I guess this isn't a new thing

So I got back finally, and gotta say, it's like I never left, everyone's safe, which is good, and only thing I hear people gripe about is how awards are being dished out like candy. I guess while I was gone, our CO got the Bronze Star. It's a gripe of how it demeans the Bronze Star. So I decided to find out how exactly; according to Army Regulations, one is awarded the Bronze Star.

Chapter 3, Army Regulation 600-8-22

3-13. Bronze Star Medal

a. The Bronze Star Medal was established by Executive Order 9419, 4 February 1944 (superseded by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962).

b. The Bronze Star Medal is awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity in or with the Army of the United States after 6 December 1941, distinguished himself or herself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service, not involving participation in aerial flight, in connection with military operations against an armed enemy; or while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.

c. Awards may be made for acts of heroism, performed under circumstances described above, which are of lesser degree than required for the award of the Silver Star.

d. The Bronze Star Medal may be awarded for meritorious achievement or meritorious service according to the following:

(1) Awards may be made to recognize single acts of merit or meritorious service. The lesser degree than that required for the award of the Legion of Merit must nevertheless have been meritorious and accomplished with distinction.

the rest is irrelevant, went on about non-aerial guys eligibility, and the phillipines campaign in WWII.

I wouldn't at all, blame the CO for getting the award, because from what I've seen, every commander has gotten some sort of award like that.

But in a sense, it's pathetic.

If in their guidelines our CO got it, because of Meritorious Actions, then 100% of the soldiers in our unit should get it.

Before I was deployed, I always thought that getting a bronze star was something that came above and beyond the call of duty, gotten in direct combat.

When I think of these suh awards, I remember of soldiers in WWII getting them for courageous actions against the enemy, in direct combat. Here's an example

"Private First Class Brendan E. McIntyre, 16065174, 82d Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, United States Army. For heroic achievement in action against the enemy on 10 October 1944 in Germany. At approximately 1100A two platoons of Company "A," 82d Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, were outputted southeast of Oidweilder, Germany, when a heavy artillery barrage wounded four men of an adjacent tank unit. With absolute disregard for his own personal safety, Private First Class McIntyre and three men left the safety of their foxholes and went to the aid of these men. Although the three other men were wounded by a following barrage, Private First Class McIntyre continued to give aid to all seven until they were evacuated to the rear. At approximately 1300A the same day, his Platoon Sergeant was wounded by artillery fire. Although he had been relieved from outpost, Private First Class McIntyre again went forward and evacuated the Platoon Sergeant to the rear. During the entire time, Private First Class Mclntyre displayed extreme courage and initiative beyond the call of duty. Entered Military Service from Michigan."

Now THAT deserves the Bronze Star. Maybe times have changed.

They give a female soldier the Silver Star, the 1st ever for a female, if anyone with any common sense doesn't realize that that is all PR work, then you're one of the stupid few who think Jessica Lynch is a hero.

I'm not much of a write about this topic. But I came across and article that explains it PERFECTLY, maybe time's hasn't changed, this shit has been goin on for a long time.

http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/columnists/mitchchase/040921.shtml

This is an article by Mitch Chase. Check it out. But ya, I guess this is my Army, that for better or worse. I've grown to love. You ever liked/loved something so much only to be let down? Well that's how I feel. Not just the Medal topic, but an overall consensus on things. I guess it's up to me to make it better? haha. Who Knows