Veterans groups appeal to Obama on new medal

WASHINGTON (AP) — The nation's veterans groups are asking President Barack Obama to step into a dispute over a new medal for remote warfare troops that was ranked higher than traditional combat medals like the Purple Heart and Bronze Star.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars and other groups sent a letter to Obama on Thursday. They're asking him to keep the medal ranked below the Purple Heart.

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has already ordered a review of the new medal, which is for drone operators and cyber warfighters. But the groups say that's not a done deal.

The ranking of the new medal has angered lawmakers and veterans groups. The groups say the Pentagon faces enough challenges and doesn't need, quote, "a self-inflicted morale problem."