OK, a quick lesson on the CMH

[texasguitarslinger]

I just saw that some well intentioned but ignorant person or persons has started a Facebook page for people that think Sgt Kimberly Munley should receive the Congressional Medal of Honor.

She cannot receive the CMH because she was not a member of the armed forces when she performed her duty taking down the shooter on Ft Hood. She is a civilian police officer. Here is the criteria for the Army CMH (it's the same for the other branches but with wording specific to those branches):

Criteria: The Medal of Honor is awarded by the President, in the name of Congress, to a person who, while a member of the Army, distinguishes himself or herself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in action against an enemy of the United States; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party. The deed performed must have been one of personal bravery or self-sacrifice so conspicuous as to clearly distinguish the individual above his or her comrades and must have involved risk of life. Incontestable proof of the performance of the service will be exacted and each recommendation for the award of this decoration will be considered on the standard of extraordinary merit.

Sgt. Munley should receive lots of praise and recognition but it will not be in the form of a CMH. Since the beginning of World War II, 854 Medals of Honor have been awarded, 528 posthumously. CMH recipients must be saluted by all military, regardless of rank or command including the Commander in Chief. It is the most sacred of military commendations. Here is a list of CMH recipients.

[ericmeyer4]

Agreed. The Presidential Medal of Freedom would be a more appropriate award.

However, I can see how a person would believe that she was in the army. If a person hears Sgt Kimberly Munley killed the shooter at Ft. Hood. It is easy to see how these individuals would believe that she was in the service.

[korovamilkdud]

You don't get a CMH by shooting a crazy fool

[Lazarus1140]

I agree with TGS. Why devalue the medal by giving it to someone who does not qualify?

[texasguitarslinger]

I agree with TGS. Why devalue the medal by giving it to someone who does not qualify?

There is no "devalue" implied here. It is a military medal. She is not military. End of story.

[Lazarus1140]

There is no "devalue" implied here. It is a military medal. She is not military. End of story.

I understand your point perfectly and didn't miss the obvious, but I think that in all cases when an award is given to someone who doesn't deserve it the standard is lowered and the value of the award is diminished ... whether it's a CMH or a Nobel Peace Prize.