I'm not entirely surprised CPT Swenson's MOH packet was lost. Went through the process of submitting a packet in '07-'08; there was not a lot of help or 'how to' information available, and everything had to be submitted in digital and hard copy. Sworn statements, photographs, imagery, storyboards, DA 1594s, DA 1156s, DD Form 1842 damage statements...the binder was as thick as the Atlanta phone book. When we routinely inquired on the status of the award, we always got the same response; "it's working its way through the channels".
Eight months (or so) later, the G1 from the new Division HQs that recently took over the MND called. They found the entire packet in a drawer- no handover or mention from the previous G1. They asked me what the hell it was all about, and do we still want to submit? The DCG-O happened to be visiting us at the same time, and took personal interest in following up (won't name him, but a good man).
IMO If there's no one with at least a star on their collar to champion the award, pfft. I doubt the Captain's packet had much (if any) support until GEN Allen re-initiated the process in 2011.
(*our Soldier received the DSC almost two years later)
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