JUNEAU, Alaska—
Alaska's U.S. senators say a new medal commending drone pilots shouldn't be more prestigious than a Purple Heart.
Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Mark Begich joined 20 of their colleagues in a letter to Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, expressing their displeasure with the status level attached the "Distinguished Warfare Medal."
The letter says heroism and courage in combat and dangerous situations are "sacred," and should be rewarded in a way that maintains their precedence over noncombat honors.
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Online
Text of the letter: http://1.usa.gov/Wb1zdu
Distinguished Warfare Medal criteria: http://1.usa.gov/14SLfQU
