In a surprise announcement yesterday Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta approved a new medal designed to recognize service members directly affecting combat operations who may not even be on the same continent as the action.

Panetta wrote:I've always felt -- having seen the great work that they do, day in and day out -- that those who performed in an outstanding manner should be recognized. Unfortunately, medals that they otherwise might be eligible for simply did not recognize that kind of contribution.”

Panetta, speaking off the record to this reporter, added that "It is only fitting that President Barack Obama is to be the first recipient of this new award. Who has contributed more to the
pacification and elimination of enemies of the People than the President himself?

Panetta wrote:The medal provides distinct, department wide recognition for the extraordinary achievements that directly impact on combat operations, but that do not involve acts of valor or physical risk that combat entails...”

An unnamed DOD official added, “The member's actions must have resulted in an accomplishment so exceptional and outstanding as to clearly set the individual apart from comrades or from other persons in similar situations.” (highlight mine)

While this new medal is, indeed, new, nevertheless the United Soviet States of America has a long history of honoring its military heroes for things they didn't do... sometimes twice...

And sometimes even more than twice.... who could forget THIS fully-accredited War Hero, who splashed five (5) expensive fighter jets, but they kept giving him more 'cause Daddy was an Admiral?