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!"

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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.

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