Governor’s Surprise Announcement Prompts Questions on Integrity and Accountability

Maryland Governor Wes Moore apologizes for falsely claiming Bronze Star, citing an “honest mistake” in military record.

At a Glance

Gov. Wes Moore apologized for incorrectly stating he received a Bronze Star on a White House fellowship application
Moore served in the Army Reserve from 1996 to 2014, including deployment to Afghanistan
The governor blamed the error on misinformation from a senior officer
Moore emphasized his commitment to integrity and accountability in his role as governor

Governor Admits to False Bronze Star Claim

Maryland Governor Wes Moore has publicly apologized for falsely claiming to be a recipient of the Bronze Star, a prestigious military honor. The admission came after The New York Times obtained and reported on Moore’s 2006 White House Fellowship application, where he incorrectly stated he had been awarded the Bronze Star and Combat Action Badge for his service in Afghanistan.

Moore, who served in the Army Reserve from 1996 to 2014 and was deployed to Afghanistan from August 2005 to March 2006, attributed the false claim to an “honest mistake.” He explained that a senior officer had informed him he had been recommended for the Bronze Star, leading him to include it on his application.

Wes Moore apologizes for "honest mistake" in claiming a Bronze Star https://t.co/QVUBK9gXAn

— The Hill (@thehill) August 30, 2024

Military Service and Actual Awards

While Moore did receive several awards for his military service, including the National Defense Service Medal, he was not awarded the Bronze Star. The governor learned near the end of his deployment that he had not received the prestigious honor, despite being listed as a top 1 percent officer in Operation Enduring Freedom in his officer evaluation report.

“My deputy brigade commander felt comfortable with instructing me to include the award on my application for the Fellowship because he received confirmation with the approval authority that the Bronze Star was signed and approved by his senior leadership,” Moore wrote. “In the military, there is an understanding that if a senior officer tells you that an action is approved, you can trust that as a fact,” said Maryland Governor Wes Moore.

Lieutenant General Michael Fenzel, a mentor to Moore, confirmed that he had advised Moore to include the Bronze Star on his application, believing it had been approved. This misunderstanding highlights the complexities of military award processes and the potential for miscommunication.

Impact on Political Career

The false claim about the Bronze Star became a point of controversy during Moore’s 2022 gubernatorial campaign. Despite this, Moore won the election and has since been serving as governor of Maryland. The recent revelation has brought renewed scrutiny to his military record and integrity.

“I am proud of my service in the U.S. Army, I am proud of the soldiers I served with in combat, and I love my country. I’m never going to back away from that. The military taught me to put the safety of others over my own, leave no one behind, and live ‘Mission First, People Always.’ These are the values that drive my work as governor—and that will not change,” Moore said Thursday.

Moore, who has been a key surrogate for the Harris-Walz campaign, addressed the scrutiny of his military record and expressed support for Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota, whose military service has also been questioned. The governor criticized political attacks on veterans’ integrity and emphasized his commitment to his work as governor.

Lessons in Accountability

Governor Moore’s apology and explanation serve as a reminder of the importance of accuracy and accountability in public service. While the initial error may have been unintentional, Moore acknowledged that he should have corrected the record on multiple occasions when interviewers incorrectly stated he had received a Bronze Star.

“I should have corrected the interviewers,” Moore told the Times.

As the governor moves forward from this controversy, his handling of the situation will likely be closely watched by constituents and political observers alike. Moore’s commitment to honesty about his military service and his emphasis on the values he learned in the military may help him navigate this challenging period in his political career.