Sorry about all the posts, but the board won’t let me fit it in otherwise

Before you continue to bash the good senator, please explain to me how the above action does NOT display “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States.”

If you can’t, you owe the man an apology.

In the attack, 25 enemy soldiers were killed and eight others captured. By his gallant, aggressive tactics and by his indomitable leadership, Second Lieutenant Inouye enabled his platoon to advance through formidable resistance, and was instrumental in the capture of the ridge. Second Lieutenant Inouye’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the United States Army.

Emplaced in bunkers and rock formations, the enemy halted the advance with crossfire from three machine guns. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Second Lieutenant Inouye crawled up the treacherous slope to within five yards of the nearest machine gun and hurled two grenades, destroying the emplacement. Before the enemy could retaliate, he stood up and neutralized a second machine gun nest. Although wounded by a sniper’s bullet, he continued to engage other hostile positions at close range until an exploding grenade shattered his right arm. Despite the intense pain, he refused evacuation and continued to direct his platoon until enemy resistance was broken and his men were again deployed in defensive positions.

On the one hand you write that you respect the senator’s service. On the other you imply that he does not deserve the Medal of Honor. This is the official citation for the award:

Second Lieutenant Daniel K. Inouye distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action on 21 April 1945, in the vicinity of San Terenzo, Italy. While attacking a defended ridge guarding an important road junction, Second Lieutenant Inouye skillfully directed his platoon through a hail of automatic weapon and small arms fire, in a swift enveloping movement that resulted in the capture of an artillery and mortar post and brought his men to within 40 yards of the hostile force.

Iraq is far from perfect right now but it is light years better than it was under Saddam and it is on the long road toward becoming a functioning nation of laws and no longer any type of threat to the US or its neighbors. Doesn’t that count for something?

Obama said that Afghanistan was the “good” war and that he would prosecute it to a successful conclusion. He started well but if he backs off now he will have violated one of his most important campaign promises.

Not to take anything away from the obvious heroism, courage, and service of the Senator but we should remember the source of the MoH. Allowing the “upgrade” of medals — years after the action — does tend to call their justification into question.

Charles Phillips
LtCol, USAF Ret

In regards to Inouye, though he is a decorated combat veteran, he is corrupt through and through.

Daniel Russ
Civilianmilitaryintelligencegroup.com