Originally posted by Staga
Who cares about medals; We've already learned (from Bush supporters) that Army gave those purple hearts, bronze stars and other medals to everyone who just asked them. Worthless pieces of junk.
Not polite words.
Regardless to any attitude towards combat awards.
In 1989 when I was in the US one of my host's friends Father, who served in the Pacific during WWII wanted to present me one of his medals as a "souvenir"... I had to refuse. He said almost exactly what you wrote...

This is a matter of your personal respect. I try to never go down to saying anything like that.
My best friend earned a Combat Merit medal in Afghanistan (85-87, airborne troops). He was severely wounded, but always says that it is a scar from a mountain-hiking accident (partialy true). He never wears this medal. It stays pinned to his demobilisation uniform. I was surprised when I saw it. He also said something like "it was awarded for nothing", but I hope we understand it's not true.
As for that "jibjab" cartoon - it was even shown on Russian TV with subtitles

Comments were something like "This is an american attitude to elections, we hope sometimes we'll have something like this here in Russia"
