How do you feel about the Marine Sergeant Major who claimed false awards and claims? Why would he do it?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Mar 2015 18:24:45 -0400

This story came from "This Ain't Hell But It's Close" an E Letter I subscibe to. I know this happens but it did shock me to see it is a Marine.

Marine Sergeant Major Kenneth Lovell relieved due to false claims
Sergeant Major Lovell:
The Marine Corps Times reports that Sergeant Major Kenneth Lovell III, the sergeant major of the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marines has been removed from his position because of his false claims of three Combat Action Ribbons and that he was a Sniper School Honor Graduate.
At issue are two claims Lovell made in his official biography that critics say are undeserved: a third award of the Combat Action Ribbon they say could not be explained by his service record, and a claim to have been the honor graduate of his scout sniper basic course, 3-98, in 1998. In fact, sources say, the honor graduate was then-Cpl. Aaron Pine, a Marine who died in 2005 following an honorable discharge from the Marine Corps.
Sgt. Major Lovell also claimed to have 3 Combat Action Ribbons (CAR) (see pic to left). His original bio stated that he had : “…CAR3the Combat Action Ribbon with two gold stars in lieu of third award.” For those who are not in the Navy or Marine Corps, the CAR is a defining decoration. It is a ‘by name’ award that indicates that a Marine has been in combat. Only 1 CAR per theater can be earned. For any Marine, having 3 CARS would be an accomplishment. This raised some flags. When confronted, Sgt. Major Lovell amended his bio to include only 2 Combat Action Ribbon awards yet his picture shows him wearing 3. This is not a simple oversight or mistake. A CAR is a personal decoration and is coveted by Marines. This was clearly an attempt to assume an honor that was not awarded.
The Marine Corps has further corrected Lovell’s records;
In addition to having falsely claimed a 3rd Combat Action Ribbon and Sniper School Honor Graduate, the USMC also corrected Lovell’s claims of service in Kosovo and with the Israeli Defense Force.
I guess being a sergeant major of Marines isn’t enough for some people.

Response by SGT Nia Chiaraluce made Mar 25 at 2015 6:32 PM

SGT Nia Chiaraluce — Wed, 25 Mar 2015 18:32:18 -0400

I truly hope these allegations and discrepancies can be explained, however, I am not surprised at all. The United States Army has audits in place to ensure the majority of us maintain a certain level of integrity behind our college and Military education, deployments and awards. Sadly we have all seen examples of people that slip through the cracks, but not of this level.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2015 6:32 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Mar 2015 18:32:39 -0400

My question is WHY? This Marine was already honored by his rise in rank, so why would he sacrifice a career by lying? It really disappoints me.

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Mar 25 at 2015 6:37 PM

Cpl Jeff N. — Wed, 25 Mar 2015 18:37:56 -0400

His accomplishments spoke for themselves. Why he felt compelled to embellish is beyond me. Unfortunately, we cannot let it go. He needs to face the music on this so others know it will not be tolerated. I suspect some leniency at sentencing will be given due to his actual service.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Mar 25 at 2015 6:41 PM

Capt Richard I P. — Wed, 25 Mar 2015 18:41:57 -0400

I don't know why. I do know he will get what's coming to him. The Corps is good at that.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Mar 25 at 2015 7:29 PM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Wed, 25 Mar 2015 19:29:12 -0400

Why oh why do otherwise good Officers, NCO's and Junior Enlisted tarnish GOOD records by adding a couple of pieces of flair they did not earn?

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Mar 25 at 2015 7:53 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Wed, 25 Mar 2015 19:53:03 -0400

I took a look at his official photo.

I think this may be a case of "lens flare." It "appears" that there are 2 gold stars, however one of them is "clearly centered" on the ribbon, which is where the 2nd Award would go. If there was a subsequent award, both stars would be shifted in such a way that it would not be where it is.

I invite all to look at it.

On the matter of the Scout Sniper issue, I can't speak much on this other than there were 2 courses running at that time. One in Quantico, and one in Camp Pendleton. This was back in the days of 8541 (before the conversion to 0317). Were they in the same class? Were they on the same coast? Was there a mix up on the class #?

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Mar 25 at 2015 8:01 PM

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Wed, 25 Mar 2015 20:01:01 -0400

At this point in his career it should be completely about his subordinates, his responsibility is to leave the Corps ready for the next conflict not be selfish and look out for his own self interests!

Is there a link to his bio? I looked at the photo shared by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS and thought it odd that he'd have a couple (two or three) CARs without having earned a Bronze Star.....not as knowledgeable on other service requirements for all these awards.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2015 8:50 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Mar 2015 20:50:23 -0400

Not much surprises me anymore. Just another douchebag that'll get a slap on the wrist and continue on with his career. And they wonder why we have lost faith in our leaders.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Mar 25 at 2015 9:18 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Wed, 25 Mar 2015 21:18:56 -0400

SGT Private RallyPoint Member, shocking, surprising and disappointing from a Marine sergeant major.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2015 11:26 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 May 2015 23:26:25 -0400

I have seen troops serve where they are not 'officially' on the convoy/base/unit and it can't be explained by paperwork but they were definitely handed an award or accolade they will never be allowed to wear 'officially'. They earned it by blood, time and work but they are all smart enough to know those are the stories for when we gather after and not to wear for promotion. Or ask their leaders for memo explaining it prior to leaving. I have seen strong leaders brag to complete that picture, "I was honor grad.. blah blah", but again when it comes time for that bio or pic, the explanation, 'oohh so and so and I were tied, I had more rank so I let the kid have it.' Sounds like this guy bought his own brags.. dumb ass... Call those guys, hunting for a shiny and great on paper..

Response by Sgt Thomas McCabe made Oct 12 at 2016 4:31 PM

Sgt Thomas McCabe — Wed, 12 Oct 2016 16:31:21 -0400

Here is the internet history machine cached link for when Sergeant Major Lovell still had the incorrect count for the Combat Action Ribbon listed on his Division BIO.

http://web.archive.org/web/ [login to see] 0515/http://www.2ndmarines.marines.mil/Leaders/tabid/2265/Article/513837/sergeant-major-3d-battalion-2d-marines.aspx

Sergeant Major, 3d Battalion, 2d Marines 2nd Marine Regiment 2nd Marine Regiment - Leaders

Sergeant Major Lovell was born in Cadillac, MI. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1993 and attended recruit training at 1st RTBN, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego. Lovell reported to the School of Infantry earning the MOS of 0311 Rifleman and was, 2d Marine Regiment Leaders

Response by SGM Gregory Tarancon IV made Nov 29 at 2018 5:03 PM

SGM Gregory Tarancon IV — Thu, 29 Nov 2018 17:03:39 -0500

A senior NCO that was selected above others to the pinnacle rank of Sergeant Major; fortunate to have been trusted to lead young Marines, from the all accounts a Marine with an impressive record.

Now, will he will be remembered not for all the sacrifices and good he did for the USMC, but for his dishonesty.

What a tragedy and what a shame for his family! I am sickened by what I have read, there are some situations in which a lack of judgment can be forgiven if the intentions were good, but there is no excuse for this and he made is bed and I'm sure the USMC is going to make him lie in it.

Response by PVT Mark Zehner made Nov 30 at 2018 9:10 AM

PVT Mark Zehner — Fri, 30 Nov 2018 09:10:02 -0500

I love to fly and always wanted to be a pilot! I would never tell anyone I was a pilot!