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VC's, PLM's, and MOH's given for self sacrifice verging on the foolhardy rather than exemplary achievement?
The PlM does not fit into the same category with the other two decorations mentioned. A German pilot who does what Barker did in October 1918 or what Luke did in September would not recieve a PlM for his effort. He might recieve an iron cross second or first class, depending on what he had already been awarded in the past.
A German pilot who did what Barker did in the months leading up to his final scrap would certainly recieve the PlM.
Luke recieved the MOH for one act of bravery that went beyond the call of duty, that is the criteria for the award. It does not matter if he were an upstart or whether he was an ace of any standing. That is why a Private who is in combat for the first time can win a MOH but would never win a PlM no matter what he did.
Even though each award mentioned is the highest combat bravery award of its respective country, each is different respect to the way it is awarded and it is sometimes misleading to lump them together.
There are exceptions where the MOH has been awarded for exemplary achievement over a period of time (Bong?) and where the PlM has been awarded for one achievement (Rommel at Caporetto)
but I must emphasize that these are exceptions.
regards
MDD
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