Dear Chairmen and Ranking Members:
As you begin conference on the National Defense Authorization Act for 2015 (NDAA) The Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) appreciates the fact that you have an overwhelming task and will have to address numerous issues regarding personnel levels, billions of dollars in weapons systems, operational and logistical sustainment. This letter contains "NO" request for funding or personnel matters but addresses an important matter to us.
The Military Order of the Purple Heart membership is comprised entirely of combat wounded veterans who were awarded this Nation's oldest medal, The Purple Heart. I am confident that all of you are aware that this medal was created by General George Washington and was the first military medal, of any country, that was authorized for enlisted personnel. MOPH has always believed that it has a sacred trust to safeguard The Purple Heart Medal in memory of those of us that have earned the medal, and for the many Americans who ultimately gave their lives in our defense. There have been many well-meaning individuals, including members of Congress, who either due to wanting to please constituents or a lack of historical knowledge, wanted to diminish or demean the medal. MOPH has always opposed those efforts and will continue to do so. To do less would dishonor the men and women recipients of this legendary medal.
In the House version of the NDAA amendment was introduced by Mr. Steve Russell of Oklahoma, and passed by the House, that would award the Purple Heart Medal to the Army, Marines, and Air Force recruiters killed in the April 19, 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. This heinous act had nothing to do with the bombers being influenced by or subscribing to beliefs of "foreign or domestic terrorists".
It appears that Mr. Russell is basing his actions on the oath that all members of the military take upon entry in service which states in part "I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic", which does not come even close to being relevant to the Oklahoma City bombing. The bombing was carried out by two individuals who were angry with the federal government over the Ruby Ridge and Waco incidents. There was NEVER any connection by these two deranged individuals with any foreign or domestic terrorist groups, they were just angry with the federal government and committed a violent crime targeted towards the federal police force.
MOPH, as do all Americans, regrets the tragic loss of the six service men and women, plus the 162 souls who lost their lives in the Oklahoma City bombing. The bombing, however does not even approach the criteria for the awarding of the Purple Heart Medal. Members of the military suffer injury and death performing their duties worldwide under a myriad of circumstances, but The Purple Heart Medal is awarded only to those that were injured or died as a result of combat.
MOPH supported the award of the Purple Heart Medal to those members of the military killed or injured on 9/11 because it was a clearly an act of foreign terrorists. Following the reclassification by the Department of Defense of the Fort Hood incident as an act of terrorism, MOPH supported the awarding of the Medal to those individuals wounded or killed.
On behalf of all those millions of Americans who have, unfortunately, been awarded the Purple Heart Medal we respectfully request that you reject the amendment in the House version of the NDAA that would alter the criteria for America's oldest and most revered medal, The Purple Heart.
Respectfully,
J. Patrick Little
National Commander
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