Wisconsin American Legion official lied about serving in Vietnam

[TexasTowelie]

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/

[Leghorn21]

1. His wife Laurel is devastated and (from link)

“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