Here's a good read on the subject:
http://www.vva.org/TheVeteran/2003_01/wannabe.htm
I wanted to verify my memory with Gordon L. Rottman first, but I couldn't find a contact email address for him so I'm going to tell you an interesting piece of trivia related to this subject, and hope my memory is good.
I served with a Special Forces veteran of Vietnam in a Texas LRRP guard unit in the 80s, he had received his SF designation OJT, Rottman said he didn't believe it himself at first, but he had to do the verification for his security clearance and it was true, as far as I know that would surprise almost all "wannabe" hunters.
If any one has an email address for Gordon Rottman I would appreciate him giving it to me, so that I can get the guys name, and verify my memory.
http://www.vva.org/TheVeteran/2003_01/wannabe.htm
The VVA was a latecomer to the project, you might say. Because it grew out of the VVAW, the VVA was and is chockablock with phonies. The POW Network has a whole page of just VVA phonies, including national officers.
At one time, the VVA directory listed dozens of DSC, Navy Cross and Air Force Cross, etc., awardees -- almost all phonies. I think ALL the AFC "heroes" in the VVA were bogus. They were very, very reluctant to clean house and I don't think they ever did.
Best orgs I have seen are the Special Ops Association and the Combat Infantry Association, in terms of checking your stuff. Special Forces Association has let a few squirters in over the years, but unlike VVA it has no mercy when they are exposed -- and they always are exposed.
If any wannabees are listening: you can run, but you can't hide. Time to come clean and face the music like a man. For the first time, you weasel.
d.o.l.
Criminal Number 18F