Heros Among Us

Heroes Among Us
Larson, Major Chuck
Knitting Sticks: 5

This book really is a must read. As I said in an earlier post, the media gives very little coverage to the heroes who are serving in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. This book comprises chapters based on the actions of America's most decorated warriors in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

Just a little background info (because I have done the research so that you don't have to). The three top honors awarded in the military are (in order of importance): The Medal of Honor, The Navy Cross/Distinguished Service Cross (the designation depends on which branch of the service you are in) and the Silver Star. In over 50% of the cases, the Medal of Honor is awarded posthumously (the 5 MOH that have been awarded for Afghanistan and Iraq have been posthumous awards) and since the Civil War when the MOH was first introduced only about 2400 have been awarded. Also, just as an aside, don't say that someone has "won" a MOH. They didn't go out seeking that honor, it was awarded to them based on the witness of others to their bravery above and beyond the call of duty.

The men profiled in this book, who have been awarded these medals, are humble, caring not for their own safety but for the safety of their men and others. You could tell from their words that they didn't think that they had done anything that was extraordinary. They wanted to talk about the men that they served with and not the actions that had gotten them an award that they never sought. This book is well worth reading to remind us of how special the men and women are who serve in our military and stand in harm's way so that we are safe.