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Medal language inappropriate

The Spokesman-Review

I was very disappointed to see the language used in the article about Morgan Bennett being wounded in Afganistan.

People in the military don’t “earn” battle awards, they are AWARDED them. You seem to be confusing them with Boy Scouts that “earn” merit badges. Makes it sound like they have to be shot or wounded a certain number of times to get a Purple Heart, doesn’t it?

Audie Murphy was the most decorated soldier of World War II, all prior to his 22nd birthday, I believe. So your staff writer would have written his award like this? “Audie Murphy, after many harrowing months in World War II, finally earned enough points to get his Medal of Honor.” Sounds pretty silly, doesn’t it?

Give our military people credit. They are not trying to “earn” anything but coming home. Give them their due when they are “awarded” medals.

Les Norton

Spokane

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