Quote:
Al Lowe :
"The thing about Caldwell's report, it's obvious that it was in response to a telephone call, either from Wing or brigade HQ. *If Caldwell, who was Acting CO at the time due to an injury, Maj. Scott was in hospital, or on medical leave.
IF Caldwell had any doubts, that was his chance to express them and likely stop any medal from being awarded, or at least, delay things even further. *So, if he had doubts, why not express them?"
He did. Take a look at item 2.
I won't even bring up the accounts which state that Horn took off with two others to look over the damaged airfield, or reports from balloon companies or observation squadrons. The sole basis for the report and the claims was "Personal evidence only". Since the VC was never awarded on such a basis, those words would rule out the award of a VC--or should have.
(Too bad they didn't. Bishop would have probably gotten a bar to the MC and we wouldn't be arguing over this. And it would not have diminished the man in the slightest.)
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ALL that Capt. Caldwell's report shows is he answered questions put to him on the phone EARLIER that day. There are NO obvious signs of any doubts he may have had personally. His responses were short and to the point, no more, no less.
As for the rest, see my responses prior to this one.
VBR,
Al Lowe