House to Hagel: Downgrade the UAV and Cyber Medal

March 5, 2013 8:34 AM - Updated: March 6, 2013 1:23 PM
US House Leaders are calling for Secreatary of Defense Chuck Hagel to reduce the ranking of a new medal for unmanned aerial vehicle pilots and cyber troops. US Navy Photo
US House Leaders are calling for Secreatary of Defense Chuck Hagel to reduce the ranking of a new medal for unmanned aerial vehicle pilots and cyber troops. US Navy Photo

Almost 50 House leaders called on Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel to lower the precedence of a new medal designed to recognize the warfare contributions of unmanned aerial vehicle pilots and cyber troops, The Hill reported Monday.

The Distinguished Warfare Medal, introduced by former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta on Feb. 13, ranks higher than a Bronze Star with valor device and the Purple Heart.

“We are supportive of recognizing and rewarding such extraordinary service but in the absence of the service member exposing him or herself to imminent mortal danger, we cannot support the [Distinguished Warfare Medal] taking precedence above the Bronze Star and Purple Heart,” read the letter to Hagel.

The medal has stirred some controversy with veterans. Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Military Order of the Purple Heart have called for the Pentagon to lower the precedence of the medal.

The controversy has also led to a petition on the White House website to lower the import of the new citation.

Sam LaGrone

Sam LaGrone

Sam LaGrone is the editor of USNI News. He has covered legislation, acquisition and operations for the Sea Services since 2009 and spent time underway with the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and the Canadian Navy.
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