Rep. Duncan Hunter (R., Calif.) said in an article published Wednesday in Defense One that it is time to award Medals of Honor to veterans of the Iraq War.
More than one million Americans served in Iraq, and thousands have died in service, Hunter wrote. Hunter himself served two tours in Iraq and a third tour in Afghanistan.
For all of the success of the U.S.military, the Iraq operation was replete with political and diplomatic failures that saturated operational advancements. Many soldiers and Marines executing the ground war viewed these setbacks as a hindrance to mission success. They were right.
In 2007, the surge of forces was a game changer and the tenuous security situation that enveloped parts of Iraq dramatically improved. Today, security conditions have receded, due to political squandering by President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki of the hard fought gains of America’s military men and women that transcended nearly a decade. The difference now is that the obligation to resist insurgent forces and disruptive elements is solely the obligation of Iraq and its people. Right or wrong, the U.S. is on the sidelines.
The battlefield in Iraq presented new and untested ground. As a whole, the men and women of each service branch, in specialties of all types, did their duty and did it well. And through them, the fighting and pioneering spirit of America showed. All service is notable, but some actions went above and beyond.
Hunter went on to name some notable service members: Brian Chontosh, Alwyn Cashe, Bradley Kasal, and Rafael Peralta.
Hunter said it is astounding that no Medals of Honor have been awarded for those who served in the Iraq War.
On this occasion of the eleventh anniversary of the war in Iraq, Secretary [of Defense Chuck] Hagel should commit to reviewing the highest combat valor awards from Iraq and commit to identifying living Medal of Honor recipients. No more excuses. No more sidestepping.