Posted on Oct 15, 2014
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I have a friend who was medically retired a few years back based on his injuries he received in Iraq and previous deployments. I recently met up with him last year and he had a Bronze Star w/V on his license plate and Silver Star and CIB sticker on his rear window. Now, I know this guy is a gutsy dude (former SEAL in the late 80s), so action on the battle field I would not put against him. However, when I was interested in reading his citation, I didn't see any evidence for a SS or a BS w/V on the official medal sites. I can only assume the BS is ligit since the DMV gave him the plates. I knew him as an MP, but he claimed he was re-branched as an Infantry officer later on so the CIB could be legit. Its easy to rip on people you don't know via FB, but a bit different when its your bud. Thoughts?
Fraud
Awards
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 12
COL Thomas F., I would chose a fourth option. Based on your comments, you're unsure if it legit or not.
First, assuming you've known this individual for a while, what's your read on him. Does he seem to be the type that would be claiming false honor? It sounds like you have your suspicions, but are they overriding what you know about his character?
Second, you can find out by either taking a direct route (ask to see his DD214) or indirect route (FOIA request for his records). One will settle it quicker and the other will without his knowledge if you're worried about damaging your relationship.
I will reemphasize that you only have some suspicions at this point.
Now, if your question was more akin to "How would you deal with a friend who you know displays fraudulent awards?", then I think your three options are appropriate (the a fourth one along the lines of 'confront him with some other follow-on action')
First, assuming you've known this individual for a while, what's your read on him. Does he seem to be the type that would be claiming false honor? It sounds like you have your suspicions, but are they overriding what you know about his character?
Second, you can find out by either taking a direct route (ask to see his DD214) or indirect route (FOIA request for his records). One will settle it quicker and the other will without his knowledge if you're worried about damaging your relationship.
I will reemphasize that you only have some suspicions at this point.
Now, if your question was more akin to "How would you deal with a friend who you know displays fraudulent awards?", then I think your three options are appropriate (the a fourth one along the lines of 'confront him with some other follow-on action')
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While it infuriates me when people pretend to have received awards they didn't, I do agree with the courts that it is a freedom of speech right. That being said, if a buddy of mine were doing it, I would have a serious talk with him and remind him that he should be proud of the awards he has earned, and not pretend to have awards he didn't. If he persisted, I would probably be personally insulted and would likely no longer associate with him. It's disrespectful and insulting.
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COL Randall C.
CW2 Jonathan Kantor, I'm a bit confused about your Martial Law comment. I'm assuming by 'we' you mean society, so I'm unclear about your meaning.
LTC (Join to see), while there is similar federal code (18 USC 912) against impersonation of any federal officer, employee, etc., people are hardly prosecuted under it. Rather, almost every state has a law against police impersonation and that is what they are prosecuted under.
LTC (Join to see), while there is similar federal code (18 USC 912) against impersonation of any federal officer, employee, etc., people are hardly prosecuted under it. Rather, almost every state has a law against police impersonation and that is what they are prosecuted under.
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CW2 Jonathan Kantor
No, by 'we' I meant members in the military. What I was trying to say was that we don't have any authority over the populace, unlike the police.
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SSgt (Join to see)
Fraudulent awards/stolen valor should be dealt with by the unit they are assigned to. If they are not in a unit and are blantantly lying about military service then they should be free game to anyone who IS in the service.
Make the consequences greater than any potential gain and you'll see a decline quickly.
Make the consequences greater than any potential gain and you'll see a decline quickly.
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CW2 Jonathan Kantor
If they are in the service and wearing something they shouldn't be, they should be thrown out. Of course, if it's a mistake, that's different (Turned out I was wearing the wrong NATO ribbon for nearly a year!). One guy who went through WOBC in the cycle before me was kicked out for wearing a Ranger tab when he had never been a Ranger... didn't even flunk out of the school. Just decided one day to put the tab on. He doesn't get to wear a uniform anymore.
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