Armed Polite Society

Main Forums => The Roundtable => Topic started by: Unisaw on March 22, 2010, 11:25:50 PM

Title: Medal of Honor Recipient
Post by: Unisaw on March 22, 2010, 11:25:50 PM

I was flying out of SeaTac on Sunday and noticed a distinguished-looking gentleman farther back in the security line had a Medal of Honor around his neck.  It was Lt. Colonel Bruce Crandall, a Seattle-area resident who only recently received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Battle of Ia Drang.  Apparently, he was traveling to some type of reunion.  Here is the Wikipedia entry about Lt. Colonel Crandall:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruce_P._Crandall

It was such a thrill to be in his presence.  Most of the people in line seemed oblivious to his presence or didn't recognize the significance of his medal.

Title: Re: Medal of Honor Recipient
Post by: Fly320s on March 23, 2010, 12:45:12 AM

Was he in uniform at SEA?

Title: Re: Medal of Honor Recipient
Post by: Unisaw on March 23, 2010, 02:40:12 PM

320s,

He wasn't wearing a uniform, just a blue blazer with some type of patch on the breast pocket.

Title: Re: Medal of Honor Recipient
Post by: Fly320s on March 23, 2010, 10:28:00 PM

Hmmm.

I find it odd that a person would wear a medal, any medal, when not in uniform.

Title: Re: Medal of Honor Recipient
Post by: Scout26 on March 23, 2010, 10:32:29 PM

The MOH is the one medal that is not only allowed but encouraged to be worn with proper (suit & tie) civilian attire.

There are lapel pins of the lesser military awards that are to be worn on (wait for it) the lapel of suits and sports coats.

Unisaw, not sure if you're former military or not, but if so, you can (and probably should) salute.   I know I would.

Title: Re: Medal of Honor Recipient
Post by: Tallpine on March 23, 2010, 10:36:37 PM

Did you hang around to see if TSA tried to confiscate it  ???

Title: Re: Medal of Honor Recipient
Post by: Nick1911 on March 23, 2010, 10:38:54 PM

Quote from: Tallpine on March 23, 2010, 10:36:37 PM

Did you hang around to see if TSA tried to confiscate it  ???

Is it bad to be both  :laugh: and  :'( at the same time?

Title: Re: Medal of Honor Recipient
Post by: Scout26 on March 23, 2010, 11:29:00 PM

Quote from: Tallpine on March 23, 2010, 10:36:37 PM

Did you hang around to see if TSA tried to confiscate it  ???

IIRC, didn't they try to do that to Joe Foss ??

Yep, they did.   Maroons.....
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Foss

Quote

On January 11, 2002, Foss, then in his mid-80s, gained renewed fame when he was stopped at the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport because he was carrying his Medal of Honor (which has pointed edges), along with a clearly marked dummy-bullet keychain and a small knife (with MOH insignia) on his way to giving a speech to a class at the United States Military Academy at West Point.[2] The subsequent delay and lack of recognition of the award, together with his age, were used as an example of an alleged widespread abuse of passengers by airport security personnel pre TSA. The story later attained urban-legend status before it was held as true by snopes.com, a popular "last word" on such claims.[3]

Title: Re: Medal of Honor Recipient
Post by: Unisaw on March 24, 2010, 12:18:57 AM

I nodded at him but wasn't sure if it would be appropriate to approach him to shake his hand.  Unfortunately, I was already running late and bolted for my flight.