Concerning guys showing up new to the unit with chests full of dubious medals, badges, ribbons: I saw it too, nobody bothered to check. Active duty people.
By the way, my step-father recieved his Bronze Star just last year, that he earned in the Korean war. He's 79 years old. He knew he was cited but just never got the medal until then. The first I or my brothers and sisters learned about it was last year and we have known him for 35 years.
I read the citation and tears came to my eyes. Maybe prejudice on my part but I was thinking, this conduct should have been at least Silver Star stuff.
I’m glad to hear he finally got his medal.