Texas congressman won’t stop wearing combat Infantryman Badge that was revoked

politics @lemmy.world – 463 points – 5 months ago

Texas Congressman Won't Stop Wearing Combat Infantryman Badge that Was Revoked

More than a month after a news report revealed that the Combat Infantryman Badge Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Texas, wears on his lapel was revoked since he was never eligible for the award to begin with, the congressman refuses to take the pin off.

Nehls' stubbornness has garnered growing criticism from veterans and others in the community of stolen valor researchers, who say the issue is simple: The rules for the CIB are clear, and Nehls did not qualify.

"The veteran community is starting to get to the point now where there's no room for forgiveness at this point because now they see, ‘Hey, this wasn't an error. He's doubling down now,’" said Anthony Anderson, an Army veteran who runs Guardian of Valor and was instrumental in uncovering Nehls' revoked award. "He knows he didn't earn this award."

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You can also go to jail for wearing a shiny policeman's badge when you aren't one. This is no different.

Only if you claim to be a cop. Per federal law, you can wear one for fun if you want

It is a defense to the prosecution under this section if the badge is used or intended to be used for exclusively--- (1) as a memento, or in a collection or exhibit; (2) for decorative purposes; (3) for a dramatic presentation, such as a theater, film, or television production; or (4) **for any other recreational purpose. **

Huh. I didn't actually know that. Interesting.

Even if you are just doing it for fun though 99% of cops will bag you for impersonating an officer of the law. You might go free later but that isn't likely to stop the arrest.