Vet's Military Service Under Scrutiny

[unhappycamper]

Vet's Military Service Under Scrutiny
January 11, 2010
El Paso Times

EL PASO, Texas -- By all accounts, Ray Jennings was an above-average Soldier who received a Bronze Star for his service during the Vietnam War. And members of the El Paso chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America agree that he was an efficient and effective president.

But for a decade now Jennings has angered acquaintances and alienated friends who say he falsely represents himself as a war hero.

Jennings, 63, said the criticisms were a case of mistaken identity. He said he has never misrepresented his military career. In addition, he said, none of his accusers know about his experiences in Vietnam, which included combat that left him with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Critics accuse Jennings of dressing in a Special Forces uniform for events such as POW/MIA ceremonies, though he never was in such a unit. Former friends say he wore a Purple Heart and the Distinguished Service Cross, an award second only to the Medal of Honor, but never received either decoration.

Lately Jennings has worn a cap and jacket with symbols implying that his Bronze Star was awarded with the "V device," which is given for combat valor.


Rest of article at: http://www.military.com/news/article/vets-military-service-under-scrutiny.html?col=1186032310810



unhappycamper comment: Neither of my Bronze Stars has a V device; they were awarded for simply surviving and not fucking up (too much).

[cliffordu]

1. I hate those fuckers. The fakers.

Congrats on surviving your medals, and a belated welcome home.



They took back my good conduct medal. I knew they were going to be annoyed, but not THAT pissed off.