What would motivate an Air Force OTS Candidate to lie about having a Purple Heart?

It's way too late for him to get in front of this thing, but I don't think it's an unforgivable sin. I think for his own sake, if he wants to continue his military career, his best bet would be to man up and fully admit everything, hide nothing, take a reduction in rank, and go back to his old job.

Is he worthy of a leadership position? Certainly not now. The only way for him to regain credibility is to take full responsibility for his own actions, and accept the consequences of them. But I think if he does that, he might very well reestablish some credibility later, and have a more solid foundation for an eventual leadership position.

So 24% of respondents say that his "punishment" should be that he become enlisted again and have to do his old job. That's crazy!

It indicates a person of low self esteem when he has to lie to build himself up to others. This person has a psychological problem as well as a lack of integrity.

Idiocy is all I can come up with....

How on Earth could he be that stupid? Shocking.

Pending his investigation he could continue to train. If found guilty give him the same punishment that was given to that CSM a few months back (sending him to jail for his infractions). If he has in fact earned the award then let him continue service.