Stolen Valor Democrat Defends Military Service in Campaign Speech

[Webster]

(The Guardian) Walz defends military service in first solo campaign appearance
Speaking of the Harris campaign, the vice-president’s newly minted running mate, Tim Walz, today made his first solo campaign appearance at a convention of union members.

The Minnesota governor gave a wide-ranging speech in which he attacked Donald Trump and cheered the power of organized labor, while also taking time to respond to attacks from the former president and his supporters, who say Walz has exaggerated his military service.

Here’s what he said in response, at the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees’s annual convention:


The attacks on Walz’s military service, from Trump allies including his running mate, Ohio senator JD Vance, have centered on the timing of his decision to retire after 24 years of army national guard service.

 

[DrLeftover]

Funny how all of the organizations that jump straight up in the air and get all out of breath about "stolen valor", which is a real thing, and is despicable when it happens.....

But most of them don't want to talk about Greg "Pappy" Boyington's claims to being a WW2 ace.

It seems that several of his "kills" were planes that were sitting on the ground when he blew them up.

Major Gregory "Pappy Boyington", Marine Corps ACE

 

[Webster]

It seems that several of his "kills" were planes that were sitting on the ground when he blew them up.


Major Gregory "Pappy Boyington", Marine Corps ACE

You might want to look at the entire quote there....Boyington claimed he shot down six Japanese fighters while with the AVG. Without any verification and from loosely kept records he was credited with two kills. He was one of four pilots credited with destroying 15 planes on the ground. The AVG paid him for 3.75 ground claims, and adding these to the two previous claims he called it six kills, and established himself as an American Ace. He was continually challenged on his own statistics which now showed 22 kills.

That said, you don't award either the Medal of Honor or the Navy Cross to someone accused of stolen valor...For extraordinary heroism above and beyond the call of duty as Commanding Officer of Marine Fighting Squadron TWO FOURTEEN in action against enemy Japanese forces in Central Solomons Area from September 12, 1943, to January 3, 1944. Consistently outnumbered throughout successive hazardous flights over heavily defended hostile territory, Major Boyington struck at the enemy with daring and courageous persistence, leading his squadron into combat with devastating results to Japanese shipping, shore installations and aerial forces. Resolute in his efforts to inflict crippling damage on the enemy, Major BOYINGTON led a formation of twenty-four fighters over Kahili on October 17, and persistently circling the airdrome where sixty hostile aircraft were grounded, boldly challenged the Japanese to send up planes. Under his brilliant command, our fighters shot down twenty enemy craft in the ensuing action without the loss of a single ship. A superb airman and determined fighter against overwhelming odds, Major BOYINGTON personally destroyed 26 of the many Japanese planes shot down by his squadron and by his forceful leadership developed the combat readiness in his command which was a distinctive factor in the Allied aerial achievements in this vitally strategic area. (Medal of Honor citation)

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Major Gregory "Pappy" Boyington (MCSN: 0-5254), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer and a Pilot of Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED FOURTEEN (VMF-214), Marine Air Group ELEVEN (MAG-11), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, during action against enemy aerial forces in the New Britain Island Area on 3 January 1944. Climaxing a period of duty conspicuous for exceptional combat achievement, Major Boyington led a formation of Allied planes on a fighter sweep over Rabaul against a vastly superior number of hostile fighters. Diving in a steep run into the climbing Zeros, he made a daring attack, sending one Japanese fighter to destruction in flames. A tenacious and fearless airman under extremely hazardous conditions, Major Boyington succeeded in communicating to those who served with him, the brilliant and effective tactics developed through a careful study of enemy techniques, and led his men into combat with inspiring and courageous determination. His intrepid leadership and gallant fighting spirit reflect the highest credit upon the United States Naval Service. (Navy Cross citation)

 

[DrLeftover]

I didn't say he didn't deserve the Medal of Honor or anything else.

I simply mentioned his somewhat fuzzy claims.

Boyington was a larger than life figure, a legendary hothead, and was one of those people who, if he was in the room, could not be ignored.

But he also had something that Trump also has.... he liked to polish his own image.

 

[Webster]

I simply mentioned his somewhat fuzzy claims.

And I simply pointed out the full context of the supposed claims.