Long's decorations are standard "tour of duty" decorations. They are not out of the ordinary, and do not demonstrate any excessive laudatory behavior. For example, the good conduct medal quoted in articles that he "earned" is routinely issued to all junior ranking enlisted members who have not been court martialed or have not received non- judicial punishment under the UCMJ.
One of the officers he killed, Matthew Gerald, served both as a Marine, and as an Army Crew Chief for a Blackhawk helicopter unit. Gerald did 3 tours in Iraq. Gerald is the REAL hero. I am disgusted that msm articles go into great detail about Long's very mundane military history, while dismissively listing Gerald as "just" a veteran, and a "new cop". MSM likes to imply the murderous perp is some kind of a heroic victim, IMO, and villainize the ambushed victim, who was the real hero.
I am willing to bet that Long was a complete PITA when in the service, based on his behavior and actions since leaving the service. A simmering, murderous racist, clearly. One doesn't turn that kind of thinking and behavior on and off like a light switch.
Matthew Gerald.
http://www.stripes.com/news/us/slain-officer-served-in-marines-army-before-becoming-a-cop-1.419675
http://heavy.com/news/2016/07/matth...icers-identified-name-alton-sterling-sheriff/