Scandal
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Medals earned in blood should only be used for the purpose they were designed for. Otherwise it cheapens the sacrifices paid by others. And that should never happen.
I can not comment on the case in the LA Times, as we are not really given much information about the marine or the circumstances. Maybe the guy was a hero and felt justified, maybe not.
People have been prepared to die for a cause. They are not always financially rewarded. They don't do it for the money, otherwise they would work in advertising or something. So awarding a serviceman/servicewoman/civilian with a medal is the least their country can do. A medal is a thank you from a nation....nothing less. It should not be used as anything else. How can someone accept thanks from a nation for something they didn't do?