Dec 23, 2024, 6:44 PM
Dec 22, 2024, 12:00 AM

Wes Moore finally gets Bronze Star, raising questions about military recognition

Highlights
  • Wes Moore received the Bronze Star for his Afghanistan service 18 years ago.
  • The award was confirmed during a private ceremony by Lt. Gen. Michael Fenzel.
  • The award resolved a controversy regarding Moore's prior claims about receiving the medal.
Story

In Maryland, Wes Moore was awarded the Bronze Star for his service during his deployment to Afghanistan nearly 18 years ago. This came after a controversy in which it was reported that he had prematurely claimed the award in a 2006 White House fellowship application. The private ceremony took place at the governor's mansion in Annapolis, where Lt. Gen. Michael Fenzel, Moore's former commander, pinned the medal on him. Fenzel expressed satisfaction in being able to rectify the previous misunderstanding regarding Moore's military honors. The controversy surrounding Wes Moore has lingered throughout his political career, culminating in challenges regarding the validity of his claims to military accolades. Critics highlighted a New York Times report from August that stated there was no record of the Bronze Star being awarded to Moore. Throughout his rise in politics, he faced scrutiny about whether he had misled the public by suggesting he received the esteemed medal, which is awarded for meritorious service in combat zones. Fenzel, who had recommended the award while Moore was deployed, later discovered that the necessary paperwork had not been filed, leading to confusion regarding Moore’s recognition. Upon realizing that Moore had never received the award, Fenzel took immediate action to rectify the situation, contacting Army officials to ensure the medal was granted. The citation was signed on November 19, but Moore only learned about his awarded medal on December 14 at the Army-Navy football game. The awarding of the Bronze Star to Wes Moore not only addresses a long-standing issue from his past but also highlights the significance of recognizing military service accurately. Fenzel's role in facilitating the award has been crucial in ensuring that Moore’s military contributions are properly acknowledged, thereby putting an end to the controversy that overshadowed Moore's achievements. The Bronze Star is a prestigious award, reflecting excellence and honor among service members, and its recognition in Moore's case underscores corrective measures taken to uphold integrity in the acknowledgment of military service.

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