[Anitius Severinus Boethius]

I assume, then, that if this is struck down that impersonating a law enforcement officer will also be ok?

[FlingWingFlyer]

Does the First Amendment right to free speech protect people who lie about being war heroes?

If I walked around in a black robe, carrying a gavel and giving out legal advice, would that be protected by the First Amendment?

[Star Traveler]

I don’t know... but I’ve got a sneaking suspicion that a law is soon gonna be passed on telling “fish stories” too... hoo-boy!

[BatGuano]

IMHO, one who claims to have been awarded a medal is only making the claim and this is, of course, lying. Unfortunately there is no law against lying in this case. When the liar takes it too another level, for example, wearing the ribbon or the medal, this crosses the line. Again IMHO. Most braggers are understood to be that, just braggers or better yet BS artists by their acquaintances.

[Jacquerie]

Our Constitution put the Founder’s beliefs of Natural Law into practice.

While there is a Natural Law right to freedom of speech, there is no right to shout “fire” in a crowded theater. Likewise, IMHO there is no right to deceive, which is what thieves of valor attempt to do.

[timm22]

I don't see how merely making a false claim that you had received a medal could be a criminal offense. As I understand it, the law does not require that anyone rely on the misrepresentation. It doesn't even seem to require an intent to deceive (though I may be mistaken here).

I understand that making such a false claim is very offensive, and that a person making that kind of claim is probably a real dirtbag. It just doesn't seem bad enough to justify imposing criminal penalties.

[NonValueAdded]

and then there was Jean Francois Kerry ...

[muawiyah]

A corollary if this law is needed to punish those who falsely claim that a particular person did not serve in the military or did not receive specific awards that were made.

[mountainlion]

So then it would be legal to say you were going to kill someone if you did not hurt them.

[CodeToad]

If Obama can call himself an American citizen...