While there are still many unanswered questions regarding the attack against the United States Embassy in Benghazi, this much is clear to me: that the selfless actions of Glen Doherty and Tyrone Woods merit award of the Congressional Medal of Honor.
From Scott On Cape Cod:
A short distance from the American compound, two Americans were sleeping. They were in Libya as independent contractors working an assignment totally unrelated to our embassy. They also happened to be former Navy SEALs. When they heard the noise coming from the attack on our embassy, as you would expect from highly trained warriors, they ran to the fight. Apparently, they had no weapons, but seeing the Libyan guards dropping their guns in their haste in fleeing the scene, Tyrone Woods and Glen Doherty snatched up several of these discarded weapons and prepared to defend the American compound.
Not knowing exactly what was taking place, the two SEALs set up a defensive perimeter. Unfortunately Ambassador Stevens was already gravely injured, and Foreign Service officer, Sean Smith, was dead. However, due to their quick action and suppressive fire, twenty administrative personnel in the embassy were able to escape to safety. Eventually, these two courageous men were overwhelmed by the sheer numbers brought against them, an enemy force numbering between 100 to 200 attackers which came in two waves. But the stunning part of the story is that Tyrone Woods and Glen Doherty killed 60 of the attacking force.
It is not neccesary to wait for Pentagon brass to go through a whole nominating process, which could take years and get lost in Washington politics. Congress can, by statute, vote directly on a Medal of Honor nomination. Individual members of Congress can, after being petitioned by a constituent, bring a Medal of Honor nomination to the floor. The selfless actions of Glen Doherty and Tyrone Woods saved many lives. They stood their watch in the face of imminent death, and even after it became clear that no relief was ever coming.
There are three ways to help move this forward:
2. Contact your U.S. Representative and both U.S. Senators, and urge them to nominate Doherty and Woods for the Medal of Honor.
4. Spread the word via social media.
There is no doubt that Doherty and Woods earned the Medal of Honor, through their conspicuous gallantry and selfless bravery. In some small measure, this is the least we can do to honor the memory of these fallen heroes.
