WHY THE WES MOORE BRONZE STAR CONTROVERSY IS DIVIDING VETERANS


By bblouin
Maryland Governor Wes Moore participates in a press conference on May 21, 2024, in Baltimore, Maryland, following the re-float and removal of the M/V DALI. Wreckage removal continues at the site of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in order to fully reopen the Fort McHenry Federal Channel. (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers photo by Thomas I. Deaton)

If you’ve ever worked with people in any capacity, chances are, you’ve had to trust that something was done because they said so. However, as we can all relate, that isn’t always the case. Maryland Governor Wes Moore is claiming that him claiming that he has a Bronze Star was “an honest mistake.” In reality, it was never awarded. While he’s owning up to the mistake, not everyone is convinced this was simply an oversight.

Wes Moore and the Bronze Star That Never Was

After the New York Times submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request involving a fellowship application Wes Moore sent to the White House 18 years ago, things got interesting. What’s not up for debate is that Gov. Wes Moore is a Veteran of the U.S. Army, with military service spanning from 1998 until 2014. He was a member of the 82nd Airborne Division achieving the rank of Captain. This was while fighting in the War in Afghanistan. His array of awards include: the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Combat Action Badge, National Defense Service Medal, and the Parachutist Badge. However, it’s the subject of his previously stated Bronze Star that has come into the spotlight during the 2024 election year. According to the New York Times, Moore, 27 years old at the time, filled out his application. He claimed to have a Bronze Star when doing so.

The Stars Aren’t Aligning

Based on Wes Moore’s account, he believed he was receiving the Bronze Star after his Deputy Brigade Commander told him that he was recommended for the award. However, at the end of his deployment, Moore would learn that it wasn’t to be, leading to the controversy we see today. Although Moore claims to have been helping Veterans at the time, and admits to letting things fall through the cracks, he still expresses regret for not going back and changing his application. “It was an honest mistake, and I regret not making that correction,” said Gov. Moore.

Moore Had Chances to Correct the Blunder

Wes Moore has written about life in the military and how when senior leadership tells you something is approved, “ you can trust that as a fact.” This was the reason he made it a “part of the application, plain and simple." However, the Veteran community is also looking at what has happened since the alleged blunder. Specifically, during Moore’s television appearances in 2008 and 2010. Both times, Moore was described as a Bronze Star recipient by the hosts, yet didn’t correct them either time. Critics brought this up during his race for the position of governor in 2022, which he would fight back against.

The Impact on Veterans and Voters

Some Veterans are already voicing opposition to Wes Moore. While a part of the community, he has seemingly lost credibility to be a spokesperson for Vets as a result. This all comes at a time in which Gov. Moore is working to help the Democratic Party earn more Veteran votes for President and Vice President hopefuls Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. The debate about Moore, and even the military service of Tim Walz, has evolved into being more careful and reading the room a bit better when it comes to mentioning one’s military career amid politics. It’s unclear what the real impact, if any, will be, with experts believing the damage to be minimal among voters. However, with major issues affecting Veterans, such as the rising cost of living and healthcare, the focus is surely elsewhere these days.

Wes Moore, the Blunder, and Why It Matters

It’s worth noting the following about Wes Moore and the Bronze Star incident:

  • LTG Michael Fenzel, who told Moore to add the Bronze Star has stated that he did say the medal was approved. Fenzel also mentioned that Moore was hesitant about the idea at the time.
  • Wes Moore has taken responsibility for his role in not fixing the application. He has stated that there is “no excuse.”

Stolen valor, misrepresentations, and anything else of the sort isn’t a good look for anyone. This is even for an accomplished Veteran like Moore. At the end of the day, such claims and mistakes hurt the Veteran community more than anything. It’s possible that Moore may simply look back at this as a blimp on an accomplished military and political career. However, if the Wes Moore-Bronze Star incident is teaching us anything, it’s to be careful when mixing anything with politics. It's best to always double-check when someone says something is done for you. Suggested reads:


CONNECT WITH US
VeteranLife Logo

©2024 VeteranLife. All rights reserved.