Bill Targets Fake Heroes

Rep. John Salazar, D-Colo., has introduced “The Stolen Valor Act of 2005,” which would authorize authorities to prosecute individuals who falsely claim to rate military decorations, medals, or badges. The bill would close a loophole in the law that currently only allows prosecution against a person who actually wears an unauthorized medal. The bill would set fines and imprisonment of up to six months, or both, for anybody who falsely claims verbally or in writing to have been awarded a decoration or medal authorized by Congress for the armed forces. Unauthorized ribbons, buttons and rosettes are included in the bill. Fines would rise and maximum prison terms would be doubled to one year for offenders who falsely claim to have earned a Distinguished Service Cross, Air Force Cross, Navy Cross, Silver Star or Purple Heart.