Abu Ghraib 2003 and Medal of Honor Winner
John W. Slagle
February 17, 2006
At times it seems the news Medias in this nation and abroad exists for sensationalism regarding Abu Ghraib and the U.S. Military. The nine soldiers responsible have been tried and sentenced under Military law.
Additional Photos taken at Abu Ghraib in 2003 serve little purpose now other than dwelling on a case already resolved. The guilty were punished. The Uniform Code of Military Justice has well established rules of conduct.
I have worked with Combat Veterans for years within the U.S. Border Patrol. Many were Reservists NCOs and some retained Commissions as Officers.
During Operation Desert Storm 1991, I corresponded with numerous Troops from the 101st Airborne Air Assault Unit to U.S. Marines detachments. Serving in a time of war is not easy for any G.I. on the front lines.
In 2003, while the national press was bombarding the senses with atrocities committed by misfit military prison guards, a Medal of Honor winner received little attention in the United States.
The Congressional Medal of Honor is the nation’s highest military award for heroism and uncommon valor in action.
U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Paul R. Smith received the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry above and beyond the call of duty, Baghdad Airport, Iraq, April 4, 2003, Third Infantry Division.
As the Abu Ghraib abuse was aired to the world, Lt. Colonel Allen West USMC was facing article 32 charges for extracting vital information from an enemy combatant, battle field conditions involving ambush sites. Colonel West effectively saved the lives of many under his command due to the information received from a double agent.
The press seemed to enjoy disgracing a fine Officer. Many thousands of concerned citizens, veterans groups signed petitions addressed to the President and Secretary of the Army. Colonel West was allowed to retire with dignity and the U.S. Marines lost an outstanding Officer.
In 2004, April 6, the Navy Cross for Valor was presented to two Marines at Twenty-Nine Palms, California by General Michael Hagee,Commandant USMC.
Within the Naval Service, the Navy Cross is second only to the Congressional Medal of Honor.
Marine Private First Class Joseph B. Perez received the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism while serving as a rifleman, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force. 2003
Marine Captain Brian R. Chontosh received the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism as a platoon Commander, 3rd. Battalion, 5th. Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force March 25, 2003.
There was limited media attention for our Medal of Honor recipient Sgt.Paul R. Smith or Navy Cross awards to our Marines in 2003. Awards for Valor from Bronze Stars to Purple Hearts were rarely discussed by mainstream Media. The Washington Beltway also remained silent.
A few "knucklehead" reservists or more including officers at Abu Ghraib Prison was a serious situation but while concentrating on their misdeeds, an all consuming task, true heroes seemed to slip by unnoticed.
I’m very proud of our troops then and now.
Welcome Home” Paul Smith, Joseph Perez, and Brian Chontosh. Thank you for your service to your country and all who now serve in "harms way".
Additional Photos taken at Abu Ghraib in 2003 serve little purpose now other than dwelling on a case already resolved. The guilty were punished. The Uniform Code of Military Justice has well established rules of conduct.
I have worked with Combat Veterans for years within the U.S. Border Patrol. Many were Reservists NCOs and some retained Commissions as Officers.
During Operation Desert Storm 1991, I corresponded with numerous Troops from the 101st Airborne Air Assault Unit to U.S. Marines detachments. Serving in a time of war is not easy for any G.I. on the front lines.
In 2003, while the national press was bombarding the senses with atrocities committed by misfit military prison guards, a Medal of Honor winner received little attention in the United States.
The Congressional Medal of Honor is the nation’s highest military award for heroism and uncommon valor in action.
U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Paul R. Smith received the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry above and beyond the call of duty, Baghdad Airport, Iraq, April 4, 2003, Third Infantry Division.
As the Abu Ghraib abuse was aired to the world, Lt. Colonel Allen West USMC was facing article 32 charges for extracting vital information from an enemy combatant, battle field conditions involving ambush sites. Colonel West effectively saved the lives of many under his command due to the information received from a double agent.
The press seemed to enjoy disgracing a fine Officer. Many thousands of concerned citizens, veterans groups signed petitions addressed to the President and Secretary of the Army. Colonel West was allowed to retire with dignity and the U.S. Marines lost an outstanding Officer.
In 2004, April 6, the Navy Cross for Valor was presented to two Marines at Twenty-Nine Palms, California by General Michael Hagee,Commandant USMC.
Within the Naval Service, the Navy Cross is second only to the Congressional Medal of Honor.
Marine Private First Class Joseph B. Perez received the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism while serving as a rifleman, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force. 2003
Marine Captain Brian R. Chontosh received the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism as a platoon Commander, 3rd. Battalion, 5th. Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force March 25, 2003.
There was limited media attention for our Medal of Honor recipient Sgt.Paul R. Smith or Navy Cross awards to our Marines in 2003. Awards for Valor from Bronze Stars to Purple Hearts were rarely discussed by mainstream Media. The Washington Beltway also remained silent.
A few "knucklehead" reservists or more including officers at Abu Ghraib Prison was a serious situation but while concentrating on their misdeeds, an all consuming task, true heroes seemed to slip by unnoticed.
I’m very proud of our troops then and now.
Welcome Home” Paul Smith, Joseph Perez, and Brian Chontosh. Thank you for your service to your country and all who now serve in "harms way".
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