Lt. Audie Murphy. World War II hero. Definitely decorated.
Van Taylor is a “decorated Marine.” At least that is what a number of articles I have read says about the Republican candidate for the Central Texas congressional seat held by Democratic Rep. Chet Edwards of Waco.
Just what the basis for such a description is I am not certain. Here is what Taylor’s Web site says about the awards he received for serving in the Marine Corps in Iraq:
“Van was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal with “V” for Valor, the Combat Action Ribbon, and the Presidential Unit Citation.”
I am not here to denigrate any accomplishments Taylor might have had while serving his country. Just serving in combat is admirable in itself. But the fact is, Taylor’s military awards hardly make him a modern-day Sgt. York or Audie Murphy.
The Navy Commendation Medal ranks 16th in order of precedence for the Navy and Marine Corps. It can be awarded either for valor, achievement or meritorious service. If awarded for valor, it is for heroic actions that do not rise to the level of the Bronze Star (No. 10 in precedence). The Combat Action Ribbon (No. 19) is awarded to Marines or Navy personnel who have participated in ground combat. The Presidential Unit Citation (No. 20)is awarded to Navy or Marine units such as squadrons, ships or divisions that exhibit extraordinary performance. So do those awards make Van Taylor decorated?
My military service resulted in just two medals. I received the National Defense Service Medal, which is given to every person who enlists during the time of war. And I was awarded the Navy Good Conduct Medal, which is awarded (surprise!) for good conduct. Basically, the medal signifies that I never received a Captain’s Mast or court martial for breaking the rules. Considering all that I did in my four years of service — including a lot of rule-breaking — I find that it is either quite an accomplishment that I received a good conduct medal or it is just one of those quirks of fate. Do those medals make me a decorated veteran?
My own answer would be: Van Taylor, no. Me, no. I think in the case of Alvin York and Audie Murphy, both of whom received the Medal of Honor among other numerous awards, it is pretty clear cut that they are decorated, not to mention heroes. But it is hard to draw the line as to whether someone is described as decorated or not.
Conferring the description “decorated” on a political candidate leaves somewhat of a perception that the person is a military hero. Like the word “decorated,” the concept of a hero is in the eye and heart of the beholder. Words can be mighty powerful, can’t they?