[Gimpy]

[quote]Originally posted by SuperScout

And I don't give a big fig what his past military record is....


If you want to trot out his awards and decorations as credentials, kindly be advised that I have more credentials than he has . And I'll wager that I've spent more time studying successful counter-terrorism tactics and strategies while sitting on the crapper than Murtha has even heard about. We wont even get into the consulting work.


QUOTE]

Ok..................


Then, have you ever, even once, possibly considered that the fact exists that SOMEONE, SOMEWHERE on this planet just MAY be more experienced, qualified and proficient than yourself at things militarily speaking????

Surely, not me for sure.............but are you POSITIVE that the individual in question does NOT exhibit these characteristics in more abundance than yourself???

Does your obvious lack of humility and overabundance of arrogance which seems to pathologically constitute your pattern of angry response(s) to anyone who may offer a varying viewpoint to that of your own cause such strong a sense of inadequacy that it prevents you from seriously considering that you may be WRONG!


You want some 'bona fides'................try THESE:

Rep. John Murtha (D -PA)

Military Service Awards

Distinguished Service Medal of the United States Marine Corps, upon his retirement from the Marine Corps Reserves for 37 years of distinguished service to his country, 1990.

Distinguished Service Medal, Pennsylvania's highest honor, 1977.

Meritorious Service Medal, Pennsylvania's second-highest honor, 1976.

Bronze Star with Combat V, 1966.

Purple Heart, 1966.

Purple Heart, second award, 1966.

Vietnamese Cross of Galantry, 1966.

American Spirit Honor Medal of the Marine Corps Recruit Department, 1952.


Defense and National Security


Distinguished Service Medal of the United States Marine Corps, upon his retirement from the Marine Corps Reserves for 37 years of distinguished service to his country, 1990.

Semper Fidelis Award of the Marine Corps Foundation, presented to former Marines who exemplify the traditions and values of the Marine Corps, 2002.

David Glick Award of the World Affairs Council, for distinguished contributions to the understanding of world affairs, 2001.

Outstanding Legislator Award of the Association of the United States Army, 2001.

Spirit of Hope Award of the United Service Organization (USO), named for Bob Hope and presented for dedication to military-service personnel, 2000. Murtha also received the USO's Service Award for support of troops and families during Operation Desert Storm, 1992.

Friend of Defense Science Award from the Association of American Universities, 2000.

Robert A. Thompson Award of the Navy League, for an outstanding citizen who is effectively mindful of the importance of sea power to the national defense, 2000.

Legion of Honor Gold Medallion of the Chapel of the Four Chaplains, for service to all people regardless of race or faith, symbolizing the unity of nations, 2000.

Harry S. Truman Award of the National Guard Association of the United States, for advocating the National Guard's role in national defense, 1993.

Defense Industry Award of the American Defense Preparedness Association, 1993.

Minuteman of the Year Award of the Reserve Officers Association, 1992.

Semper Fidelis Award of the Marine Corps Command and Staff College Foundation, presented to former Marines who exemplify the traditions and values of the Marine Corps, 1991.

Patriot Award of the Pennsylvania American Legion, for his patriotism, 1991.

Grace Murray Hopper Award of the National Security Industrial Association for his support of computer software initiatives, 1991.

99th Army Reserve Command Award of the Army Reserve Association of Pennsylvania, 1991.

Distinguished American Award from the Air Force Association, 1989.

Iron Mike Award, the highest honor of the Marine Corps League, for his support of the Marine Corps and national defense, 1988.

Public Service Award of the National Security Industry Association, 1988.

Distinguished Service Award of the Marine Corps League, 1987.

National Security Leadership Award of the American Security Council, 1987.

Henry M. Jackson Distinguished Service Award, for his support of a strong national defense.

Leadership Award of the Coalition for Peace Through Strength.

Eagle Award of the National Guard Bureau.

Lt. Col. B.D. "Buzz" Wagner Meritorious Service Award of the B.D. "Buzz" Wagner Chapter of the Air Force Association.

CAP Leadership Award of the Civil Air Patrol, 1992.

Nathan Hale Award and the Appalachian Patriot Award from Pennsylvania military reserve organizations.


Veterans Awards

Catholic War Veterans HONOR ET VERITAS Award from the National Department, 2003.

American Legion National Distinguished Public Service Award, 2003.

Man of the Year Award of the Catholic War Veterans of America, 2003.

Man of the Year Award of the Catholic War Veterans of Pennsylvania, 2001.

Appreciation Award of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, 2000.

George "Buck" Gillispie Congressional Award for Meritorious Service from the Blinded American Veterans Foundation, 1997.

Outstanding Veteran Award of the American Academy of Physicians Assistants, 1989.

James E. VanZandt Legislative Award of the Department of Pennsylvania Veterans of Foreign Wars, 1985.

Plaque for Outstanding Service from the Disabled American Veterans, 1978.

Outstanding Service to the Community Award from the American Legion Department of Pennsylvania, 1978.

For Services to Veterans recognition from the Somerset County Council, Veterans of Foreign Wars, 1977.


Military/defense service


Congressman Murtha is so well-respected for his first-hand knowledge of military and defense issues that he has been a trusted adviser to presidents of both parties on military and defense issues and is one of the most effective advocates for the national defense in the country. He is ranking member and former chairman of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, a Vietnam combat veteran and a retired Marine Corps colonel with 37 years of service, a rare combination of experience that enables him to understand defense and military operations from every perspective.

He learned about military service from the bottom up, beginning as a raw recruit when he left Washington and Jefferson College in 1952 to join the Marines out of a growing sense of obligation to his country during the Korean War. There he earned the American Spirit Honor Medal, awarded to fewer than one in 10,000 recruits. He rose through the ranks to become a drill instructor at Parris Island and was selected for Officer Candidate School at Quantico, Virginia. He then was assigned to the Second Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. In 1959, Captain Murtha took command of the 34th Special Infantry Company, Marine Corps Reserves, in Johnstown.

He remained in the Reserves after his discharge from active duty until he volunteered for Vietnam in 1966-67, receiving the Bronze Star with Combat "V", two Purple Hearts and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. He remained in the Reserves until his retirement. This first-hand knowledge of military and defense issues has made him a trusted adviser to presidents of both parties and one of the most effective advocates for the national defense in Washington. At the request of Presidents and Speakers of the House, he served as chairman of delegations monitoring elections in the Philippines, El Salvador, Panama and Bosnia.

He was awarded the Navy Distinguished Service Medal by the Marine Corps Commandant when he retired from the Marines.

U.S. Rep. John P. Murtha has dedicated his life to serving his country both in the military and in the halls of Congress. He had a long and distinguished 37-year career in the U.S. Marine Corps, retiring from the Marine Corps Reserve as a colonel in 1990; and he has been serving the people of the 12th Congressional District since 1974, one of only 131 people in the nation's history to have served more than 30 years in the U.S. House of Representatives and one of only 224 Members of Congress who have served 30 or more years. In 1974 he became the first combat Vietnam veteran ever elected to Congress.


How's THAT for "BONA FIDES"????