Air Medals and the point system

[Flash]

In Viet Nam we were awarded two points for a combat flight during which we took fire, and one point for a combat flight during which we shot, but took no return fire. Obviously, there was a wide divergence in how these points were tallied. Some guys had such good eyes that they were able to see hostile fire on every flight. After a while, I think the squadron tried to simplify things by coming up with a random formula. Twenty points were needed for a Strike/Flight Air Medal.

We were also eligible for Single Action Air Medals. These were always given with a "Combat V". This Combat V could also be awarded with Navy Commendation Medals.

The same general awards criteria were still used in OSW, ONW and OIF. The more things change......

This has been going on for a long time, you can find the same disputes as long as we have had medals for valor and bravery. Just look up Lyndon B. Johnson/Silver Star and Douglas MacArthur/Medal of Honor.

 

[navy09]

Just look up Lyndon B. Johnson/Silver Star and Douglas MacArthur/Medal of Honor.

Just did- interesting. Does that have more to do with the rank = higher awards argument some mentioned or is it more telling of the criteria for that time period?

 

[HeyJoe]

Just did- interesting. Does that have more to do with the rank = higher awards argument some mentioned or is it more telling of the criteria for that time period?

Neither. Just a visiting fireman/observer along for a ride that "the system" wanted to take care of...

 

[Flash]

Just did- interesting. Does that have more to do with the rank = higher awards argument some mentioned or is it more telling of the criteria for that time period?

A mix of both, Johnson almost solely because he was a Congressman at the time and MacArthur was more of a larger 'moral-boosting' move after the fall of the Philippines.

If you look back further to World War I, the first major conflict in which many of the current medals for valor and bravery were awarded, many of the higher ranking officers were decorated with multiple awards of medals like the Distingushed Service Cross and Silver Star. While many were well-earned when you look at some of the numbers you get the feeling there was some inflation back then too.

 

[BlkPny]

The Republic of South Viet Nam notified the squadron that they would be presenting a several of us with their Cross of Gallantry awards. They come in three levels; Bronze, Silver, and Gold, representing corps, army, and national, or something like that. They were allocated by rank, with the higher rank getting the higher level, even though it was for the same mission, and we all took turns flying front/rear seat, lead/wing, etc.

When questioned about this by our Ops O, they replied "Its is recognized that the younger, more junior officers will have more time in the future to earn higher awards".

I guess that's how its done.

 

[Godspeed]

Was standing watch yesterday and an IP was telling a group of us about a stud that got awarded an air medal for simply landing a jet (from the back seat) after his IP was killed/knocked out/mamed by a birdstrike in the front.

 

[Flash]

Was standing watch yesterday and an IP was telling a group of us about a stud that got awarded an air medal for simply landing a jet (from the back seat) after his IP was killed/knocked out/mamed by a birdstrike in the front.

Check out this recent thread:

http://www.airwarriors.com/forum/showthread.php?t=148079&page=2&highlight=medal

It was well-deserved in my opinion.

 

[MAKE VAPES]

A paycheck, slap on the back, and the story shared over a glass of oat soda is worth more than the air medal. Air medals don't teach, stories do. Beware of the Air Medal point keepers on cruise, they will be the likely knife in your back threat. Also watch out for the folks that scramble for the "all read board" or "secret message board" when the XO walks in the RR. Buddy is half the phrase.

 

[A4sForever]

.... Also watch out for the folks that scramble for the "all read board" or "secret message board" when the XO walks in the RR. Buddy is half the phrase.

Boy ... is that no shit, or what ??? There's assholes and ass-kissers -- and they generally tend to become one & the same when on cruise ...

Some things just never change ...

 

[PerDiem]

after all, Air Medals seem to be the medals they hand out if you really just did your job...

This is true. On my last deployment in 2006, every sortie overland was green ink, and a point. So, 20 flights=20 points=Strike/Flight Air Medal. I recall one flight where we took off, had a birdstrike, and landed. We had the aircraft looked at, it was fine, and we took off again 20 minutes later. This resulted in 2 green "flights" and therefore contributed to an Air Medal. I also have friends who have been sent back out to Iraq since then on a few dets, and over the past 2 years or so, have been awarded up to 8 Air Medals each So yeah, my point is, I agree that these things are just being given away.

 

[navy09]

While many were well-earned when you look at some of the numbers you get the feeling there was some inflation back then too.

A4's mantra rings true.

 

[HeyJoe]

Boy ... is that no shit, or what ??? There's assholes and ass-kissers -- and they generally tend to become one & the same when on cruise ...

Some things just never change ...

A4's mantra rings true.

It's a byproduct of human nature. Sometimes you never know how people will really perfrom until balloon goes up. Some people strive for ribbons/medals with leasty exposure. Others don't want to be exposured to danger at all or see it everywhere. Some turn in their wings, some become seagulls stuck on their roost.

 

[Pugs]

It's a byproduct of human nature. Sometimes you never know how people will really perfrom until balloon goes up. Some people stive for ribbons/medals with leasty exposure. Others don't want to be exposured to danger at all or see it everywhere. Some turn in their wings, some become seagulls stuck on their roost.

Exactly. I was surprised at how people reacted including my old sim partner who turned in his wings during desert shield on Connie. Never thought he was the sort that would have done it.

 

[taz954]

You don't necessarily have to be in country to receive an Air Medal. We have a couple of IPs in the HTs who've earned one for saving the lives of the aircrew after an engine failure in flight.

 

[Flash]

You don't necessarily have to be in country to receive an Air Medal. We have a couple of IPs in the HTs who've earned one for saving the lives of the aircrew after an engine failure in flight.

Thet has already been addressed on this thread with the descriptions of the two types of Air Medal. Scroll up.