‘Why Did You Claim It For So Long Before You Got It’?’: Will Cain Presses Wes Moore About Military Decorations

Fox News host Will Cain pressed Democratic Maryland Gov. Wes Moore on Thursday over claims the Democrat made about receiving military honors years before he was actually awarded them.

In his 2006 White House Fellowship application, Moore claimed he had already received a Bronze Star, a Combat Action Badge, and even listed a nonexistent “Maryland College Football Hall of Fame Award.” During an interview on “The Will Cain Show,” Cain said Moore did not receive those decorations until years later.

“In 2006, on your application for a White House fellowship, you put on your application that you were the recipient of a Bronze Star. I believe also a Combat Action Badge. That was not true. You have apologized and said it was an honest mistake,” said Cain during an interview with Moore on Thursday’s “The Will Cain Show.”

“The question, Governor, is why did you let it go on – even if it was a mistake – for years and years and years as you were celebrated as having a Bronze Star?”

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Moore deflected and pointed to his eventual recognition.

“I’m very proud of my service to this country, and I’m not sure if you’ve served, Will, but I think as anyone who has served in this country, if you look at what we were able to do overseas and the fact that I was recognized by the United States Army with both the Bronze Star and the Combat Action Badge, I think I’m not only proud of the service that I have done to this country,” Moore said.

“The fact that I was willing to put my life on the line, wearing the uniform of this country overseas, but I also know that the soldiers I served with are also proud. And also I know that most soldiers and most veterans know the ridiculousness of this line.”

Cain interrupted and said he appreciated Moore’s service, but then he pushed back.

“It is important to know that you also are telling the truth, and you did get the Bronze Star, but you got the Bronze Star two years ago. And two years ago, you got the medal, you got a citation, you got a ceremony, but you claimed it in 2006, when you didn’t have any of those things. So you would know if you got the Bronze Star. The question is, why did you claim it for so long before you got it?” Cain asked. (RELATED: Maryland Gov-Elect Says His Grandmother Voted For Him By Mail And Died 5 Days Before The Election) 

Cain cited a Pentagon statement that described Moore as “the perfect example of a politician who inflates his resume and hopes no one notices.” Cain pressed again for an explanation. Moore once again avoided the question, insisting instead that he remained proud of his combat service.

“My response is I’m very proud of my service. And I’m thankful that the United States military has recognized my service in Afghanistan with both the Bronze Star and the Combat Action Badge,” Moore said. “I’m thankful for the service I did overseas. I’m thankful for the soldiers I led with. I’m thankful for all of our veterans who understand the sacrifice that we were able to make, and I’m grateful for the opportunity now to be able to continue to do good work on behalf of the people of the state of Maryland.”

Moore’s 2006 White House Fellowship application falsely listed both a Bronze Star and a fictitious Maryland College Football Hall of Fame Award, claims his superiors later said they urged him to include. Moore admitted the entries were wrong and said he regretted not correcting the record sooner, though he said critics were exploiting the mistake to question his integrity as a veteran.

In multiple interviews, including appearances with Gwen Ifill and Stephen Colbert, Moore allowed introductions that incorrectly described him as a Bronze Star recipient without offering corrections.

Moore’s office did not respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment.

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