THE VALOR MEDALS REVIEW PROJECT IS UPGRADING WWI VET AWARDS
How far would you go to right a wrong? Sadly, many Veterans have served our nation yet were subjected to racism and discriminatory practices that hindered their military careers and honors. The Valor Medals Review Project and Task Force is looking to rectify these issues, with a focus on helping Veterans from World War I. However, while the work is ongoing and progressing, there are obstacles that continue to stand in the project’s way.
What Is the Valor Medals Review Project and Task Force?
In 2013, Congress created the US World War One Commission, which would spearhead the Valor Medals Review Project and Task Force along with retired Major Generals, New York University and Park University faculty, a growing number of researchers, and a Medal of Honor expert.
From the beginning, many major pro-Vet groups have shown support for the project’s mission, including the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the grandson of Alvin C. York, and retired officers.
The Task Force’s Purpose
In 1919, there was a review; however, many marginalized groups were left out of receiving the awards they rightfully deserve. This includes excluding all Black warfighters from receiving the Medal of Honor and a lack of recognition for Native American troops.
The Valor Medals Review Task Force was created by volunteers with the goal of providing wronged WWI Veterans with the awards they deserve.
Specifically, the project aims to identify servicemembers worthy of a Medal of Honor who were downgraded to a Distinguished Service Cross, or warfighters who received no American awards yet received the French Croix de Guerre with Palms.
By identifying these individuals, the project will provide Congress and the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) with recommendations for the appropriate upgrades.
Changes and Costs to Taxpayers
One of the roadblocks facing products like the Task Force is the sheer amount of money it takes to sift through records due to the time and manpower needed.
There have been similar reviews for other wars after WWI; however, this is the first to execute its mission without cost to the military or taxpayers.
Thanks to volunteers eager to help and a strategic partnership with the nonprofit, the George S. Robb Centre for the Study of the Great War.
Challenges Facing the Valor Medals Review Project and Task Force
The work of the Task Force is producing great results, as there have already been 215 minority Veterans meeting its criteria. However, complications remain for a number of reasons:
- Many Native Americans were forced to change their names to be more “white-sounding” when serving the United States.
- Several service members are difficult to identify as their letters home were written in languages that either can’t be translated easily or possibly at all in their entirety.
- Many military records are also missing as a result of the 1973 National Personnel Records Center fire.
- Furthermore, the generation who fought in WWI has passed away, further complicating things.
The Task Force has until 2028 to finish researching and provide the DoD with its recommendations.
If you can be of some assistance, even if it’s a story passed down in your family that may be relevant, the Valor Medals Review Project and Task Force could use your help. Contact the U.S. World War One Centennial Commission to learn more about getting involved.
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