Controversy Surrounding Wes Moore’s Bronze Star Debunked
Claims circulating in far-right circles question the legitimacy of Maryland Governor Wes Moore’s Bronze Star, though evidence confirms the award for his service in Afghanistan is genuine.
The allegations suggest Moore fabricated receiving the Bronze Star on a 2006 White House fellowship application and neglected to correct subsequent media reports. However, these claims are unfounded as Moore had been informed by Lt. Gen. Michael Fenzel, his commanding officer, that he was approved for the honor. The physical awarding of the medal was delayed until December 2024 due to a backlog in military paperwork, a common issue as noted by military personnel.
General Stanley McChrystal remarked to the New York Times, “I don’t know how many times since I’ve retired that I’ve [had] people come to me trying to get an award that they told me that they had been recommended for that they never got.”
The Bronze Star honors heroism in combat situations. Moore, who joined the Army in 2004 post his master’s degree from Oxford, served in Afghanistan between 2005 and 2006 with the 82nd Airborne Division. Fenzel, who recommended Moore for the Bronze Star, only became aware of the paperwork delay when the issue was raised publicly and took steps to ensure the correction.
Fenzel praised Moore’s wartime efforts, stating during the delayed award ceremony, “Moore was tireless in his efforts to engage villages and tribal leaders to receive the most relevant and important messages associated with reconstruction, development, and stabilization. Through innumerable trips outside the wire and into Afghan communities, Wes Moore consistently demonstrated courage and skill in [a] wartime environment.”
Military records from Moore’s service highlight him as “a top 1% officer” and “the best lieutenant I’ve encountered during Operation Enduring Freedom.”
In conversation with the New York Times, Moore expressed that he refrained from following up on the award out of respect, stating, “You don’t do that. I’m not going in and asking, ‘Well, what about this award or that award?’ I’m grateful that I’m home.”
In addition to the Bronze Star, Moore’s military accolades include the Combat Action Badge, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, and the Parachutist Badge.
The post FACT CHECK: Yes, Wes Moore did receive a Bronze Star for heroism appeared first on American Journal News.
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