Texas Congressman Won't Stop Wearing Combat Infantryman Badge that Was Revoked
www.military.com
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 Troy Nehls, R-Texas, wears on his lapel was revoked since he was never eligible for the award to begin with, the congressman refuses to take the pin off.

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 Troy Nehls, R-Texas, wears on his lapel was revoked since he was never eligible for the award to begin with, the congressman refuses to take the pin off.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.worldEnglish
    1882·
    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.
          • magnetosphere@fedia.io
            7·
            5 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
        424·
        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
          271·
          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
            9·
            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·
              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.

          • the_crotch
            311·
            5 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@lemmy.world
              5·
              5 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
      6·
      5 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.

    • RainfallSonata@lemmy.world
      528·
      5 months ago

      Not that I want to defend the guy, but what’s the tangible benefit? The law doesn’t apply to just being an asshole.

  • Snapz@lemmy.world
    411·
    5 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
    395·
    5 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
    16·
    5 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@lemm.ee
    172·
    5 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@lemmy.ca
    15·
    5 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
    15·
    5 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.