There have been at least two men with local ties convicted of wearing unearned military medals during the past few years: Reggie Buddle and Steve Bennest.
Jonathan Turley, a columnist for USA Today, writes this week about whether people like them should be convicted of crimes.
Here’s his kicker:
We can all agree that false claims of military honors are repugnant and worthy of social condemnation. These men deserve to be social pariahs, but there remains a serious question over whether they deserve to be criminal defendants. We should spend our time and resources on creating easily accessible resources to uncover false claims. We also need to remember that, in the end, true valor cannot be stolen. It can only be earned. What is left are pathetic pretenders who should not add constitutional injury to social insult.
Yes, wearing unearned medals should remain a criminal offense.
idrider-
So you would make a criminal out of every actor/actress who is playing a military role? You would toss children in jail who, on Halloween, dress up in a uniform costume to go trick-or-treating? There are reasons other than fraud why a civilian would wear a uniform. Creating a felon out of them is just pointless and would create waste and unjustice.
I agree! These guys should be prosecuted. They greatly dishonor our Vets and our men and women still serving in the military.
Hell yeah it should be a crime! I earned 9 medals when I was in the army and I am damn proud of each and everry one of them….
Absolutely keep it as a felony! The law specifically exempts people acting in productions and entertainment programs. In the Bennest case it was a fraud that lasted for many, many years and he used the unearned medals to promote his personal businesses.
I was with the army for 27 years . I’m not sure it should be a felony ( unless the medals were stolen) and then I’m still not sure it is anything but depictable theft . I think theft is theft and medals are inexpensive. I get the picture but I don’t think it is a big crime to try an imitate someone. However, if they wore them on a uniform of the armed services and they were not in the service that is another charge by itself. Still not felony stuff ; lets use our resources and tax dollars wisely.