Vietnam Medals of Honor
Pilot Hugh Thompson, is better known as the ‘Hero of My Lai’. Years after serving in Vietnam, this man received the prestigious Soldier's Medal, which is the highest award for bravery not involving conflict with an enemy. His chopper was flying over a small village, named My Lai, when him and his chopper crew spotted American soldiers firing upon fleeing Vietnamese citizens. Thompson had his pilot land between the soldiers and the civilians and even had to draw their own weapons to force the Americans to stop. He later medical-evaced a child that had been previously injured by the Americans. He and his crew were presented with the award in 1998, while standing in front of the Vietnam Wall. He has unfortunately passed since then, January 06, 2006.
Heroic actions happen in war, while some are noted immediately, others are never recognized. Well, for ex-marine John Canley, it may be fifty years late, but at least it's happening. On Tuesday, October 17th, Canley will be awarded with the medal of honor, our nation's highest military honor. This is due to his heroic action during the Tet Offensive, which was said to be the most hectic battle in all of Vietnam. During the battle, Canley carried multiple injured marines to safety and even took command of his unit so that it did not crumble during the battles chaos. His men took note as to how calm he seemed, “it was almost tranquil, he never ducked or ran, its like he had a death wish”. To Canley though, this wasn't a problem, he said, “ when you are a leader, you need to take care of your people.”. This shows the man's heart, he puts others above himself, even in the most hectic times. It's a shame that men like him serve in our military and some of them don't get the recognition they deserve. Luckily these actions are going to be recognized soon, from a man as deserving as John Canley.
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| John Canley now vs while in service |
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http://www.foxnews.com/us/2018/09/25/marine-veteran-80-will-get-medal-honor-for-vietnam-valor.html 
What do you think the military could do to honor the people who served in the Vietnam war better?
ReplyDeleteAs you stated, many men were courageous just as these men were but have never been acknowledged for their actions. Do you think all men who served should be honored a these men were?
ReplyDeleteThis is amazing! Instead of receiving the reward for saving a fellow soldier, he received the reward for rescuing citizens. Why do you think this story didn't get as much recognition as it obviously should have?
ReplyDeleteEven though he is receiving recognition late, I'm glad to see that it is finally happening! What do you think delayed the process of John getting the metal he deserved?
ReplyDeleteI admire his ability to decide to turn on his own and make the decision that what was happening is wrong and his bravery to do so, he deserves the recognition. I can't imagine it would be easy to turn on your own team
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