- Joined
- Nov 17, 2015
Loaded question!
Palmetto Ranch is widely accepted as the last battle, and killed that day was John Williams, who is considered the last man to die in the ACW.
The Civil War Campaign Medal was awarded for service between 15 April 1861 - 9 April 1865. It was later extended to 20 August, 1866.
In between Palmetto Ranch and Proclamation, there were a lot of things going on.
If you count stabilization operations and political unrest, you will probably always be able to drag a war out for another decade.
Some may think the 'actual dates' don't matter - but that demeans those who fought just as hard or died after some proclamation or date on a calender. In the more modern era, tell that to someone who was wounded outside of the 'war dates' and is trying to get VA assistance, retroactive awards, etc.
To best honor those who fought for what they believe in, i don't consider a war over until that last man comes home. Every man who served, was wounded, or killed after Appomattox counts the same as those prior.
Do you guys consider us as no longer at war in Iraq & Afghanistan?
We know what Capitol Hill has said about it, but keep in mind that SSG Matt McClintock of the 19th Special Forces Group was just killed in action near Marjah, Afghanistan on January 5th.
That war has been 'over' since December 2014.
Palmetto Ranch is widely accepted as the last battle, and killed that day was John Williams, who is considered the last man to die in the ACW.
The Civil War Campaign Medal was awarded for service between 15 April 1861 - 9 April 1865. It was later extended to 20 August, 1866.
In between Palmetto Ranch and Proclamation, there were a lot of things going on.
If you count stabilization operations and political unrest, you will probably always be able to drag a war out for another decade.
Some may think the 'actual dates' don't matter - but that demeans those who fought just as hard or died after some proclamation or date on a calender. In the more modern era, tell that to someone who was wounded outside of the 'war dates' and is trying to get VA assistance, retroactive awards, etc.
To best honor those who fought for what they believe in, i don't consider a war over until that last man comes home. Every man who served, was wounded, or killed after Appomattox counts the same as those prior.
Do you guys consider us as no longer at war in Iraq & Afghanistan?
We know what Capitol Hill has said about it, but keep in mind that SSG Matt McClintock of the 19th Special Forces Group was just killed in action near Marjah, Afghanistan on January 5th.
That war has been 'over' since December 2014.
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