No, Chris--I agree to a great extent. It would not automatically "cheapen" the award if CPO Kyle was awarded the MoH, but if it was done thru Congressional act, based on his doing an outstanding job as a sniper it would. There is no doubt Kyle was great at his job, no doubt it carried great risk, but being great at what one does is in of itself, not a qualifier for receiving this particular award and honor.
And awarding it to him because of the book and movie raises some questions too.
In past decades, the MoH has been awarded to some who probably didn't deserve it. During the civil war, an entire regiment (over 800 men ech) was awarded it (in advance) IF they agreed to extend their enlistment for 2 weeks. Lincoln's burial guard was awarded it as well.***
The soldier who got combat aviation on it's feet was awarded it, as was Adm Byrd for his North Pole expedition.
Byrd's commendation reads:
Citation
For distinguishing himself conspicuously by courage and intrepidity at the risk of his life, in demonstrating that it is possible for aircraft to travel in continuous flight from a now inhabited portion of the earth over the North Pole and return
Charles Lindbergh got it for his solo flight accross the Atlantic--awarded By President Coolidge.
The standard set for the MoH changed in the early thru mid 20th century, and in the early 60s, a review and permanent standard was accepted and signed to law by JFK and the accepted "qualifier" sets the bar pretty high
.
In medals and awards, there is an order, and the 'top 4' have the same 3 parameters that have to be met.
For the Bronze star, the Silver star, the NavyCross/Army DSC/Air Force Cross, and MoH--3 identical things have to come into play, plus an additional "qualifier" and the "qualifier" is more specific the higher up you go.
Starting with the Bronze Star: (qualifiers underlined)
has distinguished, herself or himself by heroic or meritorious achievement:.
a) while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States;
(b) while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or
(c) while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.
Silver Star:
Has distinguished himself for
Gallantry in Action while:
a) while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States;
(b) while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or
(c) while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.
Navy Cross (Navy/USMC) or Distinguished Service Cross (US Army) :
Has distinguished himself for
extraordinary heroism while:
a) while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States;
(b) while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or
(c) while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.
Congressional Medal of Honor:
Has distinguished himself
conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty,"
a) while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States;
(b) while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or
(c) while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.
As you can see, the underlined wording makes a BIG distinction regarding the difference, even between the 2nd highest awards and the MoH.
From what I have read, CPO Kyle was involved in at least 2 events during the battle for Fallujah Iraq, within a few days of each other, that may have "qualified" him for MoH.
http://www.military.com/special-operati ... niper.html
He was initially awarded Bronze Star with V (valor) for that and the Silver Star later.
Not for me to decide if he is deserving of the MoH--it's left up to whoever wrote the after action report and kicked it up to the review board, but evidently, at the time, someone that is supposed to know thought his heroic actions were not deserving of it.
I'd hate it to go to anyone just because of some political ploy by some congessman trying to draw attention to himself.
If up to me, all them boys over there would get it.
*** in 1917, a review board was formed and over 900 medals of honor were revoked.
http://www.homeofheroes.com/moh/correct ... _army.html
the lives that he saved are countless.
