Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2535: William Swenson, Medal of Honor and Body Language on the Battlefield (VIDEO, PHOTO)




On 8 September 2009, in and surrounding the Village of Ganjgal in the Kunar Province of Afghanistan, a hard fought and bloody battle took place with the American & Afghan forces pitted against the Taliban. One of the soldiers in that battle was former army captain William Swenson. He repeatedly entered the "kill zone" rescuing several American and Afghan soldiers.

The above video details a particular moment with one of those who Swenson rescued - Kenneth Westbrook. Unfortunately Westbrook later died from complications of his wounds. In the video (and isolated in the still image below), Swenson can be seen kissing his fellow soldier on the right temple. A kiss placed on the eyelid, just above it on the brow/forehead, or on the temple - is a strong nonverbal signal of true affection and love - and carries with it a high degree of sincerity. 

Of course, romance is the most obvious and often sited context for affection. In such a setting, the first appearance of this type of kiss is a strong signal that a significant threshold of the relationship has been crossed - and if ever it disappears - it is a sign that true love has begun to wane.

This type of kissing-affection is also extremely common of a parent for a child - and indeed the absence of it should raise questions.

The platonic love of friendship - as Swenson exhibits here for his fallen comrade is certainly to be included in this affection body language behavior.

Former Captain William Swenson is scheduled to be awarded the Medal of Honor on 15 October 2015.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2502:  A Body Language Sign of True Love & Affection - A Father Reunited with Young Son Who He Believed died in  Syria Poison Gas Attack

Dating & Romance Body Language Secret # 363:  Simon Cowell, Kissing and Lack of Affection

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1855:  Sincere Kisses & Closed Eyes

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2478:  Acting Affectionate Engenders Affection  Body Language and Strangers

Body Language Secret # 105: Parental Affection and Love 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2107:  Andy Murray, Affection and Savoring the Moment

Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1423:  Head First Affection &  Head Surrogate Hugs


















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