The one that got away!

CPO Greg Frazho — Tue, 09 Sep 2014 15:17:59 -0400

If you could legitimately be awarded one, just one, ribbon that you're not currently authorized to wear, which one would it be and why?

My choice: the Navy Presidential Unit Citation (PUC). I've always been fascinated by this ribbon. It's the highest unit award a service member/unit can get and it is very rarely awarded.

I've always been a big proponent of unit awards like the MUC, NUC , JMUC and the Battle 'E' and I feel they're the most underrated.

Thoughts?

Response by SGT Richard H. made Sep 9 at 2014 3:22 PM

SGT Richard H. — Tue, 09 Sep 2014 15:22:24 -0400

I would have to say either the OEF or OIF, because it would mean that I stayed in when I should have.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Oct 11 at 2014 4:53 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Sat, 11 Oct 2014 04:53:19 -0400

Humanitarian Service Medal. I always wanted to go on a mission of mercy.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 11 at 2014 6:33 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Oct 2014 06:33:02 -0400

I wish I knew while I was in A'stan that you can get a CAB for indirect fire. I definitely had a few come close enough, but didn't know till after I'd returned that indirect fire qualifies so never got anything documented.

Response by Sgt Packy Flickinger made Oct 11 at 2014 6:59 AM

Sgt Packy Flickinger — Sat, 11 Oct 2014 06:59:11 -0400

Well, I'd choose the top one of course. Who wouldn't want the MOH? Seriously, I was stationed overseas for 14 months. Full PCS and everything yet they said I didn't rate the over seas service ribbon. Only the sea service deployment. The SSD is supposed to be for short term deployed. I want the overseas service!

Response by PO3 Jonathan Cooper made Oct 11 at 2014 11:05 AM

PO3 Jonathan Cooper — Sat, 11 Oct 2014 11:05:50 -0400

My last command (USS Ford FFG 54) was slated to win the Battle E after our decommissioning due to the fact that we were the only ship in our DESRON who was qualified. Lost it to a destroyer that went out on a 8 month deployment and supposably failed half of their qualifiers. Water under the bridge now, but half of my FFG family was ready to draw blood over it.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 14 at 2014 5:24 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 14 Oct 2014 17:24:22 -0400

Chow Hall Good Conduct Medal!!! 120 oak leaf clusters!! lol

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2014 4:33 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Oct 2014 16:33:19 -0400

None of them. I didn't join for the medals or ribbons. Didn't wear but the first 3 I ever earned (back in '77) and only when forced to wear a uniform that required ribbons. It was amusing to watch the eyes of those coming onboard to see a first class in dress blues with a buttload of service stripes and only 3 extremely low ranking ribbons showing. I know for a fact most of the officers either asked my division officer about it or actually bellied up to personnel to look at my jacket. Not that I cared.

Response by Sgt Jennifer Mohler made Oct 15 at 2014 5:19 PM

Sgt Jennifer Mohler — Wed, 15 Oct 2014 17:19:12 -0400

My unit got screwed out of a PUC. I want that one.

Response by SGT Suraj Dave made Oct 16 at 2014 2:21 AM

SGT Suraj Dave — Thu, 16 Oct 2014 02:21:50 -0400

I LOL'd at "the one that got away!" I have a pretty funny story about that pertaining to awards...

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Oct 16 at 2014 6:56 AM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Thu, 16 Oct 2014 06:56:07 -0400

The Antarctica service ribbon with wintered over device. Its just to cool (pun intended) of an opportunity but you've got to be in line for a posting like that.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2015 5:16 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 17:16:24 -0400

The Viet Nam Service Ribbon. I was with the USAF 18 TFW (F-105"s), stationed at Kadena AB, Okinawa in 64-65 as a munitions specialist. Our planes flew combat into Laos and Cambodia (no one was supposed to know). I received, built, stored, delivered and some times help load munitions that never came back. "The Rock" was one of the main jump off points for folks going to Nam. I volunteered to go to Nam, but was refused (we need you here crap). I've heard rumors that my unit was authorized the VNSM and Vietnam Gallantry Cross six months after I rotated.

Response by SPC John Chambers made Jul 24 at 2017 8:09 PM

SPC John Chambers — Mon, 24 Jul 2017 20:09:29 -0400

Joint Service Achievement Medal. I was put up for one and the paperwork was lost so I never received it. Kind of bummed out about it.