Cherished Number Plates News

Number Plates Expose Fake War Heroes

11 November 2008

John Fielding's number plate, which he proudly displayed on his car, says that he won a silver star for loyal and heroic service during his time in the Vietnam War. However, he never won the prestigious award.

An agency, which exposes fake war heroes, has turned his name into the FBI and is even pushing to have him prosecuted. "The case is the tip of the iceberg," said Doug Sterner, head of Home Of Heroes, a Colorado-based organization that works to track down those who falsely claim military honours.

"It's not at all uncommon. And the shame of it is, anybody who wears the uniform already has the right to be proud."

Fielding, who won two Purple Hearts during his tour of duty in Vietnam in 1968-69, acknowledged the sad fact he did not win a Silver Star -- the military's third-highest honour behind the Medal of Honour and the various service branches' crosses -- but he said his purchase of Virginia's Silver Star specialty plate was the result of a misunderstanding and his original intention was not to have a phoney war plate displayed on his car.

"I regret it," the 67-year-old said who has since removed the plate from his car following embarrassment and exposure.

He came to own the prestigious plate when he received a letter years ago from Army headquarters saying that is combat record was being re-evaluated and that his honours may be upgraded to a higher award for his service during the bitter war. However, those assessing his record never awarded him a silver star, despite that, he continued to display the plate which he obtained by joining a Silver Star foundation impulsively.

"I guess I acted on something a little early," he said. "I regret it. But I had the membership card, and we truly anticipated getting [the Silver Star]."

Fielding said he no longer has the letter from Marine Corps headquarters.

A law passed in 2006 made it illegal to display or wear any military honour, which was not rightfully won and awarded.

It has been reported that over 50 prosecutions have been made for breaking the new law and that there are many other known cases. The maximum sentence for breaking the law is currently one year behind bars.