The USSC just gave them the green light by knocking down the "Stolen Valor" law. If you are free to claim any award you want, you're also free to invent any military background you want.
We're free to question any of that, but are aware that certain people should not be asked, just for our own sake.
As someone who was nothing but a run of the mill sailor, I guess I was really a hero in VN, what with all the VC I killed and the Christmas I spent in Cambodia. Not to mention the seven purple hearts I have in my hero box. WOW! I can say anything I want to and get away with it I guess.
I could have fun with this whole thing, except for all the friends I lost who were true heroes.