Stolen valor, much ado about nothing?

So when it takes precedence over real Vets, or money, healthcare it isn't important? I wear my awards with pride, because I feel that without my troops I would not have accomplished what I did- I buried 14 of them in 4 conflicts- that scumbag wearing fake awards isn't shaming my kids, who now can't defend their action? The respect for those awards are stolen every time he wears them, everytime he gets something as a reward for his thievery, a real Vet doesn't get something- isn't that stealing? . You are saying that Valor is only important to the Valiant person? What about all those who want to model themselves after the Valiant in order to be exceptional as well. Is Valor not important to your troops, your unit- after all they share in it.

I've witness "stolen valor" on a few occasion. At first glance you know the individual is not in the military by the way they dress in their cammie or service uniform they just purchased at the surplus store. I'd called them by rank and they would be alarmed, until I point out their rank on their collar which they would acknowledge willingly. Indicating they were never in the military. To me, they are envious of the military because they cannot for some reason joined when they were at the eligible age due to real life events or medical condition. So I let them live their fantasy of what it feels like for the public to thank them for their service and of what life could've been have they joined the military.

BLARGLERARBBLERAAASTOLENVALORMAFORMINGLE!!!!!

Seriously though, Stolen Valor IS wrong. Someone should not deceive others into thinking that they have done honorable acts when the haven't. Now I will say that the way some veterans have handled it is also wrong, especially when it comes to personally attacking the individual. Asking questions and filming is one thing, harassment and getting irate with someone is another.

Valor is an abstract, but it can be stolen through lies and deceit. It's claiming to be someone you weren't and usually is done to falsely gain some sort of reward, which is just plain wrong.

The person stealing the valor isn't trying to claim that they're a celebrity of some sorts or that they have a doctorate degree when all they have is an associates. No, they are claiming to be those who have put their lives on the line for freedom. They are claiming to be a part of a group of people who have knowingly volunteered to do a job that puts their lives on the line.

And this is why I find stolen valor so wrong.

So I realized

Some replies here indicate either you do not understand the legal definition of "stolen valor" or Are choosing to respond using a personal standard.

What the law calls it
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 an individual who, with intent to obtain money, property, or other tangible benefit, fraudulently holds himself or herself out to be a recipient of:

a Congressional Medal of Honor,
a distinguished-service cross,
a Navy cross,
an Air Force cross,
a silver star,
a Purple Heart,
a Combat Infantryman's Badge,
a Combat Action Badge,
a Combat Medical Badge,
a Combat Action Ribbon,
a Combat Action Medal, or
any replacement or duplicate medal for such medal as authorized by law.

Those of us who understand the sacrifice and dedication it takes, "Stupid is as stupid does" to quote the movie Forest Gump. But there is a part of me that is angered when this occurs.

Charles Robert Williams
Private First Class
8" HOWITZER PLT, 5TH 155MM GUN BTRY, 1ST BN,
13TH MARINES, 3RD MARDIV, III MAF
United States Marine Corps
Oakland, California
December 18, 1948 to May 06, 1968
CHARLES R WILLIAMS is on the Wall at Panel 56E, Line 18
See the full profile or name rubbing for Charles Williams


Seriously go talk to the family of this Vietnam Veteran who died during that war. The have people wear the uniform and claim that they were veterans who are seals, won a certain medal, etc. You know why you wouldn't? It would burst your bubble. Any name on that wall or the dead in Iraq, SA, Jordan, wherever and it matters to them. We can quibble about this crap but we are alive to do it, those young people gave their lives for all of us.

I agree to an extent... But, generally when this is done, mental health related or otherwise... The poser is doing this gain something, which doesn't have to be just monetary. Obviously, we in uniform, take this more seriously, as it is personal to us. We know how hard it is to earn many of those awards, badges and devices... And, in this era, we have all lost many friends who actually did wear these uniforms.

What is even worse, if when someone who is/was actually in, wears badges and awards they are not authorized... I have seen this many times... NCOs and Officers, and for those who were on active duty.... they ended very badly...

It is a big deal, and it is emotional. But, where should this fall in the world of criminal behavior... I am not really sure.

How is that for equivocation?

The problem is the label and the source of the argument.

1) You cannot steal valor... Valor is an abstract attribute to an individuals actions. Therefore cannot be stolen, simply a false claim.

2) Misrepresenting military service means that you're faking something you are not. This doesn't anger me, I honestly feel sorry for them. If you have to claim service that you haven't had to make yourself feel better, it's because you don't have the courage to go forth and do it in reality.

3) On a final note... the uniform is sacred... to say that its all fine and good is ignorant to the fact that the uniform represents certain values. To wear it without earning it isn't insulting, but is a statement of ignorance. This is similar to when the US flag is inappropriately handled, burned, cut, or otherwise mishandled. The vast majority of those who do this don't have the comprehension of what the flag stands for and the history behind it.

Valor is a word and it has a definition. It is not just a concept that is unknowable or oblique or abstract. The definition of valor is: boldness or determination in facing great danger, especially in battle; heroic courage; bravery.

Stolen Valor is the term used to encompass a number of infractions but mostly the wearing of an official (or close to it) uniform with medals and other decorations never earned. The uniform itself with no medals is stealing valor in my opinion. I will use my service as an example.

We earn the title Marine and the uniforms, emblems, customs and courtesies that come with it. We serve the nation and we own that uniform and all it represents. Almost every detail of our uniforms has a significance to our Marine heritage and our nation. Marines have fought and died in our uniforms and they are ours. If someone dons one they are attempting to steal (or ascribe to themselves) the valor the Marine Corps has earned during our existence.

The addition of medals and decorations is attempting to bestow personal valor and courage on that individual for things they have never done. If your uniforms and emblems and customs, mean nothing to you, so be it. We have buried too many Marines in Dress Blues (and other uniforms) to have some asshole put it on and try to play the part. I will set aside here people that clearly have mental disorders and may not know what they are doing.