BS: Lying about military service

Subject: BS: Lying about military service
From: GUEST,josepp
Date: 06 Jun 12 - 06:02 PM

Bottom line: if you're thinking of lying about your military service in public--don't do it. It's a simple matter to check it out. You may have heard about this guy on one of the too many boring talent shows Americans can't seem to get enough of telling everyone he was hit by a rocket-launched grenade that broke his back gave him a stutter while serving in Afghanistan in '09. Then he sang his little song and every gave him a standing ovation while weeping crocodile tears. It was like a Reader's Digest story come to life. I didn't see it but I read about it.

Turns out, the National Guard can't confirm his story and stated he was only in Afghanistan for a month in 09. Apparently he worked as supply man and wasn't on the battlefield. He has no record of receiving a purple heart. It is virtually inconceivable that he could be telling the truth. Of course, he should have his military records and can prove everything he said. I still have mine. Those records track everywhere you went and everything you did in a military capacity. I even know when I took leave because the leave chits are in my record. There's also the problem of his being able to walk and play and sing when a broken back is a very serious injury. You're not going to have a lot of time to play guitar while recuping. His stutter also disappeared during the show.

But why did he think he'd get away with it? The more heroic the claims, the more you can be sure someone is going to check it out.

George Bush's grandfather, Prescott Sheldon Bush, went to Europe in WWI and sent a letter home detailing how "Captain Bush" was assigned to drive around 3 top generals of the US, France and Britain. In the course of showing them around, he saw a shell coming at them, drew his sword and batted it away so that it exploded harmlessly nearby.

The generals were so impressed by the captain's bravery that each bestowed upon him the highest medals of their respective countries which Captain Bush wore proudly as he led a parade in his honor the following day.

Prescott's mum was so impressed by her darling boy's exploits that she sent the letter to the papers which printed it. Of course, reporters became suspicious and checked into the story. It wasn't only false, it was impossible. You can't bat away a shell with a sword. Hell, you can't even see the shell coming because it's moving so goddamn fast. It got back to Bush's superiors who called him in on the carpet and Bush was forced to retract the story. Mommy Bush then sent her own retraction to all the papers.

The story followed Bush around for years and even into Congress when he was elected to the Senate.

So, don't lie about that stuff. It comes back.

Subject: RE: BS: Lying about military service
From: SINSULL
Date: 06 Jun 12 - 06:12 PM

He's a pig.

Subject: RE: BS: Lying about military service
From: Rapparee
Date: 06 Jun 12 - 06:18 PM

Excerpt from the Associated Press story on Timothy Michael Poe:

According to military records, Poe served with the Minnesota Army National Guard from December 2002 through May 2011, working as a supply specialist. Records show he was deployed in Kosovo from Oct. 10, 2007 to July 15, 2008, and then served in Afghanistan for about a month in 2009.

"Sgt. Poe's official military records do not indicate that he was injured by a grenade in combat while serving in Afghanistan in 2009, as he reports," Lt. Col. Kevin Olson, a spokesman for the Minnesota National Guard, said in a statement.

Olson noted that Poe did not receive the Purple Heart, which is given to those who are injured in enemy combat. Poe didn't claim he had received the award.

He was not only deployed to Afghanistan, but also to Kosovo.

You obviously don't understand the role or duties of a supply specialist. Such people can be stationed anywhere from kilometers to the rear to meters from the MDL. ALL locations, on today's battlefield, are subject to IEDs, mortars, rockets, snipers, suicide bombers. I suggest you look at the number of times when cooks and clerks have had to grab a gun and serve as riflemen.

He was wrong to claim what he did and I in no way condone lying about your combat record. It IS too easy to check on it. On the other hand, don't assume that because he was in supply he was not in harm's way.

Subject: RE: BS: Lying about military service
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 06 Jun 12 - 07:16 PM

That Bush story sounds rather like he'd lifted it from Baron Munchausen. I rather suspect it might have been an intentional tall story not actually intended to be believed.

Subject: RE: BS: Lying about military service
From: Leadfingers
Date: 06 Jun 12 - 07:39 PM

That's as bad as the Pillock who was given a bootleg cassette of a mate of mine then went to a new town and claimed to e a song writer ,
using my mates material ! Doing fine , until his club booked my mate !
There is NO ponit in lying about any of your exploits

Subject: RE: BS: Lying about military service
From: Rapparee
Date: 06 Jun 12 - 07:48 PM

Well, I remember when I was at the Battle of Bladensburg, back in 1812 or thereabouts, them redcoats were comin' and shootin' and everything and me and my mates stood and fought 'em off for hours and hours. That's where I was perforated sixteen times in twelve minutes by Minie balls and Congreve rockets while all the while fending off a regiment of Guards using only my umbrella handle and a dull soup spoon.

Or maybe that was somebody else. But I do remember Stillman's Run....

Puffery. Self-glorification. And so, so easy to check! He wasn't the first and he won't be the last...unfortunately. Then there are those who say that all of their military service was in "black ops" or "special ops" and their records are classified. Such people do exist, but they can't and won't tell you about it -- I know, my late brother fell into that category.

Subject: RE: BS: Lying about military service
From: Bobert
Date: 06 Jun 12 - 07:49 PM

How about George W's AWOL???

Never hurt him none...

Ended Dan Rather's career, however...

As fir me??? I ain't gonna lie to you... After graduating from military school (Massanutten Military Academy) I'd had enough of that crap, thank you... Did everything I could to stay the heck out... And did... Gettin' a good lotto number didn't hurt none...

B~

Subject: RE: BS: Lying about military service
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 06 Jun 12 - 08:03 PM

I found being in the Wolf Cubs rather a trial. i used to dib, when the situation required an emphatic dob.

Subject: RE: BS: Lying about military service
From: GUEST,josepp
Date: 06 Jun 12 - 09:37 PM

Once I was busking on a corner when these two guys come up to me. one had a guitar case. His buddy tells that this guy was Dickie Betts of the Allman Bros. I didn't believe it but then I hadn't seen a picture of Betts in a long time but I remembered him as being movie star handsome and this guy sure wasn't. He played guitar alright, sang alright but he sure didn't sound like Dickie Betts. In fact, he didn't have a Southern accent at all! So I played "Melissa" and he didn't even know the chords!!! How do these two yokels think they're fooling?? Finally, I left to go to a CD release party down the block that I got invited to. When I got there, I pulled out my cell phone a pulled up a photo of Dickie Betts online. Not even in the neighborhood if the hood was size of the continental shelf.

After the party broke up, I was on my way back to my car and I passed that corner. There was a long line of people lined up waiting to get their photos taken with Dickie Betts. His guitar case was absolutely brimming with cash. In four hours on that same corner earlier that day I made one lousy stinkin' dollar. They must have had at least $200. I just laughed and kept walking. I'd like to see these dumb people the next morning emailing the photos of themselves standing with this guy saying, "That's me and Dickie Betts! He was in Royal Oak last night!" And somebody sends back a photo of the real Dickie Betts saying, "I don't think so."

Subject: RE: BS: Lying about military service
From: Bobert
Date: 06 Jun 12 - 09:50 PM

More Dickie Betts then one... LOL. joesz...

B~

Subject: RE: BS: Lying about military service
From: Rapparee
Date: 06 Jun 12 - 09:57 PM

My father was in New Guinea and the Philippines, where the Japanese tried to do unpleasant things to him. One of his brothers was in the Navy off Okinawa, another was with Patton.

My Uncle Gene was on Saipan, his brother Jack was a navigator flying B-29s across the Pacific.

I was on the DMZ in Korea at the same time my younger brother was at Chu Lai, South Vietnam and our youngest brother was in the USAF learning Vietnamese so he could be a flying spy.

Two of my cousins were medics in Gulf I, another was a Navy corpsman with the Marines in the same fight.

My FIL was in France at D+21, went through the Battle of the Bulge, and was in Germany on V-E day.

Nobody told anything other than the truth. It wasn't, and still isn't, talked about very much except to others who "have seen the elephant."

Between my two brothers and myself we collected 125 awards of the Air Medal, a Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal, the Bronze Star, the Korea Defense Service Medal, three National Defense Service Medals (about as exclusive as a rainstorm), the Korean Presidential Unit Citation, the Meritorious Unit Citation, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Vietnam Service Medals, and God alone knows what other chest dangles. There are Expert marksmanship badges in rifle, carbine automatic rifle, revolver, pistol, light machine gun, and heavy machine gun. There is no need to lie about it, these are in our personnel records.

All of this, plus a couple of bucks, will get a cup of coffee.

Subject: RE: BS: Lying about military service
From: GUEST,marks (on the road)
Date: 06 Jun 12 - 10:42 PM

And those who do have true military stories to tell rarely tell them.
It's just too hard to make a connection with those who did not share the experience.

Subject: RE: BS: Lying about military service
From: Rapparee
Date: 06 Jun 12 - 11:19 PM

That is correct. You are not believed, looked at as a psychopath, or needlessly pitied. For Vietnam-era vets there's even more to it.

Subject: RE: BS: Lying about military service
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 06 Jun 12 - 11:47 PM

as someone said..lost in a sea of numbnuts. mg

Subject: RE: BS: Lying about military service
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 07 Jun 12 - 01:23 AM

"How about George W's AWOL???"

Or Ewan MacColl's for that matter. But do we want to go down that road again!

~M~

Subject: RE: BS: Lying about military service
From: maeve
Date: 07 Jun 12 - 03:21 AM

To those who have served: Thank you.

Subject: RE: BS: Lying about military service
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 07 Jun 12 - 10:32 AM

Lying about being Dickey Betts is unforgivable! Lying about being Warren Haynes is, however, an entirely different matter.

Subject: RE: BS: Lying about military service
From: kendall
Date: 07 Jun 12 - 02:04 PM

Some of my ancestors fought with William the Conqueror in 1066.
Others fought with George Washington at Vally Forge.
My great grandfather fought with the union army at Bull Run.

We Morses can't get along with anyone.

Seriously,anyone who has to lie about their military service is a loser and a jerk.I'm pleased with my record in the Coast Guard. In time of war the CG is part of the Navy, but it is still the Coast Guard.
Our mission was and still is, Saving lives and property, not bombing women and children in a country that poses no threat to us.

Subject: RE: BS: Lying about military service
From: Jeri
Date: 07 Jun 12 - 02:40 PM

I've got loads of "military stories" and if I can remember them, I'll tell them. There is a BIG difference between military and combat.

The "America's Got Talent" contestant is probably not long for that show. I watched him perform. I thought he was OK, but not great (we all know people who can sing better), and I felt he was put through because of the brain damage story. He got extra points.

I hadn't known that head trauma injuries could cause stuttering, but there are loads of things I don't. I was talking to a guy while he was having a post-head trauma related 'away' seisure, so I suppose there are quite a few things about those injuries I'm not aware of.

He'll be eliminated, either because of the lie or because he's not far enough above the standard.

Subject: RE: BS: Lying about military service
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 07 Jun 12 - 06:10 PM

I think very few people lie without some underlying mental illness..same sort that makes them think they are Joan of Arc. And one of the hottest places in hell is going to be reserved for those who falsely accuse people of lying. You couldn't have been there, you couldn't have done that. US was never in Cambodia. Your personnel records don't match your story. Anyone who wears that many medals has got to be lying. Women didn't do that. That unit was never there. I know it all and you do not know where you were or what you did because I am a historian. My bullshit detector is going beep beep beep. Be very afraid of judgement day if you have ever done this. mg

Subject: RE: BS: Lying about military service
From: Bert
Date: 07 Jun 12 - 06:26 PM

Some of my ancestors fought with William the Conqueror in 1066.

But we will forgive you for that Kendall;-)

Subject: RE: BS: Lying about military service
From: Jeri
Date: 07 Jun 12 - 06:43 PM

I've got ancestors who fought on both sides in the Revolutionary war. Way-way-way before that, I mean WAY before that, they were Celts who, at the time, were fighting other Celts. We are literally our own worst enemies.

Subject: RE: BS: Lying about military service
From: Charmion
Date: 07 Jun 12 - 06:59 PM

My family tree includes people on both sides of the American Revolution and the Civil War. I suspect they found Canada relaxingly dull.

I am one of those whose bullshit detectors do go off fairly often. I don't say anything on the scene, but I always check out my suspicions. I have been wrong, but not often.

Subject: RE: BS: Lying about military service
From: Rapparee
Date: 07 Jun 12 - 09:01 PM

Traumatic brain injury (by explosion, vehicle accident or other) the following symptoms (according the US Veterans Administration):

Related Effects

Some effects are most visible just after the injury, and for most people, these will generally fade as time goes by. Other behavioral and cognitive effects may be more complicated and include difficulty remembering, making decisions, solving problems, and performing day-to-day functions like driving a car, dressing, or bathing.

Physical effects include fractures, fever, difficulty eating and speaking, degraded vision, fatigue, and loss of hearing and sense of touch.

Behavioral effects include anxiety, agitation, frustration, impulsiveness, repetitiveness, depression, regression (return to childlike behavior) and disinhibition (inability to control impulsive behavior and emotions).

Cognitive effects include lack of attention and concentration, memory loss, lack of judgment, and communication problems.

Many of these effects are inter-connected. For example:

    Lack of sleep can affect how quickly someone thinks.
    Loss of vision, hearing and sense of touch can affect how someone focuses and learns.
    Fatigue can make it difficult to move about efficiently and safely.
    Memory loss can make it difficult to communicate with others.

Aphasia is one of the "communication problems," as is stuttering.

TBI can cause permanent changes to the brain. It's been there in every war (including beating someone on the head with a rock); it's just now being recognized for the problem it is.

(It can also result from boxing, American football, and other such sports.)

Subject: RE: BS: Lying about military service
From: ollaimh
Date: 07 Jun 12 - 09:34 PM

dan rather may have been deep sixed by his reports on w's military service but subsequent reports showed he did not fulfill his military obligations but was given a pass by superiors due to family in fluence , so the prescott bush tradition of serving yourself lives on.


the vietnam soldiers were heavily draftees so they had little choice but in iraq it was a volunteer army engaged in raw naked imperialist agression. i can rationalize going into afghanistan but iraq was for oil, and they booted the pooch. the leadership had no idea what they were doing and the resulkt has been a disasterous and illegal war that has cost probably close to a million civilian lives and ruined the american economy.

if you don't want to be a tool for the military capitalists(remember the military industrial complex) then don't volunteer--ever--for their armed forces

Subject: RE: BS: Lying about military service
From: Rapparee
Date: 07 Jun 12 - 09:56 PM

Well, I hate to disagree with a bard or a brehon, but the facts about the Vietnam soldiers don't bear that out. This is what the Vietnam and All Other Veterans of Florida website says, and it is bore out by other sites:

The image of those who fought in Vietnam is one of poorly educated, reluctant draftees -- predominantly poor whites and minorities. But in reality, only one-third of Vietnam-era veterans entered the military through the draft, far lower than the 66 percent drafted in World War II.

It was the best-educated and most egalitarian military force in America's history -- and with the advent of the all-volunteer military, is likely to remain so. In WWII, only 45 percent of the troops had a high school diploma. During the Vietnam War, almost 80 percent of those who enlisted had high school diplomas, and the percentage was higher for draftees -- even though, at the time, only 65 percent of military-age males had a high school diploma.

Throughout the Vietnam era, the median education level of the enlisted man was about 13 years. Proportionately, three times as many college graduates served in Vietnam than in WWII.

Another common assumption: The war in Vietnam was fought by youngsters wet behind the ears, who died as teenagers barely old enough to shave. In fact, more 52-year-olds (22) died in Vietnam than 17-year-olds (12). An analysis of data from the Department of Defense shows the average age of men killed in Vietnam was 22.8 years, or almost 23 years old.

Though the notion persists that those who died in Vietnam were mostly members of a minority group, it's not true. About 5 percent of KIAs were Hispanic and 12.5 percent were black -- making both minorities slightly under-represented in their proportion of draft-age males in the national population.

A common negative image of the soldier in Vietnam is that he smoked pot and injected heroin to dull the horrors of combat. However, except for the last couple of years of the war, drug usage among GIs in Vietnam was lower than for U.S. troops stationed elsewhere.
When drug rates started to rise in 1971 and 1972, almost 90 percent of the men who served in Vietnam had already come and gone. A study after the war by the VA showed drug usage of veterans and non-veterans to be about the same. And marijuana -- not heroin -- was the drug used in 75 percent of the cases. Of those addicted, 88 percent kicked the habit within three years of returning.

Alcohol was cheaper and easier to get -- and legal.

Subject: RE: BS: Lying about military service
From: ollaimh
Date: 07 Jun 12 - 10:06 PM

i was posting on another thread and thought about the old veterans in the north nova scotia highlanders i knew as a teen. those guys were in the first wave on june sixth at normandy.(for those who don't know canada had one of the five beaches ay normandy and comprised the bulk of the first wave on the british beaches as well) my father was in the canadian mediacl cop attached to the north novas and he landed june 9th. the guys who fought in some of the fiercest battles in history, on the beaches and especially at caen rarely said a word about their war experiences. i only found out years later that several had major decorations for bravery. they were nice guys, modest and helpfull, but almost no war stories.

my opinion is the brave ones don't go in for bravado, thats the ones trying to bulk up their courage not the one with courage

Subject: RE: BS: Lying about military service
From: Rapparee
Date: 07 Jun 12 - 10:13 PM

Veterans, and combat veterans in particular, don't tell their stories except to other veterans. Those who didn't serve cannot understand. Your father, and those you were fortunate enough to know, were very brave and honorable men.

And while I might be an American, I've been aware of what the Canadians did at Normandy for years. Juno was not a walk in the park, none of the beaches were. All who fought there are brothers regardless of their nationality.

Subject: RE: BS: Lying about military service
From: olddude
Date: 07 Jun 12 - 11:42 PM

My family were all Military WWII folks, you never asked them about combat, Like they would say, unless you been there you can't know .. that was the standard line for sure. My uncle was a fighter ace in WWII
he would tell you about aircraft but never how he earned the silver star and the Distinguished flying cross. My great great uncle, medal of honor was awarded to him in the Civil War (Navy)

There are also folks that never wore the uniform, but were critical to the military. The covert guys when given an award could only look at it then it was taken away. Even their families could not know .. and when they were killed, no name anywhere just a star on the wall. They don't talk about it either.

Subject: RE: BS: Lying about military service
From: Doug Chadwick
Date: 08 Jun 12 - 03:47 AM

Some of my ancestors fought with William the Conqueror in 1066.

One of my ancestors fought with King Harold in 1066. In fact, Harold spoke his last words to him. He said : -
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-
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"Watch what you're doing with that arrow. You'll have someone's eye out!"


DC

Subject: RE: BS: Lying about military service
From: Amergin
Date: 08 Jun 12 - 03:56 AM

My brother and cousin both have spent multiple tours in Iraq, not because they wanted to go, but because they were told. They know Iraq is bullshit. Once you sign your name and take the oath, your life is not your own.

They tell me stories, as long as the womenfolk are not around....for some reason they feel comfortable in talking to me about their experiences. Maybe because I don't judge, maybe because I have my own issues, maybe because they know I'm a writer, or maybe it could just be that they like me and just need some one to listen.

Subject: RE: BS: Lying about military service
From: Rapparee
Date: 08 Jun 12 - 09:51 AM

It's hard for a civilian not to be judgmental if a vet tells a story about machine-gunning a pregnant woman who got in the line of fire or a kid who was shooting at the vet with an AK. Yet both things happen. If a vet ever opens up to you, don't judge --you weren't there and you don't know, but for the vet to trust you enough to tell you says how highly s/he thinks of you.

Subject: RE: BS: Lying about military service
From: kendall
Date: 08 Jun 12 - 11:54 AM

Doug Chadwick, :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Lying about military service
From: GUEST,josepp
Date: 08 Jun 12 - 07:39 PM

/////if you don't want to be a tool for the military capitalists(remember the military industrial complex) then don't volunteer--ever--for their armed forces/////

It's that kind of thinking that leads to conscription.

Subject: RE: BS: Lying about military service
From: Rapparee
Date: 08 Jun 12 - 08:11 PM

Don't worry. I won't do it again.

Subject: RE: BS: Lying about military service
From: GUEST,Lighter
Date: 09 Jun 12 - 12:55 PM

Mr. Poe was on CNN this morning. He sobbed that he hadn't realized at the time that his story of combat heroism and the award of the Purple Heart was false. He can't believe that it never happened.

Also http://www.newser.com/story/147661/reality-show-singers-military-photo-is-bogus.html :

"The photo he submitted to the show, supposedly of himself in military gear, turns out to be of another soldier. Poe won't comment, but his fiancee tells the AP it was an honest mistake. She says he must have downloaded it by accident off a military site because he was in a rush."

Subject: RE: BS: Lying about military service
From: Tunesmith
Date: 09 Jun 12 - 01:52 PM

I was born in 1945, but for years I used to joke about my experiences "in the desert with Monty"( I think I got that routine from an uncle - a right character- who was in army for a few days during WW11 before being found to have some health problem)
Anyway, I used the same routine until one day somebody actual believed me.
My first thought was, "My God! How old do I look!".

Subject: RE: BS: Lying about military service
From: GUEST,Eliza
Date: 09 Jun 12 - 02:37 PM

As my old dad (who had seen some terrible things during WW2) "He's seen so much action, he must have been the camp projectionist!"

Subject: RE: BS: Lying about military service
From: CET
Date: 09 Jun 12 - 07:28 PM

"Subject: RE: BS: Lying about military service
From: ollaimh - PM
Date: 07 Jun 12 - 10:06 PM

i was posting on another thread and thought about the old veterans in the north nova scotia highlanders i knew as a teen. those guys were in the first wave on june sixth at normandy.(for those who don't know canada had one of the five beaches ay normandy and comprised the bulk of the first wave on the british beaches as well) my father was in the canadian mediacl cop attached to the north novas and he landed june 9th. the guys who fought in some of the fiercest battles in history, on the beaches and especially at caen rarely said a word about their war experiences. i only found out years later that several had major decorations for bravery. they were nice guys, modest and helpfull, but almost no war stories.

my opinion is the brave ones don't go in for bravado, thats the ones trying to bulk up their courage not the one with courage"

I certainly share your opinion about bravado, but I'm afraid your history is a little shaky. The Canadians had Juno Beach, but there were no Canadian units on any other beaches, although individual Canadian citizens did serve in the British and American services. The RCN and RCAF were heavily involved too.

Subject: RE: BS: Lying about military service
From: Uncle_DaveO
Date: 09 Jun 12 - 09:45 PM

My brother, five years my senior, was an infantry soldier in the Battle of the Bulge. He didn't talk "war stories".

But we knew something about my brother that he never told us. He was awarded the Soldiers Medal, which is given for bravery (or maybe the word is "gallantry") NOT in contact with the enemy.

How do I know it, then? I saw his medal and the printed citation. It seems his unit (I suppose platoon) was crossing a river in Germany when the current swept his lieutenant away. My brother, a private or maybe private first-class, organized a human chain, with himself at the outer end in the fast current, and was able to pull the lieutenant out.

Jerry did tell me that the Soldiers Medal was the only medal for heroism that Douglas MacArthur never was awarded.

But what was he proudest of from his time in the Army? Not that medal, but the Combat Infantryman's Badge.

Subject: RE: BS: Lying about military service
From: kendall
Date: 10 Jun 12 - 08:13 AM

One of the ships I sailed on when I was in the Fish& Wildlife service was the General Greene. Someone mentioned that I was a former Coast Guards man, and a peach face sailor asked what ship I was in. I told him the Scammel. and the Harriet Lane. The Scammel was the first Revenue Cutter, 1790.

Subject: RE: BS: Lying about military service
From: GUEST,Lighter
Date: 10 Jun 12 - 09:38 AM

The CIB is highly prized by those who've earned it for several reasons.

It's awarded solely to infantry soldiers who have actively participated in ground combat. In other words, it symbolizes that experience like no other single award.

The design, which includes an 18th Century musket, says that the recipient's experiences link him to wars and infantrymen of America's past.

Since the CIB is a badge rather than a ribbon, its distinctive shape stands out on a uniform and instantly makes its statement to the viewer who knows what it stands for. These are mostly other soldiers rather than civilians.

Most decorations imply different "levels" of valor, with every recommendation measured against others. That leads to the idea, held mostly by children, that a decoration is a "prize" one tries to "win," with top honors for the most thrilling exploit. All CIBs, however, are equal, and all state plainly that the wearer has risked death in battle. Period. No elaboration is necessary.

The CIB doesn't imply, even inadvertently, that one infantryman is essentially braver than any other.

Finally, most battlefield heroism, by any everyday standard, is never recognized by an award. (The military considers it "doing your duty.") The CIB makes up for that by acknowledging without fanfare the baseline of skill and resolve required just to take part in infantry combat. Any additional honors are simply that: additional.

Taken all together, those are some of the reasons why those who've earned it cherish it especially.

Subject: RE: BS: Lying about military service
From: Rapparee
Date: 10 Jun 12 - 10:10 AM

There are stars for additional awards of the CIB.

You do not "win" any award, from the Medal of Honor to "Best Latrine Cleaner." Awards are earned, and the more prestigious ones all too often by the life of the worker.

Subject: RE: BS: Lying about military service
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 10 Jun 12 - 02:36 PM

If we're using this forum to 'out' those who make false claims of service, I would cite Big Al Whittle:

I found being in the Wolf Cubs rather a trial. I used to dib, when the situation required an emphatic dob.

Anyone who was actually in that select unit will know that 'dib' is actually 'dyb'
Akela: "Cubs, dyb dyb dyb"
Response: "We'll dob dob dob".

Since 1967 the abbreviations have been removed & the instruction and response is:
Akela: "Cubs do your best."
Response: "We will do our best."
Which makes some sense of the previous spelling.

Cheers
Nigel   (sorry Al!, I couldn't let it pass!)

Subject: RE: BS: Lying about military service
From: Elmore
Date: 10 Jun 12 - 04:28 PM

My father was stationed in Trinidad during the second world war. Tough duty.

Subject: RE: BS: Lying about military service
From: Rapparee
Date: 10 Jun 12 - 04:56 PM

Yeah, but he did it.