Gazette
THE GAZETTE FILE
Richard Glen Strandlof - known at the time as Rick Duncan - was comforted by Lt. Col. Hal Bidlack on Sept. 11, 2008, at a 9/11 memorial at the Pioneers Museum in Colorado Springs. Strandlof, who claimed he was an ex-Marine wounded in Iraq and received the Purple Heart and Silver Star, founded an organization in Colorado Springs that helped homeless veterans. Military officials said they had no record that he ever served.

Denver appeals court upholds military impostor law

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

DENVER — A federal appeals court in Denver has ruled that a federal law making it illegal to lie about being a war hero is constitutional and making such false statements is not protected free speech.

The 10th Circuit's ruling reverses a federal judge's decision that the Stolen Valor Act violates the First Amendment. But Friday's ruling goes against a decision by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco.

The U.S. Supreme Court has already decided to review the California case and rule on the constitutionality of the federal law.

The Colorado case involves a man who was arrested after claiming he was wounded in Iraq as a Marine and had received military medals. His lawyers have acknowledged that's false.

Courts in Georgia and Missouri have considered similar cases.


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