Stolen valour
A look at phony US war heroes, who claim praise, perks and privileges without ever having done anything to deserve them.
In the past two decades, the US’s love affair with its armed forces has blossomed.
Service people on active duty in Iraq and Afghanistan are routinely described as heroes, with those who have won medals or suffered injury or death being accorded a special place in the nation’s affections.
However not all of those enjoying this exalted status are the genuine article. It seems there are some Americans who are so in enamored of the kudos associated with being a hero, that they are prepared to go to any lengths to win it, except enlisting in the forces for real.
Australian reporter Mark Corcoran investigates a very strange modern phenomenon.
We do not have online rights for Stolen valour but this episode of People & Power can be seen from Wednesday, November 10, 2010 at the following times GMT: Wednesday: 1230; Thursday: 0130, 1400, 1930; Friday: 0630, 1630; Saturday: 0330, 2030; Sunday: 0030, 0530; Monday: 0830.