Tillman, Silver Star?

Question

If Pat Tillman was killed by friendly fire, how can the Army let his Silver Star stand? Doesn't it cheapen the Silver Stars of those who actually did something heroic?

Much like the Air Force awarding Bronze Stars to Air Crews in Italy during Kosovo.

Answer 1

Sadly I agree with you. The medals have to mean something and for it to stand is just greater evidence of the military's dishonesty to Tilman's family. A lot of brave American Soldiers have been killed by friendly fire. During Operation Cobra in WWII our bombers killed nearly 600 US troops including one US General as they carpet bombed the positions of the German Panzer Lehr Division. Friendly fire is an unfortunate truth in war.

Pat Tilman died doing his duty and his nation will always remember his desire to serve and the sacrifice that he made. A Silver Star removed does not tarnish his memory or his service. The Purple Heart is merit enough for giving the nation the last full measure of his devotion.

Answer 2

This really pisses me off. Tillman did NOTHING heroic! My dad was a true war hero, going to the aid of a fellow soldier under enemy fire, and taking a hit from a mortar which left him in an army hospital in England for two years. He had only 10% use of his dominant hand, had no feeling in his feet, and had to learn to walk again. He was recommended for a Silver Star, but only got a Bronze Star. He was happy with that, though; he figured others were more valorous than he was.
So, yes, it does cheapen the medal. I notice that others killed by friendly fire don't get anything but a Purple Heart. It makes me sick!

Answer 3

The Bronze Star is the equivalent of the meritorious service medal awarded during war or national emergencies. It is issued with "V" device for valor affixed to the ribbon for a combat award. Thus the Bronze Star unlike the Silver Star, is not necessarily presented for deeds of valor in combat. That is why you see so many bronze star recipients.
Regarding the medal itself all military medals have been politicized in the past. Examples are the awarding of Medals of Honor to Japanese American vets who had already been awarded the Distinguished Service cross or Silver Star medals. This is contrary to military regulations but was done as an apology for the internments.

Realistically Tillman died in honorable service to his country. He gave up a lot including cash, fame, his family and ultimately his life for the USA. In my humble opinion he should be allowed to "keep" the medal. He did the right thing his superiors were the ones that dropped the ball.

Answer 4

Yes it cheapens it. What is really sad is what do you think Tillman would say about this if he were alive? Do you think he would want special treatment? Do you think he would agree that he deserves some special investigation?

Do you think he would want that award knowing that he didnt deserve it? They disrespect him in death by putting him in that situation.

Ok, he gave up a NFL dream to join the military. What about all the other people who arent celebrities who give up their normal life to join the military, the fact that they are not a NFL hero makes their life less important?

He got a Silver Star, it is an award that is suppossed to be given for valor in combat.

I know a person who recieved that award and deserved it. He was a Recon Marine, and was attacked by insurgents in Iraq with a RPG-7V, got both his hands blown off, and while his hands were blown off he calmly told the person next to him to hold the handset of the radio up to his head so that he could adjust artillery fire on the enemy and killed a bunch of the attacking insurgents.

That in my opinion is deserving of a silver star.

If you die or get wounded, your suppossed to get a purple heart not a silver star. Handing it out like candy just because your famous is ********.

Pat Tillman would agree with me I am sure.

Answer 5

To toots above me - Ok your dad was a war hero but you are not so stop acting like it offends you because you did nothing unless you want to take credit for what your dad did.

Tillman was given the silver star because they thought he was killed by the enemy. It would be disrespectful to take it back just because of the new facts. It really doesn't matter who shot him he died fighting for this country. If it was known immediatley afterwards that it was friendly fire he wouldn't have been given the silver star in the first place but once you give it to him how do you take it back.

Answer 6

That is a tough one..Silver stars are for valor and should not be a token no matter how great the person was!! In this case let it stand!! It will not be a world -ending issue..If the family wants to return it..Their choice. Army vet 1964-1970

Answer 7

Are you saying that Pat Tillman did not do something heroic. Pat Tillman, like all men and women who serve in the military are heroes. Have you done anything heroic lately?

Answer 8

Because originally, they thought he was killed by the enemy and fought bravely. Then it was found out he was killed by enemy fire. They disclosed that they would not take it back and let it stand, just re-write the reasoning behind giving the silver star. I mean, they gave it to him not knowing at first he was killed by friendly fire...it's not right to just take it back.

Answer 9

unfortuneately for him...you are right...it lessens the valor of those who earned a Silver Star

Let's not even start talking about how many Bronze Stars have been given out in this war.

Answer 10

I think it is pretty heroic to give up a Multi Million dollar NFL contract to go fight for your country. Maybe I am wrong but to me this guy gave up his lifelong dream of being an NFL player to go fight in a war because he believed it was the "right" thing to do. The fact that he was shot by his own men doesn't make him any less of a hero to me.