How should Stolen Valor be punished?

2015-08-15T23:56:15-04:00

How should the situation of Stolen Valor be handled? What is a fair punishment?

I believe if you have the guts to pretend that you were this or that in the military then you should have to serve!

Response by PVT Robert Gresham made Aug 16 at 2015 12:56 AM

2015-08-16T00:56:46-04:00

PO3 Danielle Sandlin It's kind of an unfair question, after all stolen valor comes in many forms......

A civilian who claims to have done military service, I believe that you are right on target. Let them spend 2 or 3 years in those "imaginary" combat boots.

When dealing with Military members who overstate their awards , or Military affiliations then we wind up on a slippery slope. Do we punish those who served for trying to impress a group in a bar, or at a party? I have been in many a Military bar and heard many claims from Military members meant to impress the impressionable. Is that stolen valor? And, does it become more important when such a person tries to further present himself to a community as an award recipient to which he has no claim. The question has to be, where do we draw the line?

Of course, those who falsify records to obtain benefits to which they would not otherwise be entitled, they are already covered under the law of the land.

There is no pat answer. There is no easy answer. What is sure is that before you accuse anyone of stolen valor you better have proof, and you better have ALL your ducks in a row. Your mistake could cost a Soldier, or even a bonafide hero a lifetime of true Military accomplishments.

Response by CPT Russell Pitre made Aug 16 at 2015 12:59 AM

2015-08-16T00:59:59-04:00

We had a guy try that in a unit I was in. We had a company formation. The 1SG called him to the front, cut off his patches and smoked him in front of the everyone while telling everyone that he lied about his awards. I thought it was fair. After all he wanted attention and he got it.

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Aug 16 at 2015 5:13 AM

2015-08-16T05:13:44-04:00

There is a line between admiration (someone wearing a patch as a fan) and stolen valor, I believe it is easy to tell those with ill intent based on the behaviors exhibited.

For those with stolen valor, public humiliation has to happen for starters. Calling out the ones that are truly attempting to use unearned awards/decorations/promotions for personal gain is a must.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Aug 16 at 2015 7:55 AM

2015-08-16T07:55:40-04:00

The old fashioned way (from "Men of Honor"). Substitute "valor" for "a pie" and Times Square for the Navy Yard and I think we have a working solution.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pe2c6vZrNnU

I STOLE A PIE!

The greatest video of all time paying tribute to the greatest man of all time. Further proof that some people just have too much free time.

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Aug 16 at 2015 9:43 AM

2015-08-16T09:43:00-04:00

Escort to local VFW.

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Aug 16 at 2015 9:57 AM

2015-08-16T09:57:00-04:00

Prosecute it as fraud if they have gained anything tangible from their actions.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2015 10:07 AM

2015-08-16T10:07:49-04:00

PO3 Danielle Sandlin While I would agree, some of them may have tried but were passed over due to ASVAB scores or MEPS physicals. How would you handle someone who is over aged?

For those that are just trying to get attention, maybe community service picking up garbage or scrubbing graffiti with a big sign stating they stole valor. For those trying to scam the system for monetary gain, heavy fines. However, any second offense should be harsh fines and/or jail time.

Hell, give them the "clockwork orange" treatment showing them hours of combat casualty images while stating that the men and women in the images had the courage to fight for their country while calling the thief a coward.

Response by SGT Christopher Churilla made Aug 16 at 2015 12:27 PM

2015-08-16T12:27:37-04:00

For the civilians who attempt it, rather than sentencing them to jail, I'd have them serve out their term at a VA hospital.

For those within our ranks, I'd say the severity of the offense dictates the punishment, but off the top of my head, I'd say a demotion, maybe a permanent flag against promotion, or maybe a dishonorable discharge.

Response by LTC Bink Romanick made Aug 16 at 2015 1:47 PM

2015-08-16T13:47:07-04:00

I am sick of th stolen valor police. Every mess kit repair specialist now is an expert on awards and decorations. Be careful when you point because 4 fingers are pointing back.

This crap started when a bunch of no dick REMFs had nothing better to do.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Aug 16 at 2015 1:48 PM

2015-08-16T13:48:34-04:00

Community service in Veterans hospitals for a minima of 5 years

Response by MSgt Erik Copp made Aug 16 at 2015 2:29 PM

2015-08-16T14:29:15-04:00

Punched in the face.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Aug 17 at 2015 5:02 AM

2015-08-17T05:02:58-04:00

If they're doing it for monetary gain prosecute them under fraud charges.

If they're doing it to "impress" people, let's take the community service idea one step further. They should have to do their service at the wounded warrior section of any VAMC or at Walter Reed, and try telling those men and women their "war stories." Then you and I can hold the phoney down while those wounded heroes kick their ass.

Response by SN Greg Wright made Aug 17 at 2015 12:47 PM

2015-08-17T12:47:10-04:00

PO3 Danielle Sandlin That's an interesting concept, PO3, enlisting the liars. Problem is that you then have a liar enlisted, so I dunno. Maybe instead make them serve on mess lines or something.

Response by SSG Jamil Spruill made Aug 18 at 2015 3:32 AM

2015-08-18T03:32:47-04:00

I feel like the actual real soldiers who notice these acts of stolen Valor handle the situations wrong. You can't walk up to random strangers and in the most narcacist staff tone demand they take off whatever u I form they have on. First try to explain the actual reasons why it's illegal like displaying unit affiliations or rank or medals. If a person has on a completely sterile uniform with no rank, medals or unit affiliations then don't badger them to remove the uniform. If they do have these things displayed pull them aside and be the respectable disciplined service member you are and inform them of their wrong doing. Many service members are going to get hurt or even killed running up on civilians with cameras demanding they remove articles of clothing.

My point is be tactical with your approach, be respectful, be vigilant and always be a dicipline professional.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2018 3:01 PM

2018-01-15T15:01:49-05:00

With videos and media.

https://youtu.be/xWtDdWvjV_w

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Response by SFC Dennis A. made Jan 15 at 2018 3:10 PM

2018-01-15T15:10:17-05:00

If a person partaking in Stolen Valor for the purpose of personal gain, weather it be for the fame and glory or money I do know that is not a person that I want to serve with or have in my unit.

Response by AN James Stern made Jan 16 at 2018 5:56 AM

2018-01-16T05:56:03-05:00

It's a felony if you can call 911 and get a cop there before he/she leaves