Fake Medals
EmailFormer Marine Sergeant Gary Lakis, who boasted of a chest full of medals but was exposed on World News Tonight as having never seen combat or won the medals he wore on his uniform, was investigated by both the FBI and the Defense Department’s Criminal Investigative Service. But the U.S. Attorney’s office in San Diego did not prosecute the case.
As for Lakis, investigators say he had moved to Australia during the time he was under investigation.
Lakis had been awarded a $66 million government contract to enhance security at U.S. Navy bases on the west coast and in Hawaii. But Pentagon records obtained by ABC News showed that Lakis never saw combat and never received the medal he wore.
For the full report, check out the World News Tonight video in the Top Stories. And for more on the proliferation of fake medals, click here to check out the New York Times’ article, "New Reports of Medal Fraud Bring Calls for Tougher Laws."
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What a fraud………
Posted by: AL | May 3, 2006, 4:12 pm 4:12 pm
I agree, what a fraud.
Posted by: perry | May 4, 2006, 3:03 pm 3:03 pm
I just wanted to let you know, coming form an ex-military wife, that most medals if not all of them can be purchased at the PX on most bases. Why you ask?? For those times when the soldier loses them and there is an inspection. I agree that he IS a FRAUD but why are we able to do this??
Posted by: Teal | May 10, 2006, 10:54 am 10:54 am
another loser is caught. He should be nade to maintain the cemetaries where our heroes are buried. As a Army Vietnam Veteran, I would like to thanks those who caught this man.
As far as medals being obtained, check e-bay for sales of DSC, Silver Stars, Purple Hearts etc. This should not be allowed.
Posted by: SSGMike.Ivy | November 29, 2006, 5:53 pm 5:53 pm