Maryland Governor Wes Moore recently addressed what he termed an “honest mistake” regarding a misrepresented claim on a White House fellowship application dating back 18 years.

The discrepancy came to light after the New York Times, through a Freedom of Information Act request, discovered Moore had falsely stated he was awarded a Bronze Star for his service in Afghanistan—a commendation he ultimately did not receive.

At the age of 27 in 2006, under the encouragement of his deputy brigade commander and with confirmation from two other senior officers, Moore included this accolade in his fellowship application, believing it to be approved and forthcoming. Upon nearing the end of his deployment, Moore realized he would not be receiving the Bronze Star, a detail he omitted to correct upon his return stateside.

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In hindsight, Governor Moore expressed regret over not rectifying this error on the application. His focus post-deployment shifted towards veteran support—a cause he passionately champions to this day as governor. Despite this oversight, Moore highlighted his exemplary military record during Operation Enduring Freedom where he was ranked in the top 1% of officers.

Governor Moore’s statement underscored a military culture where the assurances of senior officers are taken as fact—an environment that led him to include the unawarded Bronze Star in his fellowship application without question. This issue resurfaced during his gubernatorial campaign in 2022 when media interviews mentioned the award but failed to clarify its non-receipt—an oversight Governor Moore now acknowledges with regret.

Adding to this narrative, Lieutenant General Michael Fenzel—Moore’s recommending officer at the time—corroborated in an interview arranged by Moore’s office that it was indeed appropriate for Moore to list the Bronze Star on his application based on assurances from senior leadership that it had been approved. This incident reflects a complex interplay between military protocol and personal accountability, casting light on Governor Wes Moore’s journey from soldier to state leader amidst unforeseen challenges along the way.

What are your thoughts on Governor Wes Moore’s handling of the misrepresented claim on his White House fellowship application? 

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