frustration.

• For World War II, more than half of the 464 MOH recipients were living.

• For the Korean War, which lasted a comparatively short three years, that number fell below 30 percent — though 133 medals were awarded overall.

• For Vietnam, 264 MOHs were awarded, more than 60 percent of them to living recipients.


Rest of article at: http://marinecorpstimes.com/community/opinion/marine_backtalk_moh_022309/%2e