Five men have been awarded the Medal of Honor for valor and bravery above and beyond the call of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. All of them posthumously. Four died in Iraq and one in Afghanistan: two soldiers, one Marine, two Navy SEALS.
The Boston Herald remembers them in an editorial on this Memorial Day, “A new generation earns greatness”:
- Army Pfc. Ross McGinnis, 19, of Knox, Pa.
- Navy SEAL Michael A. Monsoor, 25, of Garden Grove, Calif. (pictured above)
- Marine Cpl. Jason L. Dunham, 22, of Scio, N.Y.
- Army Sgt. 1st Class Paul R. Smith, 33, of Tampa, Fla.
- Navy SEAL Lt. Michael P. Murphy of Patchogue, N.Y.
Read the story for brief explanations of how they died, giving their lives to save others. These were ordinary men, not superheroes, who entered military service for their own reasons, but in the end joined the long blue and khaki line of men and women who have served to the full measure of bravery and commitment. When the time came, their honor and courage were weighed and found worthy.
Photo credit: US Navy photo via Wikimedia Commons
Image Credit
- Monsoor.jpg: US Navy photo | U.S. Government Work
“When the time came, their honor and courage were weighed and found worthy.” Amen to that.