Veterans call for a degree of decorum in decoration debate

摘要

As a former senior NCO with a total of 25 years' service in the Army, including 19 in the Intelligence Corps, I found some of the comments made by SSgt Mark Smith (55 Ml Coy) - "Buying baubles devalues medals" (March) - to be distasteful and ill informed. Whilst I broadly agree in principle with his main complaint about individuals purchasing so-called commemorative medals, either to enhance their lack of decorations or to join the growing ranks of civilian Walter Mittys, I can understand the sentiments and dismay of some who have given long years of service in various theatres without recognition. I do not, however, include myself among the latter, being quite content with my cluster of three medals.