Posted on Oct 31, 2014
Court Rules Wearing Unearned Medals Is a Crime
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So, the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has apparently ruled that wearing unearned medals is a crime. Not free speech, but an illegal action.
What implications does this have for actual active duty members and veterans who, deliberately or inadvertently, claim a medal they didn't actually earn?
How would you like to see this ruling used against civilian pretenders?
And do you think this sets precedent that could lead to a more comprehensive Stolen Valor law that finally makes it illegal for people to pretend to be SEALs, Rangers, Marines, SF, and whacky Air Force Master Sergeants? (9CC said it's action, not speech, so...)
What implications does this have for actual active duty members and veterans who, deliberately or inadvertently, claim a medal they didn't actually earn?
How would you like to see this ruling used against civilian pretenders?
And do you think this sets precedent that could lead to a more comprehensive Stolen Valor law that finally makes it illegal for people to pretend to be SEALs, Rangers, Marines, SF, and whacky Air Force Master Sergeants? (9CC said it's action, not speech, so...)
Law
Stolen Valor
Medals
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 80
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SSgt Michael Hacker
Hooray for the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals... Absolutely the right decision.
While I understand the difference between speech and actually wearing something, I think that private speech and public speech are two different things. If an individual lies to a friend about his/her military service/quals/awards, while still wrong, I think it is different if they do so to the public in general (in a speech, in a gathering, in an article, on an application for a job, etc.). That public deception should be against the law and prosecuted, just like wearing a medal.
It is unlawful to impersonate a police officer or a federal official (without having to be wearing anything to commit the crime). The same should be true for "Stolen Valor" issues...
Hooray for the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals... Absolutely the right decision.
While I understand the difference between speech and actually wearing something, I think that private speech and public speech are two different things. If an individual lies to a friend about his/her military service/quals/awards, while still wrong, I think it is different if they do so to the public in general (in a speech, in a gathering, in an article, on an application for a job, etc.). That public deception should be against the law and prosecuted, just like wearing a medal.
It is unlawful to impersonate a police officer or a federal official (without having to be wearing anything to commit the crime). The same should be true for "Stolen Valor" issues...
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COL Jean (John) F. B.
SSgt (Join to see) MSgt Irv Keck
My dad served as an active duty Army officer for 42 years. He told me that he was always being asked by civilians about his awards and decorations. He said that he started pointing to the highest award and told them "I got this one by mistake and got all the rest for getting it".
I agree it is a pain sometimes, but you should be proud of your awards and decorations and be happy (but humble) if asked about them.
I would probably not handle it well if someone approached me and accused me of being a faker/poser. Probably was not as rampant in my time...
My dad served as an active duty Army officer for 42 years. He told me that he was always being asked by civilians about his awards and decorations. He said that he started pointing to the highest award and told them "I got this one by mistake and got all the rest for getting it".
I agree it is a pain sometimes, but you should be proud of your awards and decorations and be happy (but humble) if asked about them.
I would probably not handle it well if someone approached me and accused me of being a faker/poser. Probably was not as rampant in my time...
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CPT Quentin von Éfáns-Taráfdar
I agree, Col. It is illegal to impersonate a federal official or employee. It's illegal to claim to be an IRS employee so it should be illegal to claim to be a military officer or enlisted man/woman.
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CPT Quentin von Éfáns-Taráfdar
I live in the Canary Islands (Spain) and I have even encountered these posers here! One told me that he was in "Special" SF medical unit in VN. He had no idea to whom he was speaking. He gave himself away in seconds when he mis-identified my miniature crossed rifles on my lapel as being "Cavalry". I told him what I was and he blanched. I then invited him to leave my presence of his own volition or I would assist him to do so. I never even saw a magician do a quicker vanishing act.
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CPO Michael Burns
I'm glad. But how then is the flag code redered useless under the guise of free speech?
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I doubt it will have much impact on real military members or veterans. I hope it will have a major impact on the stolen valor posers. That's who should be impacted by this decision. I hope it plays out that way.
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PFC Zanie Young
I agree, sir! There are too many posers out there, telling their tall tales. I know a real veteran will wear what they earn in a hat or t-shirt and most veterans don't show off anyway.
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Finally! Hopefully this will curtail the "posers" a little bit. Vets should know better.
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PO3 (Join to see)
Noone should care how many medals or ribbons they have in the first place. We signed up to perform a job to benefit our ships, units, and country. I don't need some green piece of fabric to tell me that I do my job well. It's just an inherent consequence of caring.
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