Posted on Nov 15, 2022
SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA
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The title was edited to reflect the fact that it was upgraded from a Silver Star to a DSC.

His citation: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Nicholas Michael Eslinger, United States Army, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as a Platoon Leader in Company C, 2d Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, on 1 October 2008, in Samarra, Iraq, during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM VII. Without regard for his own personal safety, during a grenade attack on his dismounted patrol, Second Lieutenant Eslinger saved the lives of the soldiers under his command by moving to the grenade, covering it with his body and throwing it back in the direction of the enemy. Second Lieutenant Eslinger's actions prevented at least six soldiers from being severely wounded or killed. Following these actions, Second Lieutenant Eslinger continued the pursuit of the enemy combatant, leading to his detention. Second Lieutenant Eslinger's bravery is in keeping with the finest traditions of military heroism and reflects distinct credit upon him, the Multi-National Corps Iraq, and the United States Army.

Covering a grenade with his body and throwing it sounds like an awful lot of MoH citations I've read. In fact, it seems that such an action is the classic way to automatically qualify for the nation's greatest honor.
Edited 2 y ago
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Responses: 11
Lt Col Charlie Brown
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Unfortunately, unless the incident with the grenade results in the loss of eye, limb or life, a MOH is usually not given. What really sucks is the case of Rafael Peralta.
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SSG Carlos Madden
SSG Carlos Madden
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MSG (Join to see) - 100%. That Marine went way beyond what he was asked to do.
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SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA
SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA
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MSG (Join to see) I haven't heard his story. I'll have to look it up. In my view, an injury from the grenade should not be required for the MoH to be awarded.
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SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA - Agreed. However, other than Marine Sergeant Peralta (whom I believe deserves it), the other post-Vietnam recipients of the MOH involved loss of life, limb and eyesight involving grenades
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CSM Darieus ZaGara
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Yes this hero deserves the MOH. Keep in mind that hero’s are often awarded a lesser medal while the politics settle, and then upgrading to the MOH.

I have long said we should be careful with the word hero as opposed to warrior, he is a Hero among men. All who fight are Warriors.
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MSgt Dale Johnson
MSgt Dale Johnson
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Well said.
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We could sit here and argue/discuss all day long the merits of this LT, however, the devil is in the details of the actions and write up....not to mention the perception/though process of the approving chain. Of the 5 MOH involving grenades (post-Vietnam), 3 were killed and two were severely injured...to include loss of limb or eyesight. I'm certainly not knocking the titanium set this LT has, but the historical data is against him.
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