The award has been abused by too many people who use it for the wrong reasons. Bill Clinton used to throw around medals like they were candy. Here he was, the most cowardice president known to man, having the gall to award medals.

At one point, when Clinton was officiating at an award ceremony in the White House. Clinton was awarding the medal of honor posthumously to two families of army rangers who died in Somalia. The father of one of those brave young men refused to shake hands with Clinton, and told him that he was unfit to be president.

This story has been buried as deeply as the White House could bury it, but it is fact and can be verified.

The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have really seen limited awarding of medal for valor. The Pentagon has stiffened up on these awards, simply because they got out of hand. It’s doubtful that the medal of honor will be awarded to anyone for valor, who is still breathing.

No but most people who receive it received it posthumously. The thing is we haven’t had any large scale wars lately so you won’t see many of them going around.

I think America has cheapened its “heroes” drastically and I’m pleased that they are getting stingy with the CMH. It used to be reserved for the utmost acts of bravery, not just getting shot at or running around in a fire truck or doing photo ops in New York.

You storm the beach at Normandy on the first wave (near CERTAIN death) —that’s a “hero”.

Officially, no. Lately, however, it seems like it’s mostly awarded for extreme selfless acts which unfortunately has ended in death or mortal wounds (which eventually turn into death). While I don’t think they should toss Medals of Honor into the street, I do believe there has been a slight disparity between number earned (unknown) and number awarded. However, this rarity garners its wearers so much more admiration and reverence.

It would seem like they would after 7 years of war, but the red tape and the jealous rages about who gets what is the problem. Certain ranks automatically get certain awards like Bronze Stars and Commendation Medals do matter what. It sad. I met two MOH recipents in Iraq in 2006 and 1 at FT. Sam in 1998. I got to hold their medals and I remembered what Pres. Truman said as he gave one to a awardee, “I would rather have this than be the President of the United States”.
I was even in Ramadi in the city during the firefight when Navy Seal Mansoor died. I think he is still up for his soon. That was a sad day. My Soldier went to high school with him.

Anyway, good post!

No they can still be awarded when you are still alive, but normally what it take to get the medal involves dying or close too it.

well because for the medal of honor you have to go way above the line of duty. it just happens to be that most of the time that is saving your men by sacrificing yourself.
forrest gump got it for running people out of vietnam. (sorry, i like that movie)

Sadly, the really brave things that can earn you the medal, are very likely to get you killed.

Because in order to receive the Nations highest award you must perform a heroic act which usually results in mortal wounds…This isnt the qualification but usually the result.

Simple answer..because they die performing the actions that result in them getting the award.

I never said they were not worthy of the MOH, I gave you the reason why they dont receive it..It has to do with being killed..One dies while the other lives…

And one last note..the process for these awards is the same..They go and interview the people involved and vote on who receives what…In the end it has to do with life and death..

Officially, no. But you make a good point.