Man wearing medals with no military service

Pack93z
Select Member Topic Starter

14 years ago

Seriously.. what would drive a person to do such?

I wish there was more to the story on how he got caught and he rationale for donning the metals.

http://lacrossetribune.com/news/local/article_0defd1ac-ed42-11df-8fb2-001cc4c03286.html?mode=story

MADISON A West Salem man has been accused in federal court of wearing an Army uniform and medals in the Sept. 25 Maple Leaf Parade even though hed never served. Gary Spors, 26, could face up to six months in federal prison if convicted on the misdemeanor charge of wearing unauthorized military medals.

The information filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Madison had few details, but contends Spors appeared in the Oktoberfest event in uniform, with a major rank insignia and combat infantryman and parachutist badges.

La Crosse and Onalaska police and the FBI investigated the case, which has been assigned to First Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Sinnott.

Spors is set to appear in court Dec. 8. He did not respond Wednesday to requests for comment.

"The oranges are dry; the apples are mealy; and the papayas... I don't know what's going on with the papayas!"

Wanna join the discussion?! Login to your PACKERSHOME forum account or Register a new forum account

TheEngineer
Registered

14 years ago

I can understand some sensitivity towards this act.

However, what's the line between a Halloween costume of some sort and onerously portraying oneself as a member of the armed forces and is hence, punishable under law?

Maybe he wanted to serve but couldn't. Isn't it often said that imitation is the best form of flattery? Maybe he's wearing a friend's or family member's badges and rank. I know it's most likely just him portraying himself as a soldier, but what if the above was true? Where do we draw the line?

If people wear a pilot's uniform is that illegal? Or how about a (dirty) nurse uniform, or doctor's, or police officer's? Is it simply if the person attempts to defraud and misrepresent or in any situation?

I'm sure nobody would mind if a son wore his father's medals and uniform in a parade. How about a lifelong friend who lost his best mate? How about just a friend, or acquaintance or work colleague filling in?

Just something to think about.

blank

Formo
Veteran Member

14 years ago

Engineer.. Good point, but since it's a big no-no to wear something that was not presented to you (i.e. military unis, metals, badges, etc.) by the US Military, that's where the line is drawn.

If you were a best friend or family member, you'd know the ramifications of wearing that uniform. And how it's a big no-no.

Thanks to TheViking88 for the sig!!

Cheesey
Preferred Member

14 years ago

Every so often you hear of people trying to pass themselves off as veterans.
Why do they do it? They want the pats on the back, without ever doing what it took to EARN that pat.

Wade
Veteran Member

14 years ago

Well, I once wore my Dad's bronze star on Halloween. He was okay with it. I think I was 10.

Of course, when I asked how he got the thing he said, "Oh, that was for going two weeks once without being demoted."

He never did tell us how he got the star or his other ribbons/medals. All I really know is (a) He did sheet metal work on B-25s, (b) he once was promoted/demoted 4.5 times in like three months; (c) he had little respect for officers. Discharged as tech sergeant, but according to him and the one army buddy of his I once met, it was the second time in the rank.

And of course all the records save the enlistment were lost in the 1973 St Louis fire, so I'll likely never know whether even those were true. (I did see a pic once of him with the four stripes of a staff sgt, but not of the fifth.)

I am so pissed at myself for not remembering better the few stories he did tell.

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:2 (NKJV)

Since69
Registered

14 years ago

September 25th is not Halloween (not that this would be acceptable on Halloween, either). Seeing a uniform (and medals!) on a civilian is a slap in the face to anyone who ever served in our country's military.

That uniform is a suit of honor, and wearing it is a privilege reserved for those who have earned it.

Maybe this knucklehead didn't realize that, but I sure hope he does now.

Pack93z
Select Member Topic Starter

14 years ago

Yes the government has regulations against it.

http://uscode.house.gov/download/pls/10C45.txt

10 USC Sec. 771
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 10 - ARMED FORCES
Subtitle A - General Military Law
PART II - PERSONNEL
CHAPTER 45 - THE UNIFORM

-HEAD-
Sec. 771. Unauthorized wearing prohibited

-STATUTE-
Except as otherwise provided by law, no person except a member of
the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps, as the case may be, may
wear -
(1) the uniform, or a distinctive part of the uniform, of the
Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps; or
(2) a uniform any part of which is similar to a distinctive
part of the uniform of the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine
Corps.

-SOURCE-
(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 34.)

"The oranges are dry; the apples are mealy; and the papayas... I don't know what's going on with the papayas!"

Nonstopdrivel
Preferred Member

14 years ago

Seeing a uniform (and medals!) on a civilian is a slap in the face to anyone who ever served in our country's military.

"Since69" wrote:

Holy hyperbole, people! I have three rows of ribbons on my chest (not to mention airborne wings) and I couldn't care less who wears a uniform or awards.

Heck, the guy is 26 and was wearing major rank. It's not like anyone would have taken him seriously anyway. Who was harmed by the costume? As long as he wasn't applying for veterans benefits, I don't see what the big deal is, 10 USC 771 not withstanding. I'm amazed that law has withstood First Amendment scrutiny anyway. I know George Bush's infamous Stolen Valor Act of 2006 was struck down this past August by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals as an unconstitutional infringement of freedom of speech. I applaud them for their courage in handing down that decision.

4PackGirl
Registered

14 years ago

i was waiting for your reponse to this, nsd.

you're a consistent lil f'er aren't you? 😉

wpr
Preferred Member

14 years ago

#10

The only time I would be willing to give a pass is if the person had been documented as being a little weak minded. If someone doesn't have the mental capacity to know what they are doing is wrong I would cut them some slack. They still can't wear it. Just no punishment for what they did. Otherwise son, daughter, grandchild, best mates and all the rest can wear the uni in their home but not out in public.

Good thing he wasn't wearing the Medal of Honor. I would suggest he be hung by his nads for 6 months.

Important Information:

The PACKERSHOME uses cookies. By continuing to browse this site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. More Details Close

Fan Shout

Zero2Cool (10h) : Both LB Quay Walker and Rookie DB Micah Robinson have passed their physicals

Zero2Cool (10h) : Happy to see site feels more snappy snappy

Zero2Cool (10h) : No sir. I did not.

dfosterf (11h) : You didn't get free childcare when you were at work?

wpr (11h) : These guys make hundreds of thousands of dollars a year. Pay for their own childcare.

dfosterf (12h) : 2nd issue. Number 1 issue was no gameday childcare. 1 of 3 teams not providing it

Zero2Cool (12h) : Suppose if locker room is main issue, we sitting pretty

wpr (12h) : I thought so Mucky. In those useless player polls GB always rates high overall. Locker is a part of it.

Mucky Tundra (13h) : Wasn't the locker room just updated like 6 or 7 years ago?

Zero2Cool (14h) : I have forum updated on different site. We'll see how this one goes before going to that

Zero2Cool (14h) : Elgton Jenkins has a back injury, is expect to end contract dispute

wpr (17h) : It's funny the PA complained about the locker room. It wasn't that long ago it was top shelf. Things change in a hurry.

wpr (17h) : The site is much more better.

Zero2Cool (17h) : NFLPA report said Packers lockerroom needed upgrade. Whining bout where you change?

Zero2Cool (17h) : I saw that and thought it was kind of lame.

dfosterf (17h) : Packers new locker room is pretty awesome. Great for morale, imo

Zero2Cool (17h) : Shuffled things on the web server. Hope it makes it faster.

Zero2Cool (18h) : Other times, it's turtle ass

Zero2Cool (18h) : Sometimes it's snappy, like now.

beast (19h) : I feel like it's loading at the top of the next minute, or something like that.

beast (19h) : Also the thanks/heart takes FOREVER to load, and posting in the shout box takes three times FOREVER!

beast (19h) : Thanks for saying something, I thought it was slow, but assumed it was on my end

Zero2Cool (19h) : Yeah, I noticed that too. Is it slow for PackerPeople.com too?

wpr (19h) : I don't know what you IT guys call it but the page loading is very slow for me today.

Zero2Cool (20h) : SSL might be settled now.

Zero2Cool (23-Jul) : Still working through SSL cert issues

wpr (23-Jul) : Glad to be back

Zero2Cool (23-Jul) : I think PH original finally working.

dfosterf (22-Jul) : Can tell you are having a fun day Kev

Zero2Cool (22-Jul) : Yep, I had to manually move them. It'll fix itself after more posts.

Mucky Tundra (22-Jul) : Same deal with the songs/videos thread, says you replied last but when I go there it's what I posted earlier is last

Zero2Cool (22-Jul) : I had to manually move three posts.

Mucky Tundra (22-Jul) : But when I go it, Martha's is the last reply

Mucky Tundra (22-Jul) : Still a little screwy; it shows on the main forum that you were the last person to reply to the Jenkins trade thread

Zero2Cool (22-Jul) : Host issues, been crazy day

Mucky Tundra (22-Jul) : Connect 4?

Zero2Cool (22-Jul) : Connecting to new database

Zero2Cool (22-Jul) : What the hell

beast (22-Jul) : Packershome going to the Whiteout unis again

Zero2Cool (21-Jul) : Oh wait, they got Cam Ward. 1st overall right? haha oops

Zero2Cool (21-Jul) : They could send Packers a 1st for a QB they are familiar with

Zero2Cool (21-Jul) : Titans QB Will Levis to have season-ending shoulder surgery

Zero2Cool (19-Jul) : Their season did kind of start there, so 🤷

dfosterf (19-Jul) : Eagles put an engraved Brazil flag on their super bowl rings

Zero2Cool (18-Jul) : Benton unsigned no more

Zero2Cool (17-Jul) : That's good analysis, yes you are getting old. It'd a blessing!

dfosterf (14-Jul) : *analysis* gettin' old

dfosterf (14-Jul) : One of the best analyisis I"ve ever watched at this time of an offseason

dfosterf (14-Jul) : Andy Herman interviewed Warren Sharp on his Pack a day podcast

Please sign in to use Fan Shout

2025 Packers Schedule

Sunday, Sep 7 @ 3:25 PM

LIONS

Thursday, Sep 11 @ 7:15 PM

COMMANDERS

Sunday, Sep 21 @ 12:00 PM

Browns

Sunday, Sep 28 @ 7:20 PM

Cowboys

Sunday, Oct 12 @ 3:25 PM

BENGALS

Sunday, Oct 19 @ 3:25 PM

Cardinals

Sunday, Oct 26 @ 7:20 PM

Steelers

Sunday, Nov 2 @ 12:00 PM

PANTHERS

Monday, Nov 10 @ 7:15 PM

EAGLES

Sunday, Nov 16 @ 12:00 PM

Giants

Sunday, Nov 23 @ 12:00 PM

VIKINGS

Thursday, Nov 27 @ 12:00 PM

Lions

Sunday, Dec 7 @ 12:00 PM

BEARS

Sunday, Dec 14 @ 3:25 PM

Broncos

Friday, Dec 19 @ 11:00 PM

Bears

Friday, Dec 26 @ 11:00 PM

RAVENS

Saturday, Jan 3 @ 11:00 PM

Vikings