OPINION:
We now know that five CIA security contractors had to disobey orders in order to rescue State Department personnel at Benghazi nearly two years ago. In my view, the five ought to be awarded the nation’s highest civilian honor, the Medal of Freedom. Since the president has been slow to do this, I recommend that Congress pass a resolution in support of the award.
There is a famous precedent for constructive disobedience. In a battle in 1801, British Adm. Horatio Nelson was ordered to retreat, but holding a telescope to his blind right eye said that he saw no such signal. Nelson pressed forward, won the battle and was promoted to commander of the British Royal Navy.
EUGENE G. WINDCHY
Alexandria
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