Monday, May 24, 2010

Calumet Park, IL mayor accused of Stolen Valor

In campaign literature, Calumet Park, Illinois Mayor Joseph DuPar claimed that he was awarded four Bronze Stars and a Congressional Medal of Honor.

If Calumet Park sounds familiar, it's because the Chicago southern suburb became the first town in America to name a street for President Obama.

"We want to stamp his name (on the community)," Mayor Joseph DuPar said. "I haven't heard of anyone else doing this. We're a little community but we may be the first out of the gate" to name a street after the president."

DuPar did serve his country, but research conducted by the Chicago Tribune discovered that the mayor received a Vietnam Service Medal and four Bronze Service Stars--but not Bronze Star Medals--which are awarded for meritorious service. Nor was he awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.

Since the Stolen Valor act became law four years ago, false claimants of military honors can be awarded a year in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.

Abe Wilson, who was an opponent of DuPar's in last year's election, was the first to question these honors; he was hit with a defamation suit by DuPar. Wilson is a retired Marine.

There is a lot to ponder when you motor down Obama Drive in Calumet Park.

Related posts:

Leo K. Thorsness, Congressional Medal of Honor winner

Loser who dressed as war hero at HS reunion faces charges

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