Google Stolen Valor and you will find it is a common practice to claim ficticious medals and false military service. I've talked to former "soldiers" who didn't know the difference between a captain and a corporal.

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Google Stolen Valor and you will find it is a common practice to claim ficticious medals and false military service. I've talked to former "soldiers" who didn't know the difference between a captain and a corporal.

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That is funny.

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Google Stolen Valor and you will find it is a common practice to claim ficticious medals and false military service. I've talked to former "soldiers" who didn't know the difference between a captain and a corporal.

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That is funny.

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A corporal has one more promotion under his belt.

I guess I should let my father in law be whatever he wants to be. Thanks to all of you for advice/stories. Hey SSgt, Hollywood Marines are the best, nothing like some Pendleton "hills" to make Marines. PLT 2066 Fox Co 2nd RTB San Diego!!

Stolen Valor Act of 2005
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The Stolen Valor Act of 2005 (the Act), signed into law by President George W. Bush on December 20, 2006,[1] is a U.S. law that broadens the provisions of previous U.S. law addressing the unauthorized wear, manufacture, sale or claim (either written or verbal) of any military decorations and medals. It is a federal misdemeanor offense, which carries a punishment of imprisonment for not more than 1 year and/or a fine; the scope previously covered only the Medal of Honor.

The Act was first introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on July 19, 2005 by Representative John Salazar, a Democrat from Colorado, as H.R. 3352.[2][3] It was introduced into the Senate by Senator Kent Conrad, a Democrat from North Dakota, on November 10, 2005 as S. 1998.[4][5] The Senate version was passed unanimously on September 7, 2006.[5][6] The Senate version then went to the same House Judiciary Committee that held the House version. The Act briefly stalled, but the House subsequently passed the Senate version, S. 1998, on December 6, 2006.[7]

The purpose of the Act is to strengthen the provisions of 18 U.S.C. § 704 by broadening its scope and strengthening penalties. Specific new provisions in the Act include: granting more authority to Federal law enforcement officers, extending scope beyond the Medal of Honor, broadening the law to cover false claims whereas previously an overt act had to be committed, covering mailing and shipping of medals, and protecting the reputation and meaning of military heroism medals.[3][5] Under the act, it is illegal for unauthorized persons to wear, buy, sell, barter, trade or manufacture "any decoration or medal authorized by Congress for the armed forces of the United States, or any of the service medals or badges awarded to the members of such forces." In the 18 months after the act was enacted, the Chicago Tribune estimates 20 prosecutions. The number is increasing as awareness about the law spreads. [8]

The need for the Act came about because of large numbers of fake military heroes in the United States. For example, as of June 2, 2006 there were only 120 living Medal of Honor recipients, but there were far more known imposters.[9][10][11] There are also large numbers of fake Navy SEALS[12][13] and Army Special Forces,[14] among others.

Question from Europe:

Why would anyone claim to be a Marine without having been one? Is the mythos behind the USMC that big in the US or does one gain a benefit/better job change?

Google Stolen Valor and you will find it is a common practice to claim ficticious medals and false military service. I've talked to former "soldiers" who didn't know the difference between a captain and a corporal.

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Question from Europe:

Why would anyone claim to be a Marine without having been one? Is the mythos behind the USMC that big in the US or does one gain a benefit/better job change?

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If the stories about the U. S. Marines were myths, I doubt there would be an issue here. The fact is that, for the most part, the stories are true....except for the occasional liers and bullshooters like those noted above.

As in this case, the problem comes when those who possibly were not Marines try to enhance their personal stature by laying claim to the deeds done by real Marines. For those of us who have had the rare privilage of serving alongside the real Marine heroes, it is an insult. Such an insult is not taken lightly.

What I usually do when I encounter one of these clowns is ask a few questions that lets the fool know that I see right through his BS.....and then I ignore him. I have no patience with folks like that.

Semper Fi,
Dave