Posted on Jun 13, 2020
Is it still considered stolen valor if the person doesn't gain anything from it?
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Hey everyone, so I’m not entirely sure how to word this. I’m hoping this makes sense. I don’t give a shit about stolen valor. It doesn’t bother me in the slightest. Atleast that’s till I met a guy we will call John. John is a guy I connected well with when I landed my first job as a Veteran. He claimed to be a combat veteran and really helped me through some hard bumps when I first transitioned. Fast forward about 6 months and we are getting ready to go out and we pregame at his house. He has a shadow box on the wall with CIB and 3/75 ranger scroll as well as some cool guy badges. I noticed it and asked one of my batt boys if he has ever heard the name. He comes back about a week later and says there’s no sign of this guy ever being in the unit. I normally wouldn’t care but this guy helped me a lot and it feels like I got stabbed in the back. Now my question is, is it still considered stolen valor if they aren’t gaining anything from it?
The Stolen Valor Act of 2013 amends the federal criminal code to rewrite provisions relating to fraudulent claims about military service to subject to a fine, imprisonment for not more than one year, or both for an individual who, with intent to obtain money, property, or other tangible benefit, fraudulently holds himself or herself out to be a recipient of:
Medal of Honor
Distinguished Service Cross,
Navy Cross,
Air Force Cross,
Silver Star,
Bronze Star,
Purple Heart,
Combat Action Ribbon,
Combat Infantryman's Badge,
Combat Action Badge,
Combat Medical Badge,
Combat Action Medal, or
any replacement or duplicate medal for such medal as authorized by law.
I’m not planning on calling the cops or anything. I don’t think it’s that serious. I guess this is more so a curiosity question.
Now where are my barracks lawyers at?!
The Stolen Valor Act of 2013 amends the federal criminal code to rewrite provisions relating to fraudulent claims about military service to subject to a fine, imprisonment for not more than one year, or both for an individual who, with intent to obtain money, property, or other tangible benefit, fraudulently holds himself or herself out to be a recipient of:
Medal of Honor
Distinguished Service Cross,
Navy Cross,
Air Force Cross,
Silver Star,
Bronze Star,
Purple Heart,
Combat Action Ribbon,
Combat Infantryman's Badge,
Combat Action Badge,
Combat Medical Badge,
Combat Action Medal, or
any replacement or duplicate medal for such medal as authorized by law.
I’m not planning on calling the cops or anything. I don’t think it’s that serious. I guess this is more so a curiosity question.
Now where are my barracks lawyers at?!
Posted in these groups: 
Law
Stolen Valor
Law Stolen Valor
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 9
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My $0.02...
You say he helped you through some rough times. You really connected. Would you have accepted his help if you had not thought he was a veteran? Even if he is a poseur, did his posing actually HELP you?
So, there is a good chance he is blowing smoke. So what? If he is actually helping more than hurting, charlie mike. Also remember, he may be telling the truth and you friend in the Batt may be wrong. Is it worth destroying a friendship by confronting him?
You say he helped you through some rough times. You really connected. Would you have accepted his help if you had not thought he was a veteran? Even if he is a poseur, did his posing actually HELP you?
So, there is a good chance he is blowing smoke. So what? If he is actually helping more than hurting, charlie mike. Also remember, he may be telling the truth and you friend in the Batt may be wrong. Is it worth destroying a friendship by confronting him?
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SFC Casey O'Mally
I guarantee no one currently in 4/31 INF (my first BN) or even who has been there in the last 10 years knows my name. Almost anyone there who is NOT in the S1 would have a hard time finding my name - and I did some pretty cool things while there that are part of the BN record. Just sayin'
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SGT (Join to see)
Right, that’s my thought process. It’s not so much about confronting him anymore. I’m just more curious about it than anything. Because it doesn’t seem like he ever mentions it like a stereotypical fake vet would. He has always been quiet about it. He just has all that shit up in his house. Again, he helped me through my transition into civilian life and that’s much more important to me than his awards, legit or fake. It just seems odd is all.
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There are two sides to the Stolen Valor issue. One is criminal, of course. The other is how acts of falsely claiming any status steals from those who achieved that award or accomplishment. By fraudulently inflating the number of people to earn an award or status (such as Army Ranger in the case) makes it seem common, when it is not. I read that in a past census, nine million Americans claimed to be Viet Nam veterans -- out of the two and a half million that actually served. I hope all wannabes, not matter how minor their claim, crap the bed and roll over in it.
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Some things really don’t matter? If he helped you, be appreciative, say thank you, and cut sling.
It must be important to him, if he is so confused as to lump the CMH with awards from all of the other services, he is confused, but has an inkling of military awards.
SGT (Join to see) Tough decisions, abound in life. Just so your mentor is not flashing those awards in public,let him smoke his dope!
It must be important to him, if he is so confused as to lump the CMH with awards from all of the other services, he is confused, but has an inkling of military awards.
SGT (Join to see) Tough decisions, abound in life. Just so your mentor is not flashing those awards in public,let him smoke his dope!
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