Merrick Hersey

[kiwi]

Man Guilty of Lying About Service
The Columbian  |  December 28, 2007
A 64-year-old Vancouver man pleaded guilty Dec. 27 to using an altered military discharge certificate to secure pension and medical benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Merrick Hersey never served in the military and never received medals as he claimed, according to a news release from Emily Langlie, spokeswoman for the Western Washington U.S. District Attorney's Office.

Hersey used his false application to secure benefits totaling $2,687, Langlie said. Hersey is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen L. Strombom on March 21.

He was charged as part of "Operation Stolen Valor," an investigation into fraudulent claims of military service.

According to the plea agreement, Hersey filed a falsified military service discharge certificate and application with VA in February 2005 to qualify for benefits. He claimed he was unable to work due to post-traumatic stress disorder sustained during military service.

The falsified military discharge certificate claimed he was on active duty with the U.S. Marine Corps from June 1967 through April 1968, that he had been awarded two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star Medal and that he had received an honorable discharge.

The Bronze Star is awarded to service members for valor or for meritorious service. The Purple Heart is awarded to Soldiers, Sailors, Marines or Airmen wounded or killed in combat.

Use of an altered military discharge certificate to obtain benefits is punishable by up to one year in prison and up to a $100,000 fine. As part of his plea agreement, Hersey agreed to pay restitution, Langlie said.