Since this is the topic, I'm stating it. everything on my rack is meant to represent what I have earned. If there is an error, I'll be more than happy to verify the error and fix it.
Oh yeah, and those that lie about some of their awards are garbage.
We all agree that these people who "award" themselves medals/ribbons that they haven't earned are scum suffering from low self-esteem.
That said, they are not violating the Stolen Valor Act. 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.� There is no mention of posting unearned awards on websites, forums, etc.
As it is, in 2010 the Stolen Valor Act was ruled unconstitutional because it violates free speech. Thank the ACLU and the Libs for that one.
Regardless, most of the miltary folks here have been around enough that we can spot the liars.
If they want to post fake ribbons on this little forum whatever. The people who earned the medals they posted know what they did to get them. and yes, while it pisses everyone off, because the legit posters worked for them, the posers have to live with their stupid decision, and explain what they did for the medals when asked....if youve been in the Army long enough, you can spot a bull shit flag when flown!
While not necessarily the most honest thing to do... but.. I am quite certain that their is DEFINITIVELY someone on this forum or this site with access to eMILPO and ERBs, in fact i'm positive their is. That being said, your 59 cent ribbon may cost a lot more than you think if you didn't earn it. It's just not worth it.. bottom line.
#47...27 more to go and a new rocker finds its home on my chest
Its sad that people have to fake, and lie about military service. Especially those that are actually serving, or have actually served in the Marines or other Branch of Service. I am proud of the three awards I have. Two of which I received retroactively, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, and Global War on Terror Service Medal. I didn't get them until after 2007, I was out before either one of those awards where authorized, had to do the hoop, jump paperwork to get them officially. I have letters, and DD-215's, and my DD-214 establishing my awards. I earned all three of my ribbons, and my Rifle Badge. Semper Fi.
Well, as much as people sometimes stretch the truth a little, or sometimes a whole hell of alot, the FBI or any other agencies do not have the manpower to sniff anyone out, UNLESS, you are making a PROFIT from it. the law is not EXACT but if you READ into it, you can see that if you MISREPRESENT yourself for personal gain or profit, you are committing a crime. It's sad, but some D-Bags really need that "story" to either get friends or get laid. either way, they are wrong.
I was in the Corps for 8 years, in the army now for 9, and i'm sure someone will ask "how are you working on a 7th row of medals as an E4?". Simple, in the CA Army National Guard, we do not have the slots to promote to E5, and i'm not a super-soldier anymore. i'm a 35yo single (divorced, like many guys in the military) dad to a 5yo, so my priorities shifted and now i'm happy to be a GS-7, with over 5 tours overseas.
I agree. I was in from 1974 to 1980. It was peace time/Cold War (or the "Good Old Days" as some might refer to them). I earned the Good Conduct ribbon. That's it. Plain and simple. No National Defense Ribbon or anything else. But I'll take peace time over war time each and every time. Please identify those that did not earn their ribbons/medals.
My Dad served from 1979-1986 USMC Airwing got out as a Sgt E-5. His only awards where Meritorious Unit Commendation, Good Conduct Medal with Star for second award, and Rifle Expert Badge. However he was respected by the was he carried himself as an NCO, and Marine, not by the Ribbons on his chest. Same with me, I am medically seperated from the Corps with 50% Service Connection from the VA, and only have three ribbons myself, and Rifle Marksman badge. But I was not judged by what was on my chest either. I was judged by How I carried myself as a Lance Corporal, and a Marine. The one award I am most proud of is my Rifle Marksman badge, it may be the lowest of the Rifle Badges. However I earned it, as all other Marines have to earn there Rifle Badge. I've shot Sharpshooter, Expert, and Lastly Marksman, I was sick that day, but I still Qaulified on the Rifle, I wear my badge on my coat, or hat all the time. Semper Fi
There are now 2 living Army MOH awardee's and 1 Marine from OEF Campaign.
@ John, I am stationed in Wiesbaden, and my unit here requires us to wear the Unit's past awards, i've never been in the Korean War, but i have to wear the Korean Citation for it..
I also wear 3 awards from my Prior Unit at Ft. Lewis which my unit was awarded while serving there.
I agree with all of you regarding the posers, brings back a memory I had of this one new soldier wearing a 101st combat patch to later find out the $&(?(?�/@? never saw combat ! Needless to say I got in his face and let him have it and smoked the piss out of him. Needless to say I want to say a year or so later he did the same thing along with wearing unauthorized medals. Some people just don't have the decency of respect or pride and got to fake the funk. To me a coin means more than a medal as the awards writing process has become tideous, inflated, etc. I gave up on a damn CAB that I earned. Like stated earlier the highest award one could earn is an Honorable Discharge. I do respect unit awards as the best unit I ever served with 494th Trans 101st ABN Div (ASSLT) we earned our MUC. Thanks to all have served and currently serving peace be with you.
I think people just need attention. I have served for 16 yrs, both Marine Corps and Army. To hear Military members faking the funk, really upsets me. I am not big on awards, only because the more you get the more you pay for your uniforms, but its a sense of pride that really sticks out. If you are faking the funk, please stop. It just takes away from people who have actually earn and worked hard for what they got
I just stay in my lane, its easy to be critical of others but if they choose to embellish there service record on a forum whats the big deal? There is no benifit to do so so why get upset. You know what you did to earn your awards so be proud and drive on.
Now if you have a soldier that you know personally then NCO's do your job and check, recheck, and verify.
