what are medals worth to the guys that get them?
Wolford rode in a parade back in New Mexico, and his grandfather gave him a big toast at a family reunion. He credits his Silver Star for helping him land his promotion to sergeant first class and getting him accepted to officer training school. Still, hes not entirely comfortable with the instant credibility the medal gives him with a new lieutenant or commander. Somebody could have one on day, and the rest of their life they could be a total screwup, he says. Where it really counts is with subordinates, who often enter the infantry with delusions of grandeur. Most of the time, when he takes command of a new platoon, he doesnt even say a word about the medals. Instead, he keeps them packed away until theres Class A inspection, when everyone has to show up in dress uniform. He can see the glint in the eye of superiors and subordinates alike when they take that first look at his chest. At which point, he says, its like, Okay, now are you going to listen to me? We all know, have seen in
