Purple Hearts for PTSD?
That's the question posed by Yochi Dreazen in this Wall Street Journal article. Dreazen writes that: "Supporters of awarding the Purple Heart to veterans with PTSD believe the move would reduce the stigma that surrounds the disorder and spur more soldiers and Marines to seek help without fear of limiting their careers."
I'm conflicted on this one. On the one hand, awarding the Purple Heart to those suffering from diagnosed-PTSD would help reduce the stigma associated with combat stress and encourage troops to seek treatment. On the other, combat stress affects everyone in different ways, and I see great potential for abuse here. Defense Secretary Robert Gates is wise to consider the idea, but probably also wise to heed the services' caution.
By Phillip Carter |
May 17, 2008; 7:30 PM ET
| Category:
Veterans
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Posted by: Bullsmith | May 17, 2008 11:05 PM
I would be concerned about linking PTSD to purple heart type injury. I have seen it, recently, occur with a returning IED injured sailor from OEF. Navy slapped on a Purple Heart and placed the kid back on duty for time until the strokelike tremors, memory loss and emotional outbursts started. PTSD is a beast of a very different nature than those that affect other functional tissues such as muscle and bone. It is an injury that may change the structure of self. Its nature of discovery, recovery and rehabilitation are in another space and time. Medals, for good or bad, are branding items and may result in the wrong response for those impacted.
Posted by: Bill Keller | May 18, 2008 2:56 AM
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Perhaps commending sacrifice and ill consequences like PTSD in some way other than a Purple Heart would still encourage sufferers to come forward. Perhaps this war deserves a few of it's own medals. It has certainly made unique demands on those who serve.