Two-star faker fooled friends, Marines

[unhappycamper]

David Weber of Ramona, Calif., dressed in the uniform of a Marine major general, talks with Marine Lt. Col. Todd Oneto during the Ramona VFW's Marine Corps birthday ceremony Nov. 7. Six days later, Weber admitted he was never a major general in the Corps.


Two-star faker fooled friends, Marines
By Gidget Fuentes - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Nov 30, 2009 6:42:17 EST

RAMONA, Calif. — Among the small crowd of military veterans and Marines, the two-star general stood out.

At the Ramona VFW’s annual Marine Corps birthday celebration Nov. 7, David Weber was treated as the honored guest, receiving the first piece of the birthday cake in accordance with tradition.

Intrigued by the two stars on Weber’s shoulder boards — and the combat air crewman insignia above all his medals — Lt. Col. Todd Oneto struck up a conversation with the retired officer. A photographer from the local newspaper captured the moment.

Weber told Oneto about enlisting in the Marine Corps at age 17 and about his “promotion” to first lieutenant.

Less than a week later, Oneto learned that Weber’s stories had stretched the truth.


Rest of article at: http://marinecorpstimes.com/news/2009/11/marine_two_star_faker_113009w/

[jody]

1. It's possible Weber commited a felony under 10 USC 771.

10 USC 771. Unauthorized wearing prohibited
QUOTE
Except as otherwise provided by law, no person except a member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps, as the case may be, may wear—
(1) the uniform, or a distinctive part of the uniform, of the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps; or
(2) a uniform any part of which is similar to a distinctive part of the uniform of the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps.

END QUOTE

[unhappycamper]

2. I (and other veterans) wear our old, outdated Army gear to protests and rallies, so

there must be another not-gotcha somewhere in 'the law'.

[DrDan]

3. so if one served on active duty - and did not retire - then that person

would be breaking the law if they wore their old uniform.

Also . . shouldn't this put a crimp in these Army/Navy sales stores that are found in most towns in the U.S.?

Unless where "otherwise provided by law" is very broad.

This may well be one of these laws that is just impossible to enforce.

[jody]

4. Google military impersonation and you will find many cases. I assume intent to defraud for personal

gain would be an important factor.