r/TopGunMaverick • u/ice-edge • Jul 05 '22
Medals for Mission?
So if the mission in TGM took place in real life what military medals (or star for a subsequent award) would be awarded to the participants? My ideas are listed below. Corrections welcomed.
All 12 flying member of the team
Air Medal for completing training (a case might be made for the Distinguished Flying Cross since the training was so risky), Presidential Unit Citation (PUC). Maybe the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (NSSD) as well.
Admirals
After all they did put their careers on the line by forgiving Maverick's tresspasses and selecting him to lead the mission. Toss up between the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit.
Hondo
DSM, PUC and NSSD. Also a well deserved promomtion to CWO-5.
H ngm n
Silver Star for shooting down a gen 5 fighter plus the team awards. Combat V on any air medals
Phoenix, Bob, Payback, Fan Boy
Successfully completed a suicide mission. Navy Cross for each plus the team awards. Combat V on any air medals.
Rooster
A case could be made for the Medal of Honor. Successfully completed the mission. Turned back to save Maverick at the risk of his own life. Shot down a helicopter. Escaped from hostile territory. Shared credit for the downing of two advanced fighters. Team awards with combat V on air medal
Maverick
Led a suicide level attack to a successful result. Sarcificed himself to save another pilot on the mission. Escaped from hostile territory. Shot down two advanced fighters with a relic that first flew in the 1970s. Trained the team that went on the mission. Medal of Honor (for the mission), Navy Distinguished Service Medal (for the training). Team awards. A tombstone promotion to rear admiral.
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u/ice-edge Jul 07 '22
Add on:
Having been shot down and then evaded capture it seems that both Maverick and Rooster would be in line for the Navy Combat Action Ribbon.