The Virginian-Pilot
©
NORFOLK
A Navy petty officer is facing court-martial next week on charges that he forged documents and wore ribbons and medals he didn't earn, including the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star.
Dontae L. Tazewell, a hospital corpsman assigned to a medical clinic in Yorktown, is charged with one count of making a false official statement, eight counts of forging documents related to the insignia, and 11 counts of wearing unauthorized badges or medals.
Tazewell, a petty officer second class, faced a preliminary hearing - an Article 32, in military terms - at Norfolk Naval Station on Dec. 21.
Kevin Copeland, a spokesman for the Navy's Mid-Atlantic Region, said Friday that Tazewell has been referred to a general court-martial. The trial is tentatively scheduled for Jan. 15 in Norfolk and will be conducted by a judge alone, at Tazewell's request.
If found guilty, Tazewell faces a maximum punishment of five years' confinement for each count of forging records and making a false official statement, and six months for each count of wearing unauthorized decorations. According to the Uniform Code of Military Justice, punishment also could include dishonorable discharge and forfeiture of all pay and allowances.
Tazewell could not be reached for comment, and Copeland could not immediately provide the name of his lawyer.
Faking medals is common, said Doug Sterner, a military historian in Pueblo, Colo., who lobbied Congress two years ago to pass the Stolen Valor Act. Military law applies to members who wear unauthorized ribbons and medals. In 2006, Congress made it a civil crime, as well - punishable by up to six months in prison and a maximum fine of $5,000 - for civilians who make false verbal, written or physical claims to an authorized military award.
Sterner called it "emotional travesty" for people who didn't earn the Purple Heart to claim the honor, which was created by George Washington. "The Purple Heart ranks low in the precedence of medals, but to me it's almost sacred, because you're seeing someone who made a personal sacrifice," Sterner said.
The Bronze Star, awarded only to military members engaged in an action against an enemy, is one of the 10 most prestigious awards in the military.
According to Navy records, Tazewell presented false documents about the medals and ribbons last May. He was charged in August.
In addition to the Purple Heart and Bronze Star, Tazewell wore Navy commendation medals, achievement medals and a combat action ribbon that he didn't earn, the records said.
Kate Wiltrout, (757) 446-2629, kate.wiltrout@pilotonline.com
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anyone else?
Any conservatives besides Doug who would approve Clinton accepting a Purple Heart for 'emotional wounds'? I think it cheapens and demeans the idea of the Purple Heart for anyone to accept it under such conditions, whether it be Clinton or Bush. Bush accepted it as a personal award, not as a generic gift. The Purple Heart means too much for those who really earned it.
Williiam?
If some veteran wishes to make a personal gift to Mr. William Jefferson Clinton, for whatever reason, then I have no problem with it. Unlike frothing at the mouths people from either side of the isle, I am more of a constitutionalist, and really dont care. I dont hate Clinton, I dont hate Bush, I don't even dislike them. I disagree with some decisions each have made, and that's my perogotive, as well as every other citizen of these United States. I disagree with socialist programs such as universal health care, thats part of the Karl Marx playbook. I am against gun Control, because the only guns that will be controlled are those belonging to honest citizens.
keithness?
You're just so sweet doug. Tell us that the right wing would approve Bill Clinton accepting a Purple Heart for 'emotional wounds'.
Keithness-
It was a PERSONAL gift given to him by the Veteran who legitimately earned it. Bush CANNOT wear it as a part of his Uniform. No matter the reason Bush accepted it, it was done as a personal gift from the Veteran to bush. It was NOT a Militarily earned medal that Bush can wear as a prt of his uniform.
There is a HUGE differance between being given something as a gift, and the illegal wearing of a medal as a part of the uniform.
read the article doug
Bush accepted it for his 'emotional wounds'. That's what it was given to him for.
keithb64840
Read the article you posted. Bush wasnt given a purple heart by the military, and Veteran gave one of the purple hearts he personally earned to Bush. Bush cannot wear it as a part of his uniform, it was a personal gift.
Yes, I hope he gets the Max. Good order and discipline means just that. If you dont like it, then you should not volunteer for the Military.
I HAVE know sailors who were in for 10 years and had only 1 ribbon. It does happen. I was in for 10 years and only have 2. Battle "E" and Sea Service, along with my Dolphins.
Who Cares?
Get over yourselves, it's a piece of tin! Five years for each offense? You've got to be kidding! Confine this sailor to quarters for a Saturday night. Have his commander, and his Chief lecture him. Lets keep this in perspective. The Navy has far worse problems.
I think....
his picture should have been included so everyone will know exactly who this liar is.
Big Deal?
You bet. A Purple Heart qualifies the awardee for several benefits. They get darn near head of the line at VA Hospitals, with no co-pays. Government jobs give them a 10 point preference over other applicants. Many states offer free college tuition. And that's just a short list of potential avenues of financial fraud this loser would have been able to take advantage of had he not been caught.
Bush accepted a Purple Heart
http://adserver1.harvestadsdepot.com/kleendaylee/ss/062066/ .... Bush accepted a Purple Heart for his 'emotional wounds'.