Global War on Terrorism Service Medal

[BMCM Deane Smith]

Well, the much anticipated GWOTSM message is out and it looks as though (nearly) everyone in the CG will receive it. The criteria for wearing is...

"IN RECOGNITION OF THE UNPRECEDENTED ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF OUR ENTIRE ACTIVE AND RESERVE WORKFORCE IN THE AFTERMATH OF 9-11 AS WE HAVE TRANSITIONED TO A HIGHER LEVEL OF MARITIME PREPAREDNESS THAT BETTER PROTECTS THE HOMELAND FROM TERRORIST ACTIVITIES, THE COMMANDANT OF THE COAST GUARD HAS AWARDED THE GWOTSM TO ALL COAST GUARD ACTIVE DUTY AND RESERVE MEMBERS ON ACTIVE DUTY BETWEEN 11 SEP 2001 AND 30 JAN 2005 (IRAQI NATIONAL ELECTIONS).

TO QUALIFY, MEMBERS MUST HAVE SERVED ON ACTIVE DUTY FOR A PERIOD OF NOT LESS THAN 30 CONSECUTIVE DAYS OR 60 CUMULATIVE DAYS FOLLOWING THE COMPLETION OF INITIAL ACCESSION POINT TRAINING. SERVICE WHILE ASSIGNED TO TRAINING DUTY AS A STUDENT, CADET, OFFICER CANDIDATE, AND DUINS DOES NOT COUNT TOWARD ELIGIBILITY. THIS INCLUDES BOTH TRAINING AND SUMMER CRUISES FOR CGA AND OCS. PSC WILL MAKE ONE TIME SERVICE RECORD ENTRIES FOR ALL PERSONNEL WHO QUALIFY DURING THIS TIME PERIOD ONLY."
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What do you think of this one??

[OSC Thomas Jackson]

It may only be me, but I feel that the actual meaning of the medal may have been taken away. It falls in with the other medals/ribbons that we have received for just being in the military at the right time (i.e. DOT Outstanding Service, CG Bicentennial, National Defense, just to name a few). Shouldn't there be some kind of criteria that must be met like there was for the 9-11 Medal and Ribbon?

[BMCS Shawn Vredenburg]

What does it mean to me? It means I gotta update my ribbons. And next time some civilian looks at my umpteen-dozen ribbons on my chest and asks what I did to get "all of those".....I can be even more honest when I say "oh, they give this stuff to everyone"

[BMCM Stuart S. Slesh]

Thomas, when they came out with it there was a criteria. But just like the 9-11 Medal and Ribbon, that criteria grew so no one had to get their feels hurt. I wish I bought stock in Ultra-thin about six years ago. On a positive note, the people that weren't in the CG in 1990 now have their own BUC.

[OSC Thomas Jackson]

I know what you mean Stu. I just purchased new ribbons from them when I received a Meritorious Team Commendation a couple of months ago. Now, I have to order new ones.

[BMCS Jerry Greer]

Ultrathin can add a new ribbon to your existing set. Less cash.

Check out their website.

[OSC Thomas Jackson]

Thanks for the info Senior Chief. Will check it out

[DCCS Keith Wilbee]

Shawn (Senior Chief): Or you could say you were part of a unique organization that is daily spending countless hours of protecting the home front.
Kinda like the guy that polishes his cutermans pin, take some pride in it.
I see the guy thats wearing his polished cuttermans pin as showing more pride by selfishly shining that thing. I also see more pride in the Chiefs and above who choose to wear all of their ribbons instead of being to lazy or cheap to wear them all. I try to take pride in this service that I've chosen to dedicate my life to, and thats the message I want to send to our younger folks. I remember back at a small boat station we received a MUC, almost everyone had one except a few of us junior folks, man that made my day, and a few more shipmates days as well. I was very proud to part of this organization that day, and still today as well, not because of my sixteen ribbons though, but because I've made a difference in the lives of the Junior folks coming up, wasnt always about the money or retirement for me.

[BMC Ken Gouge]

Thomas,
Just like the 9/11 ribbon / medal, there is also a GWOT"E"M (expeditionary medal) for which there was strict criteria. Members can also have earned both, providing the times don't overlap. (didn't understand that part...) it's all in the message.

Keith,
I shine both my cox'n and cuttrmans pin and stand behind you wholeheartedly. Regardles of the reasoning behind the award, if your OPTEMPO didn't change because of the events post 9/11 you've been slacking. Whether it was having to order more supplies, cook more meals, stand more watches do more patrols or whatever. I dont get the need fo both the 9/11 and the GWOT, but the lord thy Commandant has deemed that I need to spend another $0.33 of my uniform allowance to be in uniform so be it.

Ken

[OSC Thomas Jackson]

Ken, I guess the point that I am trying to get across is:

1) I have a cousin serving in the Marines who has been to Iraq twice and has seen active fighting and has had friends killed in front of him on both occasions. He's not even 21 yet. I also have friends in the Coast Guard who have been there. I have been in for almost 25 years and hold two National Defense Ribbons and now will hold the anti-terrorism ribbon, and have never seen actual combat. Yeah I've busted my ass to do my job due to the increase workload, but it was still the same job that I had done during so called "Peace Time".

2) Why did it take 9-11 to open our eyes to terrorism? What about the attacks prior to 9-11: BLT Barracks/Beruit - 1983, OPM SANG - 1995, Khobar Towers - 1996, Nairobi/Dar As Salamm - 1998 and USS Cole - 2000? I mean what the hell were we doing then? What happend, did we all of a sudden wake up and see that we were being attacked and decided to take action and oh by the way we'll create a new ribbon.

I need to stop, getting kind of irritated...... sorry.

[BMCS Roland Ashby]

Well at least this one is only being given to those that were on active duty! There are still a bunch of Reservists who have not been recalled under title 10 and I don't beleive will be eligible for this.

[BMC Ken Gouge]

Don't get me wrong, I'm not striving for extra ribbons, and my feelings won't be hurt if I don't get another one. Honestly I have a few other things higher on my list of stuff to concern myself with than ribbons. I also wish I had stock in ultra-thin...

The people in combat should be considered for something a little more than a gimme award that isn't even worth a point on the SWE.

One big difference is that the twin towers happened on our soil. While the federal building bombing did as well, we had a dope non-inhaling draft dodger in the white house at the time and he was probably more worried about stepping on someones toes. I'm also pretty sure there were re-election implications fo him as well. I seem to recall a previous bombing at the WTC as well that was not on your list.

[BMCS Shawn Vredenburg]

All of the "stuff" on our uniforms are supposed to represent things. Achievements, seniority, responsibility, abilities, etc.

We are handing out so much "stuff", much of it "stuff" that represents little if any of the above, that the "stuff" no longer represents much.

It is corporate management meets cub scouts. In every corporate management book (mostly written by Blanchard) it says how you have to reward your employees. Management takes this to heart and rewards EVERY employee in one fell swoop. So the guys over in the desert heat, the WPB sailors who are u/w more, the Station guys who have seen the optempo absolutely go through the roof, the MSO guys who had to come back after lunch (twice even :eek: )...they all get the same award as the dirtbag who has managed to stay on the sick/lame/lazy list since he enlisted last year.

I see the same stuff in my son's cub scouts. With cub scouts, you get a belt loop for just about anything. Go play miniature golf once with your parents, and you are brought up in front of the pack meeting and "presented" with a golfing belt loop to wear on your uniform.

My 6 year old son proudly wears all of his belt loops because, in the eyes of a 6 year old, he earned them. I proudly wear my anchor (w/star), my OIC pin, coxn pin, and a few ribbons/medals because, in the eyes of this old fart, I earned them.

I wear a bunch of other "stuff" (bicentennial ribbon, a humanitarian medal, DOT Gold, and now this) on my uniform because it's required. I didn't do a damn thing to earn the bicentennial ribbon (nobody did!). I didn't do anything to earn the humanitarian medal (some people did, and they should proudly wear it. I didn't do a damn thing). I didn't do anything to earn the DOT Gold. And I didn't do much to earn this new one.

Here's another way of thinking of it. If you're so proud to wear these "gimme" ribbons/medals....can you tell me what some of them are for?

We got the bicentennial ribbon for having a friggin picnic that day. Everyone in the Coast Guard had a picnic that day, and we got a ribbon for it.

Without looking, what did anyone do to earn the Humanitarian medal?

Without looking, what did anyone do to earn the DOT Gold?

Can anyone remember??

I can't. I have a bunch of "stuff" on my chest that I don't remember what I got it for, so it has no meaning to me.

Corporate cub-scout fluff!

[BMCS Burt Ford]

Ok without looking Shawn I think I got my Humanitarian Medal for Haitian Ops in the early nineties(May be wrong). But I did not intercept any Haitian escaping to/from Tennessee or Arkansas along the mighty Mississippi. But I did keep a sharp lookout in-between bouys ops!

Aggree with your points. All good!

[BMC Ken Gouge]

If you'll re-read my post, I said nothing about pride in them. I just dont see it as something to get worked up over. I know which ones mean something and which dont. Looking at my ribbon bar anyone else in the CG would too.

I am more upset about some of the non-operational types (no offense) that have extremely high level awards, knowing that the most arduous thing most of them had to do to earn it was stay late a few workdays and come in on the odd weekend when they weren't standing their 1 or 2 duty days a month. My point is that the handing out of medals that DO affect careers bugs me more than the gimme chest candy.

Did I just stir the pot?

Ken

[PAC Darrell Wilson (Ret)]

Here's something to think about. How many senior officers have you seen awarded the MSM? Neal Armstrong was awarded the MSM for his trip to the moon and walking on the surface and planting the American flag.

[BMCM Deane Smith]

Shawn...I understand your points. I do remember why I got (all three) of my HSM's (all were for Haitian ops and Cuban ops in the early 90's), I vaguely remember the BUC as being for a few significant events that the entire CG was involved in during 1989/1990. I do remember where I got (both) of my DOT Outstanding Unit Awards (one with an "O"), I do remember why I got the 9-11 Medal and the GWOTSM.

My problem is when EVERYONE gets the same award, no matter what their participation. It would be nice to be able to look at someone and say...they must have been in NYC for the WTC or something else...we can't do that because we have over-awarded another deserving (for some) award.

[BMCS Dennis Endicott ret]

We've had this conversation in other threads. Interesting that it keeps re-emerging.

I don't shine my breast insignia. It's not about laziness or lack of pride. They just look better with that natural patina.

I don't take pride in my ribbon bar. Too many things on there that I just don't deserve. You can count the GWTSM among them.

[BMCM Stuart S. Slesh]

I also don't shine my insignia. The shiny ones seem out of place for me. I have never taken it to the extreme where green funk starts growing either.
I remember why I got both HSMs and didn't feel as though the entire CG deserved either. Throw the GWTSM and the 9/11 Medal in that same group.
I need to wade thru the clutter on my chest to point out the awards that I deserved. And though it was brought up before, I'll say it again. Some of the stuff I now wear should have been given to me as a BM3 or BM2 when I earned it, as opposed to getting it as a BMC or BMCS when someone else thought it was more appropriate for me to have.

[BMC Ken Gouge]

Darrell, I think you and I are on the same page about part of this. It's like the Skipper that gets an MSM for his "end-of-tour" award. If that's what he earned by the letter of the M.& A.M. then so be it, but how many of his non-rates and junior PO's were recognized for the crap included in the skippers write-up???

I have yet to find any mention of rank having anything to do with an award (in writing), but I have heard it from the mouths of award board members... "An Achievement Medal for an E-4? He doesn't even have an LOC yet..."

Deane, unless I read it wrong, you should be able to tell because there are "higher ranking" awards for each, such as the DOT 9/11 medal and the GWOTEM that were to be for the people responding to the actual emergency or those actually deployed to a combat zone.

In each case it was up to the individual unit Commanders to submit names from their unit with justification. Those were considered for the higher medals if they actually did meet the criteria.

Ken

[BMCM Deane Smith]

Ken...I wish it were that easy. They gave EVERYONE in NYC the 9-11 Medal, no matter what their response level (i.e. CO's secretary got it just like the Cutters that responded). That's the problem, you can't just look at who's wearing the medal vice the ribbon. I can tell you firsthand that people are wearing the 9-11 medal who do not meet the criteria (as it's written).

[BMC Ken Gouge]

Maybe that should fall to the unit CO/OIC to put in those people for an award that'll help 'em on the SWE. All they can say is no. I bet there were real awards given out during the inclusive dates of all of our gimme awards, and they would actually mean something to those that were at the pointy end of the stick.

I still remember why I got an LOC as a SN, and I still have that point for final multiples. During that tour I got a humanitarian, a nat'l defense and a few unit-coms, but the LOC was for ME, not the Guard or the Unit.

Cut and paste, change the names and specifics and submit everyone that responded. You could probably find a few that deserve better in doing so. They may laugh, or they may forward it to other local units and tell them to do the same, especially now that they have seen these 2 awards.

I'm sure at the inception it was supposed to be a more meaningful award, but those that create them probably didn't want to be left out. So far we have gotten one award when Sec. Mineta handed over the reins, and another when Sec. Ridge did. Hmmmmm

[BMCM Stuart S. Slesh]

If the criteria for the award had been adhered to, it would have continued to mean something to the people at the pointy end of the stick. But after what happened, they have lost their meaning.

[BMCS Jim Madsen]

Tom, I have one word for you... VOTE!

[BMC Dan Certa]

The argument against this recognition does not make sense to me. We are awarded ribbons and medals for being part of somthing greater than our selves most times. How many of you would have obtained your achievement or commendation medals without the support and hard work of those around you; your crews, your men & women; your support personnel at the group or headquarters? It's about being part of a greater effort.
Did we earn our CG Good Conduct awards, or did we just do our jobs and keep our noses clean? Did we earn our cutterman devices, or did we do the PQS everyone else does and show up to work for five years afloat?
If I do five years afloat on major cutters, do I criticize those who jump from PB to Harbor Tug to PB? It's all service and it all deserves recognition. Myself and many more spent countless days and nights on patrol in NY harbor. We'll never know what potential attack we prevented, but we, and those who provided the logistics, support, and encouragement to complete these patrols, not only in New York City, but around the country deserve to be recognized. We sure are not going to get a Christmas bonus, but we are all recognized with a medal or ribbon bar. That's more than enough for your average Coast Guardsman. To tear-down our leadership for trying to support us is not productive nor will it reap positive change.
I proudly wear each of my 34 awards, my coxswain, cutterman, and boat force insignia for they represent not my personal achievements, but memorialize those times in my career when I was part of somthing greater than myself.

[BMCM Stuart S. Slesh]

And I'd buy off on the being part of something bigger..............but let's focus on the being PART of it for a minute. The 9/11 criteria for the medal was very specific.... and completely ignored. If they want to create something to recognize what we're doing to thwart terrorism ....fine. But by giving it to everyone, we're not recognizing the people that were PART of anything. You're proud of everything that you wear because you feel that you played a part in the events being recognized. Realize that others don't share in your sense of accomplishment because we didn't play a part in that big picture.
Just to keep things in perspective, don't you think that there should be a way to tell the difference between the boat crews who helped evacuate NYC on 9/11 and the members of the MAA force? Because there isn't. EVERYONE assigned to ACTNY was issued the Medal. Issued being the key word in that sentence.
If you meet the criteria for something, it is earned. The permanent cutterman's pin should have to be earned. The coxswain pin....earned. If we start issuing them out, regardless of the bigger picture, the message and meaning, gets lost.

[BMCM Deane Smith]

Stu...you beat me to the punch. Nicely said.

Dan said...To tear-down our leadership for trying to support us is not productive nor will it reap positive change.

No one is questioning that leadership is supporting us, it's that they're also supporting those that shouldn't get the support. How does that make sense?

And, I don't have a problem with giving awards to those that deserve them. If 70% of the CG deserves an award, they should get it...but, the 30% shouldn't. We shouldn't just round up to get to 100%.

[BMC Ken Gouge]

And I'd buy off on the being part of something bigger..............but let's focus on the being PART of it for a minute. The 9/11 criteria for the medal was very specific.... and completely ignored. If they want to create something to recognize what we're doing to thwart terrorism ....fine. But by giving it to everyone, we're not recognizing the people that were PART of anything.

Stu, I think you have them mixed up, the GWOTSM is the one that was just awarded for the entire CG. I compare it to the DOT Outstanding thingy we Got as a parting gesture from Sec Mineta. The 9/11 ribbon is what you will see most of us wearing

The DOT 9/11 ribbon required submission of names by each individual command for members who met the criteria. The Medal also required a one page summary of action for the person or group. True, in most cases it was the entire operational unit submitted. But if OIC's and CO's put their people in for it without meeting the established criteria, it doesn't take away from the rest.

If you get right down to it, (in hindsight) if you didn't go ashore near the wreckage, or weren't stationed in the Pentagon, you were in no more danger than I was at a Station in California. It's just that none of us knew that at the time. It was being part of the "what will they do next" and then having to guard every piece of "critical infrastructure" that a large portion of us participated in. For example, DC and NYC had already been hit and we had no reason to believe that San Fran or LA wouldnt be next.

[BMC Dan Certa]

I understand your argument Stuart, but the ACTNY MAA Force did work long hours to keep up those barracks I stayed in during the ops in NY, I appreciate thier support, and understand why COMDT did include those guys and gals in the eligibility list. I know quite a few guys who were sleeping on shop floors and eating MRE's until rooms became available, both in NY and NJ. I would throw the BS Flag if the GWOT Expeditionary Medal was awarded to state-side harbor patrol ops, but this is not the case and the service medal seems appropriate to me per eligibility requirements pasted below.

SPECIFIED OPERATIONS TO DATE INCLUDE: NOBLE EAGLE, LIBERTY
SHIELD, NEPTUNE SHIELD, PORT SHIELD, ENDURING FREEDOM, AND IRAQI
FREEDOM. FUTURE WAR ON TERRORISM OPERATIONS ELIGIBILITY SHALL BE
DETERMINED AND APPROVED BY THE AREA COMMANDERS, WITHOUT FURTHER
DELEGATION. DIRECT SUPPORT IS DEFINED AS THAT SUPPORT WHICH ALLOWS AN OPERATIONAL UNIT TO EXECUTE ITS DAY TO DAY WAR ON TERRORISM MISSION. IT IS ADMINISTRATIVE, LOGISTICAL, PLANNING, OPERATIONAL, TECHNICAL, AND READINESS SUPPORT DIRECTLY RELATED TO A NAMED WAR ON TERRORISM OPERATION.

[BMC Ken Gouge]

The Trans 9/11 medal places above the achievement medal, and I assume would get you a point or 2 on the SWE. The ribbon lands down near the Humanitarian service (as it should) but on the ribbon bar they look EXACTLY the same.

Technically you could have earned both if, for example, you were at Station New York, then transferred to another unit the following summer. You would be given 2 different awards, with 2 different criteria thus be authorized to wear both on your ribbon bar. And without the associated medal dangling from one of them they look the same...

That IMHO is where they screwed the pooch.

Oddly enough, while the GWOTEM and the GWOTSM are next to each other in precedence, and are technically just chest candy, they have a different color scheme from each other.

[BMCM Deane Smith]

Dan...your kind of making my point (and Stu's) for me. The MAA staff in NYC should have received the 9-11 ribbon, not the medal. They would have gotten an award that showed their participation level and those that met the 9-11 medal criteria would have recieved theirs. Instead, EVERYONE got the medal, that where the issue is for me. I think the MAA staff deserves the ribbon, not the medal.

Ken...you're confused. First, the 9-11 medal and ribbon look very different on the ribbon bar...clear differences between the two. Second, you're not authorized to wear both of the awards. There are people (myself included) that have received both awards from different units...however, I'm only authorized to wear one of them.

[BMC Ken Gouge]

My appologies. The CG ribbon checker lists both, has them in the proper location for precedence, but on the graphic they are both displayed as the same ribbon.

In my defense, you are also mistaken. Everyone did not get the medal. Check Direct access, I for one got the ribbon. Perhaps some people wearing the Medal are wearing the wrong award merely out of confusion...

If not then I may join you in your anger. If people desevring of the ribbon were mistakenly awarded the medal, and if there are points involved, there may be a larger problem.

[BMC Ken Gouge]

This is one problem with handing out awards via the internet... Send me a Memo, a Page 7 or a piece of parchment with the proper award and there is little chance I'll get it wrong. And if you throw in a ribbon or medal, I wont buy the wrong one at the exchange.

[BMCM Deane Smith]

Ken...I'm not mistaken. Everyone in NYC during a period after 9-11 received the medal, no matter what their involvement. I didn't say Everyone in the CG got the medal, I was referencing the NYC issue.

[BMC Dan Certa]

Miscommunication on my part. I am referring to the award that this thread was titled upon, the Global War On Terrorism Service Medal or GWOTSM and the Global War On Terrorism Expeditionary Medal or GWOTEM, not the Transportation 9/11 Medal and ribbon bar.

[BMCM Stuart S. Slesh]

And Deane, as always, has my back on this one.
Ken, trust me, I am not mixed up on this. I had to submit the members of my crew for the Medal three or four times. I had to justify why they met the criteria for the Medal. I was not attached to the HAWSER on 9/11. But the HAWSER was the first unit on scene that day. They started evacuating people from Manhattan. The Medal was designed for them. Three years later, they were presented with the Medal.........along with EVERYONE else assigned to ACTNY. That included the Cutters that were in the yards, the ones that stayed in port, people TAD and on leave, satelite units that never entered the harbor, and those members of the MAA force that had been $h!+canned from other units.
Dan, the same thing that happened with the 9/11 Medal has resurfaced with the GWOTSM, only on a larger scale. I hope no one who hasn't met the criteria for the GWOTEM is mistakenly issued it. But let's be honest, not everyone in the CG is engaged in combating terrorism.......on any level. Giving everyone recognition for the labors of some, makes no sense to me. They could have limited it to only people who did PWCS or supported it. If they didn't want to take the time to figure out who that was, why bother creating the Medal. If they really wanted everyone to have it they could have just called it I was in the CG when we switched to the Dept of Homeland Security Medal or IWINTCGWWSTTDOH for short. Again, you and I can say that we have done things post 9/11 to stop terrorism that we hadn't done pre 9/11. But not everyone can say the same thing. There are people that will join the CG tomorrow, that will do more to prevent terrorism in the next six months, than other active duty people have done in the last four years.

[BMCS Burt Ford]

Deane and Stu, well said. I agree with you both. The awards for eveyone take away the validity of the award. I for one remember a day when that did not matter to me but now, with changing times I think it should. I remember the 9/11 ribbon, I had to prove we actually got u/w after/during the attacks but ALL the support personnel were awarded the ribbon and numerous medals on the first go around, even though I submitted the names as requested. I would also like to thank those of you who put in tireless hours uw for PWCS! They/You deserve this medal and should wear it with pride.

[BMCM Stuart S. Slesh]

Though not entirely on subject, it goes back to the famous permanent cutterman's pin incident a few years ago. Someone at the end of their 20+ year career hadn't found the time to meet the qualifications for their pin. They were allowed to forego the requirements everyone else had to do and went TAD for the month required to meet the five year mark. That being the first and only requirement that they met. Then to add insult to injury, they did a three page write up about it in the CG Magazine. Some of us were appauled. If they wanted the pin that bad, they should have just gone to the exchange and bought it. It was not EARNED. But by GIVING it to that person, it cheapened it for the rest of us. The story continues......9/11 Medal......GWOTSM...........why set a standard that you're not willing to enforce ?

[BMCS Jim Madsen]

What ever happened to "Battle Streamers" for the Service, rather than ribbons and medals for Everyone? Give the medals to those that earned them and if it is Servicewide event, give the Service a Battle Streamer.

[PACS Steve Carleton]

The Admin Officer just came down and showed us the GWOTM that everyone in the Command will receive at the next All Hands.

Not that it makes that much difference to me, but it seems like people want (need?) chest candy.

Damn, now, I have to get the mini medals mounted, AGAIN for the third time in as many years! Do you think I could file for reimbursement?

[BMC Ken Gouge]

Just do what Dennis does and refuse the award :)

Stu, I remember the incident of which you speak, and have wondered at times if he ever reads these posts... Is he a member?

Jim. I think for the battle streamers congress has to do something, it isn't something done by each branch of the service. Did any of the other services get "everyone" awards for either the GWOT or 9/11? It would be interesting to know.

Ken

[BMCM Stuart S. Slesh]

He can't be a member because he is retireed......unless our policy changes. Everyone start voting. Even then I....I say again, I, believe he turned his back on the Chiefs Corp long ago.
This isn't a personal award, your PERSRU will be entering the data, so I don't think that you can actually refuse it. You can refuse to wear it, but you're entitled to it. Any time that you wear all of your ribbons it should be amoungst them, or you're wrong.

[PACS Steve Carleton]

Just wear the Top 3, I'm sure it won't be up that high.

That will show them!!!!!!!

[BMCM Stuart S. Slesh]

Yeah, but that's what the Os do so you don't have to be reminded that they have no sea time or good conduct. Their lowest personal award is usually an Achievement Medal as well. Some people would still be wearing the 9/11 Medal as their highest award.

[EMC Travis S. Parks]

Thank goodness I will finally be recognized for all my hardships ;) I defended McMurdo station Antarctica and Todd Pacific shipyard from Al-Qaeda and sacrificed a lot by giving up my best EM2 to do security.


The sarcasm doesn't show does it?

[BMCS Jim Madsen]

Does the GWOTSM come before or after the Antarctic Service Medal? How many Seattle Mariners games do you need to attend to earn an award? I should be getting close, and I have to drive 3 hours to Safeco field.

[PACS Steve Carleton]

According to ALCOAST 274/05 the GWOTSM is worn between the National Defense and Humanitarian Service Medals.

Hmmmm, it could be argued that the various operations that qualify us for the award could fit in one of those two categories.

[BMC Dan Certa]

One of the Firemen at my old unit was on leave in the city during the attack. He reported to the Battery Park CG and worked providing support to the first responders, acting as driver for VIP's (he is an ex-NYC cabbie), etc.. He was awarded a well-deserved CG Commendation Medal as recognition for his actions. Since we're discussing 9/11 awards, I'm interested to know if the actions of a few of the other members O/S have been recognized in this way, or are these "1st on-scene" Coasties receiving the Transportation 9/11 or CG-Wide GWOTSM only and why?

[BMCM Stuart S. Slesh]

Well since you're asking, the crew of the HAWSER were all put in for something for their actions on and around 9/11 and the months to follow, including the flight that crashed off of JFK where they were again the first on scene. The STURGEON BAY didn't put anyone in for personal awards because, we felt that "WE", were only doing our job. Our actions after 9/11 were roled into our "end of tour" awards. We were the only unit in the harbor that first week who didn't write people up for individual awards. ACTNY issued personal awards to all of the COs and OINCs of their units after 9/11 with the exception of the HAWSER, whose actions were recognized in his "end of tour" award.

[YNC Josh Braarud]

One of the Firemen at my old unit was on leave in the city during the attack. He reported to the Battery Park CG and worked providing support to the first responders, acting as driver for VIP's (he is an ex-NYC cabbie), etc.. He was awarded a well-deserved CG Commendation Medal as recognition for his actions. Since we're discussing 9/11 awards, I'm interested to know if the actions of a few of the other members O/S have been recognized in this way, or are these "1st on-scene" Coasties receiving the Transportation 9/11 or CG-Wide GWOTSM only and why?

I was the awards YN at D1 when the bulk of the awards came through post-9/11. I remember that one very well. I'd say it was the most deserving of the over 300 awards I reviewed.

[BMC Dan Certa]

What a great guy he was to work with, too Josh. The point I am trying to make is that the entire NY Tri-State area Coast Guard and beyond was involved and working hard during, and for months after the WTC attack. Personally, I have no problem with the Transportation 9/11 or the Global War ribbon bars and medals; no matter what the citations read, because I know of Coasties who went above and beyond the call during those days and months and have been decorated appropriately for thier service. They recieved these personal awards because of the dedication of thier supervisors, Officers & CPO's alike, who were determined to see the awards process through. The service awards (GWOT, 9/11), like it or not, are just that. Similar to the National Defense, or Expeditionary Medals; awarded to large groups of people as a testamonial to thier duty during service-wide or area-wide efforts. 'Service Awards' tend to be awarded to groups who "just did thier job" in the right way, at the right time, i.e., Meritorious Unit Commendation, Battle E, and so on. These are important awards, however to recognize action truly above and beyond the call by individuals, always go for the personal award and don't wait for a 'going away present'.

[BMCM Stuart S. Slesh]

And it might start to sound like I'm beating a dead horse.....but I don't give out presents. I recognize people for a body of work. I would also recognize them for a single significant event.
And Dan, not to be cynical, but I saw people get recognition for stuff that they came no where near accomplishing. I saw people getting awards, and I saw what they actually did. Two very different things.
And we're back....full circle. Your guy got recognition for the great things that he accomplished. That's what should happen. Other people got equal or higher recognition for the things that they said they did, and it cheapened the entire process.
Case and point..?.. I read the COMDT speech where he referred to a couple of people I know as "Real CG Heros",..........and I know what they actually did.

[BMCM Deane Smith]

Dan...You haven't really answered the question about whether you think the entire NYC area should have received the 9-11 Medal.

So, what do you think? Should everyone in NYC (including the MAA staff and CO's secretary) have received the 9-11 medal? Or, should some have received the 9-11 Medal (those that met the criteria) and the rest got the 9-11 ribbon?

Let us know what you think.

[BMC Dan Certa]

Deane & Stu- I agree that the original intent of the Transportation 9/11 Medal and 9/11 Ribbon may have been diminished due to the verbiage in the document which describes eligibility for the awards as well as the citation to accompany the awards. I can see how the awards board, in their good faith effort to recognize our people, may have been lead to honestly believe that their decision was correct. I'm using the passive voice here because I was not present at these award board meetings and have no insight on the reasoning behind the decision to (as you say) award the entire NYC CG the Transportation 9/11 Medal. I was shuffling paperwork and financing Jersey barriers as XPO down at STA MANASQUAN at the time and received the 9/11 ribbon. Boat Crews from my station who were actually assigned to the harbor in NY for operations received the 9/11 Medal.
By 'verbiage' I am speaking to certain phrases in the award description document for the medal such as "Personnel that demonstrated extraordinary participation or leadership while patrolling harbors, securing critical infrastructure facilities, escorting high interest vessels, and conducting boardings of vessels entering U. S. waters during the period of September 11, 2001 to September 11, 2002. The level of effort must clearly set the member above that described in the 9/11 Ribbon." Note the use of the adjective "extraordinary". Now if we check the wording contained in the 9/11 Ribbon Citation we read: “For extraordinary service to the citizens of the United States in the wake of the horrific terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington, DC."
And so the devil is in the perception of what "actually involved in the evacuation" means. The requirements for the medal also states "Employees of the DOT who were on scene at the World Trade Center Complex in New York" and "All personnel directly involved in the evacuation of lower Manhattan" and "The level of effort must clearly set the member above that described in the 9/11 Ribbon".
The award seems to be written either by chance or by design to be pretty vague, and allows the audience to make liberal decisions as to what actions are considered to be "extraordinary" or "actually involved".
"Protection of critical infrastructure" is stated as an accomplishment rendering one to be eligible for the 9/11 Medal. Does standing a perimeter watch at FT WADSWORTH constitute protection of critical infrastructure? To some readers I'm sure it does. Unfortunately, those who were actually putting their hands on people evacuating ground zero were grouped with people who were coordinating the security of the area so this evacuation could happen.
And so Deane and Stuart, I agree with your opinions but I also understand that this unfortunate degradation of the award was due to both the poor verbiage in the award document and the best intentions of the decision makers at the time.

[BMCM Stuart S. Slesh]

And Dan, let me share my pain......I had to justify why the CG people assigned to my unit who evacuated people from Manhattan on 9/11 should receive the Medal. I had to do this three or four times. Then when all was said and done, ACTNY gave the Medal to EVERYONE. They could have saved us all alot of time by saying , "Just give me a list of everyone who was attached to ACTNY prior to 9/15." because that's the criteria that they ended up using. No extraordinary, no critical infastructure, if you were assigned here, you got the Medal.

[BMC Ken Gouge]

Stu, since that is the deal, I would think about putting those guys in for something a little more, even if it's an LOC. You probably already have the citation pretty much done in the form of the write-ups you already did...

[BMCM Deane Smith]

Ken...those attached to Stu's Cutter on 9-11 got personal awards, as they deserved.

This issue isn't about giving those people more because everyone in NYC got the 9-11 medal. Its about over-awarding a ribbon/medal to the point that it loses it's significance.

[BMCS Jim Madsen]

Wanna know what I did to "earn" my 9/11 ribbon? I started locking the front door. Oh yeah, we ripped up the parking lot in front of our building and landscaped it. Since then I have transfered twice and it wasn't until the last 6 months at my last unit that I really did anything remotely geared toward HLS. That was training tiered ports in tactical boat operations. yipee

[BMCM Stuart S. Slesh]

Also, you need to recognize the individual within three years of the events. I'm not saying that the people that were attached to the HAWSER, all of which are gone now, didn't get recognition for their efforts. Their OinC saw to that at the time. I'm saying their actions were diminished, if only in my eyes, because people who did far less, myself included, recieved just as much, or more, than them. The people attached to ACTNY recieved the 9/11 Medal and the DOT Gold with OPERATIONAL Distinguishing Device just for being ATTACHED here. Drydocked in Maine, ATTACHED to ACTNY = 9/11 MEDAL. Attached here, regardless of their participation in events. No difference it the people standing in the smoke at ground zero and those in the Air conditioned offices miles away or in another state. Attached to ACTNY. Then came the personal awards, many well deserved, others ......not so much.

And I'm not calling anyone out here. The people Dry docked in Maine put the people at their unit in for the RIBBON that same three or four times. They met the criteria for the ribbon for their actions after 9/11 and thats what they requested. They got the MEDAL. They still did more than most. Attached to ACTNY. Medals for everyone.

[PACS Steve Carleton]

I am not qualified to wear either the DOT 9/11 Medal or Ribbon, nor will I wear it if presented.

I designed advertisements for Coast Guard Recruiting on that fateful day, and there is no way that I could do right be wearing it.

Now, in my position at the National Strike Force, I have been involved in HLS operations, and will wear the GWOTSM.

[MSTCS Jerald P. Motyka]

Can I ask a stupid question without getting overly flamed??

Where does it say that we, as members of the military, have the right or authority to "refuse" an award?? It isn't in the Uniform Regs, nor in the Medals and Awards Manual. Actually what I have found is that the only thing that kind of addresses this is the Uniform Regs where it says you can wear your top three, choice of nine or all of your RIBBONS - but nothing about medals. There, you have to wear ALL of them (full and/or minis).

I can understand not "wanting" to, but if the CO signs the orders for an award, it is yours... like it or not. You can be melodramatic and tell the CO to NOT pin it on your pocket or lapel - but you can't "refuse" to accept it.

I had two Humanitarian Service Medals from my time in the Army - and two weeks after I reported to my first unit, the whole Coast Guard was awarded the HSM for Haitian Ops and more. Yeah... I was in Boot Camp and on leave. I didn't do a THING to deserve it. BUT, as it in the regs, I am BOUND to wear the little bronze star on the ribbon when I wear it. I don't like it, but then, I don't like lots of things I have to do... but grin and bear it.

Help me out here, please. Where does it say we can arbitrarily refuse and award after it is signed and in PeopleSoft??

[PACS Steve Carleton]

Jerald,

I wasn't being melodramatic in my last post, simply stating that I am not qualified to wear either of the DOT 9/11 awards, period! End of Story! Secretary Minetta could award them personally, but afterwards, I would ensure that my record was correct to state that I was not entitled to wear them.

As it is right now, I do not wear all of the little stars in my Meritorious Team Commendation Ribbon, not because I don't think I didn't earn them, just that I lost track of how many and when.

I have never had a CO or XO look up in PeopleSoft to ensure that I wore everything that I was authorized to wear.

Now, if all of a sudden I showed up at my unit looking like Autie Murphy, someone better be looking to make sure I am supposed to be wearing all that stuff.

[ETCS Robert Kelley]

Jerald,

I wasn't being melodramatic in my last post, simply stating that I am not qualified to wear either of the DOT 9/11 awards, period! End of Story! Secretary Minetta could award them personally, but afterwards, I would ensure that my record was correct to state that I was not entitled to wear them.

As it is right now, I do not wear all of the little stars in my Meritorious Team Commendation Ribbon, not because I don't think I didn't earn them, just that I lost track of how many and when.

I have never had a CO or XO look up in PeopleSoft to ensure that I wore everything that I was authorized to wear.

Now, if all of a sudden I showed up at my unit looking like Autie Murphy, someone better be looking to make sure I am supposed to be wearing all that stuff.

Chief,

The point is the CO or XO (and maybe even the YN3) could look it up and you are not the awarding authority for the award, which means you cannot decide to award (or not award) it to yourself. You are also out of uniform when wearing all awards is appropriate.

[BMCM Stuart S. Slesh]

Actually anyone can check their own awards in people soft. And if it is in your record you should be wearing it. If you really don't want it, work to have it removed from your record. Simply not wearing it doesn't make you right.

Steve, on a side note, it is kinda funny that you've been given so many Team Awards that you've lost count.

[PACS Steve Carleton]

Yeah, actually it is pretty damn funny, when they first came out, I was one of the biggest detractors about it.

Now they next citation will read, "Meitorious Team Commendation, Gold Star in lieu of a 13th Award" And yes, I looked it up in PeopleSoft to verify this morning.

Yawn

[YNC Josh Braarud]

Holy crap!

I've managed to get a Meritorious Team never. I've been in PERSRUs that were promised one, but never got one. Plus I've been independent and semi-independent duty for the last five years.

*yawn*

[PACS Steve Carleton]

Maybe if I stop showing up for work, I'll stop getting them.

[BMCM Deane Smith]

Steve...are you serious about 13 team awards? If so, that must be a record. What was the time frame that you got the 13? Do you think that your command(s) over awarded?

What device is on your ribbon? 3 Silver and 1 gold????

[BMCM Stuart S. Slesh]

No it should be 2 silver and 2 gold. Kinda of a nice balance. Luckily there probably isn't that nasty "O" device to screw things up. My question would be what do you do for the fourteenth if you have the "O" Device ? Couldn't you just go to Roman Numerals like the Reservist ? Or maybe just a silver "T" for Too Many.

[PACS Steve Carleton]

Actually, I miscounted it is 14 -- Anybody have any idea on how to fit an "O" 2 Silver Stars and 3 Gold on a ribbon? Maybe I could start wearing the Strike Numbers like they did on the Air Medals from the Vietnam era.

Do I think that the commands over presented? In some cases, Yes! Four were from D13 in a two year period from everything to being on the Morale Committee, to being on a "tiger team" What he hell is a "tiger team", how did I get on it, and what the hell did I do on it? Still trying to figure that one out.

The majority of them are "I was there" hurricanes, Ricin, oil spill the Quillayute River accident and some other rinky dink, "let's let everyone feel important by giving them something for doing something they didn't know they did" awards.

Believe me, I didn't go looking for them!

[BMCM Stuart S. Slesh]

Just wear the ribbon. 2 silver, the "O", 2 gold on the upper most one and start a new ribbon next to it unit next month when you'll have the other two needed to get the third silver. There's always a way.

[ETC Jeff Rosenberg]

The GWOT Expeditionary medal hit my Direct Access account some time this month.

[BMCS Jim Madsen]

Jeff, do you get an extra 10% retirement for being a war hero?

[ETC Jeff Rosenberg]

Jeff, do you get an extra 10% retirement for being a war hero?

actually I may lol

When we were in Crete, I sustained a pretty bad back injury, it actually cost me a billet I was accepted for. I'm not complaining about how my career path changed, being an OIC is great, but it has changed my path after retirement. Back to the point... It may get me some disability in my retirement. I'd rather have a good back again, but the 10% may be there lol
So far due to the area it happened, and the training conducted that caused it, it looks like they are considering it a combat related injury.

[BMCM Stuart S. Slesh]

Before anybody rolls their eyes and thinks ill of what Jeff wrote.......any injury that anyone substained while on active duty since '91 can be "considered" for combat related according to members of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and the VA. They told me that the first Gulf War was never officially declared over, and the heel I broke at the yards in New Orleans in '98, "may" still be considered (?) The DAV is currently lobbying congress to give disability pay on top of retirement pay as opposed to just making the disability percentage tax free. I have a plate and thirteen screws in my right heel giving me limited mobility in that ankle. They also harvested bone from the hip to replace the heel. I'm guaranteed arthritis and it looks like about 33% of my retirement tax free. Either way it's worth looking into prior to retirement. More to follow.

[SKC Raymond Kurtz]

From paragraph C.1.C of the award criteria

"c. All personnel to include active, reserve, auxiliary, and civilian personnel that manned or augmented for no less than 14 days, Coast Guard, DOT, FEMA and DOD command centers (including Operations Centers at Groups and above, COTP ICS, FEMA Regional Operations Centers and VTS) between September 11, 2001 and September 11, 2002."

I stood watch in the LCC command center at MLC for about 14 days. Does this mean I qualify for the ribbon? Heck no, all I did was watch movies in the middle of the night. Give the medal/ribbon/whatever to someone who actually did something.

I've got 12 medals or ribbons, out of those 12, I honestly deserve to wear only one of them, the Coast Guard Achievement Medal. I earned that medal, the rest I was just alive for.

Raymond

[BMCS Jim Madsen]

Two words... "Concurrent Receipt".

[BMC Matthew James]

Since we're talking "combat" awards. Let me hear your thoughts on this...

I was OPS onboard ADAK from April 2000 to June 2003, including the Arabian Gulf deployment. The crews of ADAK, BARANOF, WRANGELL, and AQUIDNECK all received the Combat Action Ribbon for operating in the mined waters of the Kwar Abd Allah River that divides Kuwait from Iraq. To my knowledge, the subsequent follow-on crews at PATFOR SWA did not receive the CAR, despite the fact that the danger from the insurgency has continued to grow and we lost one of our own defending the Kwar Al Amaya Oil terminal.

I have sometimes gotten guff from my peers when they ask me what that little yellow and red ribbon is on my uniform. One of my CO's could barely contain his contempt when he read the citation for me and another subordinate at quarters. I don't disagree with the award of the ribbon...the book is pretty clear on the award criteria, however I do wish this service would reevaluate how some of these combat-related awards are awarded. In my opinion, every CG member who sets foot in the Arabian Gulf AOR should be considered for the CAR.

My .02

Hope everyone has a good weekend. Go Cubbies!!

[DCCS Todd Holcomb]

Matthew,

PO Joe Ruggerio was the other Coastie with PO Nate Bruckenthal on that fateful day, Joe was awarded the Purple Heart for his injuries. Right after Joe got back from the Gulf he was not aware of the CAR and was told by our CO that he was authorized to wear it (told to me by Joe). As far as I know he was the only TACLET member to get it, none of his team members got it after returning(that I know of). I was on one of the first 2 teams sent after that when we decided to double up on coverage and up to this point I have never heard anything about being eligible. I don't know if the PC's we were assigned to got it or not but as far as I know none of have, and there were some less than desirable boardings over there.

I haven't seen the criteria for that one, the only reason I know about it is because of my conversation with Joe. He definetly deserves it, quite a story if anyone ever gets the chance to talk to him about, do. He is very humble about his actions but he performed above and beyond, according to all the accounts I have heard and read.
Todd

[BMCM Stuart S. Slesh]

Matt,
I'm an @$$......but if ....
One of my CO's could barely contain his contempt when he read the citation for me and another subordinate at quarters.
......I'd have asked him who signed that award ? Then I would have told him that he should call that person (presumably the COMDT) and pass that contempt on to him. Otherwise they should , suck it up, SMILE, and read the award again, with both the professionalism for which it the award was EARNED and recognized. If they have problems with the decisions of those appointed above them, they should seek other employment. As COs they can't pick and choice which COMDT policies to support. I'd show them what contempt looks like. But again,...I'm an @$$.

[BMCS Jim Madsen]

I would like to copy and paste one of those lines on the tattoo thread.

[BMCM Stuart S. Slesh]

I think that the line you're referring to covers everything. I don't like the "proposal" that was sent out on tatooing/etc. I'm still waiting for the ALCOAST to enact the new Policy. There are many POLICIES that I don't agree with, but I get paid to enforce them all.

[BMCS Jim Madsen]

Bingo!!!!! (10 characters)

[PACS Steve Carleton]

Senior,

It was on the message board this morning:

ALCOAST 340/05
SUBJ: TATTOO, BODY MARKING, BODY PIERCING AND MUTILATION POLICY

[BMCM Stuart S. Slesh]

Thanks for the update....now let's see the fur fly.

[BMC Matthew James]

Thanks Todd for the CAR info from PATFOR...I don't know what's going on at Fifth Fleet that would keep anyone in the NAG from earning the CAR.

I'm still pretty close with the TACLET South guys I served with over there, they couldn't say enough good things about Nate Bruckenthal and Joe Ruggiero. I want to say that we had a couple of beers at the Seef Residence with Joe right before I came home, but I can't remember...his name instantly rang a bell when I saw the news reports.

By the way, I'm not trying to throw my old CO under the bus. Looking at it from his point of view and background, it would be strange seeing a couple a PB guys who never got shot at receive a citation from the Fifth Fleet Commodore. I just felt bad for the BM3 who was with me because the guys kept giving him crap about it for months afterward....and you know they did it because they felt the command sanctioned it.

Senior Chief....are you missing Activities (Sector) New York yet??

[BMCM Stuart S. Slesh]

No, I can look out my window and see that firey ball in the sky we call the sun everyday. And if I really missed Staten Island I could always just sit in my car in the parking lot beeping the horn and pretend I was in traffic on 287. People should have been authorized combat pay for having to had driven thru that everyday.

[SKC Eric S. Highland]

This might be somewhat of a "ramble" post... fair warning.

I have various thoughts, and after scanning through all 9 pages of this thread, I don't see where anyone brought up the National Defense Medal vs. GWOT Service medal argument.

If I understand it correctly, the National Defense Medal is awarded to any military personnel serving during a time of war (dates specified by congress) and is pretty much considered a "gimmie" by the majority who have it.

The GWOT Service Medal is awarded specifically for the "War on Terror" during a specific time period (again dates specified by congress) and is also considered a "gimmie" by the majority.

My question is why differentiate (sp?) one from the other. War is war, the United States of America is in an active military action and by definition personnel should be awarded the National Defense Medal. Why is this war on terror any different or "special". Yes it peaked when our cities were attacked, but we have had Americans attacked at their home base or base of residence before (Pearl Harbor for example) and their loss was no less nor greater. Loss of life is loss of life. People have paid the ultimate price for a freedom which is far from free.

Don't get me wrong, I'm all for the GWOT Expeditionary Service Medal awarded to those who actually deployed. But "creating" a medal for the sake of distinguishing between a different type of war or loss seems to cheapen one's loss and enhance the other's.

And another thought on a completely different topic, this whole business of "favorite 9" ribbons is just horrible in my opinion. It has now come down to which ones we like or don't like? My daughter likes to pick them out for me based one which colors go nicely together. So my nine are based on asthetic value. Come on! Sorry.. but had to throw that frustration out.

v/r

[BMCS Burt Ford]

Eric,
maybe one can hope that one day the GWTSm is like a korean or vietnam campaign medal and we will when this war.

[PACS Steve Carleton]

So we can recognize our people? :confused:

[SKC Eric S. Highland]

Senior,

Again, I'm all for recognition. I was simply stating that the National Defense Medal covers "war" in a broad sense.

The GWOT Expeditionary Medal for those that deployed overseas I'm all for that too.

I'm not all for favorite 9.

Man I wish I was that short winded normally. ~glances at the majority of his own posts~

v/r

[BMC Ken Gouge]

Eric,

I had OOD at Station Monterey the morning of 9/11. Getting ready for the day watching CNN when the first plane hit. Stopped and watched, then was jolted into action when the second hit.

We were about as far away as one could be and still be in the Continental US. From that distance we could still see the obvious, that it was intentiional. I hit the SAR alarm and got everyone in front of the TV as I briefed those that hadn't seen yet. We then got everything we could underway. We were in a very public Station, no fences to speak of and public access to our piers. As well as protecting our response assets, we had a major power plant/switching station in the next town over that if hit could have severely affected both LA/LB and San Fran... We had to secure our station as well including roving armed security until fences could be erected.

I am sure the story was the same everywhere. Things just changed, and haven't gone back since. I have 2 National Defense medals, neither of which I did a thing for except wear blue. I think the distinction of a separate medal for those involved, but not actually near one of the target sites is justified. They aren't worth a SWE point and make you get a new ribbon bar, but when your grandkids ask about the ribbons in the shadowbox, 98% of us won't have a thing to say about the Nat'l Defense Medals.

Ken

[SKC Eric S. Highland]

Point taken Ken, and a good one at that.

We all have stories of where we were and what we were doing when our world changed. Much like those who lived through the attacks on Pearl Harbor.

Again, I'm not against recognition. I just don't want to see us increase the "value" of one at the "expense" of another. I see Pearl Harbor license plates and I always wave or give a thumbs up to those guys. But I don't ever recall there being a PHWATA Medal "Pearl Harbor War Against The Axis Medal".

But I do see your point and for the sake of history and rememberance, I would agree on that point.

v/r

[BMCM Stuart S. Slesh]

I was in New York Harbor on 9-11, and I still don't see the need for the new medal. I'm all for recognizing the people who went overseas, but those of us that stayed at home, were already compensated. I look at that medal as something else to buy. With everything that I wear on my chest, I still apprciate my LOC the most. That is the one I can always pick out. That is one of the ones that I earned. I will never wear my top three, or favorite nine. I wear all 26.......as a testimony on how comical this has become. My Bravo jacket now wears more than I do.