Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

TexasTowelie

(112,699 posts)
Sun Jun 17, 2018, 09:33 PM Jun 2018

Wisconsin American Legion official lied about serving in Vietnam

Howard "Gordy" Clewell frequently talked about his experiences serving in Vietnam with the U.S. Special Forces.

He wore a Special Forces pin, a Ranger tab, Combat Infantryman Badge and a Special Forces unit patch along with Master Parachutist Wings.

Turns out it was all a big lie.

Clewell resigned last week from his position as historian of the Wisconsin American Legion after his ruse was discovered. He was married to the state commander of the Legion, who said Sunday she is devastated.

"He has dishonored so many veterans. To me, that's just despicable," state commander Laurel Clewell said in a phone interview.

Read more: https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/wisconsin/2018/06/17/wisconsin-american-legion-official-lied-vietnam-service/708970002/

1 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Wisconsin American Legion official lied about serving in Vietnam (Original Post) TexasTowelie Jun 2018 OP
His wife Laurel is devastated and (from link) Leghorn21 Jun 2018 #1

Leghorn21

(13,527 posts)
1. His wife Laurel is devastated and (from link)
Sun Jun 17, 2018, 09:40 PM
Jun 2018

Laurel Clewell has filed a formal complaint to the FBI, which is investigating her estranged husband for falsely claiming military honors. A 2015 law passed in Wisconsin, called the Stolen Valor Act, makes it a misdemeanor to claim military service or honors for personal gain.

The American Legion lobbied for passage of the Stolen Valor Act.

The federal Stolen Valor Act, which passed in 2013, makes it a federal crime to fraudulently claim receiving a valor award. That includes the Combat Infantry Badge, a light blue, horizontal-shaped medal featuring a musket worn on the left breast of uniforms. The prestigious badge indicates someone who fought in active ground combat in an infantry, special forces or Ranger unit.

...snip

When she asked him why he lied, "he said, 'I guess I was never big enough. I wanted to be bigger and better,' " said Laurel Clewell. "I don't know what makes a pathological liar."


She feels like shit, and her life is upside down.
Hang tough, Laurel - you speak for so, so many of us

Latest Discussions»Region Forums»Wisconsin»Wisconsin American Legion...