ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Following a wave of scrutiny, Maryland Governor Wes Moore has been formally honored with the Bronze Star for his military service in Afghanistan nearly 18 years ago.
The recognition comes after questions arose about his application for a White House fellowship in 2006, during which he had mentioned the medal even though he had not yet received it.
Award Ceremony Details
The award ceremony took place privately at the governor’s residence in Annapolis last Friday, as confirmed by his office.
Lt. Gen. Michael Fenzel, a longtime friend and Moore’s former commanding officer, presented the award, commending him for his “meritorious service,” as reported by The Washington Post.
Background of the Discrepancy
Moore had received a recommendation for the Bronze Star from senior officers during his deployment, including Fenzel.
At that time, Fenzel advised Moore to list the medal on his fellowship application, under the impression that the necessary approvals had been secured.
Although Moore had some hesitations, Fenzel reassured him, believing the award would be finalized before the fellowship selections were made.
Sadly, the proper paperwork wasn’t completed before Moore concluded his 11-month deployment and successfully obtained the fellowship.
In August, The New York Times called attention to the discrepancy in Moore’s application, revealing that he had made this inaccurate claim about the Bronze Star.
The Resolution
It was not until the award ceremony that Fenzel realized there was an issue.
He learned for the first time that Moore, who served as an Army captain, had not actually received the medal.
Upon this revelation, Fenzel acted quickly, reaching out to the chief of staff of the U.S. Secretary of the Army, Christine Wormouth, to expedite the process of recommending the honor again and to secure the needed approvals from Moore’s former command.
The formal citation for the Bronze Star was signed on November 19, and on December 14, Moore was notified of the award by Wormouth during the Army-Navy football game, as his staff noted.
Source: Militarytimes