In a move that crosses the line from political rivalry to outright disgrace, JD Vance, Donald Trump’s potential vice president, has accused TimWalz, Kamala Harris’s choice for Vice President, of “stolen valor.” This baseless and inflammatory charge not only disrespects the shared code of honor among veterans but also dangerously trivializes the very concept of stolen valor. What Vance has done is more than just ugly — it’s a deliberate attempt to undermine the dignity of military service and exploit it for political gain.
Both Vance andWalzserved honorably in the United States military, with Vance completing four years in the U.S. Marine Corps andWalzdedicating 24 years to the Army National Guard. Despite their shared commitment to the nation, Vance has recklesslyallegedthatWalzchose to retire from the National Guard to avoid a deployment to Iraq. This unfounded accusation is particularly egregious coming from someone whose own running mateavoided service in Vietnamthrough five deferments.
Vance’s claim is not just unsubstantiated by official records; it’s a deliberate attempt to undermineWalz’s long and honorable military service. In an era where political rhetoric has become increasingly toxic, Vance’s willingness to casually hurl such a serious accusation is beyond irresponsible — it’s a stain on the dignity of all who have worn the uniform.
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Here is what 'stolen valor' really means in U.S. military service
“Stolen valor” is a term that carries significant weight, referring to the unethical and illegal act of falsely claiming military service, rank or awards for personal gain. The Stolen Valor Act of 2013 made it a federal crime to fraudulently claim to have received certain military decorations or medals to obtain money, property or other tangible benefits. The law specifically targets false claims about receiving prestigious awards such as the Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, and Purple Heart, among others.
The purpose of this law is clear: to protect the integrity and honor associated with military service. False claims of valor not only insult the sacrifices made by genuine service members but also erode public trust in the military. When such falsehoods go unchecked, they diminish the respect and admiration society rightly holds for those who have served, especially those who have paid the ultimate price.
For veterans, military service is a sacred duty. Whether they served in combat or supported those who did, they sacrificed their freedom, comfort and sometimes their safety or lives. This is not something to be taken lightly, nor should it be used as a cheap political tactic to score points. Calling out real instances of stolen valor is crucial because it preserves the trust society places in veterans and ensures that the recognition they receive is genuinely earned.
Vance accusation reeks of dishonest 'swift boat' attacks
But Vance’s accusation againstWalzdoesn’t appear to stem from a noble desire to protect the honor of military service. Instead, it reeks of the same underhanded tactics that gave rise to the term “Swift boating.” In 2004, a politically motivated group of Vietnam War veterans attempted to discredit then-presidential candidate John Kerry's military service. Despite being discredited by official records and those who served alongside Kerry, their smear campaign cast doubt on his service and sullied the public’s perception of a decorated veteran. The term “Swift boating” has since become synonymous with dishonest political attacks.
As a Yale-educated lawyer, lawmaker, and former military journalist, JD Vance should know better. He understands the weight of words and the importance of truth. It’s bad enough when politicians deliberately distort language to mislead the public, but it’s downright disgraceful when a veteran does so to tarnish the reputation of another veteran.
In a time when the respect and support for our veterans should be unwavering, Vance’s baseless accusations serve only to divide and diminish the sacrifices of those who have truly earned their place among America’s honored warriors. It’s a shameful tactic that has no place in our politics or in our discourse about those who have served.
If JD Vance wants to be taken seriously as a leader, he needs to start by respecting the truth and the service of others. The American people, and especially our veterans, deserve better than this kind of disgraceful rhetoric.
Randy Manner is a retired Army Major General whose career spans military, government, business, and academia. He served as Deputy Commanding General of the United States 3rd Army and Deputy Director of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, playing pivotal roles in major operations such as facilitating the U.S. forces' withdrawal from Iraq and coordinating emergency responses to natural disasters.
