Posted on 08/30/24
| News Source: FOX45
Annapolis, MD - Aug. 30, 2024 - Just hours after the New York Times published its reporting, Gov. Moore released a lengthy statement explaining why he listed the award on his application.
“In my Officer Evaluation Report, I was listed as a top 1% officer in Operation Enduring Freedom and described by my official evaluator as “the best lieutenant I’ve encountered during Operation Enduring Freedom.” My deputy brigade commander felt comfortable with instructing me to include the award on my application for the Fellowship because he received confirmation with the approval authority that the Bronze Star was signed and approved by his senior leadership. In the military, there is an understanding that if a senior officer tells you that an action is approved, you can trust that as a fact. That is why it was part of the application, plain and simple.”
Moore continued to apologize for not correcting this.
“Towards the end of my deployment, I was disappointed to learn that I hadn’t received the Bronze Star. But I was ready to begin the next phase of my life, because the reward for service is never an award – it’s the opportunity to give back to your country. When I returned home, I was focused on helping my fellow veterans, a mission I continue to advance as governor."
Still, I sincerely wish I had gone back to correct the note on my application. It was an honest mistake, and I regret not making that correction. But do not think for a moment that this attack on my record holds any bearing on how I feel about my service, my soldiers, or our country. Getting to serve with an historic unit like the 82nd was one of the greatest honors of my life, Gov. Moore's statement continued.
The New York Times article also highlights that Moore is facing this criticism after he was included in the first round of candidates vetted to be Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate.