From Perth Now, the story of how to punish stolen valor violations. <\/p>\n
Graeme Arthur “Gosh” O’Shannessy, 63, of Theodore, in central west Queensland, appeared in Biloela Magistrates Court yesterday charged with two Defence Act offences.<\/p>\n
[…]<\/p>\n
It will be alleged that, on April 22, O’Shannessy addressed a school assembly of more than 100 students, teachers and parents about the seven medals he wore.<\/p>\n
It is alleged the medals were the Purple Heart, Defence Joint Service Achievement Medal, US Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Air Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm and Army Distinguished Service Cross.<\/p>\n
The Purple Heart is a US medal awarded to those wounded or killed while serving with the US military and the Distinguished Service Cross is the second highest US Army award.<\/p>\n
It is believed police investigated after a complaint from military impostors watchdog website, ANZMI, which had been contacted by someone at the assembly.<\/p>\n
Police will allege that O’Shannessy was in the Royal Australian Navy from 1971 to 1974 and never saw active service in Vietnam or anywhere else overseas. Several medals were seized when Biloela police raided O’Shannessy’s house on August 2.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Dude, the police raided his house! I guess they’re more serious than American authorities when it comes to stolen valor. The article goes on to explain that O’Shannessy faces a $3300 fine or six months as a sex toy or both under The Defence Act. Apparently, O’Shannessy also had illegal weapons in his home, too.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"