Court Rules Wearing Unearned Medals Is a Crime

SSgt Michael Hacker — Fri, 31 Oct 2014 10:14:26 -0400

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...)

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 31 at 2014 10:19 AM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 31 Oct 2014 10:19:25 -0400

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.

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Oct 31 at 2014 11:17 AM

COL Jean (John) F. B. — Fri, 31 Oct 2014 11:17:41 -0400

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...

Response by SGT William B. made Oct 31 at 2014 12:01 PM

SGT William B. — Fri, 31 Oct 2014 12:01:51 -0400

I only wish there were a provision that would let me punch out the next guy that tries to tell me that he was part of "Super Saiyan Marine SEAL Sniper Team Delta 6." I'm getting reaaaaaaaaal sick of that crap.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2014 6:59 AM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Nov 2014 06:59:02 -0400

Presuming the ruling is upheld, it effectively makes Stolen Valor actions criminal - except for those doing so wearing the ACU/OCP/MARPAT/etc that do not have medals. Someone even with a rank in Navy Khakis and no medals isn't terribly impressive - so even if wearing the uniform isn't illegal but wearing unearned medals (for military and non-military alike) is, then the posers would almost certainly be committing an illegal act.

It's an interesting sounding ruling. Does anyone have the name of the case and/or a link to the decision?

Response by SSG Maurice P. made Nov 1 at 2014 7:59 AM

SSG Maurice P. — Sat, 01 Nov 2014 07:59:30 -0400

in the marine corps if you didn't rate it you didn't wear it if you did and got caught you were punished hard...................

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Nov 1 at 2014 8:22 AM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Sat, 01 Nov 2014 08:22:49 -0400

Finally! Hopefully this will curtail the "posers" a little bit. Vets should know better.

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Nov 1 at 2014 10:15 AM

CMSgt James Nolan — Sat, 01 Nov 2014 10:15:21 -0400

I tend to agree with most on the topic. Why would I wear jump wings etc if I hadn't gone?
So, for real troops, I see this as "the odd occurrence". I think it is great to help prevent posers.

Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made Nov 1 at 2014 2:38 PM

SPC(P) Jay Heenan — Sat, 01 Nov 2014 14:38:45 -0400

So does that mean I need to remove my 'COA with a V device'? Haha, just playing. I totally think it should be illegal, people are using those to steal services meant for my brothers and sisters.

Response by SMSgt Antony Laudicina made Nov 2 at 2014 11:59 AM

SMSgt Antony Laudicina — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 11:59:56 -0500

Speak the truth and avoid the issue would be my advise. I feel that pretending to be something your not is immoral and I would like to see it illegal, at the same time my belief in personal liberty shy's away from adding to the pile of laws which already govern so much of our daily lives. For those who are interested, I've attached a link to a news article about the ruling...enjoy!
http://www.stripes.com/news/report-court-rules-wearing-unearned-medals-a-crime-1.311205

Report: Court rules wearing unearned medals a crime

Lying about receiving a military medal is protected speech, but there’s no right to wear a combat decoration that hasn’t been earned, a federal appeals court said Wednesday.

Response by SPC Cedar Bristol made Nov 4 at 2014 2:34 PM

SPC Cedar Bristol — Tue, 04 Nov 2014 14:34:29 -0500

Wearing un-earned medals is a form of fraud. I don't see this as any problem for free speech, and I am an extremist when it comes to free speech. I defend the right to sell fake remedies, and advertise them. Claim that they have clinical trials behind them when they don't, and it's fraud, but claim your berry juice cures cancer all day long on the other side of the fraud line and it's absolutely protected by my understanding of the first amendment.

Response by SGT Michael Glenn made Jan 4 at 2015 2:28 PM

SGT Michael Glenn — Sun, 04 Jan 2015 14:28:56 -0500

So...what...this means I have to take all 20 rows off my uniform????? cant I just keep one ribbon????? PLEASE !!!!!!!!!

Response by SSgt Donald Ostrem made Jan 17 at 2015 5:40 PM

SSgt Donald Ostrem — Sat, 17 Jan 2015 17:40:04 -0500

I feel that ANY medal a person (Veteran or Non-Veteran) wears them should be illegal. I don't know if this a felony and I never went out in the battlefield to fight the bad guys in Iraq or Afghanistan, so I shouldn't have a service medal from those 2 places. As you know, medals like an Infantry badge, Purple Heart, or even the Bronze and Silver stars should go to the people that EARNED THEM. I had to wait until my last day of duty before retirement before I received my USAF Commendation medal. If you want to be a "hero", you have to go through the training to become a soldier, sailor, marine, Coastguardsman, or Airman. No fakers!

Response by SSG Jeffrey Spencer made Jan 17 at 2015 8:10 PM

SSG Jeffrey Spencer — Sat, 17 Jan 2015 20:10:37 -0500

I wonder what should be done about commanders that refuse to award medals earned?

There is always a yin and yang.

Response by SPC Ray Starling made Jan 21 at 2015 11:45 PM

SPC Ray Starling — Wed, 21 Jan 2015 23:45:41 -0500

As to active duty personnel: Violations are covered under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. After the Supreme Court struck down the original Stolen Valor Act, apparently wearing unearned Medals by civilians is just free speech. However, congressman Joe Heck is pursuing legislation to make Stolen Valor punishable under fraud. Claiming an un-earned medal that misrepresents your status for profit is fraud under the Unified Commercial Code and is punishable by law. It would be the same offense as claiming Degrees, Certificates, and or training that you did not complete. Damages awarded would be based on the degree of intent to defraud, and would range from punitive to nominal, and would be determined on a case by case basis. To all of the ex-military out there: under no circumstances should un-earned awards be displayed on a uniform. If you were in the military, you know better than to pull a stunt like that. Your uniform is basically your resume; not a clown suit. If you treat it as such by displaying stolen valor; do not be surprised if the courts see you for the clown that you are.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2015 12:23 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 00:23:02 -0500

finally but my original advise to those posers out there is to make them actually serve a certain time since they are wannabe's

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2015 12:34 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 12:34:20 -0500

I disagree with the Court's ruling. However, the point of your question... It is already against military regulation to wear medals you have not earned. Since you are talking federal law (that makes stolen valor a crime), then the question is which side of the Fed government is taking jurisdiction. If the civilian Feds take jurisdiction, you face charges there. More likely, you face military charges for disobeying a general order or regulation. Either way it is a crime. However, if it is a good faith mistake, mistake of fact (not of law) is a valid affirmative defense.

Response by SSG Leonard Johnson made Feb 2 at 2015 12:36 PM

SSG Leonard Johnson — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 12:36:18 -0500

Cannot believe as liberal and communistic as the Ninth is......approved this....wow....I think they are starting to understand were getting pretty pissed about the debate....really it not a debate...if you are wearing something that was not earned or awarded.....should be a capital crime ;)

Response by SGT Steven Eugene Kuhn MBA made Feb 2 at 2015 12:57 PM

SGT Steven Eugene Kuhn MBA — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 12:57:57 -0500

Damn, I guess I better get rid of that Army Service Medal with the V device!

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Feb 2 at 2015 2:05 PM

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 14:05:48 -0500

Justice for all the Real Armed Forces Members to be happy with the 9th Circuit ruling. Do the time, if you commit the crime.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2015 5:11 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 17:11:20 -0500

Is this in response to the "unconstitutional" law of Stolen Valor? I always thought it was insane that it was "freedom of speech".

Response by SPC James Mcneil made Feb 2 at 2015 6:12 PM

SPC James Mcneil — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 18:12:35 -0500

This actually makes me very happy. Stolen valor is not free speech to me. It's criminal. It's good that the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals agrees with me.

Response by SGT Patrick James made Feb 2 at 2015 6:18 PM

SGT Patrick James — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 18:18:25 -0500

WOW.. Finally.. I get so tired of seeing Stolen Valor and seems as nothing was being done to the perps... Back in 83 when I was in Basic Training, the Drills beat into our head that the PX Rangers would be caught and dealt with severely!!! So why is it any different out here as civilians.. I am constantly told Ignorance is NOT an excuse to break the law.. I am glad to see what we served for being take more seriously!!! If these scumbags want to go through the same thing we all did.. Then they EARN the RIGHT to wear the medals they EARN!!! I feel that what should happen to these douchebags is.. When they are caught in these compromising situations.. The respective branch of service should come pick these morons up and they should be MADE to SERVE just like we did!!! Now that would be JUSTICE!!!

Response by SFC Nikhil Kumra made Feb 2 at 2015 7:23 PM

SFC Nikhil Kumra — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 19:23:43 -0500

I heard a dude at the gym the other day telling another dude that he was "Air Force special forces" and then said he was some sort of "satellite..." something hoopajoop... It was pretty hilarious. As soon as I heard "Air Force special forces" that was when I got the bucket of popcorn and 3d glasses.

I guess that whole thing doesn't bother me at all. I find it in a sick, twisted way, nice that somebody would admire something I did that they were too much of a coward to do.

12 years, two wars... Nuff said Mr Airforce Special Forces over there...

Response by PO2 Mark Saffell made Feb 4 at 2015 11:54 AM

PO2 Mark Saffell — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 11:54:49 -0500

I agree with the court. Allowing people to wear medals they didn't earn takes away from those who did earn them.

Response by SFC Boots Attaway made Feb 5 at 2015 1:52 PM

SFC Boots Attaway — Thu, 05 Feb 2015 13:52:36 -0500

I love it. Those who pretend to be something that they are not, especially for gain, should and need to be punished. I think it diminishes the true valor of those who earned the awards. If you want to wear them then EARN them.

Response by MGySgt Casey Taylor made Feb 5 at 2015 2:10 PM

MGySgt Casey Taylor — Thu, 05 Feb 2015 14:10:03 -0500

They should go straight to jail...!

Response by CW2 Scott Quaife made Feb 5 at 2015 4:52 PM

CW2 Scott Quaife — Thu, 05 Feb 2015 16:52:23 -0500

Great news, so if I spot someone who is definitely utilizing stolen valor for monetary gains or recognition alike, I can first publicly humiliate them and then hand them over to the local police.

Response by SPC John Decker made Feb 5 at 2015 7:04 PM

SPC John Decker — Thu, 05 Feb 2015 19:04:01 -0500

Excellent. I don't think you should be able to wear the uniform, unless you earned it. The same goes for medals and awards. You don't wear them unless you earned them. And yes, that should apply to people who earned the uniform.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2015 7:30 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Feb 2015 19:30:37 -0500

It will be over turned at the next level

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2015 7:44 PM

GySgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Feb 2015 19:44:00 -0500

i wonder how this will affect s-1 clerks that don't like to post unit diary information... I would love to see people prosecuted for this.

Response by SPC Edward R made Feb 5 at 2015 8:55 PM

SPC Edward R — Thu, 05 Feb 2015 20:55:28 -0500

Absolutely !i am a veteran ,I am proud of my achievement medals,and would never dishonor those brothers who earned their medals by putting one on ,I never earned and I don't deserve.

Response by SPC Angel Mazon made Feb 5 at 2015 11:13 PM

SPC Angel Mazon — Thu, 05 Feb 2015 23:13:36 -0500

I'm all for it.

Response by PO3 John Bauer made Feb 5 at 2015 11:49 PM

PO3 John Bauer — Thu, 05 Feb 2015 23:49:41 -0500

That's like wearing the condom of the guy that got laid......

Objective seen, met, and battle won. Wear it like you should..... AND BE PROUD!

OOOOOHHHH AHHHHHH!

Response by PO3 John Bauer made Feb 6 at 2015 12:03 AM

PO3 John Bauer — Fri, 06 Feb 2015 00:03:13 -0500

It should be a crime... it is a crime..... only the person entitled should ever have the medals in their possession. THEY ARE EARNED ONLY... and should NEVER BE STOLEN/TAKEN OR MISSREPRESENTED in any way. Shame to those who do....... and a BOOT TO THE HEAD.

Response by PO3 John Bauer made Feb 6 at 2015 12:05 AM

PO3 John Bauer — Fri, 06 Feb 2015 00:05:48 -0500

Should be a crime and needs to be enforced...... Can I do it? I love kicking Pretender Ass!
OOOOHHHHHH AHHHHHHHHH

Response by SSG Sean Garcia made Feb 6 at 2015 12:39 AM

SSG Sean Garcia — Fri, 06 Feb 2015 00:39:51 -0500

About time, It's a shame that these people wear the ribbons that many of us earned.

Response by PFC Matthew Gildner made Feb 6 at 2015 1:19 AM

PFC Matthew Gildner — Fri, 06 Feb 2015 01:19:16 -0500

Thank you 9th Court of Appeals for making the right decision. For these cowards that didn't even have the testicular fortitude to sign up and swear an oath to defend freedom and the Constitution is a slap in the face to those of us that actually volunteered to place our lives on the line for freedom for everyone. Hopefully the ramifications and punishment for this insult will be harsh and these impostors will be sent to a military prison like Fort Leavenworth so that they can actually feel what it's like to be a shamed coward. Make them break big rocks into little rocks and then try to make the little rocks back into big ones again.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 6 at 2015 5:55 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Feb 2015 05:55:42 -0500

The same should apply to military personnel.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 6 at 2015 6:32 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Feb 2015 06:32:18 -0500

Hell yeah.....

Response by SSG Jeffrey Spencer made Feb 6 at 2015 9:45 AM

SSG Jeffrey Spencer — Fri, 06 Feb 2015 09:45:42 -0500

What does it do for veterans that earned it, but weren't properly or formally awarded it? What compels the commander that refuses to submit awards?

Response by PO3 Michael Cardinale made Feb 6 at 2015 11:07 AM

PO3 Michael Cardinale — Fri, 06 Feb 2015 11:07:49 -0500

The only issue I can foresee is a family member of a deceased loved one who served wearing the jacket or other garment out of respect getting harassed.

Response by PO3 Brett Jensen made Feb 6 at 2015 11:18 AM

PO3 Brett Jensen — Fri, 06 Feb 2015 11:18:27 -0500

All crimes are based upon the pretext of "intent".

Response by SGT Anthony Robbin made Feb 6 at 2015 1:51 PM

SGT Anthony Robbin — Fri, 06 Feb 2015 13:51:54 -0500

that will be overturned by the US Supreme Court

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 6 at 2015 9:52 PM

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Feb 2015 21:52:17 -0500

you would think that for actual service members, the CoC would be directly involved, unless those who try to get unauthorized donations from it. Civilians on the other hand would be dealt with differently

Response by SPC James Olszewski made Feb 6 at 2015 10:13 PM

SPC James Olszewski — Fri, 06 Feb 2015 22:13:14 -0500

Good! There are to many scum out there trying to take credit for something they never had the courage to earn!

Response by MSgt Steven Valentine made Feb 6 at 2015 11:38 PM

MSgt Steven Valentine — Fri, 06 Feb 2015 23:38:24 -0500

I feel it's a good decision for actual vets....I don't care if civilians want to wear whatever they want. The reason is because vets are entitled to substantial benefits based on certain awards and decorations....that's actual money taken from the government. If a civi poses as a MOH recipient and get a free lunch at BK, big woop....they can't get benefits from VA because they have no military record. So in short, if you served in military and claim to have earned medals that you didn't....AND....received compensation for because of the medal.....then ya, you should be prosecuted.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 6 at 2015 11:45 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Feb 2015 23:45:49 -0500

Spot on. The same should be with dress uniforms. We the soldiers sailor airman and marines have earned the privilege in blood and sacrifice. It's sad a law has to tell someone it's wrong when common sense fails

Response by PO3 Richard Freitas made Feb 7 at 2015 12:29 AM

PO3 Richard Freitas — Sat, 07 Feb 2015 00:29:45 -0500

Stolen valor is just that ... stolen valor ... and stealing is a crime. Wearing unearned medals to a Halloween party is one thing but if there is any type of gain to be gotten by the wearer (monetary, reputation, etc.) then it should be a crime punishable as any other theft would be.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2015 12:59 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Feb 2015 00:59:04 -0500

I would definitely like to see law makers protect the military and everything my brothers in arms have fought and bled for. I find it extremely disrespectful to see someone who hasn't earned the right to wear the uniform wearing one. It really ticks me off when those people take it to another level and wear medals and ribbons they didn't earn. Some people lose more than they could have ever imagined to get those. Law makers should definitely take things up a notch.

Response by MSG Nicolas Montano made Feb 7 at 2015 1:09 AM

MSG Nicolas Montano — Sat, 07 Feb 2015 01:09:25 -0500

I believe any poser should be prosecuted to the fullest. What our brothers and sisters go through to earn those decoration is not something to be mocked. Those people that steal those honors I belive are doing exactly that. Mocking us.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2015 1:56 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Feb 2015 01:56:33 -0500

This article only address one instance and does not address the law that congress passes and superseded this court ruling.

The new law states that it is only a crime to wear or state in writing unearned medals, awards, rank, or service if financial gain takes place as a result of these acts. So if a guy walks down the street in full dress uniform with medals from his eyebrows to his boot tops, that is not a crime. But if he accepts a free lunch from someone supporting the troops when where unearned medals or in uniform, then that is a crime.

In the Ninth court ruling they were upholding the previous conviction of a soldier who claimed he was injured in "secret mission" and started receiving disability benefits for that. And when he refused to repay the VA he was convicted of defrauding the government.

So all those posers can still wear there purple hearts at the club to pick up women and not get in trouble, unless she buys the drinks.

Response by CPL Guy Grafton made Feb 7 at 2015 6:26 AM

CPL Guy Grafton — Sat, 07 Feb 2015 06:26:44 -0500

For Military pretenders: research UCMJ under impersonation & go on their permanent record.. For civilian pretenders: research under impersonating local and federal officials. The charges/sentencing should be the most severe.

Response by SSG Frederick Gilliam II made Feb 7 at 2015 9:38 AM

SSG Frederick Gilliam II — Sat, 07 Feb 2015 09:38:11 -0500

A good decision, I did twenty two years Active Army and Guard, I wouldn't wear a medal I did not earn

Response by LTJG Edward Bangor Jr made Feb 7 at 2015 11:57 AM

LTJG Edward Bangor Jr — Sat, 07 Feb 2015 11:57:34 -0500

I'd be honestly surprised if this decision doesn't get overturned and wearing unearned awards goes back to being free speech for someone who isn't in the service. Unless some kind of financial gain was had, be it store discounts and a better starting salary at a job, it's all free speech. You can claim to be a doctor but you've done nothing wrong if you don't try to practice medicine or work it into a discount (like some cell carriers have). You're just a scum bag.

There's nothing wrong with calling out pretenders. But it was ruled, by the Supreme Court no less, that this stuff is all free speech back in 2012 (US v Alvarez). The circuit court ruling won't stand. In the majority opinion, though, it's perfectly fine to publicly shame anyone who pretends to have an award they didn't earn. So feel free to put any moron walking around the mall in a bought uniform on blast. If you see him get a discount at the pretzel stand, report him for fraud. But free speech is still free speech, and if you're in the service, you swore an oath to lay down your life for others in protection of that right. If yo want to limit free speech, well, then you're far more of a threat to this great nation than some knuckle dragger who pretends to be a vet to get numbers at a bar.

And a little FYI, it's not illegal to pretend to be a LEO unless you're also committing another crime. Pretend to be a cop in order to shake down a street vendor? Now that's impersonation and racketeering. Pretend to be a cop because you like the uniform? You're just an idiot.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2015 1:35 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Feb 2015 13:35:17 -0500

Sometimes mistakes are made by National Personnel Records Center. As a retire, I requested a one time reissue of all my medals and they came back stating I had five MSM's. I called trying to correct it. I thought maybe I was wrong. Wore the five once and was so uncomfortable that I went through my records again and to this day I only wear four MSM's. There are five in my records, but one had to be corrected and they never rescinded the incorrect one. They gave my the second Oak Leave Cluster twice. So they had to cut new orders to show OLC 3. But I do agree that no one whether M&I,Italy, retiree, veteran or civilian should wear medals they did not receive.

Response by LCpl Jeffery Wordlaw made Feb 7 at 2015 1:43 PM

LCpl Jeffery Wordlaw — Sat, 07 Feb 2015 13:43:18 -0500

No one should be able to clame valor unless they earned the honor. There are those that earned the valor through loss of life and limb. If it was not earned then the medals should not be worn, It should be Military crime to do so weather in service or civillian!!!! It`s a law that should be inforced in both Military and Civillian courts!!!
Jeff Wordlaw
USMC 1970 / 1073

Response by SMSgt Matthew Hoyer made Feb 7 at 2015 2:15 PM

SMSgt Matthew Hoyer — Sat, 07 Feb 2015 14:15:27 -0500

Um, well if you inadvertently wear a medal you didn't earn, then the nearest NCO corrects you and you straighten out your shit. You don't go to the wall for every one of them. In the same way that although the maximum punishment a general court-martial can impose is death, you don't really see that much...

Response by SFC Frank Hartley made Feb 7 at 2015 2:46 PM

SFC Frank Hartley — Sat, 07 Feb 2015 14:46:23 -0500

People who wear medals that they haven't earned should go to jail. The higher the medal the longer the jail time. Jail time doubles if they got something for the lying.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2015 5:05 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Feb 2015 17:05:47 -0500

It makes me very happy that the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has made this ruling.

As for in the military, there are documented cases where a service member has worn awards they were not awarded. In each of those cases, UCMJ was applied. I think the most noteworthy case is that of an AC CSM at Walter Reed AMC who was relieved of duty and court martialed (http://archive.armytimes.com/article/20100725/NEWS/7250307/Ex-Walter-Reed-CSM-accused-faking-his-record). I don't have the information on what happened to him.

As for civilians doing the same... yeah, it makes me angry. But there are always people out there who embellish what they have done. I do believe they should have something on their criminal record for dishonesty so that way they cannot make those claims on an application without having it pop up in a criminal background check.

Response by SSgt John Hutto made Feb 7 at 2015 6:29 PM

SSgt John Hutto — Sat, 07 Feb 2015 18:29:28 -0500

i agee with the court. impersonating military should be against the law. if these idiots want to play soldier in their own house, i dont care. but once they walk out in public, then thats when it becomes a crime. i dont care if they are doing it for fun or to earn monetary gain, its not right period! they didnt earn it, so they dont get to wear it!

Response by SSgt Kenneth Besosa made Feb 7 at 2015 10:04 PM

SSgt Kenneth Besosa — Sat, 07 Feb 2015 22:04:23 -0500

I have seen uniforms with rank sold at thrift stores. I have even seen medals sold there. But I agree if a civilian wares the medals in public they should be held accountable. As for active duty before you dress up you can find out what you are authorized.

Response by SPC Stan Moore made Feb 8 at 2015 2:14 AM

SPC Stan Moore — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 02:14:26 -0500

I went in on a delayed entry program . I signed in the summer of 75 went in may of 76.
I was told that I'm still entitled to wear a Vietnam Era ribbon what do you think?

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2015 4:24 AM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 04:24:20 -0500

Its already illegal for active duty and reservists. Wearing unauthorized awards or skill badges is punishable by the UCMJ.

As far as civilians, military awards result in monetary gains, so it should be punished as fraud.

They also bestow certain honorable statuses, which, frauding such credibility can do harm to society, as well as mistrust which harms the veterans who earned them. It should be punished as a felony.

Response by MGySgt Marty Pack made Feb 8 at 2015 10:04 AM

MGySgt Marty Pack — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 10:04:16 -0500

About time someone came to their senses. Sorry Bryan Williams, you won't be able to wear any medals for your alleged "bravery" if/when you start broadcasting, again...

Response by CDR Michael Goldschmidt made Feb 8 at 2015 11:35 AM

CDR Michael Goldschmidt — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 11:35:33 -0500

I'd rather see us call them out and ridicule them in public. We don't need more laws, and certainly not more excuses for the state to spend our money to prosecute and incarcerate non-violent people.

Response by MSG Edward Flint made Feb 8 at 2015 12:12 PM

MSG Edward Flint — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 12:12:46 -0500

Good call 9cc

Response by PO2 Richard Sterzinger made Feb 8 at 2015 4:19 PM

PO2 Richard Sterzinger — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 16:19:36 -0500

Yes Finally the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals got one right. Outstanding and BZ. And yes I love to hear all about people's war stories and how they are the true hero's and btdt in All the conflict's and war's.

Response by SPC C Higgins made Feb 8 at 2015 4:45 PM

SPC C Higgins — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 16:45:58 -0500

I have miniature ribbons on my 4th div hat and the only time you see them is Memorial Day and Nov 11 veterans day. I have exposed one phony at our local Memorial day service,he doesn't show up anymore. He couldn't explain what some of the ribbons were for,he had rows. If im not mistaken 9 million people claim to have been in country Vietnam alone

Response by SSgt James Howerton made Feb 19 at 2015 11:44 AM

SSgt James Howerton — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 11:44:16 -0500

I agree whole heartedly with this ruling. No one should wear medals, ribbons, decorations, etc. that they haven't earned. I do have one problem though with a few decorations currently in use. First is the National Defense Medal. Since I entered the Marines in 1977 and was Medically Boarded out in March 1990, onto the Temporary Disability Retired List (TDRL), I'm not eligible for this ribbon even though I wasn't permanently retired until March of 1993. Since this ribbon basically means you served your Nation honorably in a time of conflict, or "National Emergency" I don't understand the reasoning for gjving this to Boots upon graduation yet not to someone who had just as big a chance of seeing combat as any boot (and probably more). Which brings me to my second gripe; the awarding and authorization of the Global War On Terrorism ribbon. While aboard ship in 1983, terrorists bombed the Marine's Barracks in Beirut, Lebanon killing 240 American servicemen.. The aircraft carrier I was on headed to the Lebanese coast and sat there until ordered home. Since the majority of those killed were Maines, we wanted pay-back in the worst way but it was not to be. To my way of thinking, the United States has been at war with terrorists ever since. But the powers that be didn't actually believe we were at war with them until 9/11. I guess it takes civilian deaths for America to be in a state of war. I actually remember undergoing ant-terrorism training a few times after that. To me it would make sense for anyone on Active Duty from October 23, 1983 to present to be authorized to wear a War On Terrorism ribbon and anyone on AD from the same time period be authorized to wear the ND ribbon. They do have a Commemerative Cold War medal but it can't be worn on the uniform so I don't know why anyone would buy it.

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Response by CPT Quentin von Éfáns-Taráfdar made Dec 10 at 2015 11:52 AM

CPT Quentin von Éfáns-Taráfdar — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 11:52:50 -0500

It's about time! I live in the Canary Islands (Spain) and even here I ran into one of these frauds. This clown claimed to be a crippled SF medic in VN. I was immediately suspicious when he misidentified the miniature crossed rifles on my lapel as signifying “the cavalry”. After ascertaining that his eye sight was unimpaired I told him that I was a veteran SF officer of the VN war. He blanched and I then invited him to leave the premises of his own volition or that he could do so with my assistance. I never saw a cripple move with such celerity – in fact he left his cane behind!

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2016 9:41 AM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 16 Apr 2016 09:41:48 -0400

It's ridiculous and a waste of taxpayer money and the courts time. Unless this is a new development. About 3 years ago Scotus ruled that this was NOT illegal. The law was changed to say that it was only illegal if a person used military valor lies to gain something like money or job etc.

Response by SPC Jay Windsor made Jun 29 at 2017 8:04 AM

SPC Jay Windsor — Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:04:30 -0400

What about the elected officials who claim military service, combat, awards etc. as part of their campaign for election? Shouldn't there be an automatic law that make that a crime and is punishable by imprisonment?

Response by SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM made Jun 29 at 2017 9:47 AM

SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM — Thu, 29 Jun 2017 09:47:24 -0400

Stolen Valor is a BILL now. Its CRIME to dress as a solider if you were never one. GOOD SHIT! I pity RP when they get that ribbon builder for the profiles, I got my DD FORM 214/215

Response by SSgt Rob Millard made Jun 29 at 2017 10:08 AM

SSgt Rob Millard — Thu, 29 Jun 2017 10:08:29 -0400

I think this is a logical progression in the process of protecting military dignity. In many states, it is a criminal offense already to purport yourself as a military veteran when in fact you are not, provided you do it for personal gain. This ruling, from an otherwise extremely liberal court, protects the recognition that we give those warriors who perform above and beyond. A medal is a recognition of a heroic act. I would hate the thought that, as a society, we need to be suspicious when we see someone wearing a medal for heroism instead of simply knowing that it is a true hero standing before us.

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Jun 29 at 2017 10:29 AM

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Thu, 29 Jun 2017 10:29:03 -0400

As much as I support this ruling, I feel as though it has been taken a little too far. Was it not enough to punish those who attempted to use false veteran status to gain monetary benefits? What does this mean if one of these years I feel like going to a Halloween party while dressed as General MacArthur, are you going to throw me in jail? Sadly, I really think that a ruling such as this will only lead to more of those testosterone fueled youtube rants as they berate some poor schmuck on camera, only now it will end with the idiot being put into handcuffs. I think that it has just gone a bit too far.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jun 30 at 2017 6:56 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Fri, 30 Jun 2017 06:56:35 -0400

Good, about time they grew a backbone, and did something.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2017 11:48 AM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Jul 2017 11:48:35 -0400

I don't really give a crap about "stolen valor" unless a person is profiting from it.
It should not be a crime to anyone not subjected to the UCMJ.

Response by LCpl Justin Alexandrea made Jan 4 at 2018 1:22 PM

LCpl Justin Alexandrea — Thu, 04 Jan 2018 13:22:11 -0500

I think what is important to remember, is that a majority of "posers" are in fact either veterans or combat-veterans, who have decided to "enhance" their service experience or uniform accolades.
Under that understanding, I believe veterans that are guilty of stolen valor, regardless of civilian status, should be accountable to the UCMJ and not civilian law..
I'm sure legislation could be introduced to make something like that happen..

Response by PO2 Craig Sorrells made May 12 at 2018 9:01 PM

PO2 Craig Sorrells — Sat, 12 May 2018 21:01:56 -0400

Have been watching this show on how screwed up Scientology is and they have this thing called the sea org and they frequently show this idiot leader of theirs Dave miscavige wearing obvious military ribbons knowing he's never served a day in his life

Response by MSgt Nathan Krawitz made May 25 at 2020 1:15 AM

MSgt Nathan Krawitz — Mon, 25 May 2020 01:15:45 -0400

The opposite is true. They said it WASN'T a crime.