Frauds impersonating decorated soldiers
Perhaps you have come across them before, I know I have both in the real world and the blogosphere. They are people who wear their military service on their sleeve overly eager to tell anyone who will listen of their exploits. In the blogosphere, many fall back on a claim to military service in the heat of an argument they are losing.
"I served my country proudly, how dare you say that The President misled us into war with Iraq..."
Many have pictures of themselves in military regalia on their blogs.
Well, check out how far this guy went:
Frauds put up a decorated front
By Gregg Zoroya, USA TODAY
The man cutting a path across the Marine Corps Birthday Ball near Atlantic City last fall wore row upon row of battle ribbons on his chest — silent testament to a history of gallantry and sacrifice.
Among the awards he wore were a Bronze Star, a Silver Star and the Navy Cross, which is second in significance only to the Medal of Honor.
Retired Marine Corps master sergeant Fred Montney III and others turned to admire Gerard Smigel, 52, in his dress blue uniform and wearing the rank of lieutenant colonel. "He was in his element. He enjoyed it," says Montney, who sat at Smigel's table.
As the night wore on, Montney noticed little flaws. Smigel would excuse himself to go to the "latrine." Marines call it the "head." Smigel wore one award, a Combat Action Ribbon, upside down. "When I asked him questions, he would get somewhat fuzzy" about details, Montney recalls. He snapped a photo of Smigel, smiling next to his wife, and later called the FBI.
Smigel pleaded guilty this month in federal court to illegally wearing the uniform and medals. He was sentenced to three years of probation and fined $3,000.
Masquerading as a war hero has become riskier — but more tempting — during this time of war. "Right now, most everybody loves the military, and that's why I'm seeing more and more of these impostors," says senior FBI agent Thomas Cottone.
The FBI has investigated 58 cases of people allegedly wearing fraudulent military decorations since 2001. Assisted by military researchers and the Internet — where hoaxes can be quickly tracked and exposed — the FBI could end up investigating more cases of medal fraud this year than in any other previous year, Cottone says. He says he gets one tip a week.
Continue Reading this story
I guess this is to be expected in a country ruled by chickenhawks who so desperately want to be viewed as war time heroes. Their supporters also want to be war heroes. It's very easy to want to play war like a child with green army men. It's another thing to actually fight in a war and be in the military.
"I served my country proudly, how dare you say that The President misled us into war with Iraq..."
Many have pictures of themselves in military regalia on their blogs.
Well, check out how far this guy went:
Frauds put up a decorated front
By Gregg Zoroya, USA TODAY
The man cutting a path across the Marine Corps Birthday Ball near Atlantic City last fall wore row upon row of battle ribbons on his chest — silent testament to a history of gallantry and sacrifice.
Among the awards he wore were a Bronze Star, a Silver Star and the Navy Cross, which is second in significance only to the Medal of Honor.
Retired Marine Corps master sergeant Fred Montney III and others turned to admire Gerard Smigel, 52, in his dress blue uniform and wearing the rank of lieutenant colonel. "He was in his element. He enjoyed it," says Montney, who sat at Smigel's table.
As the night wore on, Montney noticed little flaws. Smigel would excuse himself to go to the "latrine." Marines call it the "head." Smigel wore one award, a Combat Action Ribbon, upside down. "When I asked him questions, he would get somewhat fuzzy" about details, Montney recalls. He snapped a photo of Smigel, smiling next to his wife, and later called the FBI.
Smigel pleaded guilty this month in federal court to illegally wearing the uniform and medals. He was sentenced to three years of probation and fined $3,000.
Masquerading as a war hero has become riskier — but more tempting — during this time of war. "Right now, most everybody loves the military, and that's why I'm seeing more and more of these impostors," says senior FBI agent Thomas Cottone.
The FBI has investigated 58 cases of people allegedly wearing fraudulent military decorations since 2001. Assisted by military researchers and the Internet — where hoaxes can be quickly tracked and exposed — the FBI could end up investigating more cases of medal fraud this year than in any other previous year, Cottone says. He says he gets one tip a week.
Continue Reading this story
I guess this is to be expected in a country ruled by chickenhawks who so desperately want to be viewed as war time heroes. Their supporters also want to be war heroes. It's very easy to want to play war like a child with green army men. It's another thing to actually fight in a war and be in the military.
Comments
Well, if they blamed Clinton for the increase in oral sex among school kids, I guess it's reasonable to blame The Decider and his impersonation of an honorable military veteran, for this surge in fakery.It's a welcome change for the American people to respect and hold veterans in high regard, but that high regard and appreciation must lead to protecting them from a President that will take away the services they need to heal from the physical and emotional injuries inflicted by Cheney's unnecessary war. Bush visit's them in hospitals and cuts VA budgets at the same time.
Posted by: dave | June 28, 2006 04:56 AM
If it's all right for someone to masquerade as president even if they didn't win, what's the problem with someone pretending to be a war hero when they're not?Alternatively, prosecute them all - including the fake president!
Posted by: Whisperwolf | June 28, 2006 08:13 AM