It does not matter to me if an award is made. John was the AC on that flight and I want to get the recommendations and witness statements into the official record for future researchers. I want to get him an award if possible. I know the rest is politics. Why else would awards be UPGRADED two or three levels 50 and 60 years later because the recepiant was a minority or a woman? It is because prejudice is assumed, so there are precedents for the later awards as NEW information is provided. I am still stunned that the bird dog driver from another batallion got a spot silver star when we landed and the guys who went in among the heavy guns and the enemy infantry got zip.
Well, Like Shoofly and Ollie said, lots of officers got more than they deserved (me) and lots of enlisted troops got less (lumpy).
^5 and salute
BT