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FBI on the Lookout for Phony Heroes This Memorial Day Weekend
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ShareMay 25, 2007 10:24 AM
FBI agents and veterans will be on the lookout this Memorial Day weekend for phony military heroes, a disquieting trend that officials say has grown substantially in the years of the war with Iraq.
"I probably get three to five calls a day about someone spotted with suspicious decorations," said Doug Sterner, who passes along the tips to veterans groups and the FBI.
Sterner operates the Web site Home of Heroes, which is dedicated to honoring true military heroes.
Photos: Phony Military Heroes: Medals of Dishonor
"I'll be damned if I sit idly by while some wannabe phony wears awards that real heroes gave their lives for," Sterner said.
Among the most recent examples is Louis Lowell McGuinn of New York City.
He claimed to be a lieutenant colonel in the United States Army, often appearing at military events wearing an impressive array of decorations, including a Purple Heart, Silver Star and the Distinguished Service Cross.
But law enforcement officials say it was a ruse and that McGuinn was discharged from the Army in 1968 as a private, with none of the decorations he claimed.
Last month, FBI agents arrested McGuinn and charged him with wearing unearned medals and badges in violation of federal law. They say he posed as a highly decorated military officer in order to get a job with an underwater marine security company.
McGuinn pleaded not guilty and was released on $5,000 bail with his travel restricted. When contacted by ABC News, he declined to comment on the case.
The FBI and veterans groups say there are more and more decorated phonies turning up every day, and when they are caught, the punishment varies.
In one recent case in St. Louis, businessman Gerald Weilbacher received only two years probation and a $3,000 fine after pleading guilty to federal charges of wearing Marine Corps medals he did not earn, including the Navy Cross, the Corps' second highest medal.
The 400-pound Weilbacher never served in the Marines and was spotted at one Marine Corps veterans event as a phony because "he was too fat to be a Marine," according to one veteran.
In contrast, Michael Bramlett of Springfield, Mo., was sentenced to six months in federal prison without parole for claiming to be a Marine Captain and wearing unauthorized medals that included a Silver Star, Navy Cross and a Purple Heart for combat in Iraq.
At his sentencing on April 3, U.S. Attorney Bradley Schlozman said, "This impostor received the maximum penalty for his dishonorable conduct. Such disrespect for the brave men and women serving in our nation's forces won't be tolerated."
FBI Agent Michael Sandborn works to track down and expose phony military heroes.
"In cemeteries overseas, there are 124,913 Americans who paid for their Purple Hearts with their lives, and these impostors purchase theirs over the Internet and at surplus stores," he told ABC News.
Recent passage of the Stolen Valor Act now makes any misrepresentation of military decorations punishable by up to a year in jail.
Watchdogs like Doug Sterner think that even with the tougher law, military phonies will still be out there tarnishing the image of the true military heroes.
Sterner says, "It's so prevalent that you're never going to catch and prosecute all of them."
Do you have a tip for Brian Ross & the Investigative Team?
May 25, 2007 | Permalink | User Comments (138)
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I hope this guy catches all of these imposters and they get the fullest sentence. Hell, if it were my choice, I would give them life in prison or the death penalty; no sense in wasting more taxpayers dollars.
Posted by: NJ | May 25, 2007 11:32:05 AM
What a stupid law! This just shows that we have far too many laws in the States... at this rate EVERY BODY IS A CRIMINAL... or soon will be. If some fat old man wants to feel better about his pathetic life by spouting off about being a hero, let him - and get over it!
Posted by: Tim | May 25, 2007 11:32:11 AM
The LIFE IN PRISON or the DEATH PENALTY, NJ?! lol And do you KNOW how much taxpayer money it takes to sustain a prisoner in the system for life? It costs even more than that to keep them on death row...
Get a grip, man...
Posted by: Jazz | May 25, 2007 11:40:35 AM
The LIFE IN PRISON or the DEATH PENALTY, NJ?! lol And do you KNOW how much taxpayer money it takes to sustain a prisoner in the system for life? It costs even more than that to keep them on death row...
Get a grip, man...
Posted by: Jazz | May 25, 2007 11:42:59 AM
Death Penalty? Are you serious? You must be from Texas. It is a stupid law. I don't agree with what they're doing but shouldn't our FBI agents be working on stuff that is a little more important?
Posted by: Maximus | May 25, 2007 11:44:11 AM
i dont feel it's a stupid law. The heroes that died, suffered, fought, and lived the true veteran's life should not be disrespected in this way. There is enough other bullcrap catering to criminals these days, why add another benefit for them?
Posted by: NJ | May 25, 2007 11:44:11 AM
These guys are pathetic. Just that. Sad; but not criminals.
Posted by: halexander | May 25, 2007 11:46:34 AM
Impersinating a hero? hope they start with the white house, and then the senate, congress etc. These Zeros think they are heros. I must say the ignorance in the government is incredible! Drug test these fools would be a giood idea too! including the DC Police.
Posted by: JB | May 25, 2007 11:49:17 AM
Start with Chicken Hawk GW, the biggest zero that thinks he is a hero!
Posted by: JB | May 25, 2007 11:50:48 AM
I have a better idea. Take these worthless individuals to Parris Island and have them spend 4 months going through Boot Camp. If they want to wear a Marines uniform. give them the chance or send them to jail.
Posted by: mike jones | May 25, 2007 11:52:14 AM
I've earned a few of those striped things, but won't wear them.
I'm a VietNam vet, our time is passed. We are irrelevant, like WWI vets were in my youth.
Time now to honor our young soldiers, sailors, airmen. Yes, I honor and respect all those who have given their life, I honor and respect all those who have earned our highest awards and decorations.
MOST of us vets just did what we were told, went where they wanted us to go, and tried to make it home.
I'm a vet, you can't ever claim I'm not. I claim nothing more.
Posted by: Eoghan | May 25, 2007 11:52:26 AM
Ask the men and women of our country who served if the law is STUPID? I served in the US Navy for 8 years. I'm proud of my service and it is dishearting to see these people who've never served or never earned these awards say they did. A strong message should be sent to these impostors. I know. Make these impostors elist, go to boot camp and instead of going to jail learn what it's really like to earn those medals, ribbons, and stripes on their uniforms by serving our country just like the men and women before them.
Posted by: Scott Huffman | May 25, 2007 11:53:24 AM
What a disgrace! My son is a marine who has just returned from Iraq and is scheduled to return there shortly. The fact that you have people posing as war hero's when the real hero's are fighting and dying everyday in a war no one wants is disgusting. Maybe we should send them to some war torn area and see if they can earn those medals
Posted by: Joe T | May 25, 2007 11:57:13 AM
Sorry, I was referring to the death penalty above abotu saving tax payers money. a 1.00 bullet is all that is needed :O)
Posted by: NJ | May 25, 2007 11:57:23 AM
I feel embarrassed for them. They obviously have some sort of strange fixation for getting credit for something they have not attained. I totally understand being punished for that.
Posted by: Pam | May 25, 2007 11:58:30 AM
In no way and in no uncertain terms is it EVER acceptable to pass oneself off as decorated soldier or veteran. After viewing Tim's comments, I think Tim and people like him need to asses their own personal integrity before commenting. Medals earned by soldiers and veterans through sheer bravery, valor, honor and blood should never be allowed to be devalued by frauds and charlatans for the sake of their own personal satisfaction and public adoration. Too often these days are we ready to sacrifice our own honesty, integrity and morality so as to "let little things pass". Draw the line.
Posted by: Chris | May 25, 2007 11:59:01 AM
NJ..life in prison or the death penalty? The guys who do this need medical help and intense therapy. Can you imagine how much of a failure these guys must be? These tools couldn't get a date with a prostitute even after winning the lottery, but life in prison or the death penalty? Perhaps NJ you need some anger management therapy. Peace to all.
Posted by: Mark Willmott | May 25, 2007 12:06:18 PM
This is about more than the pins people stick on their uniforms. It's about the deeds behind them, and the respect people accord them with a result. The thought that these frauds would require the salutes of brave men and women who have made real sacrifices is completely disgusting. Shame on them.
Posted by: Alexander | May 25, 2007 12:17:04 PM
I'm a vet and I just feel sorry for these poor slobs. I think their punisment should be to work at Walter Reed or Bethesda cleaning the bed pans of real heros.
Posted by: Darryll | May 25, 2007 12:19:40 PM
Mark, No I am perfectly fine, thanks for asking. If you open your eyes and look around, you see these types of people and others getting slaps on the wrist. It's everywhere and down right sickening. I'm sure there will be plea bargins here and there for these folks, but that's how society is these days. Too much leniancy and not enough guts.there is so much more crime these days in the US because of lack of intimidation. steal something, lose a hand. murder or rape, lose your life. could be deemed somewhat barbariac, but it would give criminals something a little more to fear.
Posted by: NJ | May 25, 2007 12:22:44 PM
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