Llewellyn Chilson: America’s Neglected Warrior

[Story]

On Dec. 6, 1946, President Harry S Truman pinned seven medals on the chest of Army Sgt. Llewellyn M. “Al” Chilson. Conspicuously absent was the nation’s highest award, the Medal of Honor. Perhaps that explains why Truman said, for all those attending the White House ceremony to hear: “This is the most remarkable list of citations I have ever seen. For any one of them, this young man is entitled to all the country has to offer. These ought to be worth a Medal of Honor – that’s what I think about it.

But the Army apparently didn’t. Although he is one of the most decorated American soldiers of the twentieth century, Al Chilson never received the highest award. “He was recommended for the Medal of Honor by two separate officers for two separate events,” said his daughter Marilyn Chilson in a 2005 interview. “He deserved it and they neglected him.”

http://www.defensemedianetwork.com/stories/llewellyn-chilson-americas-neglected-warrior/

 

[1930artdeco]

Holy Cow.......Sometimes the Army does have its head in a very dark place.

Mike

 

[Fletch]

Despite the object of the piece, it finally showed loyalty to the chain of command by not trying to examine the War Department's reasoning. Makes it difficult to really discuss the matter.

 

[Treetopflyer]

It is sad to say, but he is one of many men during the war that should have been awarded the Medal of Honor. His story is not the only one like it.

 

[Peacoat]

It is sad to say, but he is one of many men during the war that should have been awarded the Medal of Honor. His story is not the only one like it.

Not many men get The Medal who don't deserve it, but a whole bunch don't get it who do deserve it.

And that war was no different from wars since then.

Acts of gallantry in action don't necessarily mean one will get the medal with the little white stars, but death while performing gallantry in action goes a long way in determining eligibility. Rank, unfortunately, also plays a part. The lower the rank, the more "gallant" the deeds must be.

Al Chilson had two things going against him in being awarded The MOH: He was a Sergeant. He survived.