Governor Wes Moore of Maryland finally received his Bronze Star last week, nearly 18 years after he served on the front lines of Afghanistan, distinguishing himself during military operations against enemies. The award, presented during a private event at the governor's mansion, came after years of confusion and controversy over claims he had received the medal prior to its formal presentation. According to The Washington Post, Moore's commanding officer from Afghanistan, Lieutenant General Michael Fenzel, bestowed the honor before select staff members, lawmakers, and individuals he called his "hand-selected" defenders against scrutiny surrounding his military background.
The controversy over Moore’s claims began long before he took office as governor. Throughout his 2022 campaign, Moore insisted he never claimed to have won the Bronze Star. Instead, he stated he simply failed to correct mistaken assertions made by journalists and interviewers, which inaccurately described him as the recipient of the medal.
He called this focus on his military accolades "a measure of desperation" from his critics, who attempted to undermine his credibility. The issue regained traction this summer when The New York Times reported on Moore's 2006 application for a White House fellowship. The application erroneously included claims of receiving both the Bronze Star and the non-existent Maryland College Hall of Fame Award.
Within the narrative of the award’s bestowal, Moore's superiors during his service took responsibility for the inaccuracies. They stated they had directed him to include these claims on the application. While Moore has expressed regret for not correcting the record earlier, he has also positioned himself as the target of baseless attacks on his integrity.
Moore was originally part of the Army Reserve before volunteering for service in Afghanistan, where he arrived in August 2005. Assigned to the civil affairs unit of the legendary 82nd Airborne Division, Moore’s role involved persuading insurgents to collaborate with the newly elected Afghan government. During his time, the situation evolved dramatically; according to Lt. Gen. Fenzel, who nominated Moore for the Bronze Star, the number of insurgents siding with the Afghan government skyrocketed from merely six to 417.
Lieutenant General Fenzel, now credited with ensuring the award was finally granted, expressed surprise when he learned the award had not initially been processed. After realizing the oversight, he resubmitted the necessary paperwork, pushing through the bureaucracy to confirm Moore's eligibility.
Unlike the prestigious Bronze Star with “V” device, which is awarded for acts of valor during combat, the distinction Moore received emphasizes his commitment to service and achievement during military operations rather than exceptional bravery. The significance of the award reflects the challenges and strategies implemented by military personnel devoted to stabilizing Afghanistan during the tumultuous years of conflict.
Despite the troubling history surrounding the misstatements about his awards, Moore’s recognition serves as closure to many who backed his public military service narrative. The governor’s office confirmed the receipt of the award but declined to provide any additional comments following the ceremony.
Moving forward, Gov. Moore's experience sheds light on the complex relationship between military service, public perception, and the responsibility individuals hold to clarify their accomplishments. The event not only celebrates his commendable service but also mirrors the wider dialogue around honesty and transparency among political figures.