I saw this come across the headlines today. A couple points to throw out for discussion: The article states that the CWO is only the second person in the USCG to recieve the Bronze Star during OIF? I thought multiple WPB CO's (undeservedly in my opinion) recieved Bronze Stars several years ago as EOT awards for their service in the gulf. Another thing I found interesting was the lack of any details in the press release as to what the CWO did to earn the award besides "His service with the US embassy in Iraq"? I'm not saying he wasn't deserving, I just found it curious that they would issue a press release for a prestigous award but not include anything other than the generic canned line we've all heard 1000 times about what he did to deserve it. Was there some sort of incident where the CWO performed acts of bravery or meritorious service above and beyond the call of duty as they say? -Jeff

These days, it's like this...

Bronze Star w/o "V" awarded in a combat/war zone = Commendation/Achievement Medal awarded anywhere else.

Jeff,
You are correct regarding the 4 PB Skippers from the initial deployment. Pretty pathetic that this info was released with that incorrect number. You can also add to the PB COs the two that were awarded to Petty Officers Ruggerio and Bruckenthal (Posthumously) with "V" devices. Yep, those HQ folks in public affairs are all over it...

quote:

Originally posted by rxjeff:
I saw this come across the headlines today. A couple points to throw out for discussion: The article states that the CWO is only the second person in the USCG to recieve the Bronze Star during OIF? I thought multiple WPB CO's (undeservedly in my opinion) recieved Bronze Stars several years ago as EOT awards for their service in the gulf. Another thing I found interesting was the lack of any details in the press release as to what the CWO did to earn the award besides "His service with the US embassy in Iraq"? I'm not saying he wasn't deserving, I just found it curious that they would issue a press release for a prestigous award but not include anything other than the generic canned line we've all heard 1000 times about what he did to deserve it. Was there some sort of incident where the CWO performed acts of bravery or meritorious service above and beyond the call of duty as they say? -Jeff

Actually tip the Bronze Star without "V" is awarded in lieu of the Meritorious Service Medal when awarded for meritorious, not valorous, service in a combat zone.

quote:

Originally posted by tip_dog:
These days, it's like this...

Bronze Star w/o "V" awarded in a combat/war zone = Commendation/Achievement Medal awarded anywhere else.

CO of BOUTWELL got the Bronze Star too, and deserved it as far as I'm concerned...

quote:

You can also add to the PB COs the two that were awarded to Petty Officers Ruggerio and Bruckenthal (Posthumously) with "V" devices.

CWO Foucher, thanks for the clarification! I thought it was odd that a PR from HQ would contain a drastic error like that as well. I am familiar with the story of PO Bruckenthals tragic death, but not familiar with PO Ruggerio's story? Could you shed some light for me? Thanks-Jeff

quote:

Originally posted by CHGuns:
Jeff,
You are correct regarding the 4 PB Skippers from the initial deployment. Pretty pathetic that this info was released with that incorrect number. You can also add to the PB COs the two that were awarded to Petty Officers Ruggerio and Bruckenthal (Posthumously) with "V" devices. Yep, those HQ folks in public affairs are all over it...

Just an observation before you go too far with the HQ Public Affairs comment. Don't forget there was:

OEF - Operation Enduring Freedom (Started in 2001)

OIF - Operation Iraqi Freedom (Started in 2003)

I didn't check the timelines of the awards against the respective operations and such but it is possible the article is factually correct.

Just a thought.......

I believe Ruggerio was with Bruckenthal and was injured in the same incident.

Guns, you are correct - I was just trying to make a point.

Joseph Ruggerio was in the small boat with Bruckenthal and the Navy crew when the suicide boat blew up. Ruggerio also received a Purple Heart for that same incident. His actions after the bomb went off more than qualified him for the Bronze Star with "V" distinguishing device. The short version of the story can be read here.
Commandants Bulletin

No John it's factually incorrect. The press release states the following;
"only the second Coast Guardsman to be awarded the Bronze Star during Operation Iraqi Freedom."
That is unequivocally incorrect and even I was incorrect as I forgot about Boutwells CO also receiveing the Bronze Star during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

quote:

Originally posted by TVCJohn:

quote:

Originally posted by CHGuns:
Jeff,
You are correct regarding the 4 PB Skippers from the initial deployment. Pretty pathetic that this info was released with that incorrect number. You can also add to the PB COs the two that were awarded to Petty Officers Ruggerio and Bruckenthal (Posthumously) with "V" devices. Yep, those HQ folks in public affairs are all over it...

Just an observation before you go too far with the HQ Public Affairs comment. Don't forget there was:

OEF - Operation Enduring Freedom (Started in 2001)

OIF - Operation Iraqi Freedom (Started in 2003)

I didn't check the timelines of the awards against the respective operations and such but it is possible the article is factually correct.

Just a thought.......

Let me just say before this thread becomes completely hijacked that my posts are in no way meant to denigrate the award received by CWO Brown. However the award of the Bronze Star to the aforementioned individuals were all for service in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Lieutenant Holly Harrison, Lieutenant Christopher Barrows, and Lieutenant Sean McKinsey, United States Coast Guard, for service as forth in the following citation.

For meritorious achievement in connection with combat operations against the enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, U.S. Coast Guard cutter, Aquidneck, Wrangell, and Adak.

Respectively deployed with Commander, United States 5th Fleet, from March to April 2003, in support of our Operation Iraqi Freedom, demonstrating uncommon bravery and tactical brilliance, Aquidneck, Wrangell, and Adak represented the first line of defense for coalition forces, providing protection for coalition mine hunters within established mine danger areas in the internal waters of Iraq.

Their impressive tactical skill and unparalleled leadership was demonstrated when escorting humanitarian assistance shipping to Umm Qasr, ensuring the expeditious flow of food and medicine to the people of Iraq. Their maintenance and well-trained and tactically proficient crews and ships that were able to operate in the combat environment in excess of four times the normal operational tempo was critical to the successful liberation of Iraq.

Lieutenant Harrison, Barrows, and McKinsey's total effectiveness, forceful leadership, and loyal devotion to duty reflected great credit upon them and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard and the United States Naval Service.

For the President, T.J. Keating, Vice Admiral, United States Navy.

http://www.dhs.gov/xnews/releases/press_release_0231.shtm

Looks like that would fall under OIF. A few website show that beginning on 3/19/03. I'd have to concur after reading the citations, the person(s) who wrote up the news release was/were off.

Wasn't at the ceremony, but the MC sitting next to me was. Adm Allen presented it, and to resolve some of the discussion, this one was with a V.

Hmmm...maybe the PA's fell down on the job...what's the rest of the story?

quote:

For meritorious achievement in connection with combat operations against the enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, U.S. Coast Guard cutter, Aquidneck, Wrangell, and Adak.

Is just being a CO of a cutter part of the criteria for the Bronze Star? What about the COs over there now, what are they getting?

T

Only second award for "in country" CDR Steve Weiden(capt select) recv'd first for his work "in country" "boots on the ground". All others were for off shore ops.

quote:

Originally posted by militia1:

quote:

For meritorious achievement in connection with combat operations against the enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, U.S. Coast Guard cutter, Aquidneck, Wrangell, and Adak.

Is just being a CO of a cutter part of the criteria for the Bronze Star? What about the COs over there now, what are they getting?

T

The criteria:
4. Bronze Star Medal. Awarded to any persons who, while serving in any capacity with the
Armed Forces of the United States, distinguish themselves after 7 December 1941 by
heroic or meritorious achievement or service not involving participation in aerial flight.

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;

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. To justify
this decoration, accomplishment or performance of duty above that normally
expected, and sufficient to distinguish the individual among those performing
comparable duties, is required, although less than the requirements for the Legion of
Merit.

quote:

Originally posted by rxjeff:
I saw this come across the headlines today.

Check the link again. Somebody corrected the press release.