Dunlap man's medals questioned (Fake Marine Hero)

PJStar.com ^ | May 24, 2006 | Dave Haney

[MeanWestTexan]

Isn't this a crime?

[OldCorps]

another fraud outed. thank you.

[rocksblues]

Sterner further notes Bantis wears the Navy Cross incorrectly. Photos of Bantis at various events show he has added a silver "V" pin on the ribbon, denoting "valor," but the Navy Cross is only awarded for valor and is never worn with the pin.

Mr. Bantis must of got jealous of Mr. John Kerry claiming this award.

[Anti-Bubba182]

A person like that should not be protected by laws against assault. He deserves a vicious beating under a new ass whupping for military posers law.

[mtbopfuyn]

Got a bit too greedy, huh. He should have talked with Kerry.

[conservativewasp]

loser

[ccmay]

What a strange mental defect this is. It's amazing how many people do this. There was a very prominent newspaper publisher in Phoenix who did this for years, until he was finally caught. Really, I don;t see how there can be any psychological reward from such behavior that would be worth the disgrace if you get caught.

-ccm

[VRWCmember]

John Kerry has been impersonating a military veteran for several years now too.

[stephenjohnbanker]

good job of outing a despicable fraud!!

[2banana]

A Pennsylvania man was charged this month by federal authorities for impersonating a lieutenant colonel who had been awarded the Navy Cross, and the Silver and Bronze stars. The man actually had served only three years in the Air Force as a plumbing specialist. In 1995, an Illinois judge, who later resigned his post, lied for years about receiving two Medals of Honor, the nation's highest military award. He could not be prosecuted, though, because he was never seen wearing the medals.

When you lie - lie big so it gets you so much attention you get caught. How about "I got an ARCOM and was promoted to E-5" when wannie bees want to play army?

[battlegearboat]

PING

Right up your alley, Gary.

How's your investigation going so far?

[A CA Guy]

It's more like mental illness alone, because he never has been shown he profited from it.

Not of course counting the 100,000 free meals he's been given of course! :)

[Leg Olam]

I know a few former Marines who would love to open up a can of whupass on that jerk.

[ElkGroveDan]

Did you know John Kerry served in Vietnam?

[Fury]

Bantis claims his military records are sealed because of his work with naval intelligence.

Oh please. They guy is a wannabe. There is someone at work dating some nutter who claims he was a Navy SEAL. Of course, when this person he found out that a guy we work with is retired Navy (24 years, Senior Chief Petty Officer, etc, etc.), he started to not appear at parties, other gatherings.

[ConorMacNessa]

Thanks for posting this. Bantis is an affront to everyone who has ever (legitimately) worn the uniform.

[OldCorps]

a v device on a silver star or navy cross or distinguished service cross is a dead giveaway for a fraud.

[Graybeard58]

"I got an ARCOM and was promoted to E-5" when wannie bees want to play army?

I made E-4 twice, can I claim I made E-8?

[metesky]

I never had the privilege of serving, but I have a life nontheless. These pitiful punks have no life at all or they wouldn't feel compelled to commit these types of frauds.