Stolen Valor Act

[davidlpope]

So, If you did not earn it, don't wear it.

Frank, you've eloquently summed up my feelings on this issue.

I can never get my head around folks' explanation that they are wearing "x" to "honor" their family member, buddy, etc.

I guess I've always thought that if one really wanted to "honor" the sacrifice/service of some other person, the best way to do so was to make some sacrifices/ render service of one's own.

David

[ohiopiper]

I don't even wear my OWN medals, not that any of them are overly important. When exactly is one supposed to parade around and show off medals? That smacks of fakery right off the bat. The only exception is Veterans Day here in the U.S. and similar days in other countries.

BTW, I do keep a folded up Xerox of my DD-214 in my wallet.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

I don't even wear my OWN medals, not that any of them are overly important. When exactly is one supposed to parade around and show off medals?

In the civilian world medals are only worn to those social and official events where the invitation specifically states, "orders, decorations, medals" immediately after the requested form of attire:

Black Tie, Highland Attire Preferred, Orders, Decorations, Medals

With Black Tie and White Tie (both only worn after 6PM) miniature medals are worn; if the event is held during the day (generally before 4PM) then full-size medals are worn.

Service ribbons are not worn with civilian attire although clubs, such as the Scottish American Military Society, may prescribe them for wear on their distinctive uniforms when members are taking part in club activities.

[Woot22]

In the civilian world medals are only worn to those social and official events where the invitation specifically states, "orders, decorations, medals" immediately after the requested form of attire:

Black Tie, Highland Attire Preferred, Orders, Decorations, Medals

With Black Tie and White Tie (both only worn after 6PM) miniature medals are worn; if the event is held during the day (generally before 4PM) then full-size medals are worn.

Service ribbons are not worn with civilian attire although clubs, such as the Scottish American Military Society, may prescribe them for wear on their distinctive uniforms when members are taking part in club activities.

Just wanted to add that the VA actually is trying to encourage more veterans to wear their medals on Veterans Day, Memorial Day and the 4th of July. The initiative specifically asks veterans to wear their medals regardless of what they are doing on those days. Here is a pic of the front page of the brochure.

[Pleater]

Just my opinion, but I think that anyone making a false claim to military medals is a seriously flawed character.

My sister's father in law died when his children were quite young, and left a few photographs and his medals from the war.

A few years later a man who was a slight acquaintance called at the door and asked if he could borrow the medals as he could not find his own, he said, and he wanted to march in the parade on Remembrance Sunday, but he needed to have medals to wear.

The box of medals was found and handed over, and he never brought it back.

Now that is low.

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

[Teufel Hunden]

While I think it's detestable that someone would make up stories of war and valor, I do agree that the lie itself shouldn't necessarily be illegal.

Just my opinion, but I'd venture a guess that the greater majority of military liars are just in bars getting free drinks and other such petty offenses. Those people are losers to be sure, but, essentially they're doing no more wrong than the guy right next to them telling everyone he's a rich, savvy investor, when he lives in the trailer park next door.

When a person is using the lies for personal gain, like veterans benefits, well we already have laws against fraud and things of that nature, so a law specifically protecting "valor" from bar-room liars isn't necessary, IMO. Besides, it's plenty of fun outing them publicly and humiliating them in that way.

Just wanted to add that the VA actually is trying to encourage more veterans to wear their medals on Veterans Day, Memorial Day and the 4th of July. The initiative specifically asks veterans to wear their medals regardless of what they are doing on those days. Here is a pic of the front page of the brochure.

I've seen that. For whatever reason I just can't bring myself to wear medals unless I'm also wearing the accompanying uniform. My dad (Vietnam vet) is the same way.

[adsmguy]

A conviction in Alabama:

http://bit.ly/bh2Zga

"Authorities had accused Smith of pinning onto his uniform two Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star, a Combat Infantry Badge, a Senior Parachutist Badge and an Air Assault Badge."

[Whidbey78]

Sad that there are enough people telling lies that a law would have to be written in the first place. It's been my experience that the people who tell a lot of stories(with the exception of the funny stories) are usually full of it. They're easy to spot anyhow...they were usually a SEAL, Ranger, etc. and saved some General in a hail of gunfire and got three purple hearts that day along with a silver star and a nomination for the MOH. Ever notice how the loud guy at the end of the bar was never a cook? I seem to remember cooks on the boat, stateside, in Iraq, in Afganistan,...I guess Mess Specialists don't drink.

Most of us who went to bad places and did and/or saw very disturbing things would rather not talk about it. I find it puzzling that someone would lie about military service, claim they did all this when there are plenty who were there and would like to forget, but can't, and have to learn to live with it.

I guess my point is that instead of enacting legislation against it, maybe people should have the character to not tell lies. That would be in an ideal world though, and I doubt we will ever see that.