I know this is slightly off topic from the thread, but in reading all the posts I was reminded of Admiral Boorda's suicide in 1996. He apparently was so despondant over the media reporting that he was not entitled to wear a "V" device on one of his medals, that he took his own life. Does anyone else remember this? It was a horrible shame. Boorda was a stand-up guy, the first non-USNA CNO.
'Stolen Valor' law challenged in court
- Thread starter Luigi59
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I remember it quite well. Issue was brought to life by the late Colonel David Hackworth. He was on a mission to expose "fraudulent" valor. I don't remember why he chose Adm Boorda but there was something about a couple of his decorations having the "V" device...that he had been "told" he was awarded but evidently wasn't in his records and Hackworth's record review showed it was never awarded, even though the former USN commander in VietNam said he WAS entitled to them!
Adm Boorda, who was a man of HIGH honor and morals, became terribly despondent because of this and, presumably, because of the damage to his reputation, and he took his own life.
A great tragedy.
Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
P.S. I did a quick review of this on the 'net...ultimately the BCMR determined the "V" devices were NOT authorized. Still a horrible tragedy.
Actually we don't. We have laws that punish it, but don't attempt to stop it.
The First Amendment allows someone to say what he or she likes - truth, lies, etc. Someone who is then injured by that speech - the victim of slander, libel, commercial misrepresentation, etc., then has the right to sue for damages. (Speech for commercial gain or profit is less protected - that's why the FCC can stop false advertising.)
Here some prior posters have said that the best remedy is to allow veterans' group to ridicule those who would falsely claim rights to military honors. I agree.
"I may despise what you have to say, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it."