Posted on Aug 23, 2015
Should the Airman who defended the train in Europe get a Purple Heart?
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Thinking about the recent discussion here on Rally Point made me wonder what my peers think about this young Airman getting wounded. As the reports come out, there is more and more about this attacker having radicalized ties.
Posted in these groups: 
Terrorism
Purple Heart
Terrorism Purple Heart
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 26
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And, I agree with Capt Richard I P. they should all be decorated. They took on the enemy, bare handed. Bravo. We all know it, but the Nation needs to wake up, the world needs to wake up, this crap is not going away, until the world is radicalized, or we crush it.
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Someone try to tell me this A1C and his ARNG buddy weren't in combat....
Absolutely! His wounds were received in combat against a global enemy. He also needs at least a Bronze Star with a V. So does his NG friend. This is the very definition of combat bravery that deserves decoration.
Absolutely! His wounds were received in combat against a global enemy. He also needs at least a Bronze Star with a V. So does his NG friend. This is the very definition of combat bravery that deserves decoration.
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MAJ Keira Brennan
Agreed. The COUNTLESS suffering that might have occurred, both in terms human life and property!!!!!
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LTC Yinon Weiss
I agree with the idea emotionally, but I think it is more complicated. There's a reason we have the Navy and Marine Corps Medal (as well as the Army Medal and Airman's Medal), awarded for "heroism" and taking "life threatening risk experienced by the awardee" while not on assignment with the military.
I think it would be a slippery slope to begin awarding combat medals to military members who are on leave. We have a medal for heroism exactly for this purpose. We should use it.
I think it would be a slippery slope to begin awarding combat medals to military members who are on leave. We have a medal for heroism exactly for this purpose. We should use it.
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TSgt Joshua Copeland
LTC Yinon Weiss, those medals are normally awarded for actions not involving a recognized enemy.
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Looks like the Airman's chain is submitting him for the Airmen's Medal, which logically would preclude the Purple Heart.
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