Should The Purple Heart Be Awarded For The Orlando Attack?

Should the Purple Heart be awarded posthumously to the Army Reservist killed in the Orlando attack?

  • Yes

    Votes: 10 28.6%
  • No

    Votes: 16 45.7%
  • I don't know, I just wish someone would unlock the "mod nomination" thread

    Votes: 13 37.1%

  • Total voters
    35
Yes, the Fort Hood troops were (eventually) awarded the PH.

Ft Hood shooter was tied directly to AQAP but this guy was not (per FBI and CIA). I don't think Orlando even meets Federal definition of terrorism; hate crime yes.

  • Appear intended (i) to intimidate or coerce a civilian population; (ii) to influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion; or (iii) to affect the conduct of a government by mass destruction, assassination. or kidnapping; and
 
I say yes.

The nature of terrorist attacks is such that previously used criteria for military awards are no longer relevant in all cases.

I wonder if we'd be debating whether he discharged his official duty if he had killed the terrorist and was being considered for something higher than the PH.

His oath applies 24/7. Give him the medal, just like we gave it to Spencer Stone for his actions in France.
 
Ft Hood shooter was tied directly to AQAP but this guy was not (per FBI and CIA). I don't think Orlando even meets Federal definition of terrorism; hate crime yes.

  • Appear intended (i) to intimidate or coerce a civilian population; (ii) to influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion; or (iii) to affect the conduct of a government by mass destruction, assassination. or kidnapping; and

He claimed affiliation and pledged allegiance. Given that ISIS is actively promoting singleton attacks in their name to further their cause--and this guy voiced opposition to USG actions--his statement is good enough.

It's not like these cunts have membership cards.
 
He claimed affiliation and pledged allegiance. Given that ISIS is actively promoting singleton attacks in their name to further their cause--and this guy voiced opposition to USG actions--his statement is good enough.

It's not like these cunts have membership cards.

Pledging bayat apparently doesn't satisfy the USG (not my rules).

Regarding ID cards, they actually do have them. How do you think they pass through the various checkpoints within the IS?
 
Pledging bayat apparently doesn't satisfy the USG (not my rules).

Regarding ID cards, they actually do have them. How do you think they pass through the various checkpoints within the IS?

I thought they had to prove membership by torturing a starving kitten or demonstrating the proper method of seducing a goat. Kind of a secret frat handshake thing.

I actually didn't know they had ID cards, but I think membership/allegiance should not be determined by whether you're officially on the rolls.
 
Ft Hood shooter was tied directly to AQAP but this guy was not (per FBI and CIA). I don't think Orlando even meets Federal definition of terrorism; hate crime yes.

  • Appear intended (i) to intimidate or coerce a civilian population; (ii) to influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion; or (iii) to affect the conduct of a government by mass destruction, assassination. or kidnapping; and

He looks weak not saying what world leaders and everyone, including Muslims, are saying.

So... You think President Obama is weak for not saying this is Islamic Extremism, but then you say this is not terrorism? I am confused.
 
I think Islamic Extremism is terrorism. It is using religious ideals to perpetrate political ideas on a mass population using violence.

I agree with you, but how many Islamic countries have homosexuality as a capital crime and have done way worse than Mateen did last weekend?
 
I agree with you, but how many Islamic countries have homosexuality as a capital crime and have done way worse than Mateen did last weekend?

Yeah, that is true. But that isn't here, I think those places use violence on their people to keep them living in fear, which is terrorism.

To be honest I think there are parts of America with minute Muslim populations where the same would be true if not for our more progressive politics in the US.
 
So... You think President Obama is weak for not saying this is Islamic Extremism, but then you say this is not terrorism? I am confused.

No, he looks weak for not saying and acknowledging that radical Islam exists and they are at war with us and the West. He appears to be denying this fact for political purposes.

I'm not sure Orlando meets the governments definition of terrorism because the government doesn't appear to be influenced in order to change its conduct unless his goal was to change gun laws. I'm not trying to be a dick but...press seems to be conflicted regarding motive from repressed homosexual feelings to Islamic beliefs, which if true, absolutely supports the idea that radical Islam exists.

AQ wanted the US out of Saudi Arabia and repeatedly attacked US targets. The United States significantly changed the number of overt military in KSA. The IRA conducted bombing to change British politics.

If a Muslim kills in the name of religion because he believes he is compelled to do so, how are they trying to influence anyone/anything? Even if he killed Americans on behalf of IS, he's just a soldier because they believe we either conver or die. Period.

IS has never expressed political demands from the West. You guys know more about UW and subversion but isn't terrorist tactics without political demands just asymmetric warfare?
 
I think Islamic Extremism is terrorism. It is using religious ideals to perpetrate political ideas on a mass population using violence.

I'm 50/50 with you because of his IS connection. Had he pledged to AQ, totally agree.

IS wants death to kuffar.
 
I don't get how any of you are trying to equate a PH with an act of bravery. That's what ARCOM (V) BS (V) and above are for.

A Purple Heart is solely for being wounded or killed in the line of duty, precluding misconduct before the enemy.

I voted yes, with the caveat that I don't know if he was active duty. This was an act of terrorism with an element that we are in active conflict with, and better yet was on American soil yet again. If he was anything other than IRR than the PH is warranted IMHO. Survivor accounts will matter for if any further awards are warranted on top of the PH.
 
I disagree with your question, I think that the Fort Hood shooting and this are different scenarios.

I think they are much different scenarios, too. But I'm not real clear on who they award PHs to nowadays. My feeling is if the person meets the criteria...but the criteria seems to be open to some interpretation and maybe needs to be fleshed out a little better. As a PH recipient I'm against opening up the criteria too much, but by the same token, I'm trying to be open-minded with regard to the uniqueness of terrorist attacks.

@Ranger Psych is correct, it's not a bravery medal. As my Senior Drill Instructor used to say: "It ain't nuthin but a Viet Cong marksmanship badge."
 
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I'm a purist. I think the Purple Heart should be awarded overseas in a contingency or declared combat area. I am also a PH recipient. The PH is not awarded for bravery but historically it has been awarded to personnel who willing risk their lives and deploy to a contingency or war zone and are wounded by enemy action. That being said, precedent has been set and precedent indicates that these service members rate the award.
 
I think it's pretty simple. Ft. Hood was targeted for military affiliation. The Orlando victim was an off duty reservist in the wrong place at the wrong time. It was terrorism, but he likely was not being targeted for being in the military. No Purple Heart.
 
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