Maryland Governor Wes Moore finally received his Bronze Star last week, 18 years after serving in Afghanistan, marking the end of a long and controversial chapter about his military service.
Moore was awarded the Bronze Star Medal during a private ceremony at the governor's mansion on Friday, attended by his commanding officer from Afghanistan, Lt. Gen. Michael Fenzel, along with lawmakers and select individuals Moore personally invited. "What a wonderful gift to receive from the armed services," commented support from attendees on social media.
Originally recommended for the medal due to his performance during his deployment, Moore's receipt of the honor had been marred by controversy. Reports emerged during his 2022 gubernatorial campaign and later, where some news outlets had inaccurately introduced him as a Bronze Star recipient before the award was formally issued. During his campaign, Moore insisted he never claimed to have received the medal, only maintaining he had not corrected these misstatements.
The controversy intensified this summer when The New York Times revealed Moore had reportedly claimed the award on a 2006 application for the White House fellowship, well before the necessary paperwork was completed. Fenzel, who was then Moore's commander, took the blame for this mix-up, stating he had advised Moore to include the award on his application, believing it had been approved and awarded.
During the ceremony, Fenzel expressed his pleasure at finally being able to "right a wrong," highlighting how the award signified Moore's meritorious service during his deployment.
Moore's time in Afghanistan began when he joined the Army Reserve; he was deployed with the 82nd Airborne Division amid efforts to stabilize the region after the fall of the Taliban. His role involved engaging with local leaders and seeking to persuade insurgents to support the new government, where his efforts reportedly resulted in significant gains, as Fenzel detailed during the ceremony.
Appreciation for the honor was evident, with Moore reflecting on his service commitment throughout his career, stating, "The reward for service is never an award—it's the opportunity to give back to your country." His focus since returning has shifted toward advocacy for veterans, aiming to support those who served alongside him.
The Bronze Star itself is one of the military's most prestigious awards, recognizing individuals for heroic or meritorious service. Instituted by President Franklin D. Roosevelt during World War II, it has since been presented to service members across various conflicts, highlighting its significant role within military honors.
During the awarding ceremony, Fenzel pinned the Bronze Star on Moore's chest, underscoring the importance and delay of this recognition. After years of political distractions revolving around the honor, the acknowledgment now allows Moore to focus more squarely on his responsibilities as governor.
Given the public's interest, reactions to Moore receiving the Bronze Star varied, reflecting the political undertones intertwined within the acknowledgment of his service amid scrutiny over past statements and claims. Some expressed elation at seeing him receive what many felt was overdue recognition.
The governor, having emerged from the haze of controversy, looks to the future with intentions focused on advancing initiatives to support veterans during his tenure. With significant public interest still alive concerning his award and past claims, Moore's political narrative continues to evolve as he seeks to define his legacy as not only a veteran but also as Maryland's leader.
The ceremony not only marked the comeback of the Bronze Star for Governor Wes Moore but also symbolizes the complexity of service, acknowledgment, and the intertwined nature of public perception and political reality. Moving forward, his focus will remain directed at showcasing the value of service, both to the nation and to the veteran community he continues to champion.
