Posted on 07/02/2006 9:19:26 AM PDT by smoothsailing
Law targets those with unearned military medals
By Jason Cato
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Sunday, July 2, 2006
Marine majors have accomplished plenty in the Corps' 230-year history, but tales from "The Terminator" just didn't add up.
He'd been a SEAL, a sniper and a pilot. His stories were larger than life, and no one at the Soldiers & Sailors National Military Museum and Memorial in Oakland believed him. But it was the Navy Cross pinned to his dress blues that proved too much to stomach.
"He had more battle activity than eight guys together," Ron Gancas, museum president, said about John Eastman, who faces federal charges of impersonating a military officer. "Why he picked this place to B.S. I don't know. Everybody was in the military here."
Eastman, 58, of New Galilee, Beaver County, is accused of falsely wearing a major's insignia at a Veteran's Day function in 2004. He was indicted this year and, if convicted, would face a maximum penalty of six months in prison and a $5,000 fine.
If his outcome is anything like that of another imposter prosecuted this year in Pittsburgh, jail time is unlikely. Albert McKelvey, 68, of Richland, faked being a Marine colonel, presenting neatly folded flags to widows at funerals and delivering inspirational speeches to veterans groups. He paid for his transgressions with a $2,500 fine and probation.
A bill -- the Stolen Valor Act -- making its way through Congress would increase the penalties for imposters and help prosecutors go after phonies....
(Excerpt) Read more at pittsburghlive.com ...
Bravo. It's about time. I'd like to see harsher penalties.
John Kerry should be up on charges under this law.
Very important to watch which dems vote nay to the Stolen Valor Act...
"John Kerry should be up on charges under this law."
That was the first though that ran through my 67 year old mind, which is short a cup of coffee and maybe more.
"Very important to watch which dems vote nay to the Stolen Valor Act..."
That was the second thought than toddled through my 67 year old mind.
Kerry will not vote on this nor will Murtha.
It will be very interesting see how many leftwing rat vets in congress vote on this bill.
I guess I'll have to stop claiming to have received the Good Conduct Medal and a Marksman's Badge.
>>>I guess I'll have to stop claiming to have received the Good Conduct Medal and a Marksman's Badge.<<<
I earned the National Defense (which everyone received) and the Good Conduct (which everyone received who didn't kill the general). LOL.
They'll need to write in an exemption for Hollywood and theatrical performances. There are situations where impersonation is not illegal, and even is called for. Sounds obvious, but never overestimate the sharpness of Solons.
bump
There goes Halloween...
My dad was a POW in Germany the last year of WW2. He was shot down over Romania and captured, endured a Death March in winter 1944-45 and spent a month in the hospital after he was liberated. His medals? The Flying Medal with one oak leaf cluster. Knowing what he endured and what he was awarded.........the phonies make me want to BARF!! (not complaining about his medal, just comparing the Greatest Generation with some of the hippy-dippies)
The most beautiful award presentation I ever witnessed -- was during a visit to the Wall on the Mall, where some grizzled old veterans of the 7th Calvary had met to recognize a brother that had NOT been awarded what they felt was the appropriate award - and did it themselves - reading the citation out loud for all present to hear, and leaving the Medal behind at the base of the Wall..
The tears were plentiful......
Semper Fi
Cool! This'll get John Kerry off the streets for a while.
In Brotherhood,
ss
This bill was introduced by a Dem. We'll see if it gets real Dem support. Hopefully at least all the Dem vets will vote for it.
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