NEWLY UPDATED: President Obama to Award First Metal of Honor
Army Staff Sgt. Jared Monti, who, when fighting in Afghanistan with the 10th Mountain Division, gave his own life attempting to save another soldier, will posthumously receive the Medal of Honor, our nation’s highest military honor, the White House announced on Friday.
This will be a first to be awarded by President Obama.
Staff Sgt. Monti was a highly decorated soldier. “His military decorations include: the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, five Army Commendation Medals, four Army Achievement Medals, three Good Conduct Medals, three National Defense Service Medals, to name a few” according to the White House Press release.
He was 31 when he died heroically.
On a side note:
It was a personal honor to meet and work for Senator Bob Kerrey, a former Navy Seal and Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient, as a part of his team in the 1992 Democratic Primary for President. He remains a part of my definition of bravery to this day.
With all the news of “man’s inhumanity to man” we read, it is a true gift to us all to learn of those Armed Forces members who “distinguish themselves conspicuously by gallantry above and beyond the call of duty” all while displaying great personal bravery and the ultimate in self-sacrifice.
Manjushri Jared Monti.
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Congressional Medal Of Honor Society
Comments
I'm Jared Monti's uncle. As you can imagine, we are very proud of Jared. To try to answer your question, I think America's view of war in general has changed. Because of techno changes to battle, less men and women are dying on the battlefield. The loss of a loved one in battle has always been heart wrenching and should never be taken lightly. If you look at the history of the Medal of Honor you will see that the most awarded were during the Civil War. But the most awarded on one given day was during WWII at Iwo Jima. War is not fought now the way it was then. This is a good thing. It's not important how many any given president awards, but the fact that through out America's history, young men and women have given their lives to protect the principles that we hold dear. Value your freedom, it came at a very high price. God Bless American and thank God for the men and women of our armed services. They are the guardians of liberty, the watchdogs of democracy and the defenders of freedom !
Yes, this is the first MoH given by Obama. Looks like he is on track to exceed President Bush in his recognition of military heroism.
Bush only presented 5 MoH’s during his entire presidency. Statically that is the fewest MoH’s ever awarded per the duration of the conflict or per number of casualties. You tell me why that is. I sure as shit know it’s not because the service members have not earned them.
Just one more reason I am ashamed of former President Bush.