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Title: Outspoken Army Captain Denied a Decoration, Now Considered for Medal of Honor
Source:
Big Peace
URL Source: http://bigpeace.com/mangley/2011/09 ... considered-for-medal-of-honor/
Published: Sep 20, 2011
Author: Michael Angley
Post Date: 2011-09-20 16:40:29 by Happy Quanzaa
Keywords: None
Views: 1153
Comments: 8
We are all familiar with Marine Corps hero, Sergeant Dakota Meyer, who last week was awarded the nation’s highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor. President Obama presented it to him at a ceremony in the White House for his heroism in a 2009 firefight in Ganjgal, Afghanistan. During the fight, Sgt Meyer helped rescue 36 of his fellow servicemen, and recovered the bodies of four more. What is less well known about that firefight is that there were other heroes. Riding in the Humvee with Sgt Meyer were Marine 1st Lt. Ademola Fabayo and Marine Staff Sgt. Juan Rodriguez-Chavez, both of whom received the Navy Cross in June. But there was also a fourth hero in the same Humvee that came under heavy fire. According to all accounts, this soldier assisted Sgt Meyer in rescuing their fellow men and in recovering the dead. But so far, he has received no decoration, not even the slightest recognition. Army Captain William Swenson is that fourth hero, and now there is word that Marine Corps General John Allen has made a formal recommendation that Swenson receive the Medal of Honor. While this is wonderful news, what is more interesting about Capt Swenson’s case is why he was not recognized for his heroism until Gen Allen took personal interest in his story last month. In an article about Capt Swenson, the Air Force Times comments: “It was not clear what caused the delay, or where the recommendation was in the approval process. Any recommendation would need to be approved by the Army, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and President Obama.” But then the Times seems to answer its own confusion. Apparently Capt Swenson was an outspoken critic of the rules of engagement, his leadership, and the constant second-guessing he received from staff officers in various operations centers. In an interview following the firefight, Capt Swenson is quoted as having said: The Japanese have a saying that seems appropriate for Capt Swenson’s circumstances: “The nail that sticks up gets hammered down.” His outspokenness is likely the reason his heroism that day went unrecognized. The upper echelons in the military no doubt wanted to punish him for embarrassing them, no matter how correct his observations may have been. Rather than take a field commander’s concerns, investigate them, and fix what may be broken, the military chose to punish the complainer by a twisted crime of omission: denying him the honor he earned. It’s encouraging that Gen Allen is now taking an interest in Capt Swenson’s lack of decoration. He certainly deserves the proper accolades that a grateful nation can give him, and it’s never too late to recognize a hero. Just like Sgt Meyer who earned his Medal of Honor in the same firefight in 2009, Capt Swenson deserves the same honor. It’s time for the Army, the DoD, and the White House to make this right.
“When I’m being second-guessed by higher or somebody that’s sitting in an air-conditioned TOC, why [the] hell am I even out there in the first place? Let’s sit back and play Nintendo. I am the ground commander I want that f—er, and I am willing to accept the consequences of that f—er.”
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#1. To: Happy Quanzaa, sneakypete, Badeye (#0)
(Edited)
I found the above in an Army Times article. This kid/young man was being open and honest from what I can tell. Two years with zero award? Yeah, something stinks about it. This is my first awareness of his situation. I almost forgot to ping our vet Badeye... Edit: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2011/09/military-dakota-meyer-will-swenson-ganjgal-afghanistan-091311w/
You really are a pissant, fred. I'll never understand why it annoys you so much that I'm a vet. That said, I don't know why this man didn't receive the recognition he seems due.
I like to tweak your nose on occasion because your responses are so predictable.
No, I think its more your basically a miserable asshole with nothing to add to any political forum you've ever belonged to Freddie.
BINGO!
There are no replies to Comment # 5. End Trace Mode for Comment # 5.
Top • Page Up • Full Thread • Page Down • Bottom/Latest “I always get these crazy messages saying that, ‘Hey, brigade is saying that you can’t see the target,’ ” Swenson told investigators. “Brigade, you’re in Jalalabad. F--- you, you know? I am staring at the target. ... I just get the craziest things on the radio sometimes. Just people second guessing. If I am willing to put my initials on it, I understand the importance of making sure the rounds hit where they are supposed to hit. I understand the consequences of civilian casualties.”
Swenson left active-duty service in February, Costello said. Charlene Westbrook said she remains in contact with her husband’s former commander. He lives a private life in Washington state, and is still disenchanted with the Army, she said.
#2. To: Fred Mertz (#1)
I almost forgot to ping our vet Badeye...
#3. To: Badeye (#2)
#4. To: Fred Mertz (#3)
I like to tweak your nose on occasion because your responses are so predictable.
#5. To: Badeye, remora boy (#4)
"No, I think its more your basically a miserable asshole with nothing to add to any political forum you've ever belonged to Freddie." (aka remora boy)
Replies to Comment # 5.
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