Silver Star Upgraded to a DSC

[AWP]

Army upgrades officer’s Silver Star for throwing a live grenade back at the enemy

Nicholas Eslinger - Recipient - Military Times Hall Of Valor

After the grenade landed within the formation, Second Lieutenant Eslinger quickly assessed the situation, realizing that if the grenade detonated where it landed, it would kill or injure at least six Soldiers that were in the blast radius. With complete disregard for his personal safety and well-being, Second Lieutenant Eslinger ran towards the grenade located approximately six feet in front of him, and covered it with his body. When the grenade did not immediately go off, he threw it back over the wall in the direction of the enemy.

Why doesn't this rate a MoH? He didn't die therefore he's only worthy of a DSC? That just sounds wrong.

 

[Gunz]

Falling on a frag to save your buds is a death move. Yeah, should be an automatic MOH.

 

[SOSTCRNA]

Agreed

 

[chickenrappa]

I personally think the citation looks like what most MOH citations look like, but what do I know. He ran at a grenade and fell on it to suck up the blast, and then when it didn't go off, he threw it back? He saved 6 soldiers' lives in the process. That's some shit you don't hear about every day.

 

[Brill]

Wait a sec. This dude graduated WP 2007 and this action occurred a year later in 2008, while he was still a 2LT?

His initial instinct to sacrifice himself for his comrades is truly valorous. He demonstrated unsurpassed determination, courage, and small unit combat leadership in saving the lives of his Soldiers and then aggressively pursuing the enemy. His incredible bravery inspired all of his Soldiers, as well as the entire company, to continue the pursuit of dangerous enemy elements remaining in Samarra.

Some high quality mentorship at WP for sure. Hat tip to @Marauder06 , and others, for reinvesting into our Army.