Insult to Injury - Marine stripped of Purple Heart

[Big Buck 1981]

I could be mistaken, but I think the rule is "Wounded in a combat zone or operation" in order to get a heart.

I don't think the source matters - technically speaking.

From what I was able to find and posted above, accidental woundings by vehicle accidents that are not caused by enemy combat do not qualify for the Purple Heart. After quiet reflection, I don't think he should have the medal taken away, but he probably shouldn't have gotten it in the first place, like they awarded it prematurely. I guess if I was him, I would not have accepted it.

[Alastor]

I guess if I was him, I would not have accepted it.

Your heart's in the right place. I can tell you from experience though that one does not decline a medal in the military.

It's not really "optional" for a number of reasons. I see what you're getting at though, and I agree. Likely the soldier in question didn't feel real comfortable with the idea either, but one doesn't snub the folks in his chain of command that grant the medal either.

It's... weird. They're not really optional though.

[Big Buck 1981]

Your heart's in the right place. I can tell you from experience though that one does not decline a medal in the military.

It's not really "optional" for a number of reasons. I see what you're getting at though, and I agree. Likely the soldier in question didn't feel real comfortable with the idea either, but one doesn't snub the folks in his chain of command that grant the medal either.

It's... weird. They're not really optional though.

Hmmm...that's interesting. Thanks for filling me in there, I would have thought that it would still be up to the soldier whether he wanted to accept it if he thought he was worthy of it. Are you given the choice whether you wear it or not?

[Alastor]

Well, you're given the choice in that it's "possible" to say you don't want the medal. Of course it's "possible" to stick your face in front of a moving vehicle as a form of environmental protest too. That doesn't make it a good idea.

And yeah, you pick which medals you wear. Of course if someone in your chain of command gave you that medal, and you're not wearing it...

Again, it's possible. Just not always a good idea.