The Defense Department launched a new website on July 25 aimed at honoring service members who have received top military honors and deterring those who falsely claim to be recipients of such awards. Eventually, the site will include a listing of all service members awarded the Medal of Honor or a service cross or a Silver Star medal since Sept. 11, 2001. Currently, only 10 MOH recipients since that date are listed. “It is essential that we honor and recognize our service members’ achievements, while maintaining the integrity of our award data,” said Erin Conaton, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness. “We are working quickly to compile accurate information on the heroes of the post 9/11 conflicts.” The Pentagon launched the website after the Supreme Court last month struck down the Stolen Valor Act that made it illegal for anyone to falsely claim military decorations. Conaton said Pentagon leadership is working with each service to iron out the difficulties in compiling award data from previous conflicts. (AFPS report by Jim Garamone)
Secretary of Defense Austin Lloyd III met with his counterparts from Australia, Japan and the Philippines to discuss bolstering defense ties on May 2. The discussion included plans for joint F-35 exercises with Japan and Australia in the coming years.