South Carolina establishes Medal of Valor Act

[JPL]

Another fascinating medal news article:

Tammie Davenport spent a year researching and sketching designs for a medal to honor military men and women who, like her son, have been killed in action. On Tuesday morning at Anderson's National Guard Armory on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, two and a half years after she started her project, Davenport witnessed Gov. Nikki Haley signing the Medal of Valor Act, officially creating the medal and the means for the state to award it to families.

To receive the medal, South Carolina families will need to notify their local state legislators, who will in turn recommend the award through a concurrent resolution of the state's two houses of government. The Medal of Valor law embraces Davenport's design, which features depictions of Ft. Moultrie's Revolutionary War cannons, The Citadel's checkerboard quadrangle and the state's Palmetto tree and crescent moon emblem. "The colors, the emblem — nothing is on there by accident," Davenport said.

Read the complete article: http://www.independentmail.com/news/2012/aug/21/haley-in-anderson-to-sign-medal-of-valor-act-law/

Jean-Paul

[Paul R]

I thought that the Purple Heard filled that role.

[Lukasz Gaszewski]

Some other states have already introduced medals like that. It would be nice to know some details as of what the medal is going to look like.

[Paul R]

I am interested as well. I am sure that something will be out on it soon. IT will take a few months to complete the design process.

[JPL]

I've found another news item showing what the medal will look like. Make sure to view the video which shows the medal.

Unfortunately, there is no mention of the ribbon that will be used for the medal.

Here is the link: http://www.wistv.com/story/19336735/mother-of-fallen-marine-designs-states-medal-of-valor

Jean-Paul

[ostprussenmann_new]

I think that is very interesting. I am glad that they incorporated the Citadel, since that school and Clemson contributed to the Civil War. In addition, its great for a state to show the appreciation for its fallen. Yes, the Purple Heart is the Federal Award, but no piece of tin or bronze could replace a lost family member.

[JBFloyd]

As a nation, we have gone stark raving mad on the subject of medals.

Few days go by, it seems, that some state doesn't create some redundant medal, and its far too often for award to someone who had no military service, but was simply related to someone who did. I think that these medals for families of men and women killed in action simply perpetuate the cult of victimhood we have spawned over many long years.

What honor does this medal bring to the military person killed in action. Is it on his gravestone, or listed on her DD-214, or mentioned in his obituary? Well, no -- because it isn't even awarded to him!

Craziness, absolute craziness.

[dmiller8]

I've found another news item showing what the medal will look like. Make sure to view the video which shows the medal.

Unfortunately, there is no mention of the ribbon that will be used for the medal.

Here is the link: http://www.wistv.com...-medal-of-valor

Jean-Paul

The South Carolina Medal of Valor may be in emulation of the Elizabeth Cross http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_Cross which is also awarded to families who have lost a loved one in the Armed Forces of the United Kingdom. As a table medal, it is not worn, but it is accompanied by a miniature pin which is a visible sign that the Next-of-Kin received the award. Member Jean-Paul's video link showed the medal in a color illustration, which might indicate that the award may be enameled in those colors and as a table medal, it won't have a ribbon. What may have been forgotten is that US households with a service member on active duty may display a Service Flag http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Service_flag with a blue star for the living and gold stars for the deceased. And since 2004, a Service Flag for those wounded in action http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Silver_Star_Families_of_America is authorized for display by eligible households.

[ostprussenmann_new]

Interesting point of view, but if it brings some type of piece for Mrs. Davenport or another family member, then why not. As dmiller8 stated, its not going on a DD214, so why not.

[JBFloyd]

Shouldn't a "Medal of Valor" recognize something like -- oh, I don't know -- maybe "valor"?