I've been hearing a lot lately about awarding the Purple Heart to servicemembers with PTSD. I'm was more than willing to listen to this until I received some disturbing news from the front. My son-in-law is in a 101st Brigade attached to the 1st AD. Over the weekend he was involved in an IED explosion, taking shrapnel to the face and head, suffering a concussion and ear drum damage. He was told by his commanding officer that he probably would not be getting the Purple Heart because his wounds were not serious enough. Apparently the Chief medical Offcier at the 1st AD has the last decision on these things and he has been reluctant to award the Purple Heart. My son-in-law asked if his requirements were that he die, but received no response. What the hell is going on????

Apparently this specific Chief Medical Officer is totally ignorant of the Purple Heart awarding requirements and should "clean up his act". Since I am Honorably Discharged, I can "badmouth" an officer without receiving either official or "behind the latrine" punishment. In my opinion, I have known messcooks, other NCOs and even seaman recruits with more intelligence.

Have you ever heard of military personell in WW2 receiving a Purple Heart when they cut their hand opening a can of beans? I have.

I have never qualified for a Purple Heart and am perfectly satisfied with the medals/ribbons I have qualified for.

Korean Vet, USN-ET2

Thayer gets probation in Purple Heart case

The Associated Press


http://www.sunherald.com/306/story/727017.html