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Stolen Valor (AI image)
Episode 3376 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the person who stole valor and VA funds. The featured story is titled: DOJ: Man pleads guilty to stolen valor and defrauding VA out of $124K in benefits. It appeared on the Fox News website and was submitted by Mark Richardson.
Richardson reported that The Vietnam War produced generations of courageous American heroes who served their country under extraordinarily difficult circumstances. Our Vietnam Veterans deserve lasting respect and recognition for their military service, sacrifice, courage, and dedication. This story, however, concerns a Missouri man accused of falsely claiming that he was one of them.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, James Lyon, 80, of Independence, Missouri, pleaded guilty to charges involving stolen valor and fraudulently obtaining VA disability benefits. Federal prosecutors say Lyon admitted that he refused Marine Corps training in 1966 as a conscientious objector, but later falsely claimed that he had completed three separate periods of Marine Corps service, including combat service during the Vietnam War.
The DOJ says Lyon also falsely claimed that he had earned prestigious military decorations, including the Bronze Star and Silver Star, despite never having served in combat. These allegations are particularly significant because such medals represent the extraordinary courage and sacrifice of American servicemen and women who actually served in Vietnam.
According to prosecutors, Lyon also admitted falsely telling the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that he had been diagnosed with ALS, while using fabricated medical records to support his claim for disability compensation. The DOJ says those fraudulent claims resulted in Lyon receiving more than $124,262 in VA disability-related payments to which he was not entitled.
For the millions of Americans who served during the Vietnam War, stories involving stolen military service can be deeply troubling because they can diminish the accomplishments and sacrifices of genuine Vietnam Veterans. Their service, whether in combat, support, aviation, logistics, medical units, or other military roles, remains an important part of American military history.
The DOJ says Lyon faces up to 10 years in federal prison without parole. His sentencing will follow a federal pre-sentence investigation.
The greatness of our Vietnam Veterans is found in those who truly served, sacrificed, and carried out their duty with honor.
Listen to episode 3376 and discover more about the person that stole valor and VA funds.
