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View Full Version : TV making a mockery of the Corps once again.



Ingle
01-01-10, 07:15 PM
So my spouse and myself are watching television, Law and Order SVU to be exact and im playing with my phone and i hear somthing about Marines and Cherry Point so i glance up and start watching intently, and as soon as they show a Marine in court, this is what i see..

http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/3402/alphas.jpg

I may be wrong here but i am sure i am not, i belive that MSgt in the backround has the wrong chevrons on his Alphas, none of the actors representing the Marines had a regulation haircut.. another thing i noticed is they had a 1st Lt and his silver bars where position the wrong direction and measurments on his charlie shirt but i could not get a picture in time...

is this really what the media has came down to? its not even that hard to research alittle before you film a show.

just my .02 cents... but then again im just a LCpl, im not paid to think,

Komenko
01-01-10, 07:26 PM
ROFL i remeber my pal Garza had the same thing happen to him. he gave the tailors the wrong chevrons to put on his Alphas. I looked at him and was puzzled why he didn't look the same as the others in my platoon. then bam i told him to take the coat off and return it to the tailors with the right chevrons. poor guy didn't pass inspection that day!

polizei
01-01-10, 07:26 PM
I'm pretty sure something HAS to be wrong for the media/film to use a military uniform, if played by a non-ranking member. IE, the uniform has to be wrong if it's not a Marine wearing it. They don't rank to wear the "proper" uniform. But that doesn't mean the chevrons have to be completely wrong like that though...

Now, I could be wrong...

SGT7477
01-01-10, 07:27 PM
If they can't get it right they shouldn't put it on the tube, stupid azzes.

Ingle
01-01-10, 07:30 PM
my wife thinks im making to big a deal out of this.

jetdawgg
01-01-10, 07:34 PM
When you look at tv and movies, you have to understand that very little of this is factual. Most shows have the same discrepancies. This is an example of how we Marines can see them.

Dr's, cops, lawyers....all see the same things as we can here:usmc:

TV and movies are fake for the most part. Authenticity is not guaranteed

SlingerDun
01-01-10, 07:45 PM
Ole Top appears barely legal:nerd:

GSEMarine94
01-01-10, 07:57 PM
TV and movies are fake for the most part. Authenticity is not guaranteed

What? Say it aint so!! :scared:

commdog7
01-01-10, 08:09 PM
Polizei is correct. Actors have to wear an improper uniform since they aren't members of the military. I think they should at least get the haircut, but most actors are probably picky about their hair.

Any of you watch Smallville? The 'Marine' in Dress Blues in season one is all jacked up. But that's how it's supposed to be, and they do a good job in making it obvious he does not rate to wear the actual uniform.

3522
01-01-10, 09:31 PM
It seems to me that the Marines depicted on the show, "JAG," wore pretty much correct uniforms. One of the main characters was a WM Major, I believe.

Lisa 23
01-01-10, 09:50 PM
It seems to me that the Marines depicted on the show, "JAG," wore pretty much correct uniforms. One of the main characters was a WM Major, I believe.

Sarah (Mac) MacKenzie was a Lt. Colonel by the shows end in 2005.

http://images.starpulse.com/Photos/Previews/JAG-tv-show-37.jpg (http://www.starpulse.com/Television/JAG/gallery/JAG-tv-show-38/)


http://images.starpulse.com/Photos/Previews/JAG-tv-show-34.jpg

http://images.starpulse.com/Photos/Previews/JAG-tv-show-15.jpg (http://www.starpulse.com/Television/JAG/gallery/JAG-tv-show-16/)

ARTYPIG
01-01-10, 09:56 PM
If you look at the films that R Lee Ermey, Dale Dye and others that you know are Marines they wear it correctly. It is true that if you were not a Marine there has to be a flaw of some type. The creator of JAG and NCIS is Donald P. Bellisario and you guessed it...a Former Marine. He looks for the most accuracy as the show represent the Marine Corps and the Navy, so if you watch those shows, you will not or at least I haven't seen any discrepancies, and as the rest of you I look at everything portraying Marines.

Semper Fi!!

kansascdr
01-01-10, 10:00 PM
That episode of Law and Order was a rerun. I remember watching movie about a Marine years back and he not only had the wrong ribbons for the war he was in but they kept swapping them around from scene to scene. If you really want to get teed off look at that trash anti war film with John Voight. Bruce Dern plays a Marine captain with hair longer than my daughter.

NoRemorse
01-01-10, 10:02 PM
So we're talking about Catherine Bell now, right?:marine:

SlingerDun
01-01-10, 10:06 PM
Yeah.

Wood ya?

3522
01-01-10, 10:11 PM
Yeah.

Wood ya?

Oh, yeah! I bet what's under the uniform is just as squared away as the uniform itself!

Lisa 23
01-01-10, 10:12 PM
So we're talking about Catherine Bell now, right?
Here ya go........

http://www.bartcop.com/catherine-bell-002.jpg

http://delsyn.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/catherine_bell_7.jpg?w=510&h=382

http://www.celebrity-pictures.ca/Celebrities/Catherine-Bell/Catherine-Bell-11.JPG

Integrity57
01-01-10, 10:17 PM
During the first couple seasons of NCIS it seemed like every Marine character on the show had his Naval Jump Wings and Scuba bubble, they had a 1st Class Boatswain's Mate on one episode without his Surface Warfare device or any other Warfare device for that matter and there's no way a BM would make 1st class without having his Surface Warfare device, that's basically saying he doesn't know **** about his rate. But I'm a fan of the show regardless, and was a fan of Catherine Bells Major Mckenzie character :D:thumbup: when JAG was still on the air.

NoRemorse
01-01-10, 10:21 PM
Thanks, sis!:D

Lisa 23
01-01-10, 10:23 PM
Thanks, sis!:D

Welcome bro....I thought you'd might like those pics! ;)

Integrity57
01-01-10, 10:25 PM
Thank you ma'am! I think that pic of her on the bike was from Stuff magazine? Great issue lol.

mcvet57103
01-01-10, 10:32 PM
If WM's had been as hot as Catherine Bell was in JAG when I was in, I woulda made a carreer outa the Marines just to see that every day. I'd bend, and thrust that any day. SF

Lisa 23
01-01-10, 10:49 PM
Here's the best pic I could find of Gibbs from NCIS, when he was a Marine recruiter in season 1's...'one shot, one kill' episode.

http://sharetv.org/images/ncis/302947.jpg

Lisa 23
01-01-10, 11:02 PM
Ahhhhhhhh....here's a few more of Catherine Bell for you guys.


http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/6636/catherinebell.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v92/bbb44bb/Bell/Bellrh8ckn2h.jpg?t=1262408348 (http://javascript<b></b>:void(0);)

http://media.bonnint.net/dado/oss-trav/0/54/5402.jpg

SGT7477
01-02-10, 06:49 AM
Get Some,lol.

Rocky C
01-02-10, 07:37 AM
Ahhhhhhhh....here's a few more of Catherine Bell for you guys.


http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/6636/catherinebell.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v92/bbb44bb/Bell/Bellrh8ckn2h.jpg?t=1262408348 (http://javascript<b></b>:void(0);)

http://media.bonnint.net/dado/oss-trav/0/54/5402.jpg


All of a Sudden the Snow is Starting to Melt here !!!

sparkie
01-02-10, 07:45 AM
Even the good ones don't get it right. Full Metal Jacket at the end of training when R Lee was calling out MOS, Pvt. Pile,, the fuk up was wearing PFC. chevrons. In those years, that would have made him the honor man.

Old Marine
01-02-10, 09:49 AM
my wife thinks im making to big a deal out of this.

Your wife is correct.

GSEMarine94
01-02-10, 10:10 AM
This is my new favorite thread. :D

BR34
01-02-10, 06:56 PM
I'm pretty sure something HAS to be wrong for the media/film to use a military uniform, if played by a non-ranking member. IE, the uniform has to be wrong if it's not a Marine wearing it. They don't rank to wear the "proper" uniform. But that doesn't mean the chevrons have to be completely wrong like that though...

Now, I could be wrong...

Thats a rumor, spread by Marines who "heard" it from other Marines.

Matt Brzycki
01-02-10, 07:53 PM
Interesting thread and theory. Timely, too, as I just happened to catch Heartbreak Ridge" on the tube this afternoon. Didn't catch the entire flick and I might've missed something but from what I could tell, the uniforms seemed pretty correct. (One of my favorite Marine movies, BTW.)

In addition, no disrespect intended toward those who advance the theory that Marine/military uniforms have to be incorrect/improper on TV or in the movies but wouldn't that also have to be true of police uniforms?

Matt Brzycki
Sergeant (1975-79)

USMCM38A1
01-02-10, 09:32 PM
Donald Belisario who directed these was a Marine which might account for the Marine correctness on these shows.

BR34
01-02-10, 09:50 PM
In addition, no disrespect intended toward those who advance the theory that Marine/military uniforms have to be incorrect/improper on TV or in the movies but wouldn't that also have to be true of police uniforms?

Matt Brzycki
Sergeant (1975-79)

It's just a rumor that gets passed from Marine to Marine with neither of them stopping to actually see if there's any truth to it. Whatever you do, don't believe everything you read on this forum.

Juicemang
01-03-10, 12:46 AM
Good Lord does that chick have an amazing rack.

MLMonk
01-03-10, 12:54 AM
This is really the only 1 thing that annoys me since I graduated bootcamp. Every movie/show with someone in a military uniform, I seem to critique it way too much, and not really pay attention to the actual movie/show.

Smitty Puffs
01-03-10, 01:02 AM
Who gives a ****? I think our history on the battlefield, past and present, should speak for itself, instead of some dumbass civilian actor wearing the wrong chevrons in the back of some lame television show.

zx6rdr
01-03-10, 01:03 AM
More pictures of Catherine Bell dammit!!!!:D

Smitty Puffs
01-03-10, 01:04 AM
Yut Yut!

Komenko
01-03-10, 01:38 AM
More pictures of Catherine Bell dammit!!!!:D
I second this motion!

Lisa 23
01-03-10, 11:36 AM
Here ya go......

http://www.clcweb.net/Funnies/Catherine_Bell_JAG/catherine033.jpg

http://www.nosejobs.info/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/6-catherine_bell_before.jpg (http://www.nosejobs.info/top-6-worst-celebrity-nose-jobs-ever/6-catherine_bell_before/)

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fg77QxPRIok/SdNhen09ZJI/AAAAAAAABDc/kMYE8vh638k/s400/catherine_bell_15.jpg

sgthebert
01-03-10, 12:19 PM
This kinda thing drives me crazy. There were some low lifes in Marine uniforms after Hurricane Katrina standing on a street corner collecting money for the victims of the storm. An off duty cop stopped to give them some change...off duty cop and MARINE....BUSTED, they went to jail that very day. When the MARINE got up close, they were obviously not wearing the unform correctly.

sgthebert
01-03-10, 12:26 PM
Even the good ones don't get it right. Full Metal Jacket at the end of training when R Lee was calling out MOS, Pvt. Pile,, the fuk up was wearing PFC. chevrons. In those years, that would have made him the honor man.

But if you remember Pvt. Pile was the Plt high shooter! Which would have given him the promotion on graduation!
<!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

Integrity57
01-03-10, 01:14 PM
Catherine Bell's husband is one lucky bastard. And I forgive her for being in that God-aweful Army Wives show lol.

mcvet57103
01-03-10, 01:41 PM
Here ya go......

http://www.clcweb.net/Funnies/Catherine_Bell_JAG/catherine033.jpg

http://www.nosejobs.info/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/6-catherine_bell_before.jpg (http://www.nosejobs.info/top-6-worst-celebrity-nose-jobs-ever/6-catherine_bell_before/)

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fg77QxPRIok/SdNhen09ZJI/AAAAAAAABDc/kMYE8vh638k/s400/catherine_bell_15.jpgAs I dear old Pappy used to say, "I'd like to f+*# that again, and make it an even, once."

Sgt Leprechaun
01-04-10, 06:23 PM
God, is she HOT. Whew.

Moving on....

As the rezident uniform guru/geek, let me put to rest the chesnut that 'uniforms have to be incorrect' in movies/TV theory. It is no LONGER the case. However, it does have a basis in fact, believe it or not.

Once upon a time, the law on the books (Federal) stated that no person could wear a military uniform that would give the "impression" the person was in the military, or a part there-of. Hollywood took that literally fearing legal action, and ensured most of it's 'dress' uniforms were, in some way, (some more than others) incorrect. Be it from ribbon placement, buttons, etc.

This policy continued until a Supreme Court decision, circa 1971 or so (I can pull the citation if someone is really that interested) where a 'Nam war protestor was arrested for wearing parts of his (former) uniform. The gov't argued that he wasn't in the military and had no right to wear same. The protestors lawyer successfully argued that it was a matter of free speech and he could wear whatever he wanted to. (The same argument goes for disrespecting the US flag by wearing it on your pants, upside down, etc etc). The protestor and his lawyer won the case, and movies, plays, and TV were specifically cited as examples.

Ever since, it has NOT been illegal to wear a uniform (or parts thereof) in Hollywood, on stage, etc.


The bottom line is, military technical advisors cost money, and it's easier to just go to the costume department and throw something together. Much as it irritates the living crap outta ME as well, that's Hollywood for ya.

Further boring you on this particular topic, the Stolen Valor Act now has swung, to a certain degree, in the other direction; It's now illegal to wear medals you haven't earned, and to even CLAIM to have earned stuff you haven't. There is an exemption for stage/screen/TV etc.

So now you know LOL.

Gunner 0313
01-04-10, 06:39 PM
Here ya go......

http://www.clcweb.net/Funnies/Catherine_Bell_JAG/catherine033.jpg

http://www.nosejobs.info/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/6-catherine_bell_before.jpg (http://www.nosejobs.info/top-6-worst-celebrity-nose-jobs-ever/6-catherine_bell_before/)

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fg77QxPRIok/SdNhen09ZJI/AAAAAAAABDc/kMYE8vh638k/s400/catherine_bell_15.jpg

Has the Coronation thread moved to the Open Squad Bay ? No bueno, LOL. Everyone back away SHE'S ALL MINE, LOL !

What happened to Hollywood PAO on all of this trash ? My bud had an episode of Walker Texas Ranger filmed at his unit and the Hollywood PAO was all over it. Lep will probably know the answer on this one.

Sgt Leprechaun
01-04-10, 08:02 PM
They are still around, but unless the particular crew/event/show is using military hardware, (on loan from DoD) or on military land (again, DoD), the PAO doesn't get involved.

Gunner 0313
01-04-10, 10:09 PM
They are still around, but unless the particular crew/event/show is using military hardware, (on loan from DoD) or on military land (again, DoD), the PAO doesn't get involved.

:flag:Gracias, I knew that I could count on you brother.

Sgt Leprechaun
01-04-10, 10:11 PM
Always!

BR34
01-05-10, 10:22 AM
God, is she HOT. Whew.

Moving on....

As the rezident uniform guru/geek, let me put to rest the chesnut that 'uniforms have to be incorrect' in movies/TV theory. It is no LONGER the case. However, it does have a basis in fact, believe it or not.

Once upon a time, the law on the books (Federal) stated that no person could wear a military uniform that would give the "impression" the person was in the military, or a part there-of. Hollywood took that literally fearing legal action, and ensured most of it's 'dress' uniforms were, in some way, (some more than others) incorrect. Be it from ribbon placement, buttons, etc.

This policy continued until a Supreme Court decision, circa 1971 or so (I can pull the citation if someone is really that interested) where a 'Nam war protestor was arrested for wearing parts of his (former) uniform. The gov't argued that he wasn't in the military and had no right to wear same. The protestors lawyer successfully argued that it was a matter of free speech and he could wear whatever he wanted to. (The same argument goes for disrespecting the US flag by wearing it on your pants, upside down, etc etc). The protestor and his lawyer won the case, and movies, plays, and TV were specifically cited as examples.

Ever since, it has NOT been illegal to wear a uniform (or parts thereof) in Hollywood, on stage, etc.


The bottom line is, military technical advisors cost money, and it's easier to just go to the costume department and throw something together. Much as it irritates the living crap outta ME as well, that's Hollywood for ya.

Further boring you on this particular topic, the Stolen Valor Act now has swung, to a certain degree, in the other direction; It's now illegal to wear medals you haven't earned, and to even CLAIM to have earned stuff you haven't. There is an exemption for stage/screen/TV etc.

So now you know LOL.

Thanks for the info Lep, but I guarantee the rumor will go on and on.

Phantom Blooper
01-05-10, 10:28 AM
So now you know LOL.

Reminds me of the late Paul Harvey,"Now you know the rest of the story,good day.":evilgrin:

polizei
01-05-10, 11:21 AM
Thanks for clearing that up! So I guess that's why 50 Cent and Aaron Carter, etc. wear the Marine Corps uniform and don't get in trouble for it. Yay stupid laws.

Hotel4341
01-05-10, 04:11 PM
They are still around, but unless the particular crew/event/show is using military hardware, (on loan from DoD) or on military land (again, DoD), the PAO doesn't get involved.

Damn, sergeant, you sure you needed to ask me questions about PAO? You seem to know a lot about it already!

Sgt Leprechaun
01-05-10, 06:03 PM
BR, no doubt you are right. But I do what I can, when I can :)

Yes, that's why 'entertainers' can get away with wearing OUR uniforms, or parts there-of.

'Hotel, naaaah, it's just lots of trivia I've picked up over the years. And being a uniform nerd most of my life LOL.

sparkie
01-05-10, 06:31 PM
Even the good ones don't get it right. Full Metal Jacket at the end of training when R Lee was calling out MOS, Pvt. Pile,, the fuk up was wearing PFC. chevrons. In those years, that would have made him the honor man.

But if you remember Pvt. Pile was the Plt high shooter! Which would have given him the promotion on graduation!
<!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

I don't think so, not in '69. Took more than shootin. [or maybe I killed that brain cell].

Sgt Leprechaun
01-05-10, 06:50 PM
Whipped it to death.

sparkie
01-05-10, 06:54 PM
The guy that carried the stick to the end got the Blues in my Plt. I lost it in pugil.

Anyway, off topic,,sorry.

Matt Brzycki
01-05-10, 07:01 PM
Just spoke with a buddy of mine who has worked on a number of movies as a location manager/assistant including "Boogie Nights," "Blast from the Past," "Heartbreakers," "One Night at McCool's" and "Blond Ambition." Last one he did was "Battle: Los Angeles" in which a Marine platoon goes up against an advanced race of alien invaders. Sounds like a fair fight. (BTW, retired Marine SgtMaj James Dever is a technical advisor on the movie.)

Anyway, my bud said there's NO TRUTH to the rumor that military uniforms have to be improper. He said, in fact, if the DoD sanctions the movie, the DoD provides not only ACTUAL uniforms but equipment (i.e., tanks, artillery and so on) as well.

Matt Brzycki
Sergeant (1975-79)

Sgt Leprechaun
01-05-10, 07:06 PM
They (the DoD) are now providing UNIFORMS as well???? I knew about the equipment, but hadn't heard about the uniforms.....Interesting.

StoneTheWeak
01-05-10, 07:26 PM
Coincidence, so do I. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Folks, it's the media, they're ignorant, we all know it, but raising your blood pressure a couple of points over it isn't going to do any good. <br />
<br />
<br />
Not to mention with...

Hotel4341
01-06-10, 07:34 AM
Do you even bother reading anything in a thread before you post your 2 dollars?

BR34
01-06-10, 07:53 AM
F

Matt Brzycki
01-06-10, 08:41 PM
Just to make sure that I got my intel correct about the DoD providing actual uniforms and equipment on approved scripts, I called my buddy again who does location work on movies. This time, I took notes. Here's what he told me about "Battle: Los Angeles":

The DoD provided free uniforms and equipment for the movie. This was done under the supervision of an active-duty Marine LtCol. In fact, there was an entire "wardrobe trailer" available just for the uniforms.

To earn approval by the DoD, a movie script must paint a positive picture of the military.

They did some filming at Barksdale AFB in Bossier City, LA. Use of the base was free. Even though the movie is supposed to take place in Los Angeles, they did much of the filming in Louisiana. They did film at least some of the beach and ocean scenes in California.

There are "about 24" active-duty Marines in the movie as well as some airmen and army national guardsmen. The Marines were kept separate from all civilians and were not allowed to interact with each other. (Dunno about the airman and guardsmen but they were probably kept separate, too.)

Lastly, before the movie began filming, there was an "actor's boot camp" held at Camp Minden (about 20 miles east of Shreveport, LA). This lasted 7 to 10 days and was run by retired Marine SgtMaj Jim Dever "with about three other guys." The idea was to get the actors in a military mindset for the movie.

Matt Brzycki
Sergeant (1975-79)

Vandrel
01-06-10, 10:27 PM
When you look at tv and movies, you have to understand that very little of this is factual. Most shows have the same discrepancies. This is an example of how we Marines can see them.

Dr's, cops, lawyers....all see the same things as we can here:usmc:

TV and movies are fake for the most part. Authenticity is not guaranteed

So true! Every movie I watch I pick it apart like a Final Drill test and it always upsets my wife hahaha. I just can't stand watching a good flick only for it to be ruined by someone wearing a chest of ribbons and shooting badges that are either falling off the uniform (Rules of Engagement - Tommy Lee Jones - Samuel L Jackson) or in the wrong order or on the wrong side. I'd rather sit and watch Heart Break Ridge with the goofy butter bar.

Petz
01-06-10, 11:48 PM
It's just a rumor that gets passed from Marine to Marine with neither of them stopping to actually see if there's any truth to it. Whatever you do, don't believe everything you read on this forum.

well, no **** but I talked to a Marine who is in the business. He played the Captain at the begining of Men In Black, the shaved head captain. he also played the guy who got a phosphorus grenade to the face in we were soldiers and was the saw gunner in the crap movie the hulk in 2003 when the hulk escapes his containment thingie.

he told me that they can't have the uniform perfect without authorization from the Corps because it falls under DoD regulations about not being authorized to wear the uniform unless you served in that branch, though the legal department says that as long as it's not in it's 100% authorized wear then it's considered a costume and the DoD can't do anything about it.

so you'll notice either the wrong size captains bars on the epillates of the alphas or you have some guy ordering the wrong chevrons from sgt grit 'cause he doesn't know there are different chevrons. It's nice to have a military consultant when you're dealing with the military so you don't have people getting disgusted by the nastiness (unless of course it's the Army, then they tell their Sarge that they saw it on TV and the sarge says "oh, well since you saw it on TV it must be the new regs." and then they get even more nasty)

This may sound like scuttlebutt BR but I assure you it's not, I read the order myself.

BR34
01-07-10, 06:37 AM
This may sound like scuttlebutt BR but I assure you it's not, I read the order myself.

Link or bust, SSgt.

Captain Kirk
01-07-10, 07:39 AM
OOOOOOO! Lets talk about Sarah Bell, PLEEEESSSEEE!

Hotel4341
01-07-10, 08:55 AM
Link or bust, SSgt.

I'm seconding this, SSgt. My service specific training included a brief on what goes on at the Hollywood PAO, and that included a very specific mention of how Hollywood isn't inaccurate because it has to be, it's because they're too cheap to actually be accurate.

Petz
01-08-10, 01:32 PM
I would agree with that, but the thing is... the DoD doesn't actually charge people unless it suits their purposes and hollywood isn't the case. <br />
<br />
I'd have to stumble over the order again, I'm...

sgthebert
01-09-10, 01:41 PM
I don't think so, not in '69. Took more than shootin. [or maybe I killed that brain cell].


You might be right Sparkie. I went in in '74, high shooter got automatic promo then I am sure, big deal was made because two were so close.


Semper Fi.

Sgt Leprechaun
01-12-10, 12:24 PM
Matt, thanks very much for that clarification and update. Learned something new there!

And, for those who don't want to re-read, I repeat, STOLEN VALOR ACT DOES NOT APPLY TO THOSE APPEARING IN MOVIES/TV/STAGE etc.


Here is the information, complete with cites. Comes direct from the "Orders and Medals Society of America", or OMSA.


**********

Title 18, United States Code, Section 704

(a) In General. - Whoever knowingly wears, purchases, attempts to purchase, solicits for purchase, mails, ships, imports, exports, produces blank certificates of receipt, manufactures, or sells, attempts to sell, advertises for sale, trades, barters or exchanges for anything of value any decoration or medal authorized by Congress for the armed forces of the United States, or any of the service medals or badges awarded to the members of such forces, or the ribbon, button, or rosette of any such badge, decoration or medal, or any colorable imitation thereof, except when authorized under regulations made pursuant to law, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than six months, or both. (italics added)

(b) False Claims About Receipt of Military Medals. - Whoever falsely represents himself or herself, verbally or in writing, to have been awarded any decoration or medal authorized by Congress for the armed forces of the United States, or any of the service medals or badges awarded to the member of such forces, or the ribbon button, or rosette of any such badge, decoration or medal, or any colorable imitation thereof shall be fined under this title for imprisoned not more than six months, or both,

(c) Congressional Medal of Honor. -

(1) In general. - If a decoration or medal involved in an offense under subsection (a) or (b) is a Congressional Medal of Honor, in lieu of the punishment provided in that subsection, the offender shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 1 year, or both.

(2) Definitions. -

(A) As used in subsection (a) with respect to a Congressional Medal of Honor, “sells” includes trades, barters, or exchanges for anything of value.

(B) As used in this subsection, “Congressional Medal of Honor” means -

(i) a medal of honor awarded under section 3741 (http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode10/usc_sec_10_00003741----000-.html), 6241 (http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode10/usc_sec_10_00006241----000-.html), or 8741 (http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode10/usc_sec_10_00008741----000-.html) of title 10 (http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode10/usc_sup_01_10.html) or section 491 (http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode14/usc_sec_14_00000491----000-.html) of title 14 (http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode14/usc_sup_01_14.html);

(ii) a duplicate medal of honor issued under section 3754 (http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode10/usc_sec_10_00003754----000-.html), 6256 (http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode10/usc_sec_10_00006256----000-.html), or 8754 (http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode10/usc_sec_10_00008754----000-.html) of title 10 (http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode10/usc_sup_01_10.html) or section 504 (http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode14/usc_sec_14_00000504----000-.html) of title 14 (http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode14/usc_sup_01_14.html); or

(iii) a replacement of a medal of honor provided under section 3747 (http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode10/usc_sec_10_00003747----000-.html), 6253 (http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode10/usc_sec_10_00006253----000-.html), or 8747 (http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode10/usc_sec_10_00008747----000-.html) of title 10 (http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode10/usc_sup_01_10.html) or section 501 (http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode14/usc_sec_14_00000501----000-.html) of title 14 (http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode14/usc_sup_01_14.html).

(d) Other Medals -If a decoration or medal involved in an offense under subsection (a) or (b) is a Distinguished Service Cross awarded under Section 3742 of Title 10, an Air Force Cross awarded under Section 8742 of Title 10, a Navy Cross awarded under section 6242 of Title 10, a Silver Star awarded under Section3746, 6244, or 8746 of Title 10, or a Purple Heart awarded under Section 1129 of Title 10, or any replacement or duplicate medal as authorized by statute, in lieu of the punishment provided in that subsection, the offender shall be find under this title, imprisoned not more than 1 year or both.

The Relationship Between 32 CFR §507 and 18 USC §704

To understand the meaning and impact of the law, it cannot be read alone: it has be reviewed in conjunction with 32 CFR §507.7 and §507.8 because the parenthetic statement “except when authorized under regulations made pursuant to law” refers to and is elaborated on by Parts 507.7 and 507.8 of Title 32 of the Code of Federal Regulations, which quoted in full below:

32 CFR §507.8:

(a). The articles listed in paragraphs (a) (1) through (10) of this section are authorized for manufacture and sale when made in accordance with approved specifications, purchase descriptions or drawings.

(1). All authorized insignia (AR 670-1 and AFI 36-2903)

(2). Appurtenances and devices for decorations, medals, and ribbons such as oak leaf cluster, service stars, arrowheads, V-devices, and clasps.

(3). Combat, special skill, occupational and qualification badges and bars.

(4). Identification badges.

(5). Fourrageres and lanyards

(6). Lapel buttons.

(7). Decorations, service medals, and ribbons, except for the Medal of Honor

(8). Replicas of decorations and service medals for grave markers. Replicas are to be at least twice the size prescribed for decorations and service medals.

(9). Service ribbons for decorations, service medals, and unit awards.

(10). Rosettes.

(11). Army emblem and branch of service plaques.

(b) Variations from the prescribed specifications for the items listed in paragraph (a) of this section are not permitted without prior approval, in writing, by the Institute of Heraldry.
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Finally, here is a note from the original AUTHOR of the Bill, with a clarification, as it appeared in the Congressional Record:

Sen. Kent Conrad [D-ND] (http://www.govtrack.us/congress/person.xpd?id=300026): http://www.govtrack.us/data/photos/300026-50px.jpeg</IMG>Mr. President, I would like to comment today on the Stolen Valor Act of 2005 that was signed into law by President Bush on December 20, 2006. I am extremely proud of authoring the Senate version of this legislation that ultimately became law. The new law that has resulted from the Stolen Valor Act strengthens and expands the protections for our Armed Forces military service awards and decorations.
Since the Stolen Valor Act was signed into law, there have been reports of concerns raised by medal collectors, historians, museums, family members that inherit medals, and persons legitimately possessing, shipping, or selling military service awards and decorations. I would like to make it clear for the Record that the intent and effect of my legislation and the resulting law is only to provide the tools law enforcement need to prosecute those fraudulently using military service awards they did not earn through service to our Armed Forces. It does not in any way restrict legitimate possession, use, shipment, or display of these awards and decorations.

Before the law was enacted, my legislation was reviewed by the Senate Judiciary Committee, the House Judiciary Committee, the Department of Justice, and the Congressional Research Service's American Law Division. All concluded that the Stolen Valor legislation does not negatively impact those legitimately in possession of military service awards and decorations.

Although the new law modifies title 18 USC, section 704, it does not impact the legitimate purchase, sale, or possession of medals. The key part of this passage is the phrase, "except when authorized under regulations made pursuant to law." That exception refers to 32 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), section 507. I believe the concerns raised by collectors and dealers of military medals and memorabilia may stem from lack of familiarity with the CFR and its relationship to statutory law. The CFR is the regulation that implements and administers statutory provisions, in this case, the provisions of 18 USC section 704 as amended by the Stolen Valor Act.
The CFR specifically states in section 507.12(b), "Mere possession by a person of any of the articles prescribed in Sec. 507.8 of this part is authorized provided that such possession is not used to defraud or misrepresent the identification or status of the individuals concerned." According to numerous legal experts consulted on the drafting of the Stolen Valor legislation, "mere possession" would include family members who inherit medals, museums, collectors, approved medals dealers, historians, and other persons in possession or selling medals that do not use them for fraudulent purposes. In addition, CFR Sec. 507.8(a) indicates, "the articles listed in paragraphs (a) (1) through (10) of this section are authorized for manufacture and sale when made in accordance with approved specifications, purchase descriptions or drawings."

The articles listed as authorized for manufacture and sale in Sec. 507.8(a) include decorations, service medals, ribbons, lapel buttons, and badges with the exception of the Medal of Honor. The CFR allows for the sale of all U.S. medals, except the Medal of Honor, and insignia, provided that an official government manufacturer has made them and that the Institute of Heraldry, IOH, approved those pieces. Thus, the Stolen Valor Act does not in any way stop collectors or dealers from selling or collecting officially made medals and insignia, whether they were made yesterday or 50 years ago.
In closing, I again want to assure those legitimately in possession of selling, displaying, or shipping military service awards that the Stolen Valor Act is only directed at those who fraudulently use military service awards and decorations. I have been to Walter Reed Hospital, Bethesda Naval Hospital, and have awarded numerous awards and decorations to soldiers and veterans. These brave men and women have given so much to ensure our freedoms. I strongly believe protecting the meaning and valor of military service awards is a very important way we can continue to honor their service and sacrifice.
I ask unanimous consent that a memo from the American Law Division at Congressional Research Service supporting this analysis be printed in the Record at the conclusion of my remarks.


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EGA1957
01-12-10, 02:23 PM
Surprised that with all the NCIS fans no-one has commented on the Charles Durning MOH episode (that looks like its becoming a USMC Birthday perennial).

Apparently, Durning, as Corporal Yost, may haved based or connected his performance on his actually having won the Army's Silver Star.

Sgt Leprechaun
01-14-10, 12:50 AM
I hadn't heard that part of the story, but that episode is one of my favorites. Never fails to move me!

EGA1957
01-14-10, 10:27 AM
As a tidbit, here's a little more about Charles Durning: http://www.military-money-matters.com/charles-durning.html (http://www.military-money-matters.com/charles-durning.html).

What I neglected to ask in the previous post was why no-one commented about the use of a MOH in that episode, especially since the DOD (in a previous post) was said to run a tight ship.

And now my curiosity is, is the MOH that was shown and even worn on the episode, the Navy or the Army style (or an entire fabrication)?

rickyracer
01-14-10, 01:03 PM
When you look at tv and movies, you have to understand that very little of this is factual. Most shows have the same discrepancies. This is an example of how we Marines can see them.

Dr's, cops, lawyers....all see the same things as we can here:usmc:

TV and movies are fake for the most part. Authenticity is not guaranteed

This one of the times I argee with Jettdawgg.

Reddog48
01-14-10, 08:07 PM
I can't stand how they salute on tv or movies. They never get it right. Elbow up to high, bent wrist. ticks me off

Sgt Leprechaun
01-14-10, 08:43 PM
As a tidbit, here's a little more about Charles Durning: http://www.military-money-matters.com/charles-durning.html (http://www.military-money-matters.com/charles-durning.html).

What I neglected to ask in the previous post was why no-one commented about the use of a MOH in that episode, especially since the DOD (in a previous post) was said to run a tight ship.

And now my curiosity is, is the MOH that was shown and even worn on the episode, the Navy or the Army style (or an entire fabrication)?

It's the proper navy style, and it was worn, and correctly.

Convulsive
01-15-10, 12:33 AM
That's almost as bad as that new movie Avatar putting Marines in ****ing Army Cammie's! and all their uniforms looked disgusting on top of that. ****ing Hollywood.

Hotel4341
01-15-10, 08:02 AM
That's almost as bad as that new movie Avatar putting Marines in ****ing Army Cammie's! and all their uniforms looked disgusting on top of that. ****ing Hollywood.


For the 500 billionth time, there are no active duty Marines potrayed in Avatar. They are mercenaries. And those are definitely not Army camies.

erased
01-15-10, 08:13 AM
For the 500 billionth time, there are no active duty Marines potrayed in Avatar. They are mercenaries. And those are definitely not Army camies.

Regardless, I can't imagine getting bent out of shape about something like that. The movie takes place in the year 2154. I promise our uniforms will look different 144 years from now.

Petz
01-15-10, 10:43 PM
I agree with erased. and yes, they are former Marines working for a company like black water.