Editor:
I enjoyed Bruce Kesler’s article, “Are service medals so unimportant that Pentagon can’t be bothered to remember the awardees?” of September 29 very much. I found that the article was informative, well researched and scholarly.
I do have a slight correction please.
I am a US Army veteran (MOS; 96B; USAICS, 66th MID, 3d Cav, 1st PsyOp; 1975-1987).
In the Army, we were taught that the American military has three levels of the Pyramid of Honor;
1) Decorations;
A) Awards for Valor
B) Meritorious Awards
C) Commendation Medals
D) Achievement Medals
2) Good Conduct Medals
3) Campaign Medals
4) Service Medals
5) Professional Development
6) Reserve & National Guard Medals
7) Foreign Decorations & Awards
8) Unit Awards
A) Presidential
B) Foreign National Awards
9) Badges
A) Combat
B) Qualification
So not as to belabor my critique any farther, perhaps the title of your article should have included the word “Decorations” instead of the “Service Medals” choice, which you can see does not apply to awards for valor.
Thanks much for reading my comments.
With much hope for your continued writing success.
Best regards,
Roger Parrish
PS; A recent television episode of “NCIS” two years ago, had the Medical Examiner character, Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard preparing for a formal affair. On his tuxedo Jacket actor David McCallum (Born 1933, age 76) sported British World War I & II medals that he could not possibly have won including a Canadian Volunteer Medal.
My point being that even award winning professional television programs make errors when it comes to Military Decorations & Medals, so please don’t feel badly. RP