Discussion: Stolen Valor Act 2013

[Snaquebite]

I get a lot of questions about the Stolen Valor Act of 2013. Here's a little information:
The Stolen Valor Act of 2013 amends the federal criminal code to rewrite provisions relating to fraudulent claims about military service to subject to a fine, imprisonment for not more than one year, or both an individual who, with intent to obtain money, property, or other tangible benefit, fraudulently holds himself or herself out to be a recipient of:

* Medal of Honor,
* Distinguished Service Cross,
* Navy Cross,
* Air Force Cross,
* Silver Star,
* Purple Heart,
* Combat Infantryman's Badge,
* Combat Action Badge,
* Combat Medical Badge,
* Combat Action Ribbon,
* Combat Action Medal, or
any replacement or duplicate medal for such medal as authorized by law.

Interpretation: You must have intent to obtain money, property, or other tangible benefit AND claim/wear one or more of the above listed awards/decorations in order to be prosecuted. Wearing of the above alone DOES NOT constitute Stolen Valor.

I encourage everyone to write their congress critters to support amending/rewriting this Act again. It is too broad and restrictive and as a result ineffective.