Is this worse than Stolen Valor?

2015-03-12T16:08:56-04:00

http://hamptonroads.com/2015/03/norfolk-sailor-guilty-wearing-unearned-medals

Norfolk sailor guilty of wearing unearned medals

Seaman Matthew Cottom lied about the medals. He was never in combat, he wasn't injured, and he never suffered a heart attack. Even his parents believed he had been shot.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2015 4:09 PM

2015-03-12T16:09:53-04:00

Yes it is, or at-least I feel it is worse than stolen valor. -not by much- It is unprofessional and a service member should have more discipline then this. I would say he should know better but so should the civilians committing the stolen valor. They know better they just choose to ignore it.

Response by SGT Corey Franks made Mar 12 at 2015 4:23 PM

2015-03-12T16:23:18-04:00

Isn't it the same?

Response by LTJG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2015 4:25 PM

2015-03-12T16:25:04-04:00

This is MUCH MUCH worse because civilians who impersonate military have never experienced the life of a military. They do not know the actual impact on us.... But someone who is in the military who is wearing medals they did not earn already know the impact on the military community when stolen valor comes into play.... To be betrayed by one of our own is sickening.

Response by CW4 Larry Curtis made Mar 14 at 2015 8:46 PM

2015-03-14T20:46:32-04:00

Anyone who has served should know better than this, so yes indeed it is worse. It is completely unacceptable to present yourself as something you are not, particularly when you know better from your own experience.

Response by SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA made Mar 21 at 2015 8:35 AM

2015-03-21T08:35:37-04:00

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member No, I don't think this is worse than stolen valor, because I don't see how it does not qualify as stolen valor.
If you are wearing medals that you did not earn -- whether you are civilian, military, or veteran -- that is stolen valor, in my book.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2015 8:40 AM

2015-03-21T08:40:34-04:00

It is nothing more than stolen valor. No, he didn't earn the ribbons/medals. So it is nothing more than just that. While it sucks that it is one of our own, it doesn't make it worse.