Military Medals And

The Order Of Precedence

To the Editor:

I followed with interest the written sparring between Mr Brian Gibney and Mr (Col) R.P. Gottmeier. While both are entitled to their opinions, I feel someone needs to make a correction. In a recent letter to The Bee, Mr Gottmeier makes reference to the Bronze Star medal he received. He stated, “Only the Silver Star Medal and the Medal of Honor surpass the medal.”

This is not true. There are in fact eight decorations separating the Bronze Star from The Medal of Honor on the order of precedence list. Not the least of these is The Distinguished Service Cross, the nation’s second highest award for “extraordinary heroism” in combat. The DSC was recently awarded to an officer with the 5th Special Forces Group for heroic action while serving in Afghanistan. This was the first award of the DSC since the Vietnam War.

It is not my intention to embarrass anyone or to minimize Mr Gottmeier’s decorations. I do feel however that if someone is going to make reference to the importance of his own awards, he should have his facts straight.

Joseph J. McGowan, Jr

89 Brownstone Road, Berlin, CT                                April 29, 2003