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View Full Version : President Obama Oks MOH for living Marine



stretchusa
07-20-11, 05:13 AM
For the first time since Vietnam, a living Marine will receive the Medal of Honor. About damn time.
http://www.militarytimes.com/news/2011/07/marine-dakota-meyer-medal-of-honor-071911w/

CplLakota
07-20-11, 07:34 AM
OUTFingStanding, Well earned from what I read, doesnt say when. But I will say the one thing that bothers me. Is this. the MOH is the highest award this nation has for its warriors and yet the media worms choose not to break in and show it live, not even CNN or MSNBC, the only way to watch it it to stream it on the White House web site. I dont understand this. Either way very happy for Sgt Dakota Meyer, well earned, Semper Fi Brother

Riven37
07-20-11, 08:22 AM
You think it’s a contest or something “About damn time “ fine better words Marine !




For the first time since Vietnam, a living Marine will receive the Medal of Honor. About damn time.
http://www.militarytimes.com/news/2011/07/marine-dakota-meyer-medal-of-honor-071911w/

stretchusa
07-20-11, 10:35 AM
You think it’s a contest or something “About damn time “ fine better words Marine !
No I don't think it is a contest, I think it is a ****ING tragedy that this is the first time in 41 years that a MOH goes to a living Marine. We have been in Afghanistan since 2001 and Iraq since 2003. This is the longest period of war since Vietnam and has the least amount of MOH granted ever. The Spanish-American war last four(4) months and has more MOHs. It is ridicules.

tripledog
07-20-11, 01:19 PM
That either says the MOH has been degraded, or the men in charge have no minds.

Zulu 36
07-20-11, 03:11 PM
No I don't think it is a contest, I think it is a ****ING tragedy that this is the first time in 41 years that a MOH goes to a living Marine. We have been in Afghanistan since 2001 and Iraq since 2003. This is the longest period of war since Vietnam and has the least amount of MOH granted ever. The Spanish-American war last four(4) months and has more MOHs. It is ridicules.

Actually, we (as a military), should break down the periods in which the Medal of Honor was awarded. Before WWI, many awards of the MOH would probably have never seen even a Bronze Star these days, and no one arguing about it. Hard to tell though as the citations were often so damned brief.

Part of the problem was there were not very many valor awards back then. Unlike today when there is a whole hierarchy of medals for valor, plus some that can be awarded for either meritorious service or for valor, with the "V" device distinguishing between the two types of award.

So way back then it was often either an MOH or a pat on the back. This isn't to say some of those MOH awards weren't very well deserved, but the requirements were a little wobbly. You can't compare the Spanish-American War to today. Apples and oranges.

However, I do agree that the requirements for an MOH today seem to be a bit wobbly too, but in the other direction.

The action for which Cpl Meyer is receiving the Blue Max is a rather unusual incident. Paperwork running the gamut from recommending a MOH to Letters of Reprimand were flung all over the place as a result of that battle.

ecfree
07-20-11, 03:28 PM
OUTFingStanding, Well earned from what I read, very happy for Sgt Dakota Meyer, well earned, Semper Fi Brother
:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

Vandrel
07-21-11, 12:58 AM
About damn time.

My thoughts exactly

It's amazing how long it took this country to start awarding MOH's again, and for living service members at that.

Yonkers
07-21-11, 08:17 AM
Crazy...

Hopefully it'll start a process of honoring all those Marines who did a lot of things similar in many battles, ambushes etc.

stretchusa
07-21-11, 10:02 AM
So way back then it was often either an MOH or a pat on the back. This isn't to say some of those MOH awards weren't very well deserved, but the requirements were a little wobbly. You can't compare the Spanish-American War to today. Apples and oranges.

True, but it is not quite apples and oranges, back in 1916 they went through all the MOH awarded up to that point and recinded almost 1/3 of them.

jamielang1951
09-07-11, 08:19 PM
Today I watched an interview with Sgt Dakota Myer and his father. Dakota is one of the most unassuming Marines you could ever meet, saying how he didn't like the word hero. You could tell from his demeanor that he was embarrassed about being called hero. That's the way it is with heroes, unlike someone we know in our "War Room" who calls himself hero.

What really disturbed me was how some Army officers screwed the pooch on this, directly contributing to the deaths of three Marines and a Corpsman. I can't believe the three officers got off with a slap on the wrist.

This is a more detailed piece on the investigation.
http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2010/03/marine_ambush_030310w/

Sgt Leprechaun
09-08-11, 12:03 AM
Well said sir.

Someone in the 'war room' calls himself a 'hero'????

By all means, please PM with details on THAT.

Nedward
09-13-11, 03:57 AM
The only true war heroes are our brothers and sisters who make the ultimate sacrifice.

jamielang1951
09-13-11, 06:43 AM
Sorry Jason I missed this. The guys took care of it and he seems to have Di-Di'ed from our area of operation. Wrong thread to launch personal attacks on one of our most respected brother's and then call yourself a hero.;)

Sgt Leprechaun
09-13-11, 06:14 PM
Good. And, I believe I now know who it was, and he has been extracted from our AO forever.

06yz125
09-13-11, 06:41 PM
This is interesting..

Didn't know Cpl. Meyer but..

Gunny Kellogg would smoke a cig after right our morning run.
No one in our platoon knew he was a CMH recipient til the
Marine Corp birthday...he walked in the enlisted chow hall
wearing the medal with all types of generals and politicians
following him like he was a god...this was Quantico so there
was a lot of ass kissing going on there...but Gunny Kellogg
was one humble Marine. I was UA one morning..about 2 hours..
had to report to him..he asked me why I wasn't in formation
on time..I said to drunk to get there. He said..next time don't
drink so much...then smiled. No njp for this Marine.

hbharrison
09-13-11, 07:04 PM
[QUOTE=stretchusa;791544] About damn time.


:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

Lisa 23
09-15-11, 08:54 AM
For those of you who might wish to watch Sgt Dakota Meyer’s MOH Ceremony, there is pertinent information below.




President Obama Awards Medal of Honor to Dakota Meyer Video Sept. 15, 2011 White House Ceremony (http://www.shallownation.com/2011/09/15/president-obama-awards-medal-of-honor-to-dakota-meyer-video-sept-15-2011-white-house-ceremony/)


http://us.f457.mail.yahoo.com/ya/download?mid=1%5f524389%5fABbHtEQAAF0QTnIAVQYm3Sm5 Y7g&pid=2&fid=Inbox&inline=1 (http://www.shallownation.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Dakota_Meyer.jpg)

President Barack Obama awards the Medal of Honor to Marine Sgt. Dakota Meyer in a White House ceremony in the East Room. Watch live stream video on Thurs. Sept. 15, 2011 at 2:45 p.m. ET as the award is presented to the Afghanistan war hero. Thereafter check back for the full replay video, transcript text and photos which will be posted as soon as they are available.

The live web-feed video above; it is also on the WhiteHouse.gov (http://www.whitehouse.gov/live) for mobile viewing or via the White House iPhone and iPad app (http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2010/01/19/whitehousegov-anywhere) — a free download. It will also be streamed onCNN Live (http://live.cnn.com/) and CNN for iPhone and iPad app (http://www.cnn.com/mobile/iphone/) starting at 2:45 p.m. ET / 11:45 a.m. PT.

http://us.f457.mail.yahoo.com/ya/download?mid=1%5f524389%5fABbHtEQAAF0QTnIAVQYm3Sm5 Y7g&pid=3&fid=Inbox&inline=1 (http://www.shallownation.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/President_Barack_Obama_and_Dakota_Meyer.jpg)
Photo: President Barack Obama has a beer with Sgt. Dakota Meyer on the patio outside of the Oval Office, Sept. 14, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Sergeant Dakota Meyer is the third living recipient of the Medal of Honor since the Vietnam war; the previous living recipients are U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Salvatore Giunta and Sgt. 1st Class Leroy A. Petry.

Click here for official Sgt. Dakota Meyer citation (http://www.marines.mil/community/Pages/MedalofHonorSgtDakotaMeyer-citation.aspx). The official White House release — including biography — is below.
For Immediate Release
August 12, 2011

President Obama to Award Medal of Honor
On September 15th, President Barack Obama will award Dakota Meyer, a former active duty Marine Corps Corporal, the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry. He will receive the Medal of Honor for his courageous actions while serving as a member of Marine Embedded Training Team 2-8, Regional Corps Advisory Command 3-7, in Kunar Province, Afghanistan, on September 8, 2009 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He will be the third living recipient – and first Marine – to be awarded the Medal of Honor for actions in Iraq or Afghanistan. He and his family will join the President at the White House to commemorate his example of selfless service.

Dakota Meyer was born in Columbia, Kentucky on June 26, 1988, attended local public schools, and graduated from Green County high school. In 2006, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at a recruiting station in Louisville, Kentucky, and completed his basic training at Parris Island Recruit Training Depot later that year.

In 2010, he completed his active duty commitment and currently serves in the Inactive Ready Reserve of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve as a Sergeant. He is a highly skilled Marine infantryman and Scout Sniper who is also trained as a Combat Lifesaver. At the time of his deployment to combat duty in Afghanistan he was serving as a Turret Gunner and Driver.
While on active duty, he deployed twice to the combat theater, serving in both Iraq and Afghanistan. During 2007, he deployed to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom with Third Battalion, Third Marines, and during 2009-10, he deployed to Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom.

His military decorations include: a Purple Heart Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with “V” device for valor, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. His other awards and decorations include the Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with one bronze campaign star, Iraq Campaign Medal with one bronze campaign star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, NATO ISAF Afghanistan Medal, and a Rifle Expert Badge (3rd Award) and Pistol Expert Badge (2nd Award).

http://us.f457.mail.yahoo.com/ya/download?mid=1%5f524389%5fABbHtEQAAF0QTnIAVQYm3Sm5 Y7g&pid=4&fid=Inbox&inline=1 (http://www.shallownation.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Medal_of_Honor.jpg)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
THE MEDAL OF HONOR:
The Medal of Honor is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who distinguish themselves conspicuously by gallantry above and beyond the call of duty while:
* engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States;
* engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or
* 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.

The meritorious conduct must involve great personal bravery or self-sacrifice so conspicuous as to clearly distinguish the individual above his or her comrades and must have involved risk of life. There must be incontestable proof of the performance of the meritorious conduct, and each recommendation for the award must be considered on the standard of extraordinary merit.

Source White House (http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/08/12/president-obama-award-medal-honor).


A video report is below. See also:

Medal of Honor winner wonders why he’s being honored for “worst day of my life” (http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20106586-503544.html)
Medal of Honor for Kentucky Marine (http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0911/63546.html)
Medal Of Honor Recipient Has But One Request: To Have A Beer With Obama (http://www.mediaite.com/online/medal-of-honor-recipient-has-but-one-request-to-have-a-beer-with-obama/)
Dakota Meyer, Marine Medal of Honor Recipient, Says He’s No Hero (http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2011/09/dakota-meyer-marine-medal-of-honor-recipient-says-hes-no-hero/)
Interview with Sgt. Dakota Meyer (Video) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f07oDLnxcmk)

DrMatt
09-15-11, 05:35 PM
OUTFingStanding, Well earned from what I read, doesnt say when. But I will say the one thing that bothers me. Is this. the MOH is the highest award this nation has for its warriors and yet the media worms choose not to break in and show it live, not even CNN or MSNBC, the only way to watch it it to stream it on the White House web site. I dont understand this. Either way very happy for Sgt Dakota Meyer, well earned, Semper Fi Brother

Remember; the Liberal Media hates us and all we stand for. They say they support the Troupes, at the same time, they badmouth everything we do and try to reduce all our budgets and troupe requests!

Way to go Sgt Meyer!!!! God Bless You!!! May all your dreams be peacefull

Dr Matt

Zulu 36
09-15-11, 06:02 PM
I watched the ceremony this afternoon. Sgt Meyer was in Blues Alpha. He never cracked a smile at any time, before or after (at least while Fox was still in-progress with it).

Obama got around his problem pronouncing Corpsman properly by referring to the "Navy medic" who was KIA.

It looked like most of the Generals from HQMC were there, including the CMC. The rest of Sgt Meyer's training team was there too, including the three Marines who got Navy Crosses from the same action.

I hate the fact that Obama even gets to touch a Medal of Honor since he wouldn't even make a pimple on a sh*tbird Private's ass.

Lisa 23
09-15-11, 08:08 PM
Obama awards Medal of Honor to Marine who saved 36 lives

http://i.usatoday.net/communitymanager/_photos/the-oval/2011/09/15/aaaa-obamax-large.jpg
President Obama awards the Medal of Honor to Dakota Meyer.

President Obama presented the Medal of Honor today to a Marine who saved 36 lives after an ambush in Afghanistan two years ago.

In awarding Dakota Meyer the military's highest honor at a White House ceremony, Obama said: "Today, we pay tribute to an American who placed himself in the thick of the fight -- again and again and again."

The military said a wounded Meyer -- a 21-year-old manning a gun turret on a Humvee -- provided cover for troops during a six-hour firefight with the Taliban on Sept. 8. 2009.

Meyer and Staff Sgt. Juan Rodriguez-Chavez, driving the Humvee, went into the "killing zone" five times, Obama said, picking up wounded men and dead bodies; they saved the lives of 13 U.S. Marines and Army soldiers, as well as 23 Afghan soldiers.

Meyer killed at least eight Taliban insurgents despite shrapnel wounds to his arm.

The White House says Meyer, of Columbia, Ky., is the third living recipient of the Medal of Honor for actions in Afghanistan or Iraq, and the first Marine so honored.

http://i.usatoday.net/communitymanager/_photos/the-oval/2011/09/15/aaaa-handx-large.jpg
President Obama and Medal of Honor recipient Dakota Meyer.

In his remarks, Obama noted Meyer accepted the medal in honor of four comrades who did not survive the attack.

Meyer has "grappled" with memories of those deaths, Obama said, and sometimes regards his efforts as a "failure" because of the deaths of those four brothers -- but the truth is just the opposite.

"You did your duty, above and beyond, and you kept the faith with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps that you love," Obama said.

"Because of your honor, 36 men are alive today."

"Because of your courage, four fallen American heroes came home," Obama added, and their families were able to "lay their sons to rest with dignity."

Citing Meyer's comment that every member of the team is important, Obama said: "That's a lesson that we all have to remember -- as citizens, and as a nation -- as we meet the tests of our time, here at home and around the world. To our Marines, to all our men and women in uniform, to our fellow Americans, let us always be faithful."

Meyer -- now a civilian -- is also "one of the most down-to-Earth guys that you will ever meet," Obama told the audience.

When a White House staffer called to arrange a phone conversation with the president about the Medal of Honor, Meyer said he couldn't talk at at the time because he was at work.

"He said, 'if I don't work, I don't get paid,' " Obama said. "So we arranged to make sure he got the call during his lunch break. I told him the news, and then he went right back to work. "

The president joked: "I do appreciate, Dakota, you taking my call."
During that call, Meyer asked if he could have a beer with the president -- which they did on Wednesday, as we reported this morning (http://content.usatoday.com/communities/theoval/post/2011/09/marine-gets-medal-of-honor----and-a-beer-with-obama/1).

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/theoval/post/2011/09/obama-praises-marine-awards-medal-of-honor/1

Lisa 23
09-15-11, 08:35 PM
http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/xiPQt50XGgXqdxJpXoCO9g--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9aW5zZXQ7aD02MzA7cT04NTt3PTU1OQ--/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/ap_webfeeds/27e69baec71cdc14f80e6a70670089dc.jpg



http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/Ga8EXXS2UXkayhzIw9rmZA--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9aW5zZXQ7aD00MDY7cT04NTt3PTYzMA--/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/ap_webfeeds/ec446f8ec6cedb14f80e6a7067008588.jpg


http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/8aWDZ7hy8YHX6r4AEaNj3w--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9aW5zZXQ7aD0zNzM7cT04NTt3PTYzMA--/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/ap_webfeeds/cb4b5cdec71edc14f80e6a706700a1ce.jpg

Members from the unit of former Marine Cpl. Dakota Meyer, 23, from Greensburg, Ky. are acknowledged by President Barack Obama during a Medal of Honor ceremony, Thursday, Sept. 15, 2011, in the East Room of the White House in Washington. Meyer was in Afghanistan's Kunar province in Sept. 2009 when he repeatedly ran through enemy fire to recover the bodies of fellow American troops. He is the first living Marine to be awarded the Medal of Honor for actions in Iraq or Afghanistan. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

bpatk
09-15-11, 08:50 PM
You be right on "screwed the pooch" I seen in the Regina paper last week that they're going to start a board of inquiry. I do belive it is to conveen in Oct. This is above and beyond the divisional one that took place about 6 months after the incident.

doc h fmf
09-15-11, 08:53 PM
Thank You Sgt Meyers For A Job Well Done You Made Us Proud And You Fit The Definition Of Hero In Every Aspec Of The Word.

Semper Fi And God Bless You My Brother

Stephen Doc Hansen Hm3 Fmf

recon532002
09-15-11, 10:50 PM
Glad to See The men of thr Corp Get recognized for there gallant efferts.
Semper Fi SGT Semper Fi:thumbup:

MPMOM
09-16-11, 12:22 AM
I watched it today on Fox, agree on the outstanding.

Zulu 36
09-16-11, 10:46 AM
You be right on "screwed the pooch" I seen in the Regina paper last week that they're going to start a board of inquiry. I do belive it is to conveen in Oct. This is above and beyond the divisional one that took place about 6 months after the incident.

Are you talking about an inquiry into the FOBbits who were refusing to provide air support or artillery during the incident with Sgt Meyer? I don't know what more can be done as several of the officers involved already got letters of reprimand, which should essentially end their careers.

Those officers ignored a lot of people calling for air. Even a Canadian sniper team that could see the action, but were too far away to do anything themselves, were calling and demanding air be sent too.

This incident became one of the final nails in the career coffin of General McCrystal and his confusing ROE. General Petraeus came in and clarified things pretty quickly, or so it seemed from this armchair.

CplLakota
09-19-11, 02:37 PM
WOW!!, I was shocked but happy to see CNN show the entire ceremony. Its about damn time they give respect not only to the "Medal" itself, and what it stands for, but of course to our brother Marine. Also, good to see the rest of Sgt Meyer's team get recognized for their actions. I was really proud for Sgt Meyer, his actions really showed the kind of heart and character Marines are made of, we never leave a man behind, no matter what. SEMPER FI SGT MEYER

DrMatt
09-19-11, 04:13 PM
The Navy/Marine Cross is no small potatoes. Congrats to all of our brothers from
Sgt. Meyers to ALL his team! God Bless all of you!
All My Best,
Dr Matt

R Landry
09-23-11, 03:31 PM
CPL Meyers was a hoot on David Letterman last night. Got some good yucks over his 'greasing up a bobcat'.

R Landry
09-23-11, 03:47 PM
Here's the video from Meyer's appearance on Dave Letterman last night.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7RHrUp_dVtc