I salute your extensive service. And I both understand and agree with your perspective on medals. It was not only a lack of awards for the "enlisted pukes." If you were a wingman, and not a flight lead, you didn't see many either. And even our flight leads back in the day didn't get that many either.
Our airwing on an 11-month cruise logged the most days in combat over Vietnam ever. Much of that time was over North Vietnam, and 'downtown'. But our CAG believed that was the job we were paid to do – earning our $60 monthly combat pay – and rarely deserved a medal.
Flying against the most heavily defended targets – Than Hoa, Vinh, Haiphong, and Hanoi – our entire squadron only received 2 DFCs. Compare that to the Air Force who handed out DFCs to everyone, as an end-of-tour kiss goodbye.
While downing a MiG was still an automatic Silver Star, other medals were scarce. While a flight lead could get an individual action Air Medal occasionally for something unusual, a wingman could usually hope for no more than points toward a Strike/Flight Air Medal. A successful strike on Hanoi, with SAMS, AAA, and taking some airwing losses might get you an NCM w/V.
On the opposite side of the spectrum, I had a friend from HAL-3 who had more chest candy as a LT than anyone I ever knew. (All earned, too.) But he refused to wear them, thinking they were overkill. Sometimes, he would only wear the top row... all with stars, but that was rare.
But like you Chief, who really cares in the final analysis. Medals and 25 cents (now $3 at Starbucks) will get you a cup of coffee. Nevertheless, those who served together will always know and remember. BZ
