Military News: August 2014 - Vietnam Medal of Honor Recipient Dies at 87

Sgt Bowe Bergdahl, prisoner of the Islamic Jihadists, captured because he left his place of duty, is not the only person that needs to be put on trial. In an article by Travis J. Tritten, the Government Accountability Office stated that President Obama and the DOD illegally swapped five prisoners from Guantanamo Bay for Bergdahl by not notifying members of Congress in advance. DOD records show that Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel sent email and made phone calls to congressional leaders on the same day the swap was arranged. 

Hagel and others have yet to be accountable for their unconstitutional actions. In addition, President Obama had to be aware of what the DOD did, and therefore is also guilty. In addition, funds were misappropriated for the prisoner swap. Bergdahl is being represented by former military prosecutor, free of charge, in his upcoming trial to determine if he is guilty of desertion. An initial investigation was conducted in 2009 after he disappeared and could not be found. A growing number of citizens, including former teammates, demand he be punished for deserting his post. The Pentagon insists that they did not abide by the 30 day notice in order to obtain the release of Bergdahl.

The US military may soon be returning to the Philippines because of the Chinese threat in that region and growing threat from Islamic Jihadists. It is part of a US and Philippine government initiative in a defense cooperation agreement. Three to five bases are being considered. 

US Vietnam pilot who won the Medal of Honor died at age 87. In a Douglas A-1E Skyraider, Major Bernard Fisher landed his plane in enemy territory under enemy fire to rescue fellow pilot who crash landed and in danger of being captured. Fisher returned to the Air Defense Command after Vietnam service and flew jet interceptors until he retired to his hometown of Kuna, Idaho. In 1981, Fisher was a candidate for governor in Idaho. 

 60 Minutes provides a video telling the story of the first living soldier to win the Medal of Honor since the Vietnam War. ...