[eno_]

I would think it's just the opposite. Routine and unimportant correspondence is signed with an autopen. Official documents and commendations would have to be signed personally.

Yup. A Silver Star is a big deal. Getting the Secretary of the Navy's signature on a citation is a Big Freakin' Deal. Having the Secretary of the Navy's signature turn out to be unauthorized... is PRICELESS.

To add to the mystery: Why forge (or unauthorizedly autopen) the SecDef's signature, when numerous lower ranks could have performed this purportedly routine (but actually rather unusual) act?

This is truly something that makes you go "Hmmmmmmm..."

[OldFriend]

As Kerry said, he wanted something for framing.......

Looks like he framed Sec. Lehmann......who is no doubt NOT amused.