Lost Skeleton
Well-known member
On 2 February 2007, Commander Paul LeBrasseur USN (our forum’s Lazerblade) participated in an awards ceremony at Camp Arifjan in which he presented four Army Achievement Medals to sailors under the command of Captain Terry Rivenbark, Commander Naval Expeditionary Logistic Support Command (Forward). The decorated sailors had assisted Commander LeBrasseur with his Personal Security Detail (PSD) Unit.
After the ceremony, Paul was “surprised” to be the recipient of an unusual honor from Captain Rivenbark. For his selfless actions while serving as Provost Marshal ASG Kuwait, Paul became an honorary Knight of the Orden Pour le Mérite. I think it’s safe to say Paul is the first person to be awarded the military version of this Order in almost ninety years, and is, perhaps, the first American ever to wear it.
Understandably, Paul’s comrades felt he should be recognized for his admirable and capable service overseas, and what began as a joke over recommending Paul for the Legion of Merit evolved into the presentation of the PLM. The ultimate selection of this award may also have been influenced by the fact that Paul is a pilot, and the gang had recently viewed the George Peppard classic, The Blue Max.
From left to right are Command Master Chief Mark Seifert, Paul, Captain Rivenbark, and Command Master Chief Anderson. If you look closely, you will see Paul wearing the PLM as a breast award.
Finally, the Pour le Mérite Urkunde (award document). How it came to be signed by Wilhelm II is anybody’s guess.
Congratulations Paul!
Chas.
After the ceremony, Paul was “surprised” to be the recipient of an unusual honor from Captain Rivenbark. For his selfless actions while serving as Provost Marshal ASG Kuwait, Paul became an honorary Knight of the Orden Pour le Mérite. I think it’s safe to say Paul is the first person to be awarded the military version of this Order in almost ninety years, and is, perhaps, the first American ever to wear it.
Understandably, Paul’s comrades felt he should be recognized for his admirable and capable service overseas, and what began as a joke over recommending Paul for the Legion of Merit evolved into the presentation of the PLM. The ultimate selection of this award may also have been influenced by the fact that Paul is a pilot, and the gang had recently viewed the George Peppard classic, The Blue Max.
From left to right are Command Master Chief Mark Seifert, Paul, Captain Rivenbark, and Command Master Chief Anderson. If you look closely, you will see Paul wearing the PLM as a breast award.
Finally, the Pour le Mérite Urkunde (award document). How it came to be signed by Wilhelm II is anybody’s guess.
Congratulations Paul!
Chas.
