Top Three Valor Awards and the United States Marine Corps: A Study from World War I to Present Day Iraq and Afghanistan.

摘要

The war in Afghanistan signifies the longest period of war in United States history. The purpose of this research is to investigate the perception of the decrease in valor awards in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. This research addresses the perception question with regard to the U.S. Marine Corps. This thesis conducted a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the Medal of Honor, Navy Cross, and Silver Star awards presented to U.S. Marines. It reviewed professional articles written by Marines concerning awards in every war from World War I through Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. It also reviewed and conducted analysis of news media articles and a Congressional Committee meeting regarding valor awards. Reviewing all awards data and documents, there is evidence that the perception of the U.S. Marines is valid that during the Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom time frame the U.S. Marine Corps awarding level does not reach that of the wars since World War I through the Vietnam War.