We Petition the Obama administration to examine MilitaryAwardabuse and redirect the Armed Forces to adhere to the criteria in place for each award.

From America's first Military Decoration, the Badge of Merit ( designed by George Washington 1780 in the Revolutionary War --later to become the Purple Heart) thru the continual introduction of Main Awards during the Civil War ( Medal of Honor ), World War 1 ( Distinguished ServiceMedal ), World War 2 (Silver Star, Bronze Star), The Korea War ( United Nations Medals), Vietnam ( The Commendation Medals ) and Afghanistan (Armed Forces Service Medal ) Our Military Awards process has recognized Bravery in Combat, Exceptional Leadership and the Meritorious deeds of our Non Combat Heroes when we adhere to the criteria of each Award.

But from the Vietnam War onward,our Military Awards Process hasbecome abused.

General John J Pershing ( our country's only 6 Star General) was Awarded a single Distinguished Service Medal for his service in World War 1 as Supreme Allied Commander then fast forward to Desert Storm when General Norman Schwartzkopf and General Colin Powell were each awarded no less than 4 Distinguished Service Medals each.

During the GrenadaInvasion, more Medals wereAwarded than the total number of Soldiers on theisland.During the Pershing Gulf war,the Navy awarded the Combat Action Ribbon to every Sailor aboard a ship near Kuwaitand every Soldierashore earned a row of Ribbons.

Meritorious and Commendation Medals are being awarded for academic, artistic, athletic, public relations, end of tour and retirement awards.

In some parts during the Iraq and current Afghanistan War, a quota system is used, based on rank and duty position, not for Heroism. For example CompanyOfficers are awarded Silver Stars, Bronze Stars to Platoon Leaders or Sergeants and no Valor Medalsare being awardedto Corporals or Privates.

Officers continue to award each other Medals for Combat Bravery without having been in combat.

We have to bring out Military Awards back to the World War 1 and World War 2 eras when earning a Medal, Ribbon, or Citation meant having to earn the criteria.

Richard James O'Loughlin

richardlghln@yahoo.com

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