Controversial Medal of Honor Recipients: A Tale of Contested Valor

The Medal of Honor, often referred to as the ldquo;Congressional Medal of Honor,rdquo; is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is awarded for ldquo;gallantry and risking of life above and beyond the call of duty.rdquo; However, the awarding of this prestigious honor has not always been without controversy. This article explores some of the most contentious Medal of Honor recipients and incidents that have sparked debates about valor and military honors.

Charles Duke: The Vietnam Controversy

One of the early examples of controversy surrounding the Medal of Honor is Charles Duke. In 1968, Duke received the Medal of Honor for his actions in Vietnam. However, his citation was later found to be controversial as it was discovered that he had exaggerated or fabricated some details of the events. Specifically, he claimed to have single-handedly destroyed an enemy machine gun emplacement, while a photograph taken just before the incident showed him covered in blood but unconscious. This cast significant doubt on the veracity of his award and the criteria used to grant the Medal of Honor.

William Calley: The My Lai Massacre

William Calley received the Medal of Honor in 1969 for his actions during the My Lai Massacre in Vietnam. This notoriety is considered one of the most infamous war crimes committed during the Vietnam War, where unarmed civilians were killed. The award was met with intense public and media backlash due to the atrocities committed. Calley was later convicted of killing 22 Vietnamese civilians but received a discretionary sentence of house arrest and was dishonorably discharged.

Keyword: My Lai Massacre, Vietnam War

Dakota Meyer: The War in Afghanistan

Dakota Meyer is a more recent recipient whose actions in Afghanistan in 2011 were initially praised but later came under scrutiny. He received the Medal of Honor for his heroic efforts in rescuing wounded soldiers under heavy fire. However, there was some debate about the accuracy of the events described in his citation. The controversy focused on whether his actions met the standard for the nation's highest military honor.

Sal Giunta: A Question of Valor

Sal Giunta also received the Medal of Honor in 2010 for his actions in Afghanistan. His citation involved a rescue mission where he allegedly saved two wounded comrades under heavy enemy fire. While widely respected within the military, there was some controversy regarding the criteria used to grant the award. Some questioned whether the events described in his citation truly fit the stringent requirements for the Medal of Honor.

Medal of Honor and Controversial Cases: A Review of History

While the Medal of Honor is often awarded under the most difficult and chaotic combat conditions, it is not immune to controversy. Historical cases have also hinted at overawarding the Medal of Honor, leading to its devaluation.

The 697 Who Were "Zero": Revoked Medals

A notable example of revoked Medals of Honor is the 697 veterans who were awarded the medal for merely re-enlisting during the American Civil War. These Medals were rescinded by Congress in 1977, though only 10 were later restored. This marks a significant moment in the history of the Medal of Honor, highlighting a period when the award was perhaps given too easily.

The 1890's Controversy: The Battle of Wounded Knee

During the Indian Wars, particularly at the Battle of Wounded Knee on December 29, 1890, 7th Cavalry received 20 Medals of Honor for the massacre of unarmed civilians, including women, children, and the elderly. General Miles, who arrived the day after the incident, wanted to charge Colonel James Forsyth, but President Harrison refused to censure the Colonel, who later became a General. The use of heavy machine guns and the slaughter of fleeing Indians have repeatedly led to calls for the Medals to be rescinded.

Keyword: Wounded Knee Massacre, Indian Wars

Dr. Mary Edwards Walker: Breaking Barriers

Dr. Mary Edwards Walker is another controversial figure. She is the only woman to have received the Medal of Honor in 1865 for her selfless service during the Civil War. Her award was rescinded in 1917 when the requirements were changed to require "actual combat." Despite this action, Dr. Walker continued to wear her medal until her death in 1919, as she believed her actions warranted the award.

Keyword: Civil War, Women in War

Conclusion

The Medal of Honor, while a symbol of the highest valor and sacrifice, has not always been immune to controversy and criticism. From civil war re-enlistments to the My Lai Massacre, the criteria for awarding the medal have been subject to scrutiny. As the criteria for the Medal of Honor are refined, the history of the award is also reevaluated, ensuring that it retains its integrity and the true spirit of the heroes it honors.

Keyword: Medal of Honor, Controversial Recipients, Civil War, My Lai Massacre, Wounded Knee Massacre, Women in War