Ribbon Display for Colonel David Hackworth
(Courtesy of U.S. Military Medals.)

Colonel David Hackworth is a retired Army officer with a distinguished career involving combat service in both the Korean and Vietnam wars. He is the self proclaimed "highest decorated living American". His Medal Case includes two Distinguished Service Crosses, a record ten Silver Stars, eight Purple Hearts as well as the usual assortment of Legions of Merit, Bronze Stars and Air Medals common among senior officers during the Vietnam War.

(Lest anyone feel that I have trivialized Colonel Hackworth's accomplishments even he admits that medals were overawarded to officers in Vietnam. He wrote that he once declined an award of the Silver Star on the grounds that he did nothing to merit it.)

As a result of three tours in Vietnam he became disillusioned with the senior military leadership when he saw their corruption and moral bankruptcy. In June of 1971 he had a falling out with the establishment over some critical comments he made on Issues and Answers which were nationally televised and found himself slated for investigation rather than the promotion list to Brigadier General. He now works as an author and syndicated columnist.

While I admire Colonel Hackworth's candor and combat heroism I am disturbed that he is critical of each and every major policy decision of the U.S. Government regarding military affairs and international affairs. While I do not contend that he is always, or even usually, wrong to do so I do consider it demeaning to his accomplishments to have become a professional whiner. I feel that in addition to pointing out the failings of the establishment he should also offer practical alternatives as well. I also hope that he will rediscover that a leader must be inspirational as well as candid.