Some months ago I was reading emails when I stumbled across the story of Brian Chontosh.  Chontosh, a young Marine officer, had singlehandedly killed dozens of Iraqi insurgents when his platoon had been ambushed.  My Marine Corps pride rose with each word. I allowed myself to think that the story would end with Chontosh getting the Medal of Honor.  It didn’t.

After reading about Chontosh, I felt an injustice had been done, one I wanted to address.  For the past two years, I have been writing essays about our brave soldiers, only hoping that the day would come when I could make a difference for the brave young men and women who serve this nation.

I just didn’t think I would lead to a hearing before the U.S. Congress.

Recently, I testified before the House Armed Services Committee in Washington.  My statement was more than words, it was my heartfelt appreciation for every man and woman who wears the uniform.  As I advocate the Medal of Honor for a few, I pay tribute for all from the most junior private to the highest ranking general.

At the hearing, I saw Pentagon leaders who were willing to wait 900 days after a young person has died saving others to grant a long deserved Medal of Honor to family members. In the process these Pentagon staff members actually believe that they are preserving the sanctity of the Medal of Honor.

I was there to tell them that they were wrong and what they were doing has damaged the fiber of the American warrior.

Some of the things I said were heresy in the ears of the Pentagon.  The loving parents of our heroes, I dare believe, should know that their sons or daughters were heroes when they are buried — not years later.

The history of the Medal of Honor shows that it has been awarded in close proximity to the time of the heroic action.  Where are the medals that our living heroes should be receiving?  Can it be that there is no deserving warfighter worthy of the Medal of Honor?  No.  The truth is that numerous warriors from the War on Terror has been unfairly denied the Medal of Honor and several decisions should be reversed.  Consideration for others should be speeded up.

It is in the interest of an effectively military and proud nation that the awards process be hastened.  We are a nation that has been at its best when we have had heroes to hold up to inspire and embolden this great nation.

Throughout history, the requirements for the Medal of Honor have been consistent.  The President and Congress expect that the recipients have conducted themselves courageously in a manner that saves lives and can be attested to by two individuals.   In World War II, it was commonplace for servicemen to receive a Medal of Honor within a week of their heroic action.

I had more than a few butterflies in my stomach as the Congressional hearing drew near, but I steadied my nerves by envisioning the faces of the brave souls who have earned more than we have given them.