Always be suspicious of someone who talks a lot about their military exploits and their combat experience.

With all the problems this government is experiencing, are we actually spending time and money charging men with playing dress up? I admit it is worng and a slap in the face of all the men and women who have served so bravely, but was anyone really hurt by this?

David,
You just answered your own question - that slap in the face to those who do wear the uniform hurts real bad.

I thought I might give david an answer to his question about people being really hurt. It depends on how far you are willing to go with the people being hurt theme.
consider the newspaper editor who falsely claimed to be a fighter pilot. His views on the Vietnam war were hawkish, and they carried credibility on the strength of his false claim to combat experience. Consider the damage done to John Kerry. The stories of his real courage were belittled by people who had the back story of fake heroes to lend credibility to their claims that Kerry did not deserve the awards he earned. Consider the cheapening of the awards given to other people, from firefighters to Medal of Honor winners. ANY counterfeit damages the value of the real thing, and the person who earned it.

What kind of sick pervert would walk around with medals and a uniform trying to convince everyone he is a Hero. I am glad to see the FBI is going after these Wannabee's.

Admittedly, military decorations might not mean much to civilians. There is one helluva lot of emotion in them for those who earned them... Semper Fi!

I agree

Chris,
I think your indignation, just like our President's current "War", is misplaced. Does it really "hurt so bad" for someone currently wearing a uniform to see someone else impersonating them? If so, they may be in the wrong line of duty. I think David is right: we have much larger problems to worry about now. I think those currently wearing military uniforms would rather see money and effort put into designing and purchasing better personal armor and equipment; dedicating more resources to on-the-ground intelligence; and, most of all, they would like to see more time and effort put into diplomatic efforts so that they don't have to risk their lives. Or maybe I'm wrong. Maybe you think that they would rather have our government spend more money and resources to make sure that fewer people mimic them instead?

What about George Bush playing dress up in that flight suit on the USS Lincoln? Seems worse than this poor guy, since Bush was trying to dupe the whole nation into thinking he was some kind of war hero. This guy was simply looking for a little approval, and is not worthy of a big ABC News expose. Don't you all have bigger fish to fry as investigative journalists. Like lying, posing public servants and presidents?

Never mind sending this "Wannabee" to jail. If he wants to walk around in a Marines uniform, then put the fat slob on a bus and send him to Parris Island South Carolina for 18 weeks of Marine Corp training. That will stop him from ever doing it again.

Michael Weilbacher is a true hero, a patriot, and someone to whom we should be grateful.

I agree with Chris; It takes honor and personal sacrifice to receive a medal.It's disrespectful for anyone to ride on the coat tails of those who earned one honestly for the "glory" of it.

The Navy Cross and Silver Star area medals most men in Uniform die earning. They literally give their lives. We owe it to them, to prosecute guys like this.

If they want to be in the military so bad....please send them to Iraq.

I agree with Mike Jones. Put the Slob on a bus to Parris Island.

For every phony like this one who is busted, scores slip through the loopholes in Title 18 of the US Code. In September the U.S. Senate unanimously passed S 1998, the Stolen Valor Act, to close that loophole. The bill has been bottled up in the House Judiciary, where it will die unless those who care about the integrity of military awards get on the phone and start calling their representatives. Congress returns on December 4 for a brief session. Insist your Congressman or Congresswoman calls for House passage of S 1998.

If we spend more effort and money into pursuing and prosecuting petty criminals who dress up as militia, those currently in uniform may have a much better chance to earning the medals they cherish so much by dying for their country. Semper fi. What, again, is the definition of a terrorist?

Jenny said it best!

These medals may not mean very much to many civilians but to the true heroes who did earn them, it may have meant their lives.

Only typical left wing socialists would try to bring Bush or Kerry into this discussion.

If they are going to bust people for dressing up and playing soldier, they can start with George W. Bush

If we spend more effort and money into pursuing and prosecuting petty criminals who dress up as militia, those currently in uniform may have a much better chance to earn the medals they cherish so much by dying for their country. Semper fi. What, again, is the definition of a terrorist?

What does a cheat, impostor, and coward have to do with being a "hero, patriot, and someone whom we should be grateful"? Get a life! I say send him to Iraq!

For many Navy Cross and Medal of Honor recipients, the award represents not just their own actions but the brave [forgotten] actions of their fellow servicemembers - some who lived and many who died in the course of duty. I know because I was honored to hear SGT John Hawk, USA MOH recipient, speak about the meaning of the Medal of Honor and I am paraphrasing his own words.

Contrast that with the personal intent of those civilians and servicemembers that wear medals not awarded. Their conduct represents the exact opposite of what combat medals typically mean to many: bravery and personal sacrifice. How ironic.

Note to all: medals are awarded not "won." If you forgot, just find one of the just over 100 MOH recipients still alive and ask him how he "won" his Medal of Honor. You won't ever forget the answer.

Senior Chief, U.S. Coast Guard sends.

One of the Swift Boaters claimed the medal he gave Kerry, Kerry didn't deserve. So remember that, medals are given out freely and often unfairly according to the Swift Boat Veterans. And not many soldiers rose to defend his medals. So my conclusion is that medals mean nothing. Thank you, Swift Boat Veterans.

I had some slob try to tell me he survived the Bataan death march and then served in combat in the Marines in Vietnam. Couldn't seem to remember the names of any American bases in Vn tho.

Saying that this Mc Lard-O wearing falsely earned medals is akin to Bush wearing the flight suit aboard the USS Lincoln is logically flawed. As president, he is commander in chief and the head of the military. He wasn't wearing any undue medals. The mission was indeed accomplished, too bad Durbin, Waxman and the like in their Jane Fonda ways gave a ""mission accomplished" to the insurgents.

Edward, the flight suit is something used to protect oneself from a fire hazard aboard an aircraft-totally different from wearing medals you don't deserve (prob made to wear it flying out to the carrier in a Navy helicopter; same type of precaution needed in not authorizing him to fly in anything with fewer than 2 engines). As irony would have it though, Bush did actually fly in the Air Force Reserve for a few years, so yea, it could be argued that he deserves that right, too.

As a military wife and mother, I am offended that anyone would think that it is ok to "play dress up". When my husband and kids put on their uniform they are DEADLY serious about the job that they do.

Those weren't light-weight decorations he hijacked either...the Navy Cross is right below the Medal of Honor

Don't you think that anyone joining our armed services thinks more of themselves than that they are represented by a tiny piece of ribbon and tin? Or maybe you think that it is worth dying for your country for a trinket? The question here is between deeds and objects. You would do well to look into the anthropological topic of Material Culture – how things, like little chest-medals (for the military, girl scouts, etc.) take on meaning in a primitive culture (like ours in the U.S.).

If all you lib's cannot distinguish between a Former Air Force Fighter Pilot and Commander in Chief of the U.S Military donning a flight suit to land on an Aircraft Carrier and a fat, bacon eating moron wearing a Marine Major's uniform with the Navy Cross and multiple Silver Stars and Purple Hearts, Then you are very stupid. Big surprise there.

Those who have actually done great things for this nation rarely brag or even talk about them in passing. This guy is a true scumbag and pathetic. Real heroes are quiet and humble. It is part of what heroism is all about.

I too believe his sentence should be to spend even one week with a group of boots going through basic. He will probably die or break bones in attempting to complete training. Hell he would stave to death from only eating three square meals a day.

Again, it would be a fair punishment.

Of course, you are aware that President Bush was a fighter pilot in the National Guard?

David, Edward (etc.):

You have obviously never served in the armed forces, or you wouldn't have to ask any questions: these fakers need to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, and the law needs to be toughened. Hopefully the Stolen Valor Act will pass, soon.

I realize that this doesn't make any sense to you; it couldn't really, because you've never been there. There is no way for someone who has never faced incoming enemy fire to understand any of this. You never had to help bury a really good friend who earned his Silver Star (with cluster) by giving his life for his mates, incidentally saving your own life in the process. As a result, you can't connect with those who feel great hurt and insult when these frauds, whose "combat" experience is confined to state-side cocktail parties, brag about exploits that never happened, thereby cheapening the acts of those who really earned the decorations.

I feel sorry for all of you who have so little empathy that you can't understand this; how empty you must be inside. Pitiful.

You civies don't get it. A military man or woman's honor is more sacred than most things in this world, and in some instances, more sacred than your wright of freedom of speech. Oh, and while I'm at it, my friends and family members have died to keep your ability to speak your mind when you should be stuffing a cloriformed sock down your throat!!
This fat slob of a man should be given the harshest of penalties, I like Mike's idea!!

I am proud to be a former Sailor and proud to have served with some fine Marines. A Marine is a Marine and a Soldier works for the Army.

There is a difference.

There is no difference between a disgusting piece of slime and Weilbacher.

I don't know if John Kerry earned his or not, I was not with him. He lost me when he disrespected those honors by throwing them over the fence. GWB in a flight suit is another thing altogether. I do not feel that he represents me as Commander in Chief being as he was never elected to office, was appointed. Fat wannabees disrespecting uniform as well as honors should be incarcerated in cell with Bubba.

David I agree with you..does the media have nothing better to do then to report this crap. It is nothing more than a grown man playing dress up. No harm no foul. As a person in the military I don't view this as a slap in the face, just the opposite. You see he wants to be us, many do yet they lack the will and desire to join up and serve with pride, so instead they play dress up and pretend. We serve with pride for him and the many others like him.

Punish him..,,hmmmm how about making him pick up trash on base for a few months. Perhaps that would help him understand a bit more about what we do and why we do it. Not to mention, if he wants to wear the uniform then shape up and wear it with the pride in which it should be worn!!

Where does a 400lb man find dress blues? Do they even make dress blues for someone 400 lbs?

To you military folks going around calling us civvies "empty" and "pitiful", you just cheapen what you are trying to protect. Just because we have not been where you are gives you no right to go on and on about how horrible it is and how we could never understand. It is horrible and yet many folks just like you deal with the same idiotic stuff. I am proud of our fighting men and women especially now with the current situation and I just cant believe that some idiots try to cheapen your support base. As to the gentleman in question, he should be sent to a boot camp. Excellent suggestion.

Good thing John Kerry has a record of his three purple hearts in three months(ha ha). He served but he also Lied about his fellow vets.

Most fighter pilots would have given their left nut to remain on flying status, Our illustrious "leader" not only bailed on this privilege, he didn't even bother to fulfill his last year of obligation. Here in Ohio, during that time frame, he would have been declared AWOL and immediately assigned to the Army infantry and dispatched to Vietnam.
I agree that this Butterball should be prosecuted, but those of you who bring up our "wannabee flyboy" who has a propensity for wearing military garb, LET IT GO! Your hero deserted his post during wartime. What should be the penalty for that?

Those who serve to protect our country do not enter service to seek the recognition provided by an award or medal. The "trinkets" as some have called them are to serve as recognition and reminders of their service.

This imposter however did not serve but sought out the recognition he perceived the awards provide. Truly disgraceful. It is indeed a mockery of every person who has ever served.

Could our resources be better spent elsewhere? Possibly. But if we don't stop phonies like this, then do we not leave ourselves vulnerable to worse frauds? Would you want to answer your door to a fake policeman and not know the difference?

Leave the politics out of it people! It's entirely irrelevant to the topic!

Respect the men and women who serve our country, and jail the frauds.

One again the radical fringe has lost the message. For someone to pose as this fool has done is indeed an insult not only to those heros that have been awarded the citations he so boldly wore, but to the very core of those who choose to serve. If he wants to pose as a Marine then let the judge sentence him to 18 weeks at any Marine Corp Recruit Depot i guarntee he'll be in better shape after that sentence.

I love how all the Lib's can tie everything that is bad in this world to GWB. Global warming, Katrina, Fish Kills, and now some fat tub of Bacon grease wearing a bunch of medals. I am glad the Dem's won the election. I even hope Hillary gets elected in two years. I cant wait to blame everything on her, Nancy Pelosi and Charles Rangel. It will be a helluva lot more fun sitting on the sidelines throwing rocks then actually try and accomplish anything.

I concur with Dave: Michael Weilbacher is a true hero, a patriot, and someone to whom we should be grateful. Somebody give that man a (genuine) medal!

I served my time and I experienced first hand how some people treat a person in the military (both positive and negative) and for the longest time, I did not let many people know that I was a veteran. I do support those military personnel that are serving abroad and I will defend them against anyone that belittles there service. For the medals I received, I keep them in a quiet place and I will tell my children what they represent if I am asked. Yes there are many individuals that will make false claims, that is something we will never be able to stop, but it is something that must be pursued. Those that make false claims do cheapen those medals that were awarded to military personnel for real actions; people may or may not understand that, but for those of us who do understand, we believe that they need to be prosecuted for their lies.

As an active duty Airman I'm humbled to think someone could want so bad to belong to the military that he would cheapen himself to this extent. I hope the shame he's brought to himself and his family was worth the gratification he felt from putting himself in the place of real hearos was worth it. I've been to Iraq and Korea. I've never seen a single person in either place boast about the medals they recieved for their actions. I don't care what your political back ground is but if you've never volunteered to serve your country either by enlisting in the military or for public office you are in my eyes a subject. A real citizen believes in the greater good for all not just himself. If you've never served than you should be content to accept what others have sacrificed themselves to achieve. If you don't like it then I suggest you volunteer to serve and make a difference of your own.

Ron,
Ever heard of sarcasm? C'mon dude. Jeez.

I had a run-in a number of years ago with a "wannabe" who claimed combat service in Vietnam as some sort of Special Forces troop. Unfortunately, he made the mistake of doing so in front of a number of ex-SF types. He saw combat right on-the-spot, hand-to-hand, and hasn't made any similar claims since. To all "wannabes", war isn't glorious, combat isn't a John Wayne movie and the people wearing the real decorations earned them by being willing to sacrifice and even die, not for a medal, but for honor, principles, their fellow combatants and their country. When you're willing to do the same, step right up, raise your right hand and head off to Iraq or Afghanistan or some other hellish spot.

Are there more pics. of him on the internet somewhere?

He might have actually gotten away with this deception if he had been wearing an Air Force Major's uniform. But, wearing a Marine Corps uniform and weighing 400lbs this guy would have stood out like a turd in a punch bowl.

I'll tell you who was hurt by this: all the brave men and women who have died while serving in those uniforms. All the mothers and fathers who lost their dear dear children who gave their lives while in those uniforms. And lastly, all of us who served in those uniforms but were lucky and did not have to see action. How dare you ask such a stupid question.

Mike Jones should be a comedian. I have never laughed so hard in my life. Keep them coming.

I served long ago....I have been
married this time for 17 yrs....my
family found out about my service just 2 years ago. My father served in WWII and the Korean War..I knew he was a pilot but only after his death in 1988 did I
find his medals and commendations of various types including 2 DFCs
and written commendations from General "Vinegar" Joe Stillwell.
My Dad did not encouraged his sons
to enter military service but we did any way.

ADK

Interesting! I wasn't the one who broached the subject of "The Imposter In Chief". As a veteran who volunteered, served and honored the terms of my contract with the USAF during the Vietnam war, I consider GWB as much a disgrace to uniform as this 400 lb freak.
It's ironic how Bush, Cheney, Perle, Wolfowitz, Libby, Lutti, Wurmser, Feith, Shulsky, Rubin and Gringrich all had better things to do during the 60's and 70's, but are so eager to send our kids and grandkids to die in a desert war.
Is this political? You're darned right it is!
Is this discussion over a fat piece of crap really, really stupid? Absolutely! Is the sight of "W" wearing a jacket adorned with military insignia totally disgusting?
I'll let those of you who served answer that one. If you haven't walked the walk, don't talk the talk.

Impersonating a Military Officer might seem like a small crime to some. It is true that there are greater issues. Just because we have bigger problems, doesn't mean that we can neglect speeding violations, shoplifting or other less harmfull crimes.
For those who still want to pretend that Bush somehow deserted. Get a life. Lots of people got "Early Outs' in 1971. The military cut back across the board. If you had a job to go to, you could ask for a release.
The miscreant here can't go to Boot Camp, nor Afghanistan. He can get a slap on the wrist, to let him know that we do care about his cheapening the efforts and sacrifices of our military.
Four Bronze Stars? The guy could have gotten away with it if he'd of toned it down a bit.

I can see him maybe getting away with it, if he was in the army or the airforce, but the marines? oh please. They are all really thin. I have seen really fat army guys. I guess you can be fat and in the army too.

i served in the navy from 73-77, got the national service, or gedunk medal as it's called. i would never claim to have medals not awarded, i say awarded, not won, you don't "win" a medal. i have actually ended a longtime friendship because of false claims he's made about service. sadly those claims have advanced his career, and yes it hurts deeply.

George Bush served in the National Guard, he's been in the military. He's the Commander-in-Chief, he commands the nation's military. People in uniforms isn't the issue here, its the act of wearing valor medals AND the intent to pass off as someone who had actually earned those medals. Don't misconstrue this as something political. I was in Iraq and the comment that we should be spending the money elsewhere presecuting the war is odd. It is demoralizing to the troops to see an imposter touting acts he had not engaged in; we are aiding in prosecuting the war when we prosecute people like this...we aid in the morale of our soldiers over there.

There is a reason the medals are placed over the heart. They stand for words like Honor, True, Proud Trustworthy, sacrifice,and many other words that cannot be bought and paid for. My son is an Eagle Scout, serving his community. Maybe some day he will serve our country for your rights. Has anybody read the constitution lately? It's a good one.

What does it matter? Perhaps you should ask my husband who walked in the blood of his dead comrades at Paitilla Airport in Panama. Or the 12 men who survived the assault on that squad what it would matter if someone impersonated their team member? Or ask the people who are CONSTANTLY DEFRAUDED, CONNED and LIED to. People are HONORED and given positions in the community and in the government based on FRAUDULENT information. It's so pervasive there are quite a few websites devoted to exposing these losers:

www.pownetwork.org/phonies/phonies.htm

As a former sailor myself, I know what we've endured and find it despicable that other people reap rewards without sacrifice. If you haven't been there, you have no clue. My husband even takes issue with the jewelry made for women of the Trident given to men who complete the most arduous training in the world: BUD/s.

I think our military would rather come home and see their families, rather than really give a damn over some guy playing make believe. Yeah, Im sure any other day this might annoy some, but in truth why? By him parading as something he is not, doesnt take away the glory of the ones fighting out there. I say use the money to persecute this guy, to pay our military personel a hell of alot more. I dont see football players getting shot at. This is just soemthing else that throws us off of what is really going on.

I say can you say "moral relativism" boys and girls?

Who cares if Bush skated by with a NG short tour? Kerry lying (or not)about his medals~ not relivant. Tossing them is entirely different (too bad they can't be revoked) Point is there are thousands of men & women in every branch of the Armed Service (including NG) who keep us safe, even those people who don't appreciate their efforts and sacrafice. Those "Trinkets" worn by the US Military are a type of "Thank You". From the "War Rack" all the way down to a single ribbon they have meaning. Simply put ~ Those "Trinkets" are a visual reminder that there are people volunteering to sacrafice and keep me safe. I'm insulted that some imposter is so ready to accept my appreciation and respect. On him they are Trinkets... on the proud chests of our Military they are badges of honor, sacrafice, courage, respect, and Duty to uphold our Constitution.

Re: Bush/Kerry comment ~ relevant to this story.

I am a "typical left wing socialist" who has never served in the military and thinks that the war in Iraq is a disaster based on lies. I also think that the men and women who serve this country deserve respect, and dirtbags like Weilbacher should to go to jail for dishonoring our brave troops.

This is a story posted by the media for the sole purpose os sensationalized entertainment and is of no worth or consequence.
I stumble across ridiculous stories like this everywhere these days, as do you.
Why even care?

Just a thought from a Marine:
I will tell you who this fat slob is hurting.
It hurts everyone who has sacrificed their own personal safety in order to save a friend who is pinned down by enemy fire. It hurts the families of fallen Marines/soldiers who received the medals that their loved ones lost their lives to earn. It hurts the average person serving in the military because we work for days in end with no sleep and no showers, and apparently no appreciation from the people back here(we know that many of you do support us, just talking about the peace at any price libs here). And to have a fat, worthless pig like this pretend to be one of us, especially a highly decorated veteran, is an insult to anyone who has ever worn a military uniform.
I am shocked each time I see the left in this country say things that belittle the very people who defend their right to criticize. Show some appreciation people.

Now for the person who posted about GW Bush wearing the flight suit on the aircraft carrier. I saw a posting above that cleared it up pretty well with the suits being about protecting one from fire, and that is correct. However, I will explain it a little further, since you obviously missed government class in school. The president happens to be the Commander in Chief of the military, thus giving him the right to don a military uniform. Please stop letting your hatred for the president fom fogging up your little liberal mind. Please...

I am a "typical right wing federalist" who thanks the "typical left wing socialist" for they're respect of my brothers and sister in arms!! You get it, and I'm proud of you, reguardless if you're wrong on your political stance, just kiddin'!

Let's get the facts straight!
He was 185 lbs without the metals; 400 lbs with the metals.
And speaking of metals, I gotta think this loonie must have a couple more brass metals hanging somewhere to even attempt to do what he did in a facility full of ex-Marines. He's lucky.
Just my take...

JOhn Kerry is just as big a fake.Oh,Im sorry,I forgot he tossed "his" medals away.Thats how much they meant to him.

The medals awarded to our men and women who wear the uniform of the Armed Forces are reserved for Americans who, for whatever their initial reasons, were ultimatey prepared to put their lives on the line for the rights the rest of us enjoy. As a staff member of the Department of Veterans Affairs, the son of a World War II veteran, and a citizen lucky enough to have met many of the men and women who occupy the wards of Walter Reed Army Medical Center and the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, I am saddened by the sight of fakers and slackers who get their jollies by imitating the heroes and patriots who make this website possible.

But I am equally saddened by the posters on this site who are not educated enough or aware enough to know just why 48 millions Americans have served our Nation since the Revolution, and for what purpose more than one-million of those citizen-soldiers died. There are 24 million living veterans all across our country. Whatever medals they are entitled to wear, they earned. We should thank them daily.

Why in the hell are people comparing this fat guy's behavior to President Bush wearing a flight
suit? Bush was a pilot in the military-- NOT a case of "dress up." What's wrong with you? Just
another chance to take a shot at the President, I guess.

There is nothing wrong with playing dress up, even in the bed room!

As I remember years ago.... Admiral Borda commited suicide for a single medal he was wearing which he should not have....He arise from Seaman to Admiral, the highest rank in the Navy....To me he is a hero who's life was tragically ended. The point is: The medal he wear is so sacred to him and it come to a point that he ended his life for it. The truth is he brought so much in the Navy since he became the CNO. Civilians and military people honor him, but some "individual" accused him that he knowingly wear this unauthorized "medal" and destroyed his image. To me Admiral Borda earned all his medal with honor, courage, professionalism, pride and dignity. He truly serve his country unto death.... Not like this fat slob..... He think its a joke to wear those medals... I am retired sailor, and yes I received medals...and proud of them...

Glad this all turned into a partisan debate on politics. :-P I don't need to wear my 201 file. I know what I did & so do my comrades. The subject of the article has no honor or integrity. His exposure is enough. Cowards die a thousand deaths. The brave face death but once.

This is in one way a great piece of news in a time when good news is hard to come by. Those medals he was wearing...are worn today by men and women who dared to face death in the face...who realized "not thiers to wonder why, but thiers to do and die"...I recall a story I followed while still in training of a marine First Sergeant, now a Sergeant Major, who was up for the Medal of Honor, but instead was given a Naval Cross. To Marines the Naval Cross is as close to sacred as you could get. This Marine was shot seven times and covered the body of another fellow Marine to shield him from a grenade blast. These are the thing Marines do to earn such medals. We have a blessed amount of freedom in this country. And, it is a great tragedy that men are profiting and alienating this freedom. Those medals represent the blood spilled for Country, for Freedom, and for Fellow Man. It warms my heart to see a scoundrel caught. Semper Fi.

Ok...enough already.

Here's the facts.

1)The guy broke the law (regardless of how anyone of you percieve it) and needs to be punished accordingly.

2) I can't stand Bush or Kerry, but they have no place in this discussion, so please act like grown ups and shut up.

3) Marine Corps Recruit Training at Parris Island is 13 weeks, not 18.

4)The medals Marines wear on our uniforms are physical representation of our performance whether it be as a unit, in person, or participation in a campaign. Emotions have nothing to do with the level of merit they hold. Whether you think you rate a medal you don't have, or don't rate a medal (or ribbon) you have. You are awarded that honor and you carry it. Emotions are your own personal preference.

5)The most damaging thing this country is experiencing is divisive attitudes fueled by words like conservative, liberal, and variations of each. Quite labeling and attacking eachother and begin looking in eachother's eyes and talking man to man, American to American.

Thanks.
God be with my brothers in harm's way.