In response to:
This was probably dreamed up by some Obama appointed civilian who has no idea of what is involved in actual combat. I have no problem with recognizing the efforts of those who pilot drones or make their contributions fighting a no-less real cyber war but to rank that medal above the Bronze Star? Ridiculous, outrageous and downright idiotic.
PARIS -- U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta announced last week that the Pentagon has created a new military award for keyboard cyber-warriors and drone joystick jockeys.
The Distinguished Warfare Medal will recognize those whose ability to incinerate a designated target from the comfort of an office chair wasn't prohibitively affected by a jumpy trigger finger on the joystick from a mid-shift java jolt. Or, as Panetta put it: "The medal provides distinct, department-wide recognition for the extraordinary achievements that directly impact on combat operations, but that do not involve acts of valor or physical risk that combat entails."
Given that this...
I recall vividly when the AF dudes were passing out on the ramp at Kuwait City and couldn't carry their own bags.