Presidential Trivia

[J. J.]

LBJ got probably the most undeserved Silver Star in history (for being a passenger on a bomber for all of 8 minutes of combat).

LBJ is the correct answer.  The Silver Star is both a higher award than the DFC.  Also naval aviators can receive the DFC as a non-valor award.   His citation does not show a "valor device."  http://www.history.navy.mil/faqs/faq10-2.htm

[J. J.]

LBJ got probably the most undeserved Silver Star in history (for being a passenger on a bomber for all of 8 minutes of combat).

And that trumps a DFC, but it wasn't even 8 minutes of combat.  No wonder JJ said it was surprising.  I could see Johnson getting an Air Medal for his little joyride, but even if his aircraft hadn't had to turn back for mechanical reasons, there is no way what he did was Silver Star worthy or even DFC worthy.

It was surprising, because of the limited involvement LBJ had in the action.  He was there on a fact finding mission, and not a direct combatant. 

In most of Johnson's official photographs as president, he can be seen wearing the Silver Star lapel pin.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lyndon_B._Johnson

JFK's Navy and Marine Corps Medal, while rarely awarded and marks heroism that, if in combat, is worthy of the Medal of Honor, is not considered a valor award and is considered lower ranking than the Silver Star.

[J. J.]

If it had been in existence at the time, Ford probably would have gotten a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for his actions in saving the USS Monterey.  If he'd had the connections Jack had, he likely would have gotten a Bronze Star, but he didn't, so he was one of many who might have gotten a Bronze Star in World War II, but did not.

The Achievement Medal now is generally given for basically doing your (noncombatant) job reasonably well.  A friend of mine won several of the Army version by being stationed in Philadelphia with a National Guard band unit (and never being promoted above Specialist). 

[J. J.]

Here's one I just read about: Which former presidential candidate accidentally killed a young girl?

Ted Kennedy, though that probably isn't the one you are thinking about.

[J. J.]

George Cabot Lodge

Who was Ted Kennedy's principle primary opponent in that race.

[J. J.]

Who was the last president to not be worth over one million?

Bill Clinton?

[J. J.]

Who was the last president not to exceed the average life expectancy for males at the time he was born? (This excludes the presidents that were assasinated, so it's not Kennedy.)

Grant?