(NewsSpace.com) – Since Europeans settled in what’s now known as the United States, there have been conflicts with Native Americans who lived here for centuries. Some of those conflicts have led to bloody battles, including the 1890 Battle of Wounded Knee. During that event, between 350 Lakota men, women, and children were injured or killed. After that, 20 US troops were awarded Medals of Honor. The Pentagon may now revoke those medals.
In a memorandum dated July 19, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin directed the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness to “convene a Special Review Panel […] to conduct a review of each Medal of Honor (MOH) awarded to an Army Soldier” for his actions in the 1890 battle. The panel is to consist of a minimum of five experts, two from the Department of Interior.
According to the memo, the review was requested based on a variety of factors, including a congressional recommendation. It will be up to the panel to decide whether each soldier will retain their medal and issue a report of findings and recommendations by October. From there, Austin will issue his recommendations to President Joe Biden.
Officials say that the review will apply the standards that were in effect at the time, it’s “not a retrospective” one. Included with the memorandum is a list of the recipients and the actions that resulted in them receiving the MOH. The panel will review each one “to ensure no soldier was recognized for conduct that did not merit recognition.” If they were found to display any disqualifying actions, such as murdering or sexually assaulting a prisoner, or attacking those who surrendered or a non-combatant, the medal could be revoked.
The Battle at Wounded Knee became the catalyst for Native American rights. In 1990, Congress issued an apology to the descendants of the Lakota members killed. The MOHs remained intact, though.
The process of reviewing whether MOHs were improperly issued or not is nothing new. In fact, in 1916, the Executive Branch rescinded more than 900.
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