He's been called “America’s most decorated ‘warrior in uniform.’” His action of Oct. 7, 1967, earned him a nomination for a Medal. He didn't get one, but some view this as an oversight to be corrected
Well, I'll likely be the black sheep (if I can still say that) of this post. With my sincere and utmost respect, Pascal Poolaw had an incredible career in the Armed Forces and served his country with impeccable honor. Nonetheless, as a Vietnam War Era veteran, I have some reservations about him being eligible for the MOH - THE highest award for gallantry in the United States. From that perspective, Poolaw's actions fell well within the expectations of his men, his Army, and his fellow countrymen.
We lost over 58,000 service members during that war, many of which were under very similar battle conditions as those Poolaw experienced. These acts of gallantry are why the Silver Star award exists, and was indeed presented to Poolaw (posthumously) for this incident, as well as 265 other Vietnam War Silver Star recipients.
The fact that his ancestry is part and parcel to this story lends a bias to its value. We try, on a moral basis, to level the field across sex, race, religion, ethnicity and any number of other divisive attributes. But, at the same time, we tend to season most of our opinions with one of more of these defining characteristics. We cannot have our cake and eat it, too.
Remove the sentimental flavor of Poolaw's Native American heritage, and we're left with the likes of millions of military service members across many generations - all with remarkable patriotism, unquestionable loyalty, and bravery far exceeding those of ordinary men and women.
Save the Medal of Honor for the extreme acts of valor - those that exceed what is already expected of us as service members. Not all acts of bravery qualify for THE highest award, and, we don't get extra credit for being born into a certain sex, race, religion, or ethnicity.
As a Vietnam Veteran, I'm always disheartened by the Vietnam Veteran Community when layers of qualifications are placed on Veterans to justify recognition or not by other Veterans who may perceive their qualifications as somehow not quite up to "their" standards. It's natural, I suppose to assign a more important status to a combat soldier in "hot" areas than a rear echelon soldier providing support. Or, to lend more support to grunts who have been in major battles versus those who have been in minor skirmishes. But is the rear echelon support or minor skirmish soldier's contributions any less valuable or important than the combat Veteran who has seen major battles? Mr. Poolaw's actions obviously caught the attention of someone who was in a position of authority to recommend the Medal of Honor. Remember, He was submitted for it in 1967. Not exactly a time when a superior officer would want to receive PC recognition for nominating a minority. That alone deserves the support of every Veteran because his actions demand it. By the logic of this comment there would be no such designation as "Vietnam Era Veteran". But, Vietnam Era Veterans provided support too, and every Veteran should be thankful. My hope is that Veterans will not put Veterans in a box but support one and other and their common bond. I am a yes on Mr. Poolaw and the Medal of Honor.
Hmm. Tara, I did not get any impression from your words that you thought or were, in any way, putting forth an argument that Pascal Poolaw should be(perhaps?) reconsidered for the MOH merely because he was a “full-blooded Kiowa Indian”. The facts, as you succinctly laid out, included his history and his particular actions with respect to the events that occurred in Vietnam, October 7, 1967. Those events led to the MOH nomination that was not approved. It is not unnatural to have a review and reconsideration, which can be done,and certainly must be done, by an impartial review of the FACTS surrounding Pascal Poolaw’s acts of bravery, gallantry, sacrifice, valor, honor, and heroism. Great story, Tara!✌️
Oh yes Tara. I'm in. How'd we ask for a reconsideration for the MOH for Pascal Poolaw? As you tell the whole story, I don't know why he hasn't already received the Medal. He served honorably and in three wars and by this account, he accomplished much in saving the lives of his fellow soldiers before succumbing to his wounds.
I believe that he should have been awarded the MOH. Thank you Tara for asking the question and for bringing another MOH Monday to your readers. Such heroes!
Tara, as a followup, I did email my Colorado Representative, Doug Lamborn, my two Colorado Senators and also Stephanie Bice, an Oklahoma representative who is on the Armed Services/ Select Committee. As Mr. Poolaw was born in Oklahoma, I decided to include her in my request for reconsideration.
I received a phone call from Mr. Lamborn's office requesting more information. I emailed him with my specific request that Mr. Poolaw be reconsidered for the MOH and sent him your website address and the references that you list in your article, I requested that they keep me in the loop.
Thank you for your MOH Mondays and hopefully, we can have a hand in his reconsideration.
Tara, thank you for sharing the story of the courageous actions by Pascal Poolaw. If there is any doubt whether his actions qualify for the Medal of Honor, his case should be fully reviewed and acted upon.
WOW! Pascal Poolaw should still receive the recognition of a MoH. 3 wars is too much for any man but this WARRIOR was willing. Thank you, Sir, for your service and dedication to this country. Do we know what happened to his son Lindy?
Absolutely yes! Pascal Poolaw definitely earned the MOH. I do wonder why it never happened. Was it an oversight? Or were others thought more worthy. He also deserves a metal for greatest father if there was one. He was a credit to his family and to his country.
We'd really like it if you would publish some of the recorded and little known American history stories based on the over 650 state conventions over the last 400 years. They attempted to resolve issues that their legislatures and Congresses could not.
Thank you, Tara, for another story of extreme bravery!
This man showed his courage under fire over many years and wars! His determination to help and save his fellow men was exceptional and should be remembered over the next centuries!
Yes, Pascal Poolaw for the Congressional Medal of Honor!
Well, I'll likely be the black sheep (if I can still say that) of this post. With my sincere and utmost respect, Pascal Poolaw had an incredible career in the Armed Forces and served his country with impeccable honor. Nonetheless, as a Vietnam War Era veteran, I have some reservations about him being eligible for the MOH - THE highest award for gallantry in the United States. From that perspective, Poolaw's actions fell well within the expectations of his men, his Army, and his fellow countrymen.
We lost over 58,000 service members during that war, many of which were under very similar battle conditions as those Poolaw experienced. These acts of gallantry are why the Silver Star award exists, and was indeed presented to Poolaw (posthumously) for this incident, as well as 265 other Vietnam War Silver Star recipients.
The fact that his ancestry is part and parcel to this story lends a bias to its value. We try, on a moral basis, to level the field across sex, race, religion, ethnicity and any number of other divisive attributes. But, at the same time, we tend to season most of our opinions with one of more of these defining characteristics. We cannot have our cake and eat it, too.
Remove the sentimental flavor of Poolaw's Native American heritage, and we're left with the likes of millions of military service members across many generations - all with remarkable patriotism, unquestionable loyalty, and bravery far exceeding those of ordinary men and women.
Save the Medal of Honor for the extreme acts of valor - those that exceed what is already expected of us as service members. Not all acts of bravery qualify for THE highest award, and, we don't get extra credit for being born into a certain sex, race, religion, or ethnicity.
As a Vietnam Veteran, I'm always disheartened by the Vietnam Veteran Community when layers of qualifications are placed on Veterans to justify recognition or not by other Veterans who may perceive their qualifications as somehow not quite up to "their" standards. It's natural, I suppose to assign a more important status to a combat soldier in "hot" areas than a rear echelon soldier providing support. Or, to lend more support to grunts who have been in major battles versus those who have been in minor skirmishes. But is the rear echelon support or minor skirmish soldier's contributions any less valuable or important than the combat Veteran who has seen major battles? Mr. Poolaw's actions obviously caught the attention of someone who was in a position of authority to recommend the Medal of Honor. Remember, He was submitted for it in 1967. Not exactly a time when a superior officer would want to receive PC recognition for nominating a minority. That alone deserves the support of every Veteran because his actions demand it. By the logic of this comment there would be no such designation as "Vietnam Era Veteran". But, Vietnam Era Veterans provided support too, and every Veteran should be thankful. My hope is that Veterans will not put Veterans in a box but support one and other and their common bond. I am a yes on Mr. Poolaw and the Medal of Honor.
Hmm. Tara, I did not get any impression from your words that you thought or were, in any way, putting forth an argument that Pascal Poolaw should be(perhaps?) reconsidered for the MOH merely because he was a “full-blooded Kiowa Indian”. The facts, as you succinctly laid out, included his history and his particular actions with respect to the events that occurred in Vietnam, October 7, 1967. Those events led to the MOH nomination that was not approved. It is not unnatural to have a review and reconsideration, which can be done,and certainly must be done, by an impartial review of the FACTS surrounding Pascal Poolaw’s acts of bravery, gallantry, sacrifice, valor, honor, and heroism. Great story, Tara!✌️
Oh yes Tara. I'm in. How'd we ask for a reconsideration for the MOH for Pascal Poolaw? As you tell the whole story, I don't know why he hasn't already received the Medal. He served honorably and in three wars and by this account, he accomplished much in saving the lives of his fellow soldiers before succumbing to his wounds.
I believe that he should have been awarded the MOH. Thank you Tara for asking the question and for bringing another MOH Monday to your readers. Such heroes!
Tara, as a followup, I did email my Colorado Representative, Doug Lamborn, my two Colorado Senators and also Stephanie Bice, an Oklahoma representative who is on the Armed Services/ Select Committee. As Mr. Poolaw was born in Oklahoma, I decided to include her in my request for reconsideration.
I received a phone call from Mr. Lamborn's office requesting more information. I emailed him with my specific request that Mr. Poolaw be reconsidered for the MOH and sent him your website address and the references that you list in your article, I requested that they keep me in the loop.
Thank you for your MOH Mondays and hopefully, we can have a hand in his reconsideration.
A true hero, unbelievable bravery. Thank you for these incredible stories, Tara.
Tara, thank you for sharing the story of the courageous actions by Pascal Poolaw. If there is any doubt whether his actions qualify for the Medal of Honor, his case should be fully reviewed and acted upon.
What a Great Service to his Family and his Country!
All Honor to Pascal Poolaw. He served his country with dignity and courage. I think the review should be done. Thanks Tara
Thank you Tara for all that you do!!
Thank you Tara for all that you do!
WOW! Pascal Poolaw should still receive the recognition of a MoH. 3 wars is too much for any man but this WARRIOR was willing. Thank you, Sir, for your service and dedication to this country. Do we know what happened to his son Lindy?
Absolutely yes! Pascal Poolaw definitely earned the MOH. I do wonder why it never happened. Was it an oversight? Or were others thought more worthy. He also deserves a metal for greatest father if there was one. He was a credit to his family and to his country.
Why must ethnicity be used to identify people? If he deserves the medal, he should have the medal. I should be that simple.
Thanks Tara. Sorry you must go through all those hoops the get your wonderful historical stories out there. You deserve a medal.
We'd really like it if you would publish some of the recorded and little known American history stories based on the over 650 state conventions over the last 400 years. They attempted to resolve issues that their legislatures and Congresses could not.
Thank You for this story…he absolutely should get his MOH, do we know WHY it hasn’t happened? 🇺🇸
Thank you, Tara, for another story of extreme bravery!
This man showed his courage under fire over many years and wars! His determination to help and save his fellow men was exceptional and should be remembered over the next centuries!
Yes, Pascal Poolaw for the Congressional Medal of Honor!