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It must be a clerical error

08/20/07 · 9:07 pm :: posted by Peter Kenney     

Five Purple Hearts AND the Silver Star for Valor?glenn_marshall200_271_01
A search of an on-line directory of Marine Corps recipients of the silver star during the Vietnam war reveals no one named Glenn Marshal

Glenn Marshall, president of the tribal council of the Mashpee Wampanoag Indians, is proud to tell of his military experience. He recently told an interviewer from the New London Day that his service in the United States Marine Corps included three tours in Vietnam. Marshall went on to say that he was a "reconnaissance specialist." It is unclear from the article if he was implying that he was a member of the Marine Corps' elite Force Reconnaisance or that he was simply a combat Marine who was sent on reconnaissance missions. Either way Glenn Marshall was certainly in harm's way, for three different thirteen month stretches.

Unlike Senator John Kerry who required only four months of service in Vietnam to acquire three purple heart decorations, Marshall spent three years garnering his five; he is quoted in the New London Day as having received five purple hearts. Some research involving three different experts in such matters, all veterans of combat  service in Vietnam, shows that three purple hearts generally earned the recipient a permanent ride back home. Five purple hearst is an enormous achievement.

But, certainly the largest badge of honor Glenn Marshall wears is his Silver Star, the third highest award for valor available to United  States combat personnel. Marshall is quoted in the New London Day as saying he was awarded the Silver Star. A search of an on-line directory of Marine Corps recipients of the silver star during the Vietnam war reveals no one named Glenn Marshall. The site is homeofthebrave.com where ninety-five percent of all U.S. Marines who received the Silver Star for action in Vietnam are listed.

This is certainly disheartening news to those who have placed their trust in Glenn Marshall. then again, it could alll be a clerical error and if Marshall opens his military record to inspection it can all be cleared up. No effort has been made yet to contact Marshall or tribal spokesman, Mr. Ferson of Boston.

13 comments
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08/21/07 @ 8:54 am
Solon [Member] writes:
Peter,

Interesting article. I don't know what the truth is about Glenn Marshall, but, as you say, he could clarify the situation quickly.

I do know that we have hundreds, if not thousands, of phonies across the country--some in political office--who have used their "veteran" or "hero" status for political gain and who wouldn't know an entrenching tool from a colonoscope. I believe such false claims are an affront to the nation and its citizens, and to those who really were heroes, and should carry a heavy penalty of imprisonment.
 [ Show all comments by this user ]
08/21/07 @ 10:29 am
Peter Kenney [Member] writes:
Solon

In fact such behavior is actionable under federal law. It is a crime to wear either a uniform or decorations to which one is not entitled. Even wearing phony decorations on civilian clothes is a crime. Marshall has said for publication that he recieved certain military honors...if this is not true he has a probloem with the FBI. Is this the sort of guy Masscahusetts wants to hold a casino license?
 [ Show all comments by this user ]
08/21/07 @ 11:42 am
Monponsett [Member] writes:
I killed like 80 generals in that Australian War.
 [ Show all comments by this user ]
08/21/07 @ 1:30 pm
Solon [Member] writes:
Monpo,

I always knew you were Kaiser Soje in disguise!
 [ Show all comments by this user ]
08/21/07 @ 6:07 pm
Peter Kenney [Member] writes:
Monpo

A very wise man once told me that the best way to attack a general is to shoot him in his privates.

OW!
 [ Show all comments by this user ]
08/21/07 @ 9:41 pm
capemom [Member] writes:
The fact that Glenn specifically mentions in detail his impressive military accomplishments leads me to want to see his record. What do you say, Glenn?

If you're one of the 5% who earned a Silver Star who is not mentioned on the homeofthebrave.com, shouldn't you want to set the record straight? I know I would want to.
 [ Show all comments by this user ]
08/22/07 @ 2:13 am
doug@homeofheroes.co [Member] writes:
This much I can confirm for you. Mr. Marshall DID serve in the Marine Corps, and his total time in Active Duty Service was 23 months. His Primary MOS was 0311 (Rifleman)...the basic PMOS for all Marines. He did NOT carry an 0321 PMOS (Reconnaissance). His rank was E-3 (Lance Corporal).
 [ Show all comments by this user ]
08/22/07 @ 9:58 am
Peter Kenney [Member] writes:
Doug,

Thank you, thank you, thank you. Gee whizzzzz.........how does a guy do three combat tours when he was on active duty for 23 months? Let'see: basic training plus advanced infantry with the liberty after each included brings our boy up to about 7 months of service. That leaves 16 months to serve three tours; one tour=13 months. Hmmmm. Could Glenn be mistaken?
 [ Show all comments by this user ]
08/22/07 @ 6:49 pm
Peter Kenney [Member] writes:
Confirmed!

Courtesy of Doug Sterener from Colorado, author of the book Stolen Valor, and the man responsible for the federal Stolen Valor Act: Glenn Marshall has no purple hearts and no silver star. He served 23 months in the United states Marine Corps and therefore could have done only one tour in Vietnam, not the three he claims.Ialso spoke with a fellow at Marine Corps headquarters who confirms this.

And all Glenn wants is for the Commonwealth to allow him and his 'investors' to operate a casino that everyone projects will bring in more than $600 million per year for the next thirty years. Glenn says "trust me"....
would you?
 [ Show all comments by this user ]
08/22/07 @ 7:49 pm
doug@homeofheroes.co [Member] writes:
Slight correction. I authored the language for the "Stolen Valor Act" that was passed by Congress. The excellent book "Stolen Valor" was authored by my personal hero, B.G. "Jug" Burkett who brought such problems to our attention.
 [ Show all comments by this user ]
08/23/07 @ 11:00 am
capeinquirer [Member] writes:
Peter,

I read a very intersting article p://www.stolenvalor.com/foia.htm which may help to clear up any clerical errors regarding medals of honor during the Vietnam war. According to the article titled Quick Guide to Obtaining Military Records; "If the veteran is not a cooperative subject, you must request the record under the federal Freedom of Information Act. Send a letter to the National Personnel Records Center, saying something like this: "Dear Sirs or Madams: I am requesting, under the federal Freedom of Information Act, the publicly-releasable form of the military record of Glenn A Marshall, from Massachusetts, Primary MOS was 0311 (Rifleman)"

You MUST cite the Freedom of Information Act to obtain a military record that is not your own. "
 [ Show all comments by this user ]
08/24/07 @ 7:06 am
Buzz [Member] writes:
Congratulations Peter for kicking the crap out of the CC Times and beating them in their own backyard.

Today's CCT finally has the story you posted a few days ago.

Cape Cod Today is now the official "Paper of Record" for Cape Cod.
 [ Show all comments by this user ]
08/24/07 @ 7:46 pm
rapunzal2007 [Member] writes:
Wow great show this evening Peter. You certainly had this liar bull$#!+ artist pegged lol.Is he pulling a Melvin Reine now?Ohhhh dementia, dementiaaaaaaaaaa"o) I think Taunten may have a pillow with his name on it.
 [ Show all comments by this user ]
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About This Blog

peter140_178The Great Gadfly is the public persona of Peter Kenney. Born in Boston Kenney has lived in Yarmouth for decades, a town he describes as the best run town on Cape Cod. He is the son of Boston public school teachers and the product of a varied educational path. A long-time commentor on local television and radio he is adding his voice to the blogoshere. You may email Peter here.

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