In this essay for The Atlantic, Elliot Ackerman reflects on Donald Trump's comments comparing the Presidential Medal of Freedom to the Medal of Honor.
Drawing on his experience as a Marine officer who wrote valor award citations during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Ackerman explains why military decorations carry a meaning that cannot be reduced to status, celebrity, or political favor.
The Meaning of Valor
Ackerman describes the gravity of combat awards, including the Silver Star, Navy Cross, and Medal of Honor, and the rigorous process required to recognize acts of extraordinary courage.
Service and Sacrifice
The essay argues that valor awards often mark one of the worst days of a service member's life, recognizing sacrifice, wounds, loss, and continued service to others.
Honor and Responsibility
At its center, the piece warns that the Medal of Honor belongs to a tradition of American valor that demands humility, respect, and an understanding of what military service truly costs.