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"Stolen Valor"
Does Stolen Valor Matter to you?
If. so, Why?
YES!!! It matters immensely. It marginalizes and trivializes those who have done so much, up to and including giving their lives. It's about the TRUTH and not self-aggrandizing ego. ~~ Larry McCartney
Thank you Larry
I personally pursued a charlatan in my area and he was arrested, prosecuted and sent to prison for three years.
Reason I posted was at the last reunion I did personally observe an individual sporting a Navy Cross as well as a Silver Star displayed proudly along with others ribbons which may have also included a Bronze Star to complement his purported service in Nam.
Funny thing was as I looked into all available sites there is no mention of this 'Hero' that walked amongst us mere mortals.
If my data is correct his awards are not published due to the highly secretive scope and purpose of the operations he was assigned to and was subsequently awarded - or should I say ---- Earned --- such substantial honors .
I was humbled by this individual and thought it odd that the KSVA didn't mention his presence at the reunion.
Who knows - maybe next year.
Thank you. I was @ the Pensacola reunion. I did meet one (1) gentleman wearing awards such as you mention. I know he earned them. I can give you the 'story' on him. His name is not common, so that may be why you came up blank in your research. The gentleman I met was only there for a few hours on one (1) day and not @ the banquet, which is where honors are generally given. Men such as him and the men he served with are one (1), but just one (1) of the reasons why I am so hard on stolen valor.
Not aware of the gentleman of which you speak
BUT
The lad I am referring to was at the final nights banquet and it was where I did observe the many awards he was sporting.
Not so sure we 're talking bout the same. person
I do believe that the awards we are speaking of are all available for publication
Awards for special ops as well as super classified missions are not buried in some secret government file
Guess Ill just try to uncover some more info about the individual in question..
to be continued ..........................
Again my thanks. We are obviously speaking of two (2) different people. I did not see the lad to whom you refer. The gentleman I speak of is Lieutenant Colonel Rupert E. Fairfield, Jr., U. S. Marine Corps (Retired), who is eighty six (86) years old. The story of his heroism is online @ < https://www.pnj.com/story/news/military/2016/09/26/local-vietnam-war-hero-recognized-speakers-series/91124424/ >. This article, which is ten (10) years old, has a picture of him. He still looks much the same.
I commend you for not 'naming names' until you have proof positive and yes, awards are public even if the citation with narrative description isn't. There is always a record, so research will confirm an award without details. The 'it's classified' excuse is just so much garbage.
By all means, keep on plugging away and looking for the truth. I have a little experience in chasing phonies, so am more than willing to assist if you'd like.
Quote from Guest on January 30, 2026, 12:08 amAgain my thanks. We are obviously speaking of two (2) different people. I did not see the lad to whom you refer. The gentleman I speak of is Lieutenant Colonel Rupert E. 'Skeets' Fairfield, Jr., U. S. Marine Corps (Retired), who is eighty six (86) years old. The story of his heroism is online @ < https://www.pnj.com/story/news/military/2016/09/26/local-vietnam-war-hero-recognized-speakers-series/91124424/ >. This article, which is ten (10) years old, has a picture of him. He still looks much the same.
I commend you for not 'naming names' until you have proof positive and yes, awards are public even if the citation with narrative description isn't. There is always a record, so research will confirm an award without details. The 'it's classified' excuse is just so much garbage.
By all means, keep on plugging away and looking for the truth. I have a little experience in chasing phonies, so am more than willing to assist if you'd like.