Will slain and wounded soldiers be awarded Purple Heart?

[jshenry321]

After hearing the story and reading the article on the killing of Pvt. William Andrew Long which also wounded Pvt. Quinton I. Ezeagwula, I knew the story would not get much coverage. I began to wonder why no one seems to be calling this what it is, a terrorist attack. A muslim extremist, targeting soldiers and secretly planning other attacks in the name of their view of Islam, fits any definition of a terrorist or enemy combatant.

Is anyone aware of this being called a terrorist attack or of award of purple hearts to the soldiers involved?

http://www.militarytimes.com/news/2009/06/ap_recruiting_center_shooting_2_060309/

[MitchellJD1969]

If they were abortion doctors then there would be shock and outrage, but since they are soldiers its a "who cares" by the left and the media. Calling it a terrorist attack would be offensive to terrorists and we dont want to hurt their feelings..

[jshenry321]

Then, not only is it a tragedy to have lost one soldier and had another injured, but it is an insult to the thousands of others fighting overseas to downplay what this event was, a terrorist attack.

Just because it wasn't a coordinated effort, on civilians only, or on a large scale doesn't change the fact that it was an attack by an islamic extremist, terrorist.

I don't think that calling it such would ensure some politician or media outlet would try to make a point that the war isn't making america safer by using this as an example. Small scale attacks like this would be possible anywhere. The military and other departments of government keep mass attacks from happening as well as infiltrate and break up communication and cells. Which they have done well.

[Sneezyone]

I don't think that's why this is receiving so little coverage (i.e. no one cares or wants to cover it). I think the media's been asked NOT to report it in depth. The threat level for recruiters has been raised down here and DH was asked not to go into work in his uni anymore. Even the victim families aren't talking anymore.

[jshenry321]

I cam understand the rationale of not sensationalizing the attack and inspiring future attacks of a similar nature, but lets call a spade a spade, it is a terrorist attack.

I just hope that those two men get the recognition they deserve.

[Sneezyone]

Indeed it was a terrorist attack. So was that Dr.'s killing. Domestic terrorists on the right and left scare the bejeesus out of me and no one wants to admit just how prevalent they are. I'll gladly take the less is more approach on this one tho since my spouse is recruiting in the attack zone.

[MitchellJD1969]

The left is off the hook again, they have another "right wing" extremist to be outraged about so they dont have to worry about feigning outrage over a soldier being killed. Of course a soldier dying doesnt fit thier "victimology" or ideological profile so its hard to feel anything for something you dont understand or care about.

[LEBS27]

After hearing the story and reading the article on the killing of Pvt. William Andrew Long which also wounded Pvt. Quinton I. Ezeagwula, I knew the story would not get much coverage. I began to wonder why no one seems to be calling this what it is, a terrorist attack. A muslim extremist, targeting soldiers and secretly planning other attacks in the name of their view of Islam, fits any definition of a terrorist or enemy combatant.

Is anyone aware of this being called a terrorist attack or of award of purple hearts to the soldiers involved?

http://www.militarytimes.com/news/2009/06/ap_recruiting_center_shooting_2_060309/

If PVT Long & PVT Ezeqgwula both met the criteria for the Purple Heart under AR 600-8-22, then they are entitled to it. As I read through the criteria, the following might apply,

"After 28 March 1973, as a result of an international terrorist attack against the United States or a foreign nation friendly to the United States, recognized as such an attack by the Secretary of the Army, or jointly by the Secretaries of the separate armed Services concerned if persons from more than one service are wounded in the attack." None of the other criteria really apply in this case (based on strict interpretation.

In my opinion, no - they don't meet the criteria for the award. They are definitely due recognition & honors from the Army but not the Purple Heart.

[jshenry321]

If what you say is correct, than the criteria for award needs to be updated or revised.

I think it should specify that: any service member killed or wounded in an attack by a declared enemy. Declared meaning by the DOD, POTUS, or foreign or domestic group or category of persons whom have openly declared hostilities against the USA, its people or territories.

Islamic extremist have openly declared their intent towards America and their members may be in groups or acting individually while being foreigners or US citizens.