ALL men and women in the military service of our country deserve our highest respect and appreciation, as do all veterans of the same.

There are many great Units in our Military, but clearly one of the most highly decorated, respected and honored is the 101st Airborne Division.... the "Screaming Eagles."

Though clearly not wanting to slight any other unit, or anyone here who has served under, or lost a loved one in the service of, any other unit of our Military, I would like to ask all my brothers in arms to salute the honor of this Unit, and the bravery and sacrifice of one of its members.

I couldn't find a decent version of the citation of the Purple Heart that Micheal will receive posthumously, as the wording varies by branch of service, etc. But I wanted to post the criteria for those who might not know, and a link to a very moving site that explains the historical precedence for this medal.

Criteria:

The Purple Heart is awarded in the name of the President of the United States to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the U.S. Armed Services after 5 April 1917, has been wounded or killed, or who has died or may hereafter die after being wounded-

1. In any action against an enemy of the United States.
2. In any action with an opposing armed force of a foreign country in which the Armed Forces of the United States are or have been engaged.
3. 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.
4. As a result of an act of any such enemy of opposing armed forces.
5. As the result of an act of any hostile foreign force
6. After 28 March 1973, as a result of an international terrorist attack against the United States or a foreign nation friendly to the United States, recognized as such an attack by the Secretary of the Army, or jointly by the Secretaries of the separate armed services concerned if persons from more than one service are wounded in the attack.
7. After 28 March 1973, as a result of military operations while serving outside the territory of the United States as part of a peacekeeping force.

While clearly an individual decoration, the Purple Heart differs from all other decorations in that an individual is not "recommended" for the decoration; rather he or she is entitled to it upon meeting specific criteria.

For the history of this medal and others....

http://www.homeofheroes.com/medals/p...ple_heart.html


"Greater love hath NO man, than that he lay down his life for another."

In my opinion, Micheal... and all his fallen brothers... are the epitome of this love. Love of family. Love of country. Love of life.

Hobo

 

Thank you for those links GH. Even though I have family who have received Purple Hearts, I was not fully aware of what it meant.

Reb