While the military is very interested in recruiting, there are some people who seem to prefer to pretend to be soldiers. While it is certainly fine for kids to do this, it is certainly not fine for adults to try to pass themselves off as veterans-especially highly decorated veterans. One recent case alleges that Steve Burton, a banker, went to his high school reunion dressed as a marine officer. He is, however, neither a marine nor an officer. To make matters worse, it is alleged that he wore medals-including the rather rare Navy Cross. It is also alleged that Burton blogged about serving in combat, although he obviously has not done so.
He has been charged with “unauthorized wearing of military medals or decorations.” This is a federal misdemeanor and has a maximum penalty of one year in prison.
While wearing such unearned medals might seem a small matter, the action is morally incorrect. First, to claim such honors when one has not earned them is an act of deception. Second, such an action is an insult to those who have actually earned them. While I have not served in the military, I am sure that real soldiers are not very happy about this sort of behavior. After all, as an athlete I am not pleased with people who buy trophies and pretend that they won them (yes, people do this). So, I can imagine that if such deception bothers me then such deception about more important awards (like the Navy Cross) would bother military personnel.
Naturally, one might wonder why people do this. After all, they can easily join the service and earn the uniform honestly. Getting the medals for real would be much more of a challenge-but it can be done. Of course, that would involve actually facing danger and risk-which is much harder than playing make believe.
One obvious reason is that the military is rather popular these days, so passing as a military hero is a way to score points and perhaps get better treatment in some cases (such as the free meal Applebees offered on Veteran’s Day). Another obvious reason is that people like to think of themselves as heroes and play make believe. Of course, most folks limit this sort of thing to idle fantasies or to games. This is generally harmless and all part of being human. However, some people clearly decide to take it beyond the idle fantasy or daydream stage and actually pretend to be soldiers. Even if they do not use this to their own advantage (to get special treatment, for example), this is not something that should be done. It is, of course, tempting to think that such people should be punished not by time in prison but by being enlisted into the military and sent into combat. That way they could live the dream.
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The system of medals is an interesting one. At first, I wondered if it were some sort of bragging, but I don’t see it this way anymore. It’s a way of letting people know what you’ve accomplished, and to some degree it tells them what kind of soldier you are. I consider medals kind of like leveling up in reality 🙂
Accordig to wikipedia, on 20 US marines have ever received the Navy Cross. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Navy_Cross
One of them is Virginia Senator James Webb (D) whose book, “Fields of Fire” is an incredible Vietnam novel. The story of how Webb gained the medal is equally incredible. Here’s the citation for Webb:
The Navy Cross is presented to James H. Webb, Jr., First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company D, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 10 July 1969, while participating in a company-sized search and destroy operation deep in hostile territory, First Lieutenant Webb’s platoon discovered a well-camouflaged bunker complex that appeared to be unoccupied. Deploying his men into defensive positions, First Lieutenant Webb was advancing to the first bunker when three enemy soldiers armed with hand grenades jumped out. Reacting instantly, he grabbed the closest man and, brandishing his .45 caliber pistol at the others, apprehended all three of the soldiers. Accompanied by one of his men, he then approached the second bunker and called for the enemy to surrender. When the hostile soldiers failed to answer him and threw a grenade that detonated dangerously close to him, First Lieutenant Webb detonated a claymore mine in the bunker aperture, accounting for two enemy casualties and disclosing the entrance to a tunnel. Despite the smoke and debris from the explosion and the possibility of enemy soldiers hiding in the tunnel, he then conducted a thorough search that yielded several items of equipment and numerous documents containing valuable intelligence data. Continuing the assault, he approached a third bunker and was preparing to fire into it when the enemy threw another grenade. Observing the grenade land dangerously close to his companion, First Lieutenant Webb simultaneously fired his weapon at the enemy, pushed the Marine away from the grenade, and shielded him from the explosion with his own body. Although sustaining painful fragmentation wounds from the explosion, he managed to throw a grenade into the aperture and completely destroy the remaining bunker. By his courage, aggressive leadership, and selfless devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Webb upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.[11]
That’s what it takes to be a hero in combat. That this person would fake it demonstrates a truly hollow and insecure person.
If you’re interested in further details on this matter; The Stolen Valor Act of 2005, Public Law 109-437
What do we expect from a society that gives rewards for merely participating now? Rewards, medals and ribbons do not have to be earned anymore. I am not even sure if someone needs to attend to get an award. This reminds me of how Obama recently gave a ‘shout out’ to a gentleman in the audience during a speech. He claimed he had received the Congressional Medal of Honor when he had not. I can see how the President can be confused about the importance of awards though. After all, he received the Nobel Peace Prize on credit. Whoops!
edit..He claimed the gentleman he was giving a ‘shout out’ to received the Congressional Medal of Honor and not himself. I made that a bit confusing.
Not true. Runners still have to earn their awards-at least at most races. Some races do hand out ribbons for entering or even a medal for finishing. However, even those races almost always have merit based awards. I really love racing in part because merit is what matters: if you want that 1st place trophy, you have to earn it by winning. No committee votes, no popularity contest, and no politics.
I was a little sarcastic there. Apperently some people still have to compete.
Some. But I do understand the sentiment. There are some events in which people get awards just for showing up, which is absurd. It doesn’t boost self-esteem. It tends to send the message that people deserve something for nothing, which is not a fitting attitude.
I didn’t see the speech, so I’m still a bit confused.
The guy hadn’t received the medal but BO claimed the guy did?
Yes, he actually received the Presidential Medal of Freedom which is just an award given out to civilian Americans by the President.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/president-obama-names-medal-of-freedom-recipients/
This was nothing more than a pat on the back for giving this man the medal on tv. Obama gave the medal and he named it incorrectly for whatever reason. This award is not a military award and in no way is even related to a Congressional Medal of Honor. It was using the air time as a self reach around instead of getting right to the tragedy.
He said the man received the Congressional Medal of honor and he did not. He was a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
In the special Olympics they give medals for top three or four. I think maybe they give ribbons for participation.
Woot! Ribbon here I come.
The guy hadn’t received the medal but BO claimed the guy did?