News - National
Veterans groups appeal to Obama on new medal
Posted: Mar 14, 2013 10:38 AM by Patricia Collier
Updated: Mar 14, 2013 10:40 AM
WASHINGTON (AP) - The nation's veterans groups are asking President Barack Obama to step into a dispute over a new medal for remote warfare troops that was ranked higher than traditional combat medals like the Purple Heart and Bronze Star.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars and other groups sent a letter to Obama on Thursday. They're asking him to keep the medal ranked below the Purple Heart.
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has already ordered a review of the new medal, which is for drone operators and cyber warfighters. But the groups say that's not a done deal.
The ranking of the new medal has angered lawmakers and veterans groups. The groups say the Pentagon faces enough challenges and doesn't need, quote, "a self-inflicted morale problem."
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