The site -- at http://valor.defense.gov -- was set up to raise awareness of service members’ heroism and to help deter those who falsely claim military honors, officials said. The site launched recently with the names of Medal of Honor recipients for actions since 9/11, and now lists recipients of the Distinguished Service Cross, Air Force Cross and Navy Cross. The services are continuing to compile the lists of Silver Star recipients to add to the site, officials said.
According to a Jim Garamone report for the American Forces Press Service:
"...'Recognizing those who have served so honorably remains the crux of the DOD effort,' Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said. 'One of the most important things we can do for all veterans is to honor the service of those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty,' he added..."Garamone, quoted Defense officials:
"...[T]he intent of the website is to honor soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who received the highest valor awards in operations since Sept. 11, 2001. These are the Medal of Honor, service crosses and the Silver Star. The listing covers only awards since Sept. 11, 2001..."The Garamone report also quoted undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, Erin C. Conaton, who said:
"...It is essential that we honor and recognize our service members’ achievements, while maintaining the integrity of our award data...We are working quickly to compile accurate information on the heroes of the post-9/11 conflicts. At the same time, we will work with the military services to identify and seek to address the challenges associated with compiling data from earlier conflicts.”
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