Billy Elvin Shelton; phony soldier
I’m sure you’ve read the book “Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10“, the story of Navy SEAL Marcus Lattrell and his fateful mission in Afghanistan in 2005. You might remember this passage from page 57 of the book;
Well, it adds a nice dimension to the story, but unfortunately, Billy Shelton had been lying to the Luttrell brothers – he’d never been in the Special Forces. According to records, Specialist Five Shelton was a truck driver and a general’s chauffeur at Fort Eustis, Virginia.
SHELTON BILLY E
SERVICE: A
RANK: E05
DOB: 461102
EDLEV: 12
HOMEREC: TX
PMOS: 0064B2O
SMOS: 0064C2O
STOP: 700702
TAFMS: 033
YOS_SEP: 03
64B
DISPATCHER
HEAVY VEHICLE CREWMAN
HEAVY VEHICLE DRIVER
64C
CHAUFFEUR
DOCUMENTATION SERGEANT
DRIVER TEST SERGEANT
Shelton has begun writing a book about his career, reportedly with a six-figure advance from the publisher. The book was supposed to be released the last week of January, but it seems to have hit a snag. Probably because the publisher found out that Shelton didn’t do three tours of Vietnam as a Special Forces operator
Shelton was in Vietnam from May 68 until Feb 69 according to his records;
As you can see, he was a truck driver while he was stationed in Vietnam, not that there’s anything wrong with that, but it doesn’t give him the right to lie to teenagers. There was a single tour of Vietnam, not the three tours he’s bragged about.
Here are his awards and education;
No Special Operations training, no jump school, not even a CIB.
I wrote this particular phony soldier story months ago, but I’ve sat on it until now because it was not meant to embarrass anyone except Billy Shelton and to prevent his fake story from going any further than it has gone. In the event that anyone else gets the idea of helping Shelton make a buck on his deceit, this is will be on Google to prevent that check from clearing.
They never pretend to be cooks or clerks…or a truck driver.
Category: Phony soldiers
Well, Jonn. I have to ask. In this case, what made you suspicious that he wasn’t SF or that he lied to begin with?
Damn, makes you wondwer what Marcus Luttrell and his brother are thinking about him right about now…
I’d rather have Atty General Holder and the entire IRS up my ass than have the Luttrell brothers pissed off at me…just saying.
[…] from “This ain’t Hell, but you can see it from here” has uncovered another poser. This one hurts because he is the inspiration for Marcus Lattrell to […]
Well, even if he wasn’t SF, what he did to inspire two warriors of the Luttrell brothers caliber is still something. Yes, it was based on a lie, according to the evidence, and I’m not in any way excusing the lie, but it seems to have benefitted both the Luttrell brothers and this country.
That’s what makes this one rather tough to swallow.
[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Joanne, Joanne, Joanne, Joanne, Joanne and others. Joanne said: @specwarcom @InterceptNovel Billy Shelton, mentor to Marcus Luttrell, lied about his service record-never a Green Beret http://bit.ly/9de79i […]
Concur with Old Trooper. This bums me out.
It makes you wonder exactly how many phonies are running around; it seems this guy figured mention in Marcus Luttrell’s book gave him enough credibility to write his own book. I wish I could remember their last names (and in some cases their first), but I have had the honor to work with a number of Special Operations veterans. Greg worked for Great Dane trailers. He was Force Recon in Vietnam and retired after 20-something years of service in the ’80s. His last assignment was writing training manuals. Looked the part, lean and tough, and besides long hair he acted like a career Marine, keeping everything dress-right-dress and maintaining his appearance. Forget-his-name (George?) worked for the Cadillac dealer. He was a Green Beret assigned to MACV-SOG. Never laid any claims to being high-speed and whenever he talked about it he made it sound like he had done nothing spectacular. Ritchie also worked for the Cadillac dealer. He was a little younger but claimed to have become a SEAL in 1973. I can’t remember if he claimed to have been to Vietnam or not, the main story that sticks in my head was him talking about getting smoked in stinking mud, then noting a sign that said it was sewage afterward. I also knew two Rangers, one was a disabled vet (injured on a jump) with an impressive library of “been there, done that” books; the other was an officer in the Pagans Motorcycle club who taught me some of the fundamentals of room clearing before I joined the Army. I wouldn’t want to mess with him. When I was stationed at Fort Campbell my neighbor was a Desert One vet and former Delta operator. I never got to know him very well, though my roommate grew close with him. Last year I had the distinct honor of meeting James Richard Lyons at the Louisiana All-Veterans Reunion. I even had a few beers with him. http://www.pownetwork.org/phonies/phonies554.htm Hell, even at my daughter’s school the other day I had a guy see me in uniform and shake my hand. He told me he… Read more »
Old Soldier, Old Trooper-
My thoughts exactly. I actually thought about finding that guy to interview him for a blog!!
Glad I didn’t because I know that I used to be easily impressed, having been tricked a time or two. I always chose to see the good in people and really tried to avoid having a suspicious mindset.
I don’t take anything at face value anymore.
Defend USA just enunciated the best argument in favor of how Stolen Valor causes “harm” that I have seen, and he wasn’t even trying to do that.
My goodness, imagine what Billy Shelton must be thinking right now. I mean after all we have seen evidence of how passionate the young Lattrell lads can be when people mess with family.
What with how Morgan reacted to reports that Marcus was missing and presumed dead and Marcus’s pursuit of a couple punk kids for killing his dog.
It will be interesting to see how this plays out.
I went to Vietnam and didn’t do nothen. Never said I did never said I didn’t. Just served my country and my kids are proud as hell.
bman – and I, too, am proud as hell of you and every Soldier who served in Vietnam. DAMN PROUD
I love Jihad Gene. He admits the most he ever did in Korea was find a cute girl and marry her. The rest is history. (I’ve met the family, and they are terrific).
And that my friend, is the way to tell a great story without embellishing any of your accomplishments!
Here’s a photo. Looks like he had some big fish pulled in on the book.
Sad. Honerable service ruined by bullshit lies. I’ll bet the Luttrells would have respected him just as much without the embelishments.
Bman, Welcome home.
Wiki-pedia page about Luttrell still cites Billy as a SF soldier. Anyone here know how to correct it?
I changed it
Cool beans. 🙂
No need to embellish my pouge arsed career, I don’t hold a candle to Audie Murphy, etc… But how the hell I managed not to get an Article-15 or busted is pretty damned impressive in my own mind!
[…] it turns out his military “experience” was mostly a lie. While Specialist (not Sergeant) Shelton is in fact a Vietnam veteran, he was never trained in […]
I recall seeing pics a few years ago of a Special Forces sergeant named William Shelton in VN. Maybe it’s a case of mistaken identity?
Wow. How incredibly sad. He was a huge inspiration to the Luttrell brothers, who grew up and really did something HUGE with their lives…. but man. How sad.
Did a few cool things during my 7 years and 10 months in the USAF. Not unlike everyone else that served. My career was spectacularly mediocre. My only brush with greatness was getting to witness the CMSgt of the USAF completely rip a 1LT a new one. The Lt made the mistake of saying he wasn’t going to take the Chief’s advice because, and I quote “you’re only a Chief.”
He wasn’t “only a Chief.” He happened to be THE Chief of the whole goddamn Air Force.
The Lt learned exactly where a 30+ year veteran Chief ranked in the USAF compared to a set of silver bars.
It was the most epic ass chewing I have or will ever see. So was the highlight of my career…..
This is just so sad…particularly in respect to the role in the Luttrells’ training and motivation to become SEALs. He obviously has some redeeming qualities but this lie just colors everything he claimed to stand for.
As many have already noted, just answering the call of duty and serving honorably is a just reward. We don’t choose when and where we serve for the most part and the most humble of jobs all contribute to the mission. Despite my combat deployments, my job as a brigade rear det cdr was one of the most profoundly moving, frustrating, yet rewarding jobs I have ever held.
No need to burnish one’s record in search of acclaim. Most outside the military don’t know what we are talking about and our fellow soldiers can spot a lie a klick away.
In this day of internet discovery, the enormous hubris involved in living these lies is incomprehensible. I think that what may in the past been a small lie grows into an uncontrollable monster over the years. The hellish life these people lead in fear of discovery is its own just reward, but it isn’t enough. Unmasking these folks serves to safeguard the honor of those who have, do, and will serve. Thanks for your continuing efforts in this regard.
It might also be a good thing for all of you 2 run your bullshit meter on Luttrell himself.
IMHO for what it is worth is this Operation Redwing is still classified.
Who in special forces has ever held a vote of “goat herders” being allowed a “pass” when opsec and persec are on the line? When is a spec ops mission a democratic system?
Just saying
Whatgives-
You know, I think people like you need an ass kicking, Texas style. And I don’t know Marcus Luttrell personally, but I bet if I tried, I could set up a meeting with him, so *you* can find out for yourself how much *bullshit* he endured. You wouldn’t last five fucking minutes.
I absolutely despise idiots who think they know more about something than someone who lived it. Put up or shut up, asshole-
What is your status or position that you think you know more than Marcus about Operation Redwing and what he dealt with in the Hindu Kush?
whatgives,
What life experience do you base your statement on?
I’ve been around the block, earned a few campaign medals but the closest I came to greatness was in meeting some truly spectacular soldiers and Marines.
I find it amazing ppl spend their time researching to just cause trouble and pain for others…or trying to discredit ppl…this life is too short…and there is a ton of things that need to be done to help others…
Although the discovery is sad…whatever knowledge he had…he taught many young boys…whatever advise he gave Marcus along w/his training…and the Good Lord got Marcus thru a very bad spot…
Even though the writer of this article says he only meant to expose Billy…and NOT hurt anyone else…lets say…MARCUS…the truth is…he hurt MORE than Marcus…the good news is…PPL across the world LUV Marcus…and believe in him…he’s got a lot of ppl getting out of their comfort zone…and out of their boxes…to HELP other ppl…they are “paying it forward” and I hope ppl will KNOW and remember…Marcus is a TRUE HERO…and NO matter what Billy did or didn’t do in Vietnam…he was a mentor…even if for a while…
Author of this article…your EGO got the best of u…and U wanted to WRECK as much HAVOC as u could…NO matter the outcome…what a sad existance!!!
Della–syntax, punctuation, and coherent thoughts are your friends. Try using them. That being said, he did the wrong thing, although with good intent. That’s where the dilemma arises–we want to see the good in people, and no doubt that Mr. Shelton provided a positive example, but under false pretense. Look at how many phony veterans use inflated status to get away with shit. It’s called “integrity”, Della and whatgives. It’s not something you use when it suits you. Once lost, it never returns.
And Della,
I’m betting that Jonn used his head and went to Marcus about this before he posted it. Don’t be daft. Jonn did say he sat on this for awhile. And, maybe Marcus went to Jonn for help. You don’t know, so kindly, zip it.
Della,
Billy Shelton received a lot of money (upwards of 100k) as an advance for his book, which we know now is based on lies. That money was given to him based on the assumption that he was a Special Force soldier with service in Vietnam, which Jonn just showed to be untrue. That means that Shelton committed fraud. In addition, Shelton was involved with the fundraising for and construction of a wounded warriors ranch in Texas in conjunction with the Warriors Legacy Foundation. Mr. Shelton was part of that project based on lies. Obviously, he profited off his lies and that is why Jonn exposed him. Get the whole story (like Jonn did) before you accuse Jonn of being an egomaniac.
Della–if you take some time and look at the history of TAH’s Phony Soldier topic, it should become clear to you that it doesn’t exist to pick and choose who is exposed for claiming to be something they are not. In some of the cases, the people are more than deserving of scorn because of their absurd and egregious claims (i.e.: General Ballduster McSoulpatch http://valorguardians.com/blog/?p=16768)–witness the comments dogpile. In other cases, like this one, not so much. However, the whole point is that anyone lying about their service and then trying to profit from it or deliberately deceive others for personal gain is wrong and will get called out here, no matter who it is or how much they’re liked.
This is a hard one for me because, by all appearances Billy Shelton is a decent family man who is well-liked and has done a lot to help people and contribute to his community. Nobody is contesting the fact that no matter what, he was and still is a friend and mentor to the Luttrell family. No matter his experience in the Army he was able to pass on valuable training and influence that have helped a lot of young men in his area achieve some pretty great things. It’s all the more sad because he had something to be proud of without embellishment. His service itself is something, and being a Rome Plow operator was unique and not without danger.
His mistake, and the one thing that landed him in the spotlight here was writing a book for which he received compensation. It was proposed as a book of fact, not fiction. I don’t know the motive behind writing the book, but it’s my guess that the idea was for profits from the book to help fund his Wounded Warrior Ranch. All that is moot now, the ranch has gone in a different direction. It’s simply that all the good intentions in the world still won’t make up for a false foundation.
what gives:
Might I suggest further reading for you son? Try on Andy McNab’s ‘Bravo Two Zero’ for size, follow it with John Leppelman’s book ‘Blood on the Risers’.
You write;
‘Who in special forces has ever held a vote of “goat herders” being allowed a “pass” when opsec and persec are on the line? When is a spec ops mission a democratic system?’
In the first book ‘B-2-0’ you’ll find a detailed and vetted acount of exactly this type of scenerio and how it had exactly the same kind of consequence. In the second book, you’ll encounter just how democratic elite troops can be, among themselves, in a combat situation.
I’m not SF, but I worked with them and the FIF closely in the field during OIF in early ’03. I could provide personal examples from Iraq of similar situations that fortunately didn’t go wrong, but I won’t, I don’t feel inclined to spoon feed an education to an obvious idiot.
One should educate themselves before opening their mouth.
Obviously whatgives has been watching too many movies. By thinking “goatherders” would be automatically killed to keep from compromising the mission, it becomes clear this person has not the slightest idea about which he speaks.
HA! Ok, so NHSparky has said I have NO integrity. Obviously, that is a lie! And thinks he can correct the way I talk and write which I am FREE to do either anyway I choose. I am an educated woman with a very good job that requires INTEGRITY! defendUSA has called me “daft” and told me to ZIP IT. Really? I thought I was born and raised in American and allowed to speak my mind like every ONE of you have done on this particular piece of writing? The very men and women whom I support are dying and being horrifically injured, so I can speak my mind! And because it doesn’t agree with a bunch of other people on one topic, I’m to “zip it”. How UNAMERICAN is that? How UNAMERICAN to be ATTACKED because I have a difference of opinion! These blogs aren’t just so people w/the same thoughts can speak their minds! How boring would that be? I never said what Billy did was right, I believe I said it was sad. I get upset and mad when people who are NOT veterans claim they are, or NOT military and say they are, or been to WAR when they haven’t. I get just as upset as the next person who has common sense and INTEGRITY. The fact so many of you are attacking me is quite funny! Very typical. I won’t call you all names like you’ve called me. I respect each of you for your opinions. My entire thought process was completely on Marcus Luttrell. How something like this might do more damage than good and NOT just for Marcus, he’s stepped outside of himself, his own box to HELP OTHER WOUNDED WARRIORS! Billy was exposed, that is why there is NO book, the video they’d made is gone. Money raised for the Warrior Ranch will benefit a lot of people, and its a shame some of the money was given because of a lie, but don’t you think the majority was given to HELP other Wounded Warriors because of what Marcus Luttrell went through?… Read more »
Della,
You may have the right to express your feelings, but that doesn’t stop us from expressing ours too. You see… we too have that right. That’s called “freedom of speech”. You have the right to write what you want, and we have the right to say you’re full of it. Ain’t America great?
That said… Don’t get mad at TAH for exposing a lie. Get mad at the one who was lying. The ONLY one responsible for this mess is Billy Shelton. Period.
Ray, u r 100% correct! I was NEVER mad at any of you, I was shocked from the ATTACK! And I think I expressed that when I said I respect all of your opinions, I just do NOT respect the “attack” manner in how they were expressed! Expressing ones thoughts/feelings is different than out right attack! I mean, calling me names? Really? That is JR high behavior! haha
I’m NOT mad at anyone, life is way too short for all of that, there is way too many things to be done to HELP OTHER people rather than waste thoughts on any of this!
Della, you said, “Ok, so NHSparky has said I have NO integrity.”
That would be incorrect. RIF, Della. To quote Brandon Lee, “Try harder. Try again.” It’s painfully apparent you are either trolling or putting up a pathetic effort to defend the indefensible. Your ignorance is not helping you, and your unwillingness to see the issue from our side isn’t helping either. Bottom line–grow up, learn what we’re talking about, and maybe then you can begin to comprehend why we feel the way we do about so-called “phony” vets.
Oh, and look up the word “integrity” and see how it applies to your life, and why I said that once you violate that integrity, it’s gone. Most of us here understand that concept far better than you apparently do.
Della-
Really? Typical is for liberals. You are the one who stated Jonn was picking on people for no good reason.Squid and OD provided some great background which mirrored exactly what I said- That Jonn would never do anything tp purposely harm honest people.
No one attacked your freedom of speech, but merely suggested that you let your emotion get the best of you before you researched what the rest of us knew, and that is that Jonn wisely had all the facts and then posted this.
And me telling you to zip it or that you are daft, has not one God-damned thing to do with you being born and raised American. It was because you didn’t use your head before spouting what you did. Not one person questioned your Americanism, they questioned your lack of knowledge.
And none of us who are regular readers here will put up with beating the messenger. And, no,neither Jonn, TSO or anyone else who posts here needs my back-up or defending, but…alas it *is* what I do, because I can.
PS…You might want to check your jr. high behavior at the door next time.
Wow. So shocking and disappointing. Several months ago I saw that Shelton’s twitter page for the ranch was down, and when the book release was stopped I started wondering if his credentials were an issue. Maybe God knew that Marcus would need Shelton’s influence and encouragement to get through his horrific experience and the aftermath. I hope they all find peace and comfort through this difficult experience.
Sad – especially when it wasn’t necessary – the guys with the Land Clearing units like the 684th earned enough respect for what they did in RVN. This wannabe BS is out of control.
For me it is simple.
If you don’t have the truth you don’t have anything.
In our world the truth is everything and good or bad it needs to be fearlessly defended.
Everyday people across our country are being assaulted by popular media that would like us to think that there is no difference between multiple points of view, the truth, justification, and opinions.
Della is a great example-
“Although the discovery is sad…whatever knowledge he had…he taught many young boys…whatever advise he gave Marcus along w/his training…and the Good Lord got Marcus thru a very bad spot…”
She is not arguing the truth, she can’t. All she can do is attack the motive of the OP (point of view) and defend the guilty with reasons why the lie should continue (justification).
I will bet a dollar to a doughnut that either Lattrell brother would rather know the truth than live in a fantasy land. I know I can’t imagine a SEAL with unicorn scat on his shoes, but that’s just me.
I agree with IronKnight when it comes to telling Marcus about this. I met Marcus at seminar he was speaking at about two years ago. After he deduced I was an retired PJ, he just we started talking and he mentioned Billy Shelton. Marcus really seemed to look up to him and Shelton was the major reason that Marcus never dropped out of BUD/S. I have a copy of his book and have read it several times. Each time I do, I keep getting the feeling that Shelton was a major father-figure to him and his brother.
That’s only half of the shocking truth. He was outed last October, but everyone is being “hush” about it. If you only knew the whole story….
#44 IronKnight:
I agree with you.
Della’s problem is misguided gentleness. She is extending compassion to a person she sees as having made a very human error: embellishing credentials. What could it hurt, right? Who cares?
She doesn’t know anyone in Special Forces, or she would never have posted the way she did. She has no idea of — and is unable to comprehend — the “truth” of their existance. That is why she is unable to understand the anger leveled at the phony soldiers.
Della, I have to point something out to you that you seem to have missed: not everything on a blog is an “opinion.” Particularly not when what is being discussed are the men who stand guard in the darkness so you can sleep at night.
Blood on the Risers by John Leppelman – hmmmm?
#48
Yes Anon.?
Billy is my husband and I just came across this website. I know him very well. He spent endless hours and days training Marcus and Morgan. He loves them like a his own, and they are not the only guys he trained. He did not charge a dime for his time and mental and physical training. How many of you out there give a d…. or would take hours out of your busy week to train young men, half of you don’t spend an hour a day with your own children. Yes, a few things he did say was wrong. When he was asked to do a book, he told the writer he wanted it to be about the workout, but that wasn’t good enough, they wanted more, more of what would sale a book, so he did say the wrong things, but never to make money, they are just p…. because they paid hime $35,000.00 and didn’t get to publish the book. Now he has been asked to pay it back. Morgan and Marcus were hurt, yes, but they still care about him, and talk to him, you all don’t know the whole story. Every book you read has been beefed up and every little detail is not the truth. So please before you criticize, have you ever made a mistake and been forgiven. He was never trying to make money off the book, the other people insisted on pushing for more on Marcus so they could sale the book. Even when he wanted to try and put together a ranch for wounded soldiers, they said they had to have Marcus envolved or it would not take off. People thrive on drama, the truth is Billy is a very loving compassionate man who cares very much for his family and the men and women who serve his country. He has spent hours physically and mentally training young men, no money paid, because he had the ability to do so and wanted to. His work out is very different from any other. You spend one day in Viet Nam back… Read more »