Silver Medal of Valor Picture Pride or Pretentious

[James Shaw]

I was recently sent an email that my use of the SMV Medallion is in bad taste. The individual who sent it to me identified themselves and was very respectful in thier opinion and suggested that I remove it from my signature block. As I do appreciate their opinion I thought I would get a general "feel" about this.

I my defense I have not bragged about nor put this information in full form on any webpage. The only time I have addressed it was when someone asked me a question about it after it showed up in the NB notes and found its way to CAPTalk. I dont feel that I have "put it in anyones face" that I was awarded this distinction.  I have also been asked to help start the Medal of Valor Association that will be similar to the Spaatz Association.

So my question for you is this:

Is this bragging or pride?

What is the difference between doing this and having my Spaatz #, Wilson #, or any identifying information for some sort of accomplishment in my signature block. Is this over the top and demeaning to others? How is this different? Should I remove any reference all together? I would appreciate others opinions.

[IceNine]

You hit the nail on the head, people post their Spaatz, Wilson, etc...  And the old addage of

"how do you know if theirs a Spaatzen in the house?  They'll tell you"

rings true here just like everywhere else.

You earned it, as long as you represent it in the same honorable way you received it, you can show your pride anyway you want

[SoCalCAPOfficer]

You earned it.  You have a right to be proud of it.

[Pylon]

Seems more than fine to me.  Pretentious, nope.  It's a distinction you've earned, so for someone to say that you are pretentious for putting your (medal/award/award #/badge/wings/etc.) in your signature block would be a far stretch for me to buy.

Good for you, and continue to display your accomplishments proudly.  It's a distinction that not many earn.

[dwb]

Do what you want.  People will gripe about anything.

[SDF_Specialist]

I was recently sent an email that my use of the SMV Medallion is in bad taste. The individual who sent it to me identified themselves and was very respectful in their opinion and suggested that I remove it from my signature block. As I do appreciate their opinion I thought I would get a general "feel" about this.

I my defense I have not bragged about nor put this information in full form on any webpage. The only time I have addressed it was when someone asked me a question about it after it showed up in the NB notes and found its way to CAPTalk. I dint feel that I have "put it in anyones face" that I was awarded this distinction.  I have also been asked to help start the Medal of Valor Association that will be similar to the Spaatz Association.

So my question for you is this:

Is this bragging or pride?

What is the difference between doing this and having my Spaatz #, Wilson #, or any identifying information for some sort of accomplishment in my signature block. Is this over the top and demeaning to others? How is this different? Should I remove any reference all together? I would appreciate others opinions.

Everyone has something to be proud of in this organization. In my signature block, I noted that I do licensing for my Wing. One thing I never noted was that I managed to get two years back log out of the way in about a half hour. I, like you, just have something that I'm proud of shown on my profile. You don't brag about it. I don't brag about it. If you something that depicts the SMV, you have earned this. This is an outstanding achievement that should be recognized by all persons. If they are just pissy that they think you are rubbing in their faces, then they are just jealous. Don't worry about it. Put it back up. You've earned the right.

[Major Carrales]

Is this bragging or pride?

I'm demanding you put it back!  

C'mon people, when a person is awarded in CAP it is an honor...treat it as such.  The same goes for your rank and other accolades.

The self-loathing that sometimes manifests itself in certain elements of CAP is distasteful and disgraceful.  Maybe it stems from the inferiority complex of being an "Auxiliary."  Being a CAP Officer or Cadet does not diminish anyone else's service as a military Officer, NCO or Enlistedman, nor as a policeman, fireman or teacher.  Being awarded an honor is not "pretentious," unless one sees no value in it.

Until we put value in the traditions, awards and honors of CAP we will not have inherent value others will see.

Never apologize for being a CAP Officer or Cadet, the minute you do you take a step back into obscurity.

[SDF_Specialist]

Is this bragging or pride?

I'm demanding you put it back!  

C'mon people, when a person is awarded in CAP it is an honor...treat it as such.  The same goes for your rank and other accolades.

The self-loathing that sometimes manifests itself in certain elements of CAP is distasteful and disgraceful.  Maybe it stems from the inferiority complex of being an "Auxiliary."  

Until we put value in the traditions, awards and honors of CAP we will not have inherent value others will see.

Never apologize for being a CAP Officer or Cadet, the minute you do you take a step back into obscurity.

I'm with that Major here. I, too, am demanding that it's put back up.

[genejackson]

Put it back up!!!   You absolutely earned it so you can display it proudly.   I have 24 ribbons on my left chest that I earned in 4 yrs USAF (Black Ops in Nam) , 26 yrs US Army (made it to O-6 before retirement) .   Right breast pocket has quite a few as well.   Just let somebody try to tell me not to display them proudly and see what happens!

SMV:  show your stuff proudly !!  You earned that right.   Like others here have said, there's always somebody jealous who is looking for just any reason to gripe.  That's why my keyboard has a DEL key

Gene

[SJFedor]

Actually, I was wondering what it was. Now I know!

By all means, display it proudly, and be proud of it. If you were starting every post with "Well, when I earned the SMV...", that would be different.

It's a proud award, and it's an extremely proud thing you did to earn that. Don't let anyone tell you different.

[pixelwonk]

Why is everybody demanding it to be put back up?  It's been in his sig all along, folks.

[MIKE]

I think it's a bit pretentious... I feel the same way about those who put their award numbers for cadet or senior awards or other accomplishments in their sigs.  JMHO.

If your gonna put it in there though, at least use the table code so it takes up less sig space.  

[James Shaw]

If your gonna put it in there though, at least use the table code so it takes up less sig space.  

Please let me know how this is done Mike.

I appreciate everyones opinion. I do not feel that it is over the top and have no intention of letting it "go to my head".

[MIKE]

10. "How do I get it to look all left-justified and pretty in my signature?"
First, please host it somewhere other than my website, so it doesn't eat up my bandwidth.  Then, use this code:

Code Select Expand

[table][tr][td][img][b]URL OF IMAGE[/b][/img][/td]
[td]YOUR NAME AND OTHER TEXT --USE LINE BREAKS BEFORE TEXT TO MIDDLE JUSTIFY[/td][/tr]
[/table]

[JohnKachenmeister]

My old lady is always after me to dye my gray hair, but I tell her "My gray hairs are like my ribbons... I earned 'em, I wear 'em!"

Same with the SMV.

Now, if all you got is the Curry Award and a Membership ribbon... well, THAT might be a bit pretentious!

But the Silver Medal of Valor... no way!  Keep it up there!

[dogboy]

I don't have any problem with you displaying it but I wouldn't do it.

Having served in the military and the CAP I know that the awarding of decorations, and especially those for valor, is too capricious to have much real meaning.

Far too many I know deserved such decorations never got them and even more got them that didn't deserve them.

(No reflection on your award of course, of which I know nothing)

[PA Guy]

I seldom wear ribbons or list awards etc.  It is a matter of personal taste.  I know what I have done and those that matter know what I have done so I see no reason to advertise.  Like I said, it is a matter of personal taste.

[RiverAux]

I've got it set not to display signature blocks, so I hadn't noticed.  I probably wouldn't list it in such a place myself. 

[Smokey]

Major,

Please continue to display it and display it proudly.

Kudos to you on your having been awarded it for your act of valor.

[ltcmark]

Thanks for the idea Jim.  I will join you.

[jimmydeanno]

My personal take is display it if you want - you earned it.  

I would base my decision on whether or not I wanted or was able to discuss it when someone asked.  Sometimes people do things that are good, but don't want to tell the story afterward.

I know someone who has saved the life of someone in their family who tried to kill themselves.  They didn't want to be submitted for a CORL because if they earned it, they would feel obligated to tell people why/how they earned it and didn't want to have to discuss it.

I don't think that you displaying your SMV is pretentious.

[SAR-EMT1]

Something of this magnitude is fine to mention or display. (in moderation)

[LtCol White]

Display it with pride

[James Shaw]

Thanks for the idea Jim.  I will join you.

I appreciate all of the feedback and support. Welcome Mark! I also appreciate those opinions that dont exactly agree with mine and wouldnt have it any other way.

[Stonewall]

My 2% of $1...

I personally don't give a hoot what people put in their sigs.  It's all fun and games if you ask me.  I've got my Mitchell number in there so people who are interested can get an idea of the time frame in which I earned it.  I mean really, the Mitchell was not great accomplishment.

However, my personal opinion is that there is a difference between awards you strive for, such as the Spaatz, Wilson, or a qualification badge, and awards that are given for actions based on  unforeseen circumstances, such as an award for heroism/valor.  No one joins CAP solely to wait around or go around looking for a burning building to run into with the intent of getting pinned a metal.  Well, I'm sure someone is guilty of this, but in general, no.

It's kind of like license plates.  In Virginia, you can get any plate with any valorous award like the bronze star, silver star, distinguished flying cross or even the medal of honor.  I don't know, I'm not quite sure I'd get one of those plates, but I did get a CAP plate.  In a way, I got it to show off my affiliation with CAP.  But I'd rather not go around showing the world my Bronze Star Medal license plate.  I don't know, maybe my opinion would change if I had one to show off.  My dad has a bronze star with "V" device along with a purple heart.  I honestly didn't even know this until I found his "rack" a few years after I joined CAP and became curious.  This was also after his devastating (paralyzing) car accident where he lost some memory.  Maybe I get it from my dad, but he never spoke of his service in Vietnam as a Navy officer in the "brown water navy".

So, if you're looking for a short answer, I wouldn't judge someone for displaying a medal for valor in a signature block, on a car, or even on a hat.  I see it all the time.  And of course, those who earn such medals have all my respect in the world.  But if it were me, I just wouldn't do it.

[JC004]

^^ (UK's sig is one of my favorites)

[O-Rex]

Anyone remember Clint Eastwood's character, Gunny Highway from "Heartbreak Ridge?"  The only way his platoon found out that he received the Medal of Honor was from someone else.

On a related note, knights "of the old code" always told stories of their fellow knights' deeds-of-daring-do, but never their own.

Wear earned awards with pride, but just remember: "quiet" has a certain cool to it. . . .

[MIKE]

^^ (UK's sig is one of my favorites)

It would look cool stuck to a lower receiver.  Have seen the 7.62 version also.[/off topic]

[LeoBurke]

As long as you didn't get it for directing traffic - SHOW IT BABY!!

I think a little pride goes a very long way.....  Besides would our members ever differentiate the operators from the corporate wannabees?

Leo Burke
Spaatz #749
Wilson #1465

[IceNine]

Anyone remember Clint Eastwood's character, Gunny Highway from "Heartbreak Ridge?"  The only way his platoon found out that he received the Medal of Honor was from someone else.

Or I think even better, if you get the chance watch the deleted scenes on the We were soldier's DVD.  You'll know what I'm talking about when you see it.

[davedove]

Anyone remember Clint Eastwood's character, Gunny Highway from "Heartbreak Ridge?"  The only way his platoon found out that he received the Medal of Honor was from someone else.

Or I think even better, if you get the chance watch the deleted scenes on the We were soldier's DVD.  You'll know what I'm talking about when you see it.

I assume you're talking about the deleted scene with the story about the new Lt and his platoon sergeant.  That was great.

[IceNine]

thats the one

[O-Rex]

Anyone remember Clint Eastwood's character, Gunny Highway from "Heartbreak Ridge?"  The only way his platoon found out that he received the Medal of Honor was from someone else.

Or I think even better, if you get the chance watch the deleted scenes on the We were soldier's DVD.  You'll know what I'm talking about when you see it.

I assume you're talking about the deleted scene with the story about the new Lt and his platoon sergeant.  That was great.

Never saw it on DVD.

Please: do tell....

Removed reply from quoted text - MIKE

[davedove]

Well, since it's not part of the movie release, it's not really a spoiler.

The men are telling a story.

This new Lt wanted to know about his men, so he ordered them to wear all their decorations at the next formation.

Every man did so, except the grizzled Platoon Sgt.  The Lt proceeded to chew him out and ordered him to go put on his decorations immediately.

When the Sgt returned, he was stark naked and wearing not one, but two Medals of Honor.

The guy telling the story then goes on to say that this Sgt was afraid of their new Sergeant Major.

[cnitas]

Dave, so many posts today....slow day at work? 

[davedove]

Dave, so many posts today....slow day at work? 

Shhh!  Don't tell anybody.  I have to wait for others to respond to go forward with the tasks.

[PaulR]

Is this bragging or pride?

I say Pride. 

If you earned it, you have the right to display it.  I see nothing wrong with you displaying this great honor.  If it was not meant to be displayed, you would not be wearing it on your uniform to begin with!

BTW, congratulations and display it with pride!

[alamrcn]

I tried to think of a valid reason to not have it in your signature. I'm pretty good at playing the devil's judge advocate, but I just can't come up with much.

The only valid reason would be that you have not actually been presented the award -- of which you properly have, or if you no longer qualify to wear it -- which you do. So, I dunno.

You get a ribbon, you put it on.
You get a plaque, you hang it up.

Or not... it's a personnal desicion.

I'm glad to hear that the person who e-mailed you was courteous and not insulting, and I respect that. I welcome that person and anyone else to display their highest (or proudest) achievement in their signature line, whether it be a "WIWAC" J.F. Curry Achievement ribbon from 1985, or a Purple Heart Award medal from getting flack in the left butt cheek from an exploding, gas filled piss pot on a field base in Vietnam.

-Ace

[James Shaw]

I appreciate all of the opinions both for and against. I am very proud of everything I do within CAP because I try to give 100% all of the time. This is not always possible as many of us know. I give CAP 100% when I am with CAP and 100% to whatever I am working on.

The highest award I have ever received could never be worn on a uniform. It is round, purple, and attached to a string with colored beads. My son Killian gave it to me for fathers day 2006 after we watched a movie called the medallion with Jackie Chan and he made it at school it takes up more room in my 2700 square foot house than anything and he beams with pride seeing it on the wall in my home office. I have attached a picture.

[MIKE]

You broke the sig again.  I fixed it the other day.

[James Shaw]

You broke the sig again.  I fixed it the other day.

I apologize for that. I am not very familiar with that type of stuff anymore. I used to work with Fortran, Cobal, and C in the military. I am really rusty!

[O-Rex]

I appreciate all of the opinions both for and against. I am very proud of everything I do within CAP because I try to give 100% all of the time. This is not always possible as many of us know. I give CAP 100% when I am with CAP and 100% to whatever I am working on.

The highest award I have ever received could never be worn on a uniform. It is round, purple, and attached to a string with colored beads. My son Killian gave it to me for fathers day 2006 after we watched a movie called the medallion with Jackie Chan and he made it at school it takes up more room in my 2700 square foot house than anything and he beams with pride seeing it on the wall in my home office. I have attached a picture.

We parents are strange creatures indeed:  Macaroni-art trumps Picasso.

Actually, there isn't much difference, is there?

[mikeylikey]

Anyone with a Silver Medal of Valor is AWESOME!  CAPNHQ should create a websection that shows who has received various awards.  We need to showcase our members more!

[Dragoon]

Can't you get one of those for directing traffic at a car wreck?     [duck]

[James Shaw]

I have spoken directly with one of the three about that and I was told that there is proof in the form of pictures and reports to back it up. They just do not feel the need to prove themselves.

[Flying Pig]

Something as simple as a small bio about the member and the circumstances surrounding the medal would be perfect.   For the Silver and Bronze Medals.  Im sure National keeps a data base about them.  If not, put out the word and people can send in their info to whoever is working on the site.  If I knew anything about web design I'd do it.

[James Shaw]

Something as simple as a small bio about the member and the circumstances surrounding the medal would be perfect.   For the Silver and Bronze Medals.  Im sure National keeps a data base about them.  If not, put out the word and people can send in their info to whoever is working on the site.  If I knew anything about web design I'd do it.

There has actually been a Medal of Valor Association started and we are going to try and do just that. Those that want to participate only though. I have a list of all Bronze and Silver up to 1992. The rest after that are going to have to be researched.

[SAR-EMT1]

There has actually been a Medal of Valor Association started and we are going to try and do just that. Those that want to participate only though. I have a list of all Bronze and Silver up to 1992. The rest after that are going to have to be researched.

Do you mean you have a list of those awarded since 1992? Or only those awarded Prior to 1992?

[James Shaw]

Those awarded up to 1992