One does not "win" a Medal of Honor

I saw a news report this week about how PFC Ross A. McGinnis "won" the Medal of Honor by sacrificing his life for his mates in Iraq. According to the official citation, PFC McGinnis was manning the machine gun of his HMMWV when someone threw a grenade into the hatch. Rather than jump out the vehicle, McGinnis fell back into the vehicle and covered the grenade. He went in face-up, so his back hit the grenade, his body absorbed the blast, and the lives of his team were saved.

What a man. I can't even begin to put myself in his place, much less contemplate such a sacrifice.

PFC McGinnis has earned all the praise we can give him, and the highest honor the Army can bestow isn't even enough.

I just wish there was a better way to describe this sacrifice than "winning" a medal. Ross McGinnis didn't win anything other than immortality as a hero. The Medal of Honor isn't the same as an Olympic medal. The price tag for this medal is too high, and usually involves someone dying.

In any case, blessings to PFC McGinnis for his sacrifice, and to his family and friends who will cherish and honor his memory.