In Honor of Veteran's day I submit a list of Major Awards recipients in the Global War on Terror. Many of these men were never lauded in the media, we were force fed the disgusting Anna Nicole, Britney Spears, and Lindsey Lohan "News" yet these heroes go un noticed in the day to day lives of Americans. These men served their country with honor, they did not bitch about, "They Promised that I could go home in 3 months and now they extended my deployment WAAAAAHHHHH"

A Small list of the MAJOR decorations that have been Bestowed on these extraordinary men.

Congressional Medals of Honor, the Highest decoration that can be given to a military member.
"A total of 3,464 Medals of Honor have been awarded to 3,445 soldiers and civilians for 3,459 individual actions of heroism."


Service Crosses: Air Force Cross, Navy Cross, Distinguished Service Cross the highest decoration second only to the Congressional Medal of Honor.

3 Congressional Medals of Honor have been awarded to date in the GWOT- One Soldier, One Marine, and One Sailor

Paul Ray Smith SFC US Army Tampa FL Citations

Jason L Dunham Cpl USMC Scio NY Citation

Michael Murphy Lt US Navy
Michael P Murphy Citation

Service Crosses
Distinguished Service Cross (US Army)
6 Awarded in the GWOT Thus Far
Daniel A Briggs SSgt Classified Unit Apr 26 2004
James H Coffman Junior Colonel US Army Nov 14 2004
Mark  E. Mitchell Major 5th Special Forces Nov 25-28 2001
Donald R Hollenbaugh MSgt USASOCOM Apr 26 2004
Nein Timothy SSgt 617th MP Company Mar 20 2005
Stephen C Stanford PFC 172d Stryker Brigade Combat Team Nov 19 2005
Citations
Navy Cross
Unidentified USN SEAL Chief Boatswain's Mate US Navy SEAL 25 & 26 Nov. 2001
Unidentified USN SEAL Senior Chief Information Systems Technician US Navy SEAL 3 & 4 March 2002
Louis E. Fonseca Hospitalman Apprentice (Corpsman) US Navy Corpsman,  Co C, 1st Bn, 2d Marines 23 March 2003
Lehew, Justin D. Gunnery Sergeant USMC Co A, 1st Bn, 2d Marines 23 & 24 March 2003
Chontosh, Brian R. 1st Lieutenant USMC 3d Bn, 5th Marines 25 March 2003
Perez, Joseph B. Lance Corporal USMC Co I, 3d Bn, 5th Marines 4 April 2003
Montoya, Scott C. Sergeant USMC Scout Sniper Platoon, 2d Bn., 23d Marines 8 April 2003
Martinez, Marco A. Corporal USMC Co G, 2d Bn, 5th Marines 12 April 2003
Copeland, Willie L. Sergeant USMC Co B, 1st Recon Bn.,
1st Marine Division 7 April 2004
*Morel, Brent Captain USMC Co B, 1st Recon Bn.,
1st Marine Division 7 April 2004
Viggiani, Anthony L. Sergeant USMC Co C, 1st Bn, 6th Marines, 22d EMU 3 June 2004
Kasal, Bradley A. First Sergeant USMC 3d Bn, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Div. 13 Nov 2004
Mitchell, Robert J. Corporal USMC 3d Bn, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Div. 13 Nov 2004
Esquibel, Dominic Corporal USMC 1st Bn, 8th Marines, 2d Marines Div. Nov 2004
Kraft, Jarrett A. Sergeant USMC 3d Bn, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Div. 23 Dec 2004
Workman, Jeremiah W. Corporal USMC 3d Bn, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Div. 23 Dec 2004
Corbin, Todd Corporal USMC 3d Bn, 25th Marines, II MEF May 7, 2005
*Axelson, Matthew G. Sonar Technician 2/C US Navy SEAL Jun 27 & 28, 2005
*Dietz, Danny P. Gunners Mate 2/C US Navy SEAL Jun 27 & 28, 2005
Unidentified USN SEAL   US Navy SEAL Jun 27 & 28, 2005
McDade, Aubrey L., Jr. Sergeant USMC 1st Bn, 8th Marines, 1st Marine Div. Nov 11, 2004
Adlesperger, Christopher  Private First Class USMC 3d Bn, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Div. Nov 10, 2004
Citations

Air Force Cross
*Jason Cunningham SRA PJ Afghanistan
*John Chapman TSgt CCT
Citations

These men are Heroes one and all, read the Citations, See the action through their eyes. Bump the Thread for others to see. Many of these men performed these heroic acts at the cost of their own lives. They deserve the utmost in respect.

Thanks for posting this AFSOC and a hearty salute to all our Vets, past and present!
God Bless you all.

Rick
SGF, Mo.

Quoted: I had to stop watching the Military and some CNN Special channel yesterday because I ran out of tears due to their programs regarding our boys in green. Seriously, it's a sad sight to see a 6'1" 300# grown man blubbering at a TV show.

Don't feel bad, I cried right in the movie theater when "We Were Solders" was first released. Haven't watched it since until last evening, same result.

Rick
SGF, Mo.

Quoted: I had to stop watching the Military and some CNN Special channel yesterday because I ran out of tears due to their programs regarding our boys in green. Seriously, it's a sad sight to see a 6'1" 300# grown man blubbering at a TV show.

that is a sign of your patriotism, no shame in that.

Exellent post Kerry,
These men are definately patriots, it sickens me when the conspiracy nuts start in on these men for "going to war for oil" These men went and served, politics aside, when their country asked they gave.
JKJ

For my part, here are some YouTube vids of the Tomb of the Unkowns at Arlington:

FoxNews Piece on the Honor Guards

The Sentinel's Creed

It is requested that all visitors remain behind the chains and rails!!!!

Outstanding post, lets think of them everyday and not just veterans day.

EXACTLY!!!!! We never hear about our heroes but we hear about worthless air thieves like those I mentioned! There have been how many views of this thread? How many posts? CRAP! Guess you can't get respect for anyone anymore!

On the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington, there was a "Tour" if you will of Arlington Cemetary on the Military Channel today with John McCain as host.

The Sentry on duty at the tomb walks a path of 21 steps does a facing movement left or Right depending on which end of the mat he is at but ALWAYS facing the tomb, he then pauses while facing the tomb, for 21 seconds, then does a right or left facing movement depending once again on which end of the mat he is on and walks 21 steps to the other end.

On Memorial Day the "Old Guard" fall out at the cemetary in Fatigues and web gear with Rucks FULL of small American Flags, which they place out at each and every marker. Takes the whole day to do it.



USMC Silent Drill Team
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y90UPLLo6nY

Whats the story behind this one: Unidentified USN SEAL US Navy SEAL Jun 27 & 28, 2005

And:  
Daniel A Briggs SSgt Classified Unit Apr 26 2004.......Classified Unit???



Veterans day should be reconized more than it is.

What more can I add? You all have said it all.

Quoted: Whats the story behind this one: Unidentified USN SEAL US Navy SEAL Jun 27 & 28, 2005

"Unidentified Navy Seal" can be used to describe several people that day but this ONE
is THE ONE, the Lone Survivor, PO Marcus Luttrell, the Sole Survivor. At the time he was awarded he was still serving on Active Duty so his name was withheld on the Cite.

A Patch of the Texas Flag spattered with blood and mud and other things was worn on Luttrell's gear, that patch now resides on the desk of the Commander in Chief of the US armed Forces President George W Bush.

The TEAM of 4 on a special Recon Mission tailing a Taliban Leader,
Matthew Axleson
Danny P Dietz
Marcus Luttrell
Michael Murphy

Any of these names looking particularly familiar?

Dietz, Axleson, and Luttrell, all received the Navy Cross (Second only to the CMOH)

Michael Murphy Received the CMOH... During the Ceremony to award this to his parents President Bush wore Mike Murphy's Dog tag on a chain around his neck it was presented to him by Mike Murphy's Parents

Dietz, Axelson and Murphy all received their medals Posthumously.

Yes that is correct, of 4 men on the team all 4 received MAJOR awards.
3 Navy Cross, and One Congressional Medal of Honor.

Danny P Dietz
Excerpt from Marcus Luttrell’s book “Lone Survivor”

"That is when they shot him again, right at the base of the neck. I watched in horror as Danny went down, this beautiful guy, husband of Patsy, a friend of mine for four years, a guy who had always been last away while we retreated, a guy who had provided our covering fire until he couldn't stand anymore.
And now he lay on the ground, blood pouring from his five wounds. And I was supposed to be a fucking SEAL medic, and I could not do a damn thing for him without getting us all killed. I dropped my rifle and climbed over the rock, running across open ground to get to him. All right. All right. No hero bullshit. I was crying like a baby.
Danny was saturated in blood, still conscious, still trying to fire his rifle at the enemy. But he was in a facedown position. I told him to take it easy while I turned him over. "C'mon, Dan, we're gonna be all right."
He nodded, and I knew he could not speak and would probably never speak again. What I really remember is, he would not let go of his rifle. I raised him by the shoulders and hauled him into an almost sitting position. Then, grasping him under the arms, I started to drag him backward, toward cover. And would you believe, that little iron man opened fire at the enemy once again, almost lying on his back, blasting away up the hill while I kept dragging.
[...] Mikey and axe were about seventy yards in front, and I was dragging Danny along while he did everything he could to help, trying to walk, trying to give us covering fire.
"It's ok, Danny," I kept saying. "We just need to catch up with the others. It's gonna be all right."
Right then a bullet caught him full in the upper part of his face. I heard it hit home, I turned to help him, and the blood from his head wound spilled over us both. I called out to him. But it was too late. He wasn't fighting the terrible pain anymore. And he couldn't hear me. Danny Dietz died right there in my arms. I don't know how quickly hearts break, but the nearly broke mine.

Yes that is right he was STILL returning fire and covering his team mates until his life ended!

Axleson was doing the same thing with a HEAD WOUND! He was still firing his handgun!

Mike Murphy exposed himself to enemy fire to get in the open to make a call to save his mens lives! He was shot muliple times, twice in the back but got up, said "Yes Sir, Thank you sir!" then went back to fighting. He was killed moments later when his position was overrun.

And:   Daniel A Briggs SSgt Classified Unit Apr 26 2004.......Classified Unit???

Not sure on why the "Classified Unit" thing, but below is his Cite. Showing him as a Combat Medic.

BRIGGS, DANIEL A.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Daniel A. Briggs, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action on 26 April 2004, during combat operations against an armed Iraqi Insurgent force while supporting United States Marine Corps operations in Fallujah, Iraq. Staff Sergeant Briggs repeatedly subjected himself to intense and unrelenting enemy fire in order to provide critical medical attention to severely injured Marines and organized defensive operations. He set the highest example of personal bravery through his demonstrated valor and calmness under fire. Staff Sergeant Briggs' valiant actions prevented enemy insurgent forces from over-running the United States Force's position and were directly responsible for prevention of additional United States military casualties or Prisoners of War by the enemy. His actions under fire as a combat medic were performed with marked distinction and bravery. Staff Sergeant Briggs' distinctive accomplishments are in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, this command, and the United States Army.
Department of the Army, Permanent Orders No. 102-09 (April 12, 2006)

Veterans day should be reconized more than it is.

EXACTLY!!!!

Happy Veterans Day!  I've wondered about my choice on this but i like HAPPY Veterans day!  Mostly cause I'm happy they're still around, Memorial day is a whole nother thing.  So any of you vets on the site Happy Veterans day and thank you.  AFSOC, don't think this means you'll get a cake or flowers.

Oh ok, thanks for the info. I have already read Lone Survivor and gave it to a friend to read. I didnt realize that was his award.

I wonder what the "classified unit" is??? Could be task force 121, or some other CT group. I also just read Down Range about SEALs. They were assigning CIA and FBI agents to the teams to assist in Intel and documenting weapons and terriorists. It was an ok book.

Quoted: Veterans day should be reconized more than it is.

In my arrogant and opinionated little mind, those who matter do indeed recognize Veterans day. It is everyday. F*ck the rest who don't even know what a veteran is.

"A Few Good Men" is not one of my favorite movies but it does contain one of my favorite quotes.  When Demi Moore is asked why she so strongly supports the two young Marine defendants.  She answers, "Cause they stand on a wall. And they say "Nothing's gonna hurt you tonight. Not on my watch."

Goodnight and to those who are standing on a wall somewhere protecting my freedom, I humbly say "Thank you!"

Although I am just a lowly non-citizen living and working here (legally, of course), I feel that I am indebted to the sacrifice of all veterans and those currently in service for the security blanket they have provided me and my family so that we can live in peace and safety. Whether it is educating the public about their bravery and sacrifice in WW2 through reenactment, saying thank you and shaking their hands as I  meet them on the streets, mall, or public events, doing research to find ways for the current servicemen and women to do their job better and more safely, supporting the training of future warriors who will take over their place in the line, and teaching my two kids about the sacrifice given my these brave men and women so my kids will be able to appreciate and thank the veterans themselves, are about the only things I can do to show my thanks.

Thank God for our veterans.  

Thank you to those that are fighting for us now, those that fought for us in the past and those great men/women that have given their lives so we can live ours as free men.

Thanks AFSOC for the great post.  I'm still trying to hold back my tears as I read this at work.

Quoted: I'm still trying to hold back my tears as I read this at work.

For those of you who are holding back your tears, try a little something from Anheuser-Busch.


Welcome Home - The Best Beer Commercial Ever

Quoted: Oh ok, thanks for the info. I have already read Lone Survivor and gave it to a friend to read. I didnt realize that was his award. I wonder what the "classified unit" is??? Could be task force 121, or some other CT group. I also just read Down Range about SEALs. They were assigning CIA and FBI agents to the teams to assist in Intel and documenting weapons and terriorists. It was an ok book.

I doubt it would be TF-121 this activity was in Fallujah attached to the US Marines.
I Believe TF-121 was in Afghanistan and multinational. Could be CAG I suppose but they likely would not have been tending to wounded Marines in Fallujah.

thanks for the great post. our vets just don't get the kind of recognition they deserve, of that there is no doubt.

I wished a few of my people a happy vets day today. One of them said "thanks, your the first to say it".

Quoted: I had to stop watching the Military and some CNN Special channel yesterday because I ran out of tears due to their programs regarding our boys in green. Seriously, it's a sad sight to see a 6'1" 300# grown man blubbering at a TV show.

I watch those all the time, and I cry all the time.  I'm OK until one of them gets choked up, then it's "cry me a river".

I'm grateful such men are ready to fight for us so that I can spend my time worried about my next range trip and not what bus is going to explode in my city.  I feel humbled by their  deeds and angry they are never given the recognition they deserve by our horrendous media.

Well Eric, how about a "Veteran's" sticky?
Just posting Veterans Stories and Articles to keep you openly weeping?

I submit to wrench at your heart strings.
James J Cathey
Rocky Mountain News Article

Slide Show

Diary Of A Last and Final Flight Home (Author Unknown)

February 17, 2007,
0350
I was at curbside at 24th and M, Washington DC . 16 Degrees with a light breeze. Going home after my second week of freezing temps to my warm home in SoCal. Take a walk on the beach, ride a horse, climb a mountain and get back to living. I'm tired of the cold.

0425
paying the taxi fare at Dulles in front of the United Airlines counter, still cold.

0450
engaged the self-serve ticker machine and it delivers my ticket, baggage tag and boarding pass. Hmmm, that Marine over there is all dressed up in his dress blues a bit early this morning... "Good Morning Captain, you're looking sharp." He says, "Thank you, sir."

Pass Security and to my gate for a decaf coffee and 5 hours sleep. A quick check of the flight status monitor and UA Flt 211 is on time. I'm up front, so how bad can that be? Hmmm, there's that same Marine. He must be heading to Pendleton to see his lady at LAX for the long weekend, all dressed up like that. Or maybe not. I dunno.

The speaker system announces "Attention in the boarding area, we'll begin boarding in 10 minutes, we have some additional duties to attend to this morning, but we'll have you out of here on time."

The Marine Captain has now been joined by five others. BINGO, I get it, he's not visiting his lady, he's an official escort. I remember doing that once, CACO duty. I still remember the names of the victim and family, The Bruno Family in Mojave - all of them, wows, that was 24 years ago.

On board, 0600:
"Good morning folks, this is the Captain. This morning we've been attending to some additional duties, and I apologize for being 10 minutes late for push back, but I believe we'll be early into LAX. This morning it is my sad pleasure to announce that 1st LT Jared Landaker, USMC will be flying with us to his Big Bear home in Southern California. Jared lost his life over the skies of Iraq earlier this month, and today we have the honor of returning him home along with his mother, father and brother . Please join me in making the journey comfortable for the Landaker family and their uniformed escort. Now sit back and enjoy your ride. We're not expecting any turbulence until we reach the Rocky Mountain area, but we'll do what we can to ensure a smooth ride. For those interested, you can listen in to our progress on Channel 9."

Click Channel 9: "Good morning UA 211. You are cleared to taxi, takeoff and cleared to LAX as filed."

4 hours and 35 minutes later over Big Bear MT, the AB320 makes a left roll, a steep bank and then one to the right-Nice touch. Nice tribute. Five minutes out from landing, the Captain comes on the speaker: "Ladies and Gents, after landing I'm leaving the fasten seatbelt sign on, and I ask everyone to please yield to the Landaker family. Please remain seated until all members of the family have departed the aircraft. Thank you for your patience. We are 20 minutes early."

On roll out, I notice red lights, emergency vehicles approaching. We're being escorted directly to our gate, no waiting, not even a pause. Out the left window, a dozen Marines in full dress blues. A true class act by everyone, down to a person. Way to go United Airlines for doing things RIGHT, Air Traffic Control for getting the message, and to all security personnel for your display of brotherhood.

When the family departed the aircraft everyone sat silent, then I heard a lady say,"God Bless you and your family, and thank you." Then a somber round of applause. The Captain read a prepared note from Mrs. Landaker to the effect, "Thank you all for your patience and heartfelt concern for us and our son. We sincerely appreciate the sentiment. It's good to have Jared home."

After departing the a/c I found myself along with 30 others from our flight looking out the lobby window back at the plane. Not a dry eye. It was one of the most emotional moments I've ever experienced. We all stood there silently, and watched as Jared was taken by his honor guard to an awaiting hearse. Then the motorcade slowly made it's way off the ramp.

Official Report: February 7, 2007, Anbar Province, Iraq .. 1st LT Jared Landaker United States Marine Corps, from Big Bear California, gave his live in service to his country. Fatally wounded when his CH-46 helicopter was shot down by enemy fire. Jared and his crew all perished. His life was the ultimate sacrifice of a grateful military family and nation.

His death occurred at the same time as Anna Nicole Smith, a drug using person with a 7th grade education of no pedigree who dominated our news for two weeks while Jared became a number on CNN. And most unfortunately, Jared's death underscores a fact that we are a military at war, not a nation at war. It has been said that Marines are at war. America is at the mall.

Falluja 2004.

I took this picture at the Freaker's Ball 2007 just a couple of weeks ago. It brings tears to my eyes for some reason.

Shameless bump to the top.

I am Thankful also this holiday season that these heroes stand ready to do what is required to keep the country relatively safe... Just a note below that it is not only men getting these awards but women as well. A Veteran is a Veteran.


Soldier Earns Silver Star for Her Role in Defeating Ambush

By Ann Scott Tyson
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, June 17, 2005; Page A21

Sgt. Leigh Ann Hester fought her way through an enemy ambush south of Baghdad, killing three insurgents with her M-4 rifle to save fellow soldiers' lives -- and yesterday became the first woman since World War II to win the Silver Star medal for valor in combat.

The 23-year-old retail store manager from Bowling Green, Ky., won the award for skillfully leading her team of military police soldiers in a counterattack after about 50 insurgents ambushed a supply convoy they were guarding near Salman Pak on March 20.

Originally Posted By -Unknown Author: DEFINITION OF A VETERAN "A veteran - whether active duty, retired, national guard, or reserve - is someone who, at one point in his or her life, wrote a blank check made payable to The 'United States of America', for an amount of 'up to and including my life.' That is Honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it."

I feel your pain.  I watched We Were Soldiers tonight on AFN in Baghdad and had to walk out becase of the tears.  Thanks for all the support everyone.  It means more than you know.

Danny
SGT, MO

I feel your pain.  I watched We Were Soldiers tonight on AFN in Baghdad and had to walk out becase of the tears.  Thanks for all the support everyone.  It means more than you think.

Danny
SGT, MO

I feel your pain.  I watched We Were Soldiers tonight on AFN in Baghdad and had to walk out becase of the tears.  Thanks for all the support everyone.  It means more than you think.

Danny
SGT, MO

I went and talked to a recruiter today about enlisting in the reserves.  My way of saying thank you to all that have served past, present and future.