Just learned that there have been many more Navy Crosses in OIF: 8 thus far, and one for OEF. The Army has also awarded three Distinguished Service Crosses too. I'll update the post when I can.

It is criminal that this is not in the papers or the other media (I suppose the media bigs are too busy congratulating themselves for winning Pulitzer Prizes for printing state secrets). If you weren't aware of those other Navy Crosses (and you keep up more than most of us), what does that say about knowledge in the general population ?

The media is bored by these stories, but to some extent so is the military and the public. Our culture is ambivalent about the celebration of bravery when that bravery involves not just facing death, but dealing it out. Ancient Troy, we're not.

This has led to a kind of acceptable response among veterans, the "veteran as victim" theme so wildly exploited in the media and television portryals of Vietnam Vets. Think Rambo, "Over there I controlled million dollar equipment. Here I'm nothing." The notion of satisfaction in doing a job well, even the job of killing, is something our highly feminized society is less comfortable with than it's ever been. So people "feel bad" for the troops, and they really do. But celebrating them and their bravery in combat as a valuable expression of human excellence is off the radar of our entire culture. The media in this instance is really just reflecting that social trend.

That said, our culture is also ambivalent about homosexuals, untraditional couples, atheists, etc., but they all seem to get plenty of air time.

I followed the link to Medal presentation for your buddy from basic. I know us civilian types aren't supposed to say "Oohrah!" but DANG!! What tremedous audacity and courage. Stories such as these deserve to be heard. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.

A Marine named Richard Fernandez was also awarded a Navy Cross.

Might want to check out his citation.