Mexican Immigrant Marine denied Medal of Honor

[Wild Cobra]

I have avoided this thread, I consider the thing stupid.

Whott... Please don't start a link based on the race card.

People, any clue at how many non-minorities are denied the honor that may deserve it, at least in the eyes of those writing up the application?

That's all I have to say on this stupid thread.

[whottt]

I have avoided this thread, I consider the thing stupid.

You consider what stupid?

Whott... Please don't start a link based on the race card.

I made no link based on the race card at any time in this thread. But I want to make sure every person on this forum knows this guy was a Mexican Immigrant.




This story was on the news and that is the reason I sought the article out because it is an amazing story of heroism.

This man either deliberately saved the lives of comrades with what was his dying act, or he did in death. It is more certainly not a common story.


I don't really get why you think I am playing the race card...I mentioned his Mexican heritage not because I think he is being discriminated against because of it...

But to make sure people know who some of the guys are over there fighting in Iraq.


It's important that you know it Wild Cobra.


This man went to Iraq the day after he became a US citizen and his entire life as an American was spent fighting a war on behalf of this country.


No one is aying he was denied the MOH because he was an Immigrant..the only accusation by anyone is that he was denied it because it was friendly fire that killed him.







Here is the list of the MOH's that have been given out in the Iraq War:


Name Service Rank Place of action Date of action Unit Notes
Smith, Paul R.Paul R. Smith* Army E-07Sergeant First Class near Baghdad, Iraq 02003-04-04 April 4, 2003 B Company, 11th Engineer Battalion Held the enemy at bay allowing for the wounded to be carried out
Dunham, JasonJason Dunham* USMC E-04Corporal Iraq, near Syrian border 02004-04-14 April 14, 2004 3rd Battalion 7th Marines Fought hand-to-hand with the enemy and hurled himself on a grenade to protect fellow Marines
Monsoor, Michael A.Michael A. Monsoor* Navy Master At Arms Second Class Ramadi, Iraq 02006-09-29 September 29, 2006 Seal Team Three, Delta Platoon Saved the lives of his fellow SEALs at his sniper position by diving on a grenade
McGinnis, Ross A.Ross A. McGinnis* Army Specialist Iraq 02006-12-06 December 6, 2006 C Company, 1-26th Infantry Saved the lives of four soldiers by diving on a grenade while inside HMMWV



3 of the 4 were given to men who covered a grenade to save others. This man did that as well...the debate is about whether or not he did it alive or dead...I don't think it matters.

[SnakeBoy]

the debate is about whether or not he did it alive or dead...I don't think it matters.

No, it does matter. Still the Navy Cross is quite an honor.

http://www.medalofhonor.com/

The deed performed must have been one of personal bravery or self-sacrifice so con uous as to clearly distinguish the individual above his comrades and must have involved risk of life. Incontestable proof of the performance of service is exacted and each recommendation for award of this decoration is considered on the standard of extraordinary merit.

[Spooky]

As a liberal who is also Mexican American, I believe he deserves the MOH. I suspect his immigrant status affected the decision. If you go to
http://www.virtualwall.org/valor.htm

There are plenty of examples bravery and sacrifice involving covering up grenades.
Daniel Fernandez and Robert Henry Jenkins Jr are two of them.

[whottt]

As a liberal who is also Mexican American, I believe he deserves the MOH. I suspect his immigrant status affected the decision. If you go to
http://www.virtualwall.org/valor.htm

There are plenty of examples bravery and sacrifice involving covering up grenades.
Daniel Fernandez and Robert Henry Jenkins Jr are two of them.

They've given the MOH to Mexican Immigrants and Mexican Americans before...that's not why they didn't give it to him.

Hispanic MOH Winners:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...nor_recipients


Lots of them.


I agree with his mom, I think it's because he got shot by friendly fire and or they legitimately don't think he could do it.

It's not because he's Mexican, the Military is pretty good about not letting stuff like that impact their decision.


Keep in mind...he still might get it, some guys don't end up getting theirs until decades later.

I encourage you to email his Congressmen:


Congressman Brian Bilbray - maps.google.com
2150 W Washington St # 210, San Diego - (619) 291-1430
Directions and more »


Congressman Susan Davis - maps.google.com
4305 University Ave # 515, San Diego - (619) 291-1430
Directions and more »



I already did.

[Spooky]

I hope your right Whott. That is the reason I put "suspect" not "think". I do know that this type of thing has happened before. I just can't exactly remember right now.

[whottt]

There are a lot of Mexican MOH Winners...that's not it.

It is because the shot he took to the head was friendly fire IMO...that's what his Mama thinks too. Friendly fire killing a heroic man always sucks badly, and the Military does have a track record of trying to snuff that kind of stuff.


Just like they did with Pat Tillman.

Funny thing is his Mama doesn't care if it was friendly fire that killed him...his buddies that were there with him are telling her that he deserves it and that's why she's upset. They are still telling her that. IF it was just some kind of stunt they would have already let it die so as not to torture his mom. But they are still pushing for it...

[Spooky]

There are a lot of Mexican MOH Winners...that's not it.

It is because the shot he took to the head was friendly fire IMO...that's what his Mama thinks too. Friendly fire killing a heroic man always sucks badly, and the Military does have a track record of trying to snuff that kind of stuff.


Just like they did with Pat Tillman.

Funny thing is his Mama doesn't care if it was friendly fire that killed him...his buddies that were there with him are telling her that he deserves it and that's why she's upset. They are still telling her that. IF it was just some kind of stunt they would have already let it die so as not to torture his mom. But they are still pushing for it...

Good points.