Purple Heart packets prepared for Marines killed in Chattanooga. Your thoughts?

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 05:47:14 -0400

The Marine Corps has confirmed that it has prepared Purple Heart award packages for the Marines killed last week in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, however, must first formally declare ties between the shooter, Mohammad Youssuf Abdulazeez, and a foreign terrorist organization before the packets can be submitted.

“Determination of eligibility will have to wait until all the facts are gathered and the FBI investigation is complete,” Marine Corps public affairs officer Maj. Clark Carpenter told Marine Corps Times.

http://www.militarytimes.com/story/military/2015/07/23/purple-heart-packets-prepared-marines-killed-chattanooga/30590185/

Purple Heart packets prepared for Marines killed in Chattanooga

The Marine Corps has confirmed that it has prepared Purple Heart award packages for the Marines killedlast week in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jul 24 at 2015 5:52 AM

PO1 John Miller — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 05:52:50 -0400

I hope my fellow Sailor will also be put in for the award. They all earned it!

Response by PO3 David Fries made Jul 24 at 2015 6:02 AM

PO3 David Fries — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 06:02:36 -0400

My only issue; why announce that you are prepping the package if the investigation isn't complete? All they are doing is getting people's hopes up.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2015 6:10 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 06:10:38 -0400

Weren't purple hearts for those shot at Fort Hood denied? Seems that there was a much stronger case for that one than this one. Doesn't seem like there's a lot to tie the Chattanooga shooter to radical Islam - or at least not as much as there was to tie Nidal Hasan since he pretty much stated that that was his motivation. I would say they all deserve the award, but if we rely on precedent it's not a slam dunk.

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Jul 24 at 2015 6:19 AM

Cpl Jeff N. — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 06:19:50 -0400

I think the president has referred to him as a "lone wolf" shooter and the FBI has stated they have found no link to a terrorist organization. They have 700+ investigator on this and have found no link. Either they are not looking very hard, it is being covered up or there is no link. They certainly have the resources applied to the case.

If there must be a link to a terrorist organization to approve the medal then I suspect it will not happen. Obama does not want a terrorist act on US soil. Having said that, PH's were issued at Fort Hood when the shooter was a uniformed US Military officer so who knows what will happen. The award is being politicized by the political class, go figure.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Jul 24 at 2015 6:28 AM

Capt Richard I P. — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 06:28:46 -0400

Darn right.

It did take years for Purple Hearts to come through for Fort Hood survivors though. So I wouldn't hold my breath.

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2015 8:29 AM

1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 08:29:26 -0400

Should be Forwarded with Approval without delay.

Response by Capt Lance Gallardo made Jul 24 at 2015 10:44 AM

Capt Lance Gallardo — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 10:44:48 -0400

Does that mean that some of the Marines and sailors, who apparently did fight back and acted with bravery in the face of this homefront "combat" against an enemy combatant should also be considered for valor awards such as Navy Cross, Silver Star, Bronze Star, Navy Marine Corps Medal with Combat "V" or the Combat Action Ribbon? Some of the reports released in the public press conferences have confirmed that at least one of the Marines or sailors apparently had access to a pistol, presumed to be a private firearm, at this time, that was definitely not tied to the gunman, and that this weapon had been discharged.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Jul 31 at 2015 7:03 AM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Fri, 31 Jul 2015 07:03:05 -0400

Until this is declared a terrorist attack by the FBI it doesn't matter. The law states unless there is a formal declaration they won't get the honors they deserve

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 31 at 2015 7:03 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 31 Jul 2015 07:03:42 -0400

they were murdered by terrorists the White House will probably call it workplace violence just like Fort Hood and that will be a shame