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 Troy Nehls, R-Texas, wears on his lapel was revoked since he was never eligible for the award to begin with, the congressman refuses to take the pin off.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.”

  • @halcyoncmdr@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    English
    1864 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.
        • SaltySalamander
          link
          fedilink
          84 months ago

          Considering this is a federal crime, Texas has to have very little to do with it.

          • magnetosphere
            link
            fedilink
            74 months ago

            Good point! Of course, some will still call it “weaponizing the justice system” and/or “lawfare”.

            This would be a relatively harmless and clear-cut opportunity for another Republican to step up and show they have some standards. Ahem.

          • @the_crotch@sh.itjust.works
            link
            fedilink
            94 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
              link
              fedilink
              5
              edit-2
              4 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.

          • @the_crotch@sh.itjust.works
            link
            fedilink
            -84 months ago

            Is it though? I can claim to be Jesus Christ or sporty spice or Jonathan Taylor Thomas. I can even dress like them. That by itself doesn’t get me thrown in jail.

            • Krzd
              link
              fedilink
              54 months ago

              In this case it also wouldn’t, stolen valor only applies of you do it to “obtain a tangible benefit” IE discounts, or deceiving voters.

    • @HelixDab2@lemm.ee
      link
      fedilink
      64 months ago

      […]with intent to obtain money, property, or other tangible benefit[…] [emphasis added]

      There’s your problem. You’d have to demonstrate that he claimed the badge in order to receive some benefit. He’s a congressional member of Texas, and Republican; by winning the primary–which likely did not hinge on the medal–he was almost certain to win the general election.

      This would be a very, very hard case to make as a prosecutor.

    • @OpenStars
      link
      English
      174 months ago

      Rules should only be followed by the other side.™ - conservatives

        • @OpenStars
          link
          English
          14 months ago

          Is a real™ one better than a Lemmy-computed™ one? Either way, it’s good to have choices you know!? 😃

          • @Halosheep@lemm.ee
            link
            fedilink
            14 months ago

            I didn’t realize that it was supposed to show that way! Boost for lemmy is missing a lot of markup I think.

            • @OpenStars
              link
              English
              14 months ago

              Oh really?

              Well, now I just appreciate all the more your sending me that one, kind person:-).

  • mozz
    link
    fedilink
    43
    edit-2
    4 months ago

    Try that in a small town

    Oh wait hang on, I’m confused now

  • @Snapz@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    404 months ago

    Texas: “I’m a big, strong Texas army man!!!”

    [Uvalde children trapped by an active shooter being murdered and psychologically tortured]

    Texas: “… … …”

  • @Letstakealook@lemm.ee
    link
    fedilink
    344 months ago

    The larger issue here is that our society idolizes the military in the first place. I find that much more concerning than “stolen valor.”

  • @just_another_person@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    16
    edit-2
    4 months ago

    Very clear facts asserting why he should take it off and doesn’t deserve it, backed up by military records over a decade ago, but y’know…“DEEP STATE”.

  • Todd Bonzalez
    link
    fedilink
    154 months ago

    I love how I have a 100% success rate in assuming that a shithead in a news story is a Republican.

    “Texas congressman” was maybe a giveaway, but still, Dems are never the ones doing this petty shit.

  • modifier
    link
    fedilink
    154 months ago

    I never like to curse anyone or wish them ill, but it would be dope if I could somehow sign up to get text alerts anytime something bad happens to this guy. Even small things, would put a smile on my face.

  • @Lasherz12@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    154 months ago

    Fascism always manifests through surface level aesthetics. This will become more and more common and you’ll find shamelessness and stolen valor are traits they’ll all share uniformly eventually.