Was this worth a DFC?

[anotheoldgit]

http://tinyurl.com/2uuqgk2

Normally I support our troops with all of my heart, but the question I feel I must ask here, 'was this pilot's actions worth the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross'?

Yes he was superficially wounded, but he had no other option than to continue to try and fly his helicopter back to Camp Bastion, his action was a matter of self survival, one of the most natural instincts in all beings, and fortunately in the pursuance of this he also saved the lives of the others on board his aircraft.

During WW2 many pilots limped home badly wounded with their crates badly damaged, but I am afraid they all wasn't dished out with a DFC.

[McMouse]

KFC don't use halal chicken.

[anneasquith]

sad to listen to anyone begrudging a member of the forces an award.................world war 2 is over, this is now

[McMouse]

The great majority of gongs are campaign medals awarded for being there, whether in action or not. Yes there are some medals awarded for exceptional bravery etc, but loads allocated on a quota basis.

[stewey]

This is slightly off topic, but it irritates me when the press, influenced no doubt by the Government, refers to every soldier killed as a "hero". Stepping on a land-mine is hardly a heroic action: they died on the job or, if it sounds "better", in the line of duty.

[jno]

'died on the job' gives a very wrong impression... and goodness knows what DFC would stand for in such circumstances.

[sp1814]

McMouse

I understand what you're saying, however - when pushed comes to shove, when a peson signs up for a position in the armed forces, they're declaring "I am willing to die for my country".

That in itself is a rather heroic act...

But then, there *should* be recognition for armed forces personnel who return from active duty and then another level above that where they have returned from active duty AND performed acts of bravery or exceptional professionalism.

...a grading system.

1. Brave
2. Flipping brave
3. Oh...my...God...

[Ankou]

we used a similar grading system for the different girls that my mate mark used to leave a nightclub with every week.

[Sqad]

ankou......LOL.... but the "oh...my God´s" always did a "turn"