A genuine hero

Go read this. Be patient, it's a long page with lots of pictures (well-chosen and worth the wait). Go get the Kleenex while it loads.

This is the story of a genuine hero, the kind of story that, in a just universe, would be widely reported on the network and cable news shows and in the papers. It's the story of how Capt. Brian Chontosh earned the Navy Cross, our second-highest award for combat bravery.

The story was written by journalist and broadcaster Bob Lonsberry, and the page was created by Mary Jones. The Marine Corps has the story here, and it verifies Bob's account. But it's dry. Bob's words and Mary's pictures bring the story alive, and Bob does some much-needed editorializing:

The odd fact about the American media in this war is that it's not covering the American military. The most plugged-in nation in the world is receiving virtually no true information about what its warriors are doing.

...

"By his outstanding  display of decisive leadership, unlimited courage in the face of heavy enemy fire, and utmost devotion to duty, 1st Lt. Chontosh reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service."

That's what the citation says. And that's what nobody will hear. That's what doesn't seem to be making the evening news.

Accounts of American valor are dismissed by the press as propaganda, yet accounts of American difficulties are heralded as objectivity. It makes you wonder if the role of the media is to inform or to depress - to report or to deride. To tell the truth, or to feed us lies.

But I guess it doesn't matter. We're going to turn out all right. As long as men like Brian Chontosh wear our uniform.

Oorah!