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| -Short Attention Span Theater- |
| Man Probed for Unearned Medal of Honor |
| 2005-06-27 |
| What is wrong with these people? CASEVILLE, Mich. - A World War II veteran photographed wearing a Medal of Honor at a Memorial Day event could face federal charges because it was a fake that he bought for $500, authorities said. William Kovick, 76, surrendered the medal and four other military honors last week. FBI investigators say Kovick acknowledged that he bought the Medal of Honor — the nation's highest military honor — in 1977 for $500. He also said he also mail-ordered a Navy Cross, Silver Star, Bronze Star and Purple Heart. No DSC? Why not collect them all? Ordering and owning unearned medals is legal, but wearing or selling them is a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in prison and a $100,000 fine. "The intent of the federal law ... is to maintain the integrity of all the military awards and medals," said FBI Agent Thomas Cottone Jr. The Justice Department will decide whether to bring charges. They'll "decide"? Kovick came under investigation after his photo appeared May 31 on the front page of the Huron Daily Tribune of Bad Axe, showing him wearing the Medal of Honor at a Memorial Day event. Vietnam veteran Doug Sterner of Pueblo, Colo., who operates a Web site dedicated to Medal of Honor recipients, contacted Cottone. Kovick told the newspaper that he served in the Navy in 1944-46 and 1950-53. He said the only medals he earned were ones for service in the Asiatic-Pacific campaign in World War II and the Korean War. The Medal of Honor is given "for conspicuous gallantry" in combat. There are fewer than 125 living recipients. They've people out there that make it their lifes work to nail guys like this. Don't they realize that? |
| Posted by:tu3031 |
| #10 I thought it was illegal to even own a MOH if you are not a recipient. |
| Posted by: Glains Theash7392 2005-06-27 20:09 |
| #9 some guys... |
| Posted by: Admiral Boorda 2005-06-27 19:23 |
| #8 The liberals will have a field day with this one. "Why can't he wear what he wants"..."military glorification"...blah blah. To them, a medal is just a piece of metal, which couldn't be farther from the truth. |
| Posted by: gromky 2005-06-27 18:23 |
| #7 I figure 'em for a nutcase CSarge, or maybe very lonely. |
| Posted by: Shipman 2005-06-27 17:49 |
| #6 CP and Ship, you are right and I am ashamed of my comments now. If you peeled potatoes, guarded war plants, inventoried TP, stomed beaches, dog-fought zeros, or torpetoed ships you should feel proud of that service. My TI pointed out in basic "How long would you continue to work if you weren't paid, fed, or had a place to sleep?" Everyone has a part and the parts work together as a TEAM. Please disreagard my earlier remarks. |
| Posted by: Cyber Sarge 2005-06-27 17:12 |
| #5 It's all centered in Roswell because of the Lizard people. I don't trust anyone anymore. |
| Posted by: Shipman 2005-06-27 16:38 |
| #4 Send him to Roswell for the probing, they have some experts on the subject. |
| Posted by: Omise Sholuting9208 2005-06-27 16:37 |
| #3 Exactly CP and his real ones.... e said the only medals he earned were ones for service in the Asiatic-Pacific campaign in World War II and the Korean War would have sufficed. |
| Posted by: Shipman 2005-06-27 15:56 |
| #2 Why didn't he just have JF Kerry doctor him up some medal write ups? He did a good job making it seem like he was Audy Murphy incarnate (at least to the MSM). This guy is old and probably wanted to feel important (kind of like JF Kerry). |
| Posted by: Cyber Sarge 2005-06-27 15:30 |
| #1 Anyone who's served in the military in any capacity has the respect of his fellow citizens, whether they've won medals or spent four years shoveling horseshit at the base stables in Greenland. I don't know why people who've served their country with honor can't feel proud enough of what they've done without having to exaggerate their achievements. |
| Posted by: Captain Pedantic 2005-06-27 15:22 |