William to receive US medal for drug bust

[Haidee]

exactly what i said!! But he wont choose to work there anymore - hes gotten out of it which is not good for his reputation

[MapleLeaf]

I do think the 'powers that be' or the 'men in grey' want Wills to earn medals, especially medals earned for service.  But that has nothing to do with Wills' performance on the job or his ability to be professional when it's needed. 

According to what's been said in the articles, Wills has earned this particular medal the same way everyone else who participated in this particular drug seizure earned the medal, by doing his job the way he was expected to do it, and doing it correctly. 
If someone other than Wills had been the spotter, then that person would be receiving the JSA medal instead of Wills.  I think that should be what matters. 

The article below is really interesting.  It's an online newspaper for Hull and East Riding, and it quotes a local villager who is serving aboard the HMS Iron Duke with Wills; Petty Officer Paul Tock.  Below the link is a quote from P.O. Tock.

http://www.thisishullandeastriding.co.uk/news/Prince-William

“I run the boats on-board, so a number of my boys were involved in the operation.

“I'm immensely proud. They were driving the sea boats in three and four-metre swells and they performed admirably.” He said Prince William, or Sub-Lieutenant Wales as he is known on the ship, is down to earth and a good officer.

PO Tock said: “On board ship, Sub-Lieutenant Wales is part of the crew.  “He is a very down to earth guy and the lads who have been under his command have a lot of respect for him.”

The article also stated:

Commanding Officer Commander Mark Newland said: “Everybody on board is cock-a-hoop at the success of the operation.

“We've only been in theatre for four days and this shows that already the boys are in very good form.

“Sub-Lieutenant Wales is settling in very well.

“He is a very professional military officer. He is comfortable in the number of roles he has taken on and interacts with crew very well.”

The CO says that Wills is professional, and a member of the crew says that Wills is respected by the lads under his command. 

It sounds like Wills is doing his job, and doing well at it.  The articles all quote the Commanding Officer as saying that Wills pitched in and did his part.  The U.S. Coast Guard feels that everyone involved deserves a medal.  So Wills earned his medal the same way the other people involved earned theirs. 

In this situation, that should be what matters the most, that Wills is receiving the same thing the other crew members are receiving because he did what the other crew members did. 

As for Wills military career, what he's doing isn't new to us (the public). We've known Wills' military schedule since September of 2005.  It was outlined to the public then that Wills would be finished with the military by 2009, and it was also fully explained that he would spend time in each branch before he left active military service.  Wills entered Sandhurst at the beginning of January 2006, and he will leave active duty in January 2009.  That is what was previously laid out as William's military plans, and he's simply following through with it.

It's Wills responsibility to do what he's told, and that's what he's doing.  He was obviously placed on a military fast track, and it was probably for a very practical reason.  Our current monarch is over 80 years old, and she won't live forever.  Eventually Wills will be the Prince of Wales, and it could happen sooner rather than later. 

He must have military experience under his belt, it's something that every male heir has had for 1000 years and it's a hardline tradition that is not going to be broken in Wills' lifetime.  An heir gaining experience in every military branch is something that hasn't been done for 70 years, yet Wills is doing it.  Wills is doing what he must do, and he's trying to do it the way he's been told it must be done. 
I think he should be commended for being able to keep up with so many changes and for being able to digest so much information.  He's an accomplished guy who seems to be able to think on his feet.  He's been described as having a natural aptitude for flying and sailing, and he's managed to pass all of the academic training that has gone along with his military fast track experience.  I think what Wills is doing is good and it's special, and it will help him to someday be a good King.

[Girl_A]

That is just sad if he really is there for just an medal and really wrong of him.
He is just in the navy for 2 months and already gets an medal. It's just too fast. Normal people do this for an living and don't get an medal after 2 months.
I know everyone gets an medal that was with the drug bust but this is the first time (I think) he has done this. This is there job. Do they get everytime when they do something like this an medal?
I am not saying that he is bad in what he does but it is just fast that he already gets an medal.

[leogirl]

He is collecting them to wear at his wedding. It's tradition.

[Haidee]

He is collecting them to wear at his wedding. It's tradition.

But it still isnt right in my book!! He should really earn them not just be given them willy nilly - some say his father didnt earn his either... but that im not sure

[Girl_A]

Like Haidee said he needs to earn them. Not just be giving because it's tradition to wear them at his wedding. That is just wrong. Those medals are not just toys that you can collect.

[MapleLeaf]

^^That is precisely the point I just made in my last post!!  Wills did earn his medal. I realise my posts are long, but sometimes they're pretty informative.  If you read them.

Long story short, the medal is awarded no matter how long or short a time you've been on the job.  It's what you do that earns a person the JSA medal, not how long you've been doing it.

[alsgal]

has anyone got an updated article with links?
I checked the USCG law enforcement site and their general site and no mention of this bust or any awards, but then again they might not post this.
I love your comment about your epistles .... and yes ML they do contain factual info! Ongoing learning is the key to a well rounded individual!

[GreenLily]

Thanks ML for all of the information. I certainly appreciate your long informative posts.

I'm not sure how I feel about a fast-track military career, although I am sympathetic with the fact that he needs to have a sampling of all three branches.

Anyhow, well-done Wills (and the rest of the Iron Duke crew)!!!

[karla64]

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/hello/20080706/ten-prince-william-to-receive-us-medal-f-2f67e70.html

[MrsB]

But the British RN were involved so if it is awarded to british soldiers they should be allowed to wear it i think

Members of the British Armed forces quite often get awarded medals that cannot be worn with service uniform. As I stated before it has to be a British medal or one approved by the sovereign in order for it to be worn. Not just the fact it was awarded to other members of the crew. My husband has got 2 medals sat in a drawer in boxes that were awarded to all involved but cannot be worn in uniform. Its just a nice to have.

[colinwatkins]

He is collecting them to wear at his wedding. It's tradition.

Not at all correct. British royals receive numerous awards over the years; that is the tradition and has nothing to do with a possible marriage. It must be noted that the award of this medal does not come from British authorities; Prince William is not likely to receive any combat medals from that source.

The medal is being awarded by US authorities who are well known for giving out medals wholesale. If they want to honour British forces for non-combat duty, that is their right, but there really is a good chance that the recipients will not be allowed to wear them in uniform; that is also a tradition.

[sandy]

Any chance that Wills will get a medal from the UK for this if the US gave him a medal?

[RMS]

Exactly Colin, thank you, this medal isn’t what people think it is but like Mrs. B said it is nice to have.

The CO says that Wills is professional, and a member of the crew says that Wills is respected by the lads under his command. 

...and those are the only opinions that matter William.

An heir gaining experience in every military branch is something that hasn't been done for 70 years, yet Wills is doing it.

Right and as you stated before these short stints were already reported beforehand.  I’m always surprised when people start asking why he isn’t spending years in a branch like his father and uncle...forgetting the time and training spent in the B&R.

 
I think he should be commended for being able to keep up with so many changes and for being able to digest so much information.  He's an accomplished guy who seems to be able to think on his feet.  He's been described as having a natural aptitude for flying and sailing, and he's managed to pass all of the academic training that has gone along with his military fast track experience.  I think what Wills is doing is good and it's special, and it will help him to someday be a good King.

Yes, I don’t think people realize that or have an idea that he can cut it with other service men of his rank who have had years to train in their field.  I’m amazed really.

Essentially all medals are given for the performance of one’s job.  Considering drug trafficking is probably the most dangerous task the US CG is involved in, I’m not so sure it is all that silly.  I think the only thing questionable is the amount seized compared to other busts.  As MapleLeaf stated, whether or not he was part of the team for four days or four months has no bearing on the fact that he did contribute.

Is the US CG star struck by William?  The only way to know is if other busts similar to this also merited medals.  Either way William has no control over the matter so he and his shipmates (those involved) should feel honored.  I know seeing action was important to him and I hope if critics do sneer he remembers the medal is a symbol of a desire achieved and he should be proud of it as well as himself.

[Jenee]

I don't believe it.

The US military gives out medals for everything. I believe it.

[alsgal]

.. thanks all for the input.. good posts
Jenee... 

[usa1981]

As I remember when got commission there was some thought thought that he might say in the military until 2010. That change late last year to him only staying until Jam 2009.

[Jenee]

I don't think he was ever really going to stay beyond his minimum enlistment period. But good for him for racking up as many medals as possible during his short time in!!

[Dizzy13]

To add to what Mapleleaf stated...sorry I didn't quote it as it's a long entry.

If my memory serves me correctly the commander in charge stated at the time this operation took place that Wills did an exemplory job, his army survelliance training helped him immensly.  I can't remember the exact words but I know that he commented on his army training helping the situation. So it's good that his training in the other armed forces is helping him do his job in the RN.  He was trained well, and it's so great to see that throughout all of this he has taken his role seriously even if it was for just 3 years and his commanders have said he's a terrific leader and officer.
Way to go Wills and the rest of the crew that are going to receive the medal, they deserve it.
They may not be in a war zone but they are fighting a different kind of war, one that really does affect everyone who lives in a town or major city, where drugs are a way of life. 

Has anyone heard if the Iron Duke is near the Hurricane that's in the Atlantic?  It looks like they may be helping out some islands if it hits Bermuda or more.  Wills could have more work ahead, he will definitely get an understanding of what New Orleans, and other countries go through with these Hurricanes and their devastion.  Another learning experience and it will be a good one.
I honestly don't know how he can stay on that ship, from the description of what the sea was like when they did the drug bust...holy cow I would have definitely been seasick.  It's a good thing he can fly a helicopter, no waves to deal with.   

[leogirl]

   Sorry... not at anyone in particular, at the thread in general.

[colinwatkins]

Any chance that Wills will get a medal from the UK for this if the US gave him a medal?

Not very likely; it's not a war zone.

[Haidee]

^^That is precisely the point I just made in my last post!!  Wills did earn his medal. I realise my posts are long, but sometimes they're pretty informative.  If you read them.

Long story short, the medal is awarded no matter how long or short a time you've been on the job.  It's what you do that earns a person the JSA medal, not how long you've been doing it.

Ahh I get it now. I was thinking that it was like a combat type of medal like yu have to have a minimum amout of time serving... Im a little slow atm. But as I said if everyone in the 'unit' gets one for the job then good for them. I just thought it was something that may have been awarded just because he is who he is. My bad.

[leogirl]

I never said he didn't earn the medal; I just said he's collecting them to wear at his wedding. He needs medals. Go Willie. 

[Jada]

Congratulation Prince William 

[mclarek]

I'm still shaking my head. This is crazy, is everyone else looking at this with the same scrutiny? He boards the ship, and week and a half later he  is getting a medal?

No one has mentioned, as an ABC report did, that the drugs boat was SINKING anyway.     Is just dumb luck?  That's how things work sometimes! My guess is it was and everyone involved will get this Joint Services medal. Wills will get his in the mail. Even funnier.