After a Long Wait, Governor Wes Moore Receives Bronze Star for Service in Afghanistan
Governor Wes Moore was finally awarded his Bronze Star last week—18 years after serving in Afghanistan. The much-anticipated recognition follows years of public scrutiny and political controversy over mistaken claims that he had already received the medal, which had not been formally presented until now.
Moore’s Bronze Star was awarded at a private ceremony Friday evening at the governor’s mansion in Annapolis, Maryland. The Washington Post reported that Moore’s commanding officer from Afghanistan, Lt. Gen. Michael Fenzel, presented the award. Moore’s staff and several lawmakers attended the event, many of whom were supporters who had defended him during the controversy that has shadowed his military record for years.
The long road to this recognition has not been easy for Moore, who had to address the media storm surrounding his military service and the misstatements about his Bronze Star. Throughout his 2022 gubernatorial campaign, Moore insisted he never falsely claimed to have received the prestigious honor. However, the issue came up again in the summer of 2024, when the New York Times revealed that Moore had mentioned the award in a 2006 application for a White House fellowship—despite not having actually received it at the time.
Political Storm Over the Bronze Star
The controversy surrounding Moore’s Bronze Star first emerged when media outlets, including broadcast interviewers, began referring to him as a recipient of the medal. Moore, at the time, chose not to correct these inaccuracies. The issue became more complicated during his 2022 bid for governor when the public learned of his failure to clarify the mistake, and accusations arose that Moore was attempting to mislead voters about his military achievements.
“I never claimed the Bronze Star,” Moore said during his campaign, noting that he had merely failed to correct the record when others misrepresented his service. He suggested that the focus on the controversy was part of a broader political strategy to undermine his credibility.
Despite Moore’s explanations, the story didn’t fade. In 2024, a New York Times investigation revealed that Moore had applied for a White House fellowship in 2006 and included the Bronze Star in his application, along with a fictional Maryland College Hall of Fame Award. The report stirred new questions about Moore’s past and intensified the scrutiny surrounding his military service.
Setting the Record Straight
The focus on Moore’s past became even more intense when his superiors, including Lt. Gen. Fenzel, admitted that they were responsible for the misstatements about the award. According to Fenzel, he had instructed Moore to include the false information in his White House fellowship application, assuming the award had already been given to him.
In response, Moore apologized for not correcting the record sooner and defended his service in Afghanistan. He once again criticized those seeking to undermine his credibility, accusing them of attacking his military record for political gain.
At the Friday ceremony, Fenzel acknowledged the misunderstanding and expressed pride in Moore’s service, noting that Moore’s efforts had played a significant role in persuading hundreds of Taliban insurgents to align with the Afghan government. When Moore arrived in Afghanistan in 2005, there were only six Taliban insurgents who had pledged support for the Afghan government. By the time he left, that number had skyrocketed to 417.
The Bronze Star: A Medal of Meritorious Service
The Bronze Star is awarded to military personnel who have demonstrated meritorious service in connection with military operations. It is a significant honor but is distinct from the Bronze Star with a Valor device, which recognizes acts of valor in combat. Moore’s award did not come with the “V” device, as his service in Afghanistan did not involve combat-related acts of valor.
Fenzel, who nominated Moore for the Bronze Star, said he had assumed the award had already been granted and was surprised when reporters began asking about its absence. After learning of the discrepancy, Fenzel took it upon himself to resubmit the necessary paperwork and personally ensured that Moore received the award this time around.
In his statement, Moore thanked those who had stood by him throughout the years of controversy. “This is not just about me,” Moore said. “It’s about the commitment and sacrifices that all members of the military make. This is a reflection of the teamwork and dedication that I was fortunate enough to experience during my time in Afghanistan.”
The official presentation of the Bronze Star comes at a time when Moore’s leadership as governor has gained increasing attention, and his military service has become an important part of his political narrative. Despite the lingering controversy, the award marks an important moment in Moore’s career, offering some closure to a chapter that has been long overshadowed by debate and scrutiny.
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