The sad, sad story of “Gunny Lauve”
OK, so the story is up at Burn Pit now….
George has been a loyal and hardworking Legionnaire for going on 47 years. But, alas for all of us, he was never a Marine, doesn’t have the Navy Cross, and doesn’t have five purple hearts. He served in the Navy for a very short period, and is eligible for Membership, but the rest of his story was just that; a story.
During the entire affair, I spoke repeatedly with Past National Commander Rehbein, who I often turn to when I look for some advice. Like me, he seemed to find one adjective which best summed up the story: Sad. At one point there was even squabbling between the Post Adjutant and employees of the post, who still believed in Gunny’s stories. They’ve subsequently made their peace, but the scars of that argument may be a while in healing. And that’s what we find with most of these Stolen Valor cases, there’s always victims who aren’t directly connected.
I haven’t talked to Gunny, nor is there a reason for me to do so. But, if I had to speculate, I can see how it might have happened. One bit of hyperbole here, another dash of flair there, and over 47 years the story changes from a short term of service in the Navy to 20+ years in the Marine Corps, with awards and decorations that were awarded only in the minds of the people telling and hearing the stories. Again, it is all so very sad.
Category: Politics
I just read it. Fine job of writing an article on a very delicate matter.
Thanks, TSO
No sympathy. I actually did serve 20 years in the Corps. I don;t have any decorations or campaign ribbons I don’t rate. And it pisses me off royally when some nonhacking little fuck tries to pass himself off as something they aren’t and probably would never be able to be. If the guy is certifiable, that is one thing. Lock him up in the nuthouse. If not, BURN HIM ALIVE.
So, if it’s been verified that Lauve didn’t serve in the USMC, why did the author of the latest story keep referring to him as “Gunny”? He’s isn’t, never has been, a Gunny.
And,it’s certainly not “alas for all of us”, it’s alas, Lauve got found out, that’s it.
This whole situation is both sad and delicate. But on the other hand there is an argument that no quarter should be given to those who choose fabricate military honors. For that argument I offer the names of the following Marines: Daniel Albaugh, Martin Anderberg, Elman Anderson, John Armstrong, Herman Arnold, Norman Arsenault, Arthur Atwood, & Joseph. Unlike Mr. Lauve, these Marines did actually earn the Navy Cross in the battles of Guadalcanal, Saipan, & Iwo Jima. But unlike Mr. Lauve these Marines didn’t come home to enjoy the spoils of victory by going baseball games and enjoying fellowship at the Legion Hall. These Marines were all killed in the efforts that garnered their medals. Out of respect for these Marines and MANY others, fakers cannont be given a free pass out of sympathy. If you’re wondering why all their names begin with “A”, it’s because that’s how far I got on the list when I felt I had made my point.
Point well made, Average NCO.
I’m not sad for Lauve, I am sad for everyone else who was duped.
And I referred to him as “Gunny” (with quotes) only because that is what he goes by, and if someone googles him, I want it showing up. His name is George but no one calls him that.
I tried to leave a comment at The Burn Pit post, but I guess the technology is beyond my capabilities at that high speed, over staffed blog.
I commend the American Legion for their reaction to this particular phony. It’s been my experience that organizations have just buried their phonies and tried to remove evidence of them from their websites (VoteVets and IVAW in the Rick Duncan case come to mind). The American Legion actually were involved in getting the perpetrator to come clean and then admitted that they were duped. Unlike VoteVets who simply ignored Duncan hoping it would go away and IVAW who scrubbed their website (after I screen shot everything).
#6: Exactly
Nobody thought his claim of fighting at Wake Island, then the other campaigns, was patently absurd? You would think these vets, especially the Marines, would know better.
Apparently that was a new addition to the story. There were a ton of red flags, but unfortunately, they chalked it up to a man losing his grip, and no one wanted to be the guy/gal to call him on it.
“But when it turns to the subject of his service in World War II and Korea, the 89-year-old Lauve turns more serious and doesn’t want to talk about his service or medals.” Good people no doubt thought that he was being humble, modest, or just plain old respectful to those who did not return from the Pacific. But talking about such things meant questions and he couldn’t have that. Screw him. He can now look forward to departing this mortal coil in disgrace and shame.
Mothax and TAL get an attaboy from this seat.
However, I do have some sympathy as well. Doesn’t Lauve’s particular situation depend on the timeline? If he made these claims 47 years ago… that is one thing.
As Jonn noted in #7 above there ARE more egregious examples of much younger folks.
The sympathy he engenders from some people is due to his age. I get that. But think in these terms. Most of the men whose honor he and his ilk took are deceased now, either because they never made it home or died after the war. Those who are still with us are quite old. Thus, it falls to us to safekeep their valor and sacrifice and keep iwield a heavy hand across the mouth of anyone whofrom those who would steal their valor and dishonor their sacrifices. An old thief is a thief.
Boy, did I butcher that one in my fired-up haste. I apologize.
The sympathy he engenders from some people is due to his age. I get that. But think in these terms. Most of the men whose honor he and his ilk took are deceased now, either because they never made it home or died after the war. Those who are still with us are quite old. Thus, it falls to us to safekeep their valor and sacrifice from those who would steal their valor and dishonor their sacrifices. An old thief is a thief.
…to preserve the memories and incidents of our associations in the great wars…
Sad, but it’s going to suck to be him especially around Wenatchee.
I Served 22yrs 8mos. and knew Gunny since1995 and I am embarrassed that I was so duped. (I’m really pissed he was in “My’ service. My youngest daughter just left the Marine Corps as she now has two kids and her husband is on active duty. She served two tours in Iraq….Sorry Gunny, I don’t like feeling like I’ve been scammed. You either were or you weren’t. Live with it.
Clearly Mr. Lauve has integrity issues and has probably violated some Federal laws regarding unauthorized wear of military uniforms and accoutrements. At a minimum, I think you folks in his area should refer the case to the nearest FBI Field Office for their review and action.
In the early (WWII) days of the Army airborne, impostors who wore certain airborne items without entitlement were dealt with in very physical ways, ways that could leave physical and mental impressions lasting years or decades.
#17 BMC: Since you know Mr. Lauve, I have a question. I came across the name of a LT COL George Lauve, USMC, Strategic Mobility Team. Is he related to this “Gunny” Lauve?
He may be old but he has been lying his rear off for years.
He was a grown man in his 50s when he started making this stuff up.
Think about it that way and the SAD wears off real quick.
I think Justice is served because he didn’t get away with it.