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Texas congressman won’t stop wearing combat Infantryman Badge that was revoked (www.military.com)

submitted 5 months ago by MicroWave@lemmy.world to c/politics@lemmy.world

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More than a month after a news report revealed that the Combat Infantryman Badge Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Texas, wears on his lapel was revoked since he was never eligible for the award to begin with, the congressman refuses to take the pin off.

Nehls' stubbornness has garnered growing criticism from veterans and others in the community of stolen valor researchers, who say the issue is simple: The rules for the CIB are clear, and Nehls did not qualify.

"The veteran community is starting to get to the point now where there's no room for forgiveness at this point because now they see, ‘Hey, this wasn't an error. He's doubling down now,’" said Anthony Anderson, an Army veteran who runs Guardian of Valor and was instrumental in uncovering Nehls' revoked award. "He knows he didn't earn this award."

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[-] halcyoncmdr@lemmy.world 186 points 5 months ago

Prosecute him under 18 U.S.C. § 704

The Stolen Valor Act of 2013 amends the federal criminal code to rewrite provisions relating to fraudulent claims about military service to subject to a fine, imprisonment for not more than one year, or both for an individual who, with intent to obtain money, property, or other tangible benefit, fraudulently holds himself or herself out to be a recipient of:

Medal of Honor
Distinguished Service Cross
Navy Cross
Air Force Cross
Silver Star
Bronze Star
Purple Heart
Combat Action Ribbon
Combat Infantryman's Badge
Combat Action Badge
Combat Medical Badge
Combat Action Medal
Or any replacement or duplicate medal for such medal as authorized by law.

[-] Treczoks@lemmy.world 92 points 5 months ago

Good. So there is a law for that. Now someone has to apply this to him.

[+] the_crotch@sh.itjust.works -20 points 5 months ago

Good? I don't think it's good that you can go to jail for a year for wearing a colorful ribbon

[-] skulblaka@startrek.website 26 points 5 months ago

You can also go to jail for wearing a shiny policeman's badge when you aren't one. This is no different.

[-] the_crotch@sh.itjust.works 9 points 5 months ago

Only if you claim to be a cop. Per federal law, you can wear one for fun if you want

It is a defense to the prosecution under this section if the badge is used or intended to be used for exclusively--- (1) as a memento, or in a collection or exhibit; (2) for decorative purposes; (3) for a dramatic presentation, such as a theater, film, or television production; or (4) **for any other recreational purpose. **

[-] skulblaka@startrek.website 5 points 5 months ago* (last edited 5 months ago)

Huh. I didn't actually know that. Interesting.

Even if you are just doing it for fun though 99% of cops will bag you for impersonating an officer of the law. You might go free later but that isn't likely to stop the arrest.

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this post was submitted on 22 Jun 2024

471 points (98.8% liked)

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