About the Author

The author is a white Anti-Racist, Social Justice Advocate. She seeks knowledge and truths surrounding the interconnections of the historical and contemporary issues of racism across the globe.

With knowledge and truth comes responsibility. As a woman who is part of the dominate white culture and a citizen of the world, there is a responsibility to share information that will

lead to a more culturally humble society.

The author at times reacts in an emotionally charged manner but does so with a

good heart and from a good place.

The author is of the belief that there is only one race label and that is the Human Race.


May 25th, 2015


MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVANCE
MEDAL OF HONOR


WWII Black soldiers remained segregated even though Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 which freed slaves held in the Confederate States. There were 464 military personnel who were awarded the highest honor...The Medal of Honor. 

ZERO African Americans were awarded 
The Medal of Honor 
Fast forward to 1993:

A 1993 study commissioned by the Army investigated racial discrimination in the awarding of medals. At the time, no Medals of Honor had been awarded to black soldiers who served in World War II. After an exhaustive review of files, the study recommended that several black Distinguished Service Cross recipients be upgraded to the Medal of Honor. 

On January 13, 1997, President Bill Clinton awarded the Medal to seven African American World War II veterans; of these, only Vernon Baker was still alive.
Vernon Baker and President Clinton

I asked myself the question "why award the Distinguished Service Cross medals to African American soldiers but not the upgraded Medal of Honor"? There has to be a more logical reason why not. 

 Then the light bulb went off in my head!! There had to have  been additional benefits attached to receiving the Medal of Honor and Lord and behold unfortunately I was correct.

Lets take a look at today's benefits.

Privileges and courtesies

 The Medal of Honor confers special privileges on its recipients. By law, recipients have several benefits:

  • Entitled to receive a monthly pension above and beyond any military pensions or other benefits for which they may be eligible. The pension is subject to cost-of-living increases; as of December 1, 2012, it is $1,259 a month.
  • Enlisted recipients of the Medal of Honor are entitled to a supplemental uniform allowance.
  • This benefit allows the recipient to travel as he or she deems fit across geographical locations, and allows the recipient's dependents to travel either Overseas-Overseas, Overseas-Continental US, or Continental US-Overseas when accompanied by the recipient.
  • Special identification cards and commissary and exchange privileges are provided for Medal of Honor recipients and their eligible dependents.
  • Recipients are granted eligibility for interment at Arlington National Cemetery, if not otherwise eligible.
  • Fully qualified children of recipients are eligible for admission to the United States military academies without regard to the nomination and quota requirements.
  • Recipients receive a 10 percent increase in retired pay.
  • Those awarded the medal after October 23, 2002, receive a Medal of Honor Flag. The law specified that all 103 living prior recipients as of that date would receive a flag.
  • Recipients receive an invitation to all future presidential inaugurations and inaugural balls.
I WISH I HAD EARNED THESE BENEFITS!!!


WW II WALL OF HONOR






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