Albert Ruiz; phony combat veteran
Someone sent us the story of this Albert “Bert” Ruiz who was an American Legion post commander in Pleasantvillle, New York. From his records, it looks as if he was completely qualified for membership and leadership in the American Legion by his actual service as a Marine in Vietnam. But the DD214 that he filed with the county differs somewhat from his actual service. Here’s that DD214;
In the article linked above, the reporter says that Ruiz did two tours of Vietnam, but since he was in the Marines for two years of active service, that’s impossible, since tours of Vetnam were about 12 months, but Ruiz did, in fact do 14 months in Vietnam from February 1970 to April, 1971. He was in Headquarters Company of Headquarters Battalion 3/4 Marines in the 3rd Marine Division and assigned as an “Intel Man”.
The DD214 says that he earned a Combat Action Ribbon, but the National Personnel Records Center disagrees. There is also a “Navy Accomodation Medal with Combat “V””, It’s called a “Navy and Marine Commendation Medal” and there isn’t one on the FOIA report.
Overall and compared to some of our phonies, this is peanuts, however, Bert here claims that he served in actual armed combat with the enemy, which he didn’t, and he claims that he displayed some level of valor in that action, which he didn’t. It was his NCOIC in Vietnam who reported this discrepancy in Ruiz’ records, so I have to take into consideration the feelings of a Vietnam veteran who didn’t embellish his service in that war. If you were an “Intel Man” in Vietnam, be proud of the fact that you served when so many of your generation wouldn’t.
ADDED: I just got a call from Mr. Ruiz and he admitted that he altered his DD214 46 years ago and, to quote him “It’s been an albatross around my neck.” He thanked us for finally bringing this to light and sounded really contrite. And a genuinely nice guy. He promised us a visit later tonight.
Category: Phony soldiers, Valor Vultures
(facepalm) (repeated headdesk)
Why? Oh why? Shit all over a perfectly acceptable and honorable service?
Facepalm or Napalm?
Accomodation Medal lmfao….
He goodley engrishes.
Ha! 🙂
One of my old units,,, 3/4… Just a correction, Headquarters Company of HQ Battalion is not the proper description of where he was he was in Headquarters and Service Company of 3rd Battalion 4th Marines. With an 02 MOS he was in the Battalion S-2 Shop.
Nothing at all to be ashamed of.
I am surprised he doesnt have a legitimate CAR in his Records.
If you were an “Intel Man” in Vietnam, be proud of the fact that you served when so many of your generation wouldn’t.
That, in a nutshell, is the money shot….he served an admirable and important position during the war, he went there and did his duty. Why lie now, so many people would show respect just for the record as it really was, without any lies.
Mr. Ruiz, there was no need for this lie now you’ve altered the perception of what kind of man you really are with this BS…
What a waste.
One of the more important lines in this excellent article, “……be proud of the fact that you served when so many of your generation wouldn’t.”
Nuff said!!
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Having served a joint tour at a Marine Camp, would Marine and “intel” in the same sentence not qualify as an Oxymoron? Just askin…….
Damn… took a dysentery shit all over his service. Even went as far as screwing with his 214… shows you how low some will go to play “Call of Booty – Anal Buttsekks Warrior”.
Sad…
I see this more and more.
Everyone who deployed is a “Combat Veteran”.
Gets old.
I just walk away.
Also, not defending this guy, but sometimes awards are are missed. And NRPC does not always match the legitimate DD-214.
Especially if the S-1 shop is dysfunctional. I have seen cases were it takes over a year for some one to get an award. And this was after they PCS’d or ETS. Repeated phone calls, emails, calling Division, etc.
A lot of that has to do with a proper command climate. But on the other side of the coin, if you do not have it on record or have not seen it, do not wear it.
Green Thumb, You hit it. After the invasion and march into Baghdad and had set up FOB’s things cleared up a little. The CO was giving out on the SPOT Nam’s and Letter’s of appreciation to Junior troops that had done an outstanding job on the way up. Not all the info was transmitted back to S-1 in Kuwait. The Marines were doing the same thing awarding SPOT awards so I am sure some shit is missing. A year later I had to help a troop who left that home port and transferred to another duty station. The SPOT award was not in his record. I had to fight with the S-1 shop to get it fixed. So shit happens and get’s missed.
Pure fakers are funny to read about.
Honorable service ruined by bullshitting are the stories that hurt to read. What an asshole!
Accommodation instead of Commendation.
Right up there with multiple CIB’s and V devices on Silver Stars as classic poser errors.
Didn’t sKerry have one of those SS’s with a “V”?
Seems I remember seeing it on his DD214 a few years back.
Oh, wait, they wiped his slate clean with a key stroke.
Yes, and as the PBR commander he was the initial reporter for his awards IIRC. I haven’t read many books about the Brown River Navy though, so I base many of opinions on the Swift boaters and John Leppelmans, “Blood on the Risers.” Also the Winter Soldiers trial where he committed treason. Seems like Kerry deserves a trial, and a “swift” drop for that alone.
Be careful with the V device when it comes to the Marines and Navy it considered a combat device and Valor in some cases. I know not on the Silver star but on others like JCOM’s, JSAM’s NAVCOM’s and NAM’s. You can also receive a COM or NAM with V and not receive the CAR. The instruction is different than Army and Air Force. Just saying do research before you jump down someone’s ass. I jumped down a guy that had a V device and know CAR when I was in and later found out that I was wrong. I do believe that you can have a V with silver star and then not receive a CAR it covers the combat action for the award.
I take the last part back about the silver star. Case of dumb ass… But you get my point about the difference with Army and Navy V definition.
A Silver Star is only an award for Valor regardless of branch. You can get a Bronze Star without V, which is common in the Army. In fact if you’re in a PSG slot it’s an insult not to get a BSM(w/o V) after a tour, or at least it was when I was AD 06-10. Also you can get an ARCOM w/V without earning a CIB for that same action, which happened to my buddy. He(stupidly) opened up an arms cache.
Stupidly because if it had been booby trapped he would have probably taken the full force of it to his chest. He found RPG rounds though that day, so IMO he saved lives.
A big tipp off is his tour of duty in Nam. Marines did 13 month tours unless WIA/KIA or big problems in the States. Joe
It is not entirely impossible that this guy was in some combat while serving in battalion S-2. I was sent to Vietnam in 1965 as a battalion CBR NCO with the 101st, but when I arrived the serving CBR NCO wasn’t due to DEROS back to the states for a few months. Instead of sending me off to another battalion, the battalion commander sent me to an infantry platoon in one of the line companies where I participated in a number of firefights and skirmishes and quickly earned my CIB.
However, the biggest battle I was in was the Battle of Trung Luong, when I was serving as an E-6 battalion CBR NCO/S-2/S-3/NCO. During that battle, I was in the forward TOC (tactical operations center) where the fighting was going on all around us with rounds cracking past and over us and explosions all around. It was the total chaos typical of ground combat and we didn’t know until the battle was over and the NVA regiment had withdrawn back into the jungle whether or not our TOC was going to be overrun.
https://search.yahoo.com/yhs/search?p=battle+of+Trung+Lung&ei=UTF-8&hspart=mozilla&hsimp=yhs-002
It was the biggest, hairiest battle Ol’ Poe was in during his tour, one which earned our battalion a Presidential Unit Citation. The Battalion XO actually told me he was putting me in for a Bronze Star, but shortly after, he and I almost got into some ground combat of our own when he was drinking, and that was the end of that Bronze Star.
So, this Marine could have seen some ground combat although I agree he seems to have tampered with his records.
I hope that doesn’t sound like I’m woofin’ war stories. I was just trying to show that it was possible the guy could have seen some action serving in battalion S-2.
BTW, I didn’t even learn of that Presidential Unit Citation until almost four decades later while surfing the Web.
Back in the Spring of 1968 our HQs platoon often traveled with us but typically stayed behind if we had an NDP set up.
I forget the damn nomenclature, but the HQ track (taller than the M-113) carried among others….the Troop (company) clerk. Trust me when we were pretty busy that clerk was on his M-2 more than once.
Did he get a CIB? Probably not due to his MOS but he sure as hell deserved one.
M-577
Thank you, 11-B! Have trouble remembering my name sometimes! lol
Another instance of a guy who is/was an officer in his local VSO Post. One would think that these Posts would put someone in a position to know how to check and to do checks on members. That they lack this is one of the bigger reasons that a VSO is not for me, regardless of the value that others get from their Post.
Seems like many of the posers like working with those who served and listening to their experiences. It is a means for the poser to hear stories and learn terminology so they can make the stories their own, and later in the telling come across as plausible.
He could have told the truth and held his head high, BUT NO, he just had to lie and shit all over himself, his name and his reputation.
Fuck. Him.
I’m guessing that he got the accommodation medal for handing out keys to the VOQ.
Or for getting on his knees and “accommodating” the brass…
It’s an accommodation for his disability – which apparently is an inability to tell the truth.
I can’t say for sure but I think the Combat Action Ribbon was awarded to all Marines in Vietnam who ever came under fire, and being in a rear area did not mean you would have missed out on that, but I am sure that it left a lot of room for interpretation.
Jonn, Hondo, or anyone else who knows: how long does it take to get FOIA results?
About a month.
I just got a call from Mr. Ruiz and he admitted that he altered his DD214 46 years ago and, to quote him “It’s been an albatross around my neck.” He thanked us for finally bringing this to light and sounded really contrite. And a genuinely nice guy. He promised us a visit later tonight.
Good on him for stepping up and addressing the issue.
Maybe he will be an example for others.
Amen. Given his heritage, I’m guessing he is Catholic so he knows that he can be forgiven and start with a clean slate. Hope he does that. Maybe he will be like the former poser chap last week that tipped off Jonn about something that I forget.
I would hope that we at TAH cease fire. Not good for the image to not let him have the chance to repent. We’ve all stepped on our dicks (ladies excepted).
It takes a man to apologize and more of a man to accept a sincere apology….IMHO.
As far as I’m concerned – – case closed if Jonn feels he’s sincere.
Dominus vobiscum Et cum spiritu tuo.
We can hope. A lot of our posers could have saved themselves a lot of grief if they’d have only fessed up, then shut up. Doubling down on the stupid only makes it worse, as some of our “favorites” still haven’t learned.
Agreed. I had a good time(short but fun) with a poser when he tried to act tough after I called his lies out Sunday night. Anyone who has even seen a 240B and 240C knows the visual differences, and EVERY Bradley Gunner knows the cyclic rate difference. No one who’s been a Bradley Crew member answers the question… there’s 3 positions so which of 3 were you, with all of them. Tripling down on stupid didn’t help him out either, but I sure loved it. 🙂
Kudos to him if he lives up to his word and truly repents! But if he goes right back to his game like others have done, well…
Jonn and all reading and or commenting. I’d like to clear a few things up, as a Team Leader in Cpl. Ruiz’s Unit, the word “intel man” is not entirely correct. He (and myself) were in a unit of the 1st Marine Division under G-2 called S.C.A.M.P. ( Sensor Control and Management Platoon) there were approximately 100 of us at the peak and about 25 of us when we rotated back to Camp Pendleton in late April early May of 1971. Our job was to implant and monitor sensor strings in areas that the Division wanted to gather intelligence and at times engage V.C. and N.V.A. forces. I don’t remember personally taking Cpl. Ruiz out on a sensor implant, but I did have the privilege of Serving with him on a couple of remote Sensor Readout (or monitoring) Sites, Hills 845 and I believe Hill 65 in I Corps. To those that have the assumption that Cpl. Ruiz or any of our team members were back in some A.C. cooled hootch with cold beers are mistaken. I had the honor of serving with a lot of very squared away Marines while in Viet Nam and I consider Cpl. Ruiz one of them. We all f’ up from time to time, but to me the proof in the pudding is when someone has the balls enough to confront and clear the air and take responsibility for their mistakes. I think it’s fair to say we’ve all screwed the pooch a few times. I in NO way condone nor approve of stolen valor, but again as someone who has served with Cpl. Ruiz I consider him a Marine Brother. Semper Fi Sgt. G.O.Davis USMC 1968-1972
My understanding is that Mr. Ruiz did not have “the balls to confront and clear the air” as you stated, but rather that someone else had to do that for him. It takes no balls to get caught. Kind of hard for him to deny his lies when it all came out in black and white with the NPRC info.
Sgt Davis – thanks for coming here. Hopefully Cpl Ruiz does come here and “sets things straight” and gets rid of the bogus 214.
There are many that are brought to light on this and other blogs that love to “rock the lie”, even to the grave. Hopefully Cpl Ruiz realizes that a mistake such as Stolen Valor with some people, is the tip of the iceberg… just check out some of those brought to light here.
For Cpl Ruiz – you took the first step, now be sincere from this day forward about your service. Many of us have had thankless jobs while in the service, but we would never embellish what we did. You served your country during a difficult time in our history – there is nothing to be ashamed of. Be proud of what you did… not what you wanted other to think you are.
HMCS, Thank you for your Intelligent comments, I do agree that Stolen Valor is a blemish on us all who served and who now serve, and also as you have stated, sometimes our “jobs” weren’t glamorous or even exciting, but we did what we needed to do and that should be enough. Hell, like someone else mentioned on here, we served honorably which is more than a lot ever did and there is no shame in that no matter what our job was. Semper Fi Brother.
Did SCAMP guys go out alone, or was there a security element attached to you? If you didn’t serve on missions implanting devices with Cpl. Ruiz then what was your relationship with him? How did you only serve on missions of certain types with him, but not other missions? Why in a war with as many troops committed as Vietnam were their only 100 of you at the peak of your strength? That’s a lot less troops than the documentaries I’ve watched/read about the RECONDO school, so shouldn’t your “unit” be somewhat famous?
Brian, not sure what you are going for here, BUT, as it seems you’ve READ about Marine Units and not served in one in Viet Nam i’ll do some explaining. If you need independent verification google Ground Surveillance Platoons or even SCAMP and you should get some back ground. We did BOTH inserts by ourselves (usually 6 to 8 man teams) and with a Marine Grunt unit or at times with a Marine Recon Unit for “security”. Your question of how I could serve in both “billets” as a insert team leader AND a read out site NCO is simple, you do what the Marine Corps tells you your job is. I did both and Cpl Ruiz was one of my 3 man read out team members on those Hills mentioned. As Abraham Lincoln said, don’t believe everything you read on the internet. To your question about if (there was) there were only about 100 of us why didn’t YOU hear about us? https://www.mca-marines.org/leatherneck/1979/07/scamp . As a footnote I attended RECONDO School at Rosevelt Roads Puerto Rico in early 1969, when did you? Semper Fi
You are 100% correct. I was never anywhere near Vietnam(I’ll be only 32 in a couple days), and I was Army not a Marine. The only RECONDO school I’ve heard of was run by 5th SF in Vietnam though, not in Puerto Rico.
I served 4(2006-2010) years in the Army as an 11B stationed in Baumholder Germany. I was in 2/6 INF 1ST AD before we got re-flagged in 2009 as 3/4 INF 170th BDE. I ETSed in June 2010. I did nothing special nor high-speed.
Brian, Thank you for your Service. I beg to differ, you DID do something special, you honorably Served your Country as an 11BRAVO. The Marine Corps did a lot of training in various places and a lot of times with Army and Navy at their schools. After work i’ll dig up the RECONDO school cert and post a link. Semper Fi (Marine speak for HOOAH) Brother.
George Davis, Hey Brother, ( a small book) this is just to educate others about what we did. I also served in the forerunner to SCAMP, it was known as Ground Surveillance for the 3rd Mar Div. in ’68 to Nov ’69 and I agree with you about not having our guys in any AC hooch, assigned to the Hills in Vietnam was not easy living or doing the inserts of the sensors as you and I did, My MOS however, was as a Radar Tech, so how did I get out into the bush doing inserts, the same reason the Marine Corps says every Marine is a rifleman, you do as your are told. In May ’68 I served with the 2nd Bn 26th Marines who had just left Khe Sanh and was moving toward the coast for float duty, having less than 6 months in country this disqualified me for Float duty, In July ’68 I was reassigned to this Ground Surveillance Unit which no one knew what it was. We had sensors, Night Observation Scopes, Ground Radar sets for people moving and searchlight jeeps, George didn’t have all of these, but did have sensors, George was also sent to school to learn about sensors and my learning was hands on. (this is more of a lesson on what the SCAMP unit or Ground Surveillance unit did in Vietnam) Many individuals in my unit came from other units and with MOS’s that had nothing to do with Sensors or G-2, even though we were assigned to this unit had nothing to do with what your MOS was, we had 08s 25’s 28’s 01’s and 5931’s which was my MOS. As the NCOIC in the 3rd Mar Div, I did many jobs regarding these sensors and other equipment. I taught classes and did inserts, set-up sites with radars, NOD’s and searchlights. While 1st Mar Div didn’t have the other equipment accept the sensors, and was not activate until late ’69. Doing multiple jobs in a Bastard unit like ours was expected because we only had about 60 people for… Read more »
Hey Karl, good to see you at the Marine Corps Ball last month. Good explanation. We did so many different jobs and as you mentioned there were a lot of different M.O.S.’s involved in our group. There were a few 0311’s myself and Ernie and I think Dieter was as well, but when called upon we did what was called for. I’m proud of our group and think we made a big difference in the overall scheme of things. Have a good one, Semper Fi Brother.
Hi there, former intel Marine here.
The lack of a combat action ribbon seemed to always be a point of frustration among my peers when I was in. Lots of us have been in hazardous environments that featured IEDs, rockets/mortars, in or outside the wire (at least at the company level). However, if you were to look at a stack of an intel Marine that did that stuff and one who chilled at camp cupcake his whole tour, you’d never know the difference. Some guys spend the whole tour dicking with powerpoint, others are writing reports derived from interactions with foreign soldiers while attached from headquarters. It really is a crapshoot.
Thing is, clearing houses and trading small arms fire isn’t really what intel Marines do. Some of the work that is done may kill the enemy and save good guys, but pew pew it is not. As a result, no CAR. Marines pretty much don’t get a CAR unless they’re engaging the enemy. Being in a dangerous area isn’t really awarded.
Not defending this guy’s lying, but I can understand the embellishment to an extent. You get into a job where you think you’ll be doing interesting things and want to make a difference only to find that you don’t get to or, when you actually do, you get no recognition for it. Still, you don’t lie about awards. That’s the worst thing a veteran can do.
Still a lying rat…
But he seems to have come clean, per Jonn. I think we should give him a break, for now and see what happens.
That could turn into an atmosphere of where other longtime posers could see an avenue to confess and repent and get on with their life. Yes, in my old age, I’m a softie. But, if this gent let’s me down then bust his balls and he makes it harder for other posers.
SJ, I wholeheartedly concur. If he truly repents, then I say he deserves a break. I remember a priest in a Church I once attended giving one definition of the word “repent’, according to what he said in his sermon that day, if a boat’s Captain gave the order to “Repent” in times long passed, the crew would turn the boat around and set sail in the opposite direction. Thus if Mr. Ruiz really does repent then I’m in favor of giving him a break, but if he returns to con games then I say NO MERCY!
To clarify some incorrect wording I have seen a couple of times; the term Navy and Marine Corps Commendation and Achievement Medals is a fairly recent naming convention (it changed to that sometime after I got out of the Marine Corps in 1993).
If he had actually been awarded one it would have been listed as a “Navy Commendation Medal” back then, not a “Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal”. Just passing that info along as a former Adjutant.
You are correct, have two Navy Achievement 92/93 medals and a few Navy and Marine Achievement medals.
So now it seems there is sympathy for this guy. Be careful, I think it’s a con and he is trying to do damage control because he got caught. It’s not like he woke up and said “set me free….I’m going to come clean.” Yes, he should be proud that he stepped up and served as a Marine in Vietnam. And now, after 46 years later, he is free of the albatross around his neck.??? What he doesn’t say is that as recently as 2014, he was receiving accolades, and it was because of the phony awards he claimed. My understanding is that he was publicly recognized as Veteran of the Game at the NY Jets, NY Mets, and NY Nets, along with being honored in the New York Veterans Hall of Fame. This is substantiated on their websites, so I know it to be accurate. While he cleanses his soul, he fails to mention these RECENT lies about the awards. I’m sure if you delve into his past, you will find a history of lies, deceptions, and manipulation.
Like I said before, if he really wants to post an apology and live up to it, i.e., repentance then I say allow him a break, but the longer he goes without saying anything on TAH, the more convinced I am that he’s just a con gamer who’s only sorry that he got caught!!
Well, Mo, he actually IS a veteran, and due all the respect any other veteran should receive. Then, if anyone wants to honor him for having been in Viet Nam, he also earned that. Subsequent lies do not alter that simple fact.
Cut him a break? Hardly, since we have collectively called him out for his embellishments.
No, I do not sympathize with him, but I am willing to recognize the difference between a completely fabricated claim of military service and an embellishment of an actual service.
OWB, if you haven’t already you might want to read all the way to the end of comments here. There may well be more to the story – sadly, more that doesn’t exactly support the “he came clean” claim.
Yep, finally got through it all. And, will point out that my reaction to Mo was based on my perception that Mo was suggesting that subsequent bad behavior erases previous good behavior. That always rankles me – can we not recognize that horrid people can do extraordinary things, and laud the good while condemning the bad?
Apologies to Mo if I read too much into what was written.
Hopefully he sticks to his word. It seems alot of the people who fake it or embellish end up doing it again later. But if John says he seems sorry then maybe it was an actual apology and he realizes his fuck up and dosent plan on repeating it. However, from what I’ve seen from the stolen valor section that is usually not the case. But hey, you never know.
Well here it is another day and no visit. Oh well, maybe good old Albert will have had a night to sleep on it and will come here and ‘splain things.
I’m beginning to wonder if his statement was any more than an attempt to spin things and if he’s only sorry he got caught.
It has now been 24 hours since Jonn made the announcement that ole Bert had said he was going to come on TAH and come clean.
Haven’t seen anything from Bert yet.
Anybody else getting the feeling that Mr. Ruiz is nothing more than a commercial grade solid waste distribution specialist?
To John Lilyea, Veritas Omnia Vincit, PoeTrooper, Green Thumb, Just an Old Dog, Proud Infidel, Sorenson26, Karl, HMCS, Mo, Mr. Bill, Sgt. George Davis and all other Honorable Veterans. Mea Culpa. As I spoke with John last night Mea Culpa. In December 1971 I made a mistake. I served with SCAMP, G2, 1stMar Div from 1970 to the Spring of 1971. I signed up for a second tour at the end of 1970 and was allowed to go home for 30 days to return in Jan of 71. I was a boot when I got in Country was assigned to SCAMP and was immediately sent to Vung Tau outside Saigon for my technical training. It included other Marines and Green Beret. Upon completion I was sent to Pleiku to work with the Green Beret sensor unit and went out with them to drop the air sensors from birds on known enemy trails. From there I returned to my unit and was assigned to Hill 10 outside a short ride from Camp Reasoner where SCAMP was quartered as a readout specialist. Hill 10 had base plate pressure systems that gave difficult readings. Early on the readings were difficult to decipher. In fact one night the readings looked like a major offensive. I reported it and the entire Hill was put on alert, every Marine was put on the perimeter, the 81mm mortars and 105 Howitzers went to work, to lite up the sky all night. And nothing happened. No attack. Of course I was sheepish…but I did what I was trained to do. Shortly afterwards I was posted to nearby Hill 65 which had Charlie Ridge looming nearby. I will never forget the early morning convoy to 65. I jumped in the lead truck as we were told the Woodpeckers had cleared the road. It was regularly laden with bombs. Nevertheless, a Lt. pulled me from the lead truck and took my seat. I got a ride with the last truck in the convoy. Shit happens, the Woodpeckers missed a bomb. The lead truck was blown away. The driver and Lt.… Read more »
Hooah. Big balls to do that. When I step on my crank again, I hope I man up like you did.
sj – Thank you Sir!
Agreed, sj. It did take guts to do that.
— break —
Ruiz: we’ve heard many claim that they would “go forth and sin no more”. A substantial number of them ended up being liars about that, too. Some even ended up featured here again after being busted again.
I sincerely hope you are among the number that indeed “straighten up and fly right”, and you sound sincere. Time will tell.
Hondo – Thank you Sir!
Good post Bert.
Go forth and do good deeds to try to regain the respect of those that know you. It can happen.
We are never too old to learn.
Cheers
SMSgt Chip
Bert – please let Jonn know when if and when the local press published your statement. Also, you stated that you had talked to your son, who is a Marine. I hope that you told him about what you had done and he reminded you about the Corps values – Honor, Courage and Commitment.
Bert, just read your post and I’ve always felt that f’ups whether big or small won’t define us as much as HOW we deal with and or fix those F’ups. it was good talking with you last evening and I’m also glad that Jonn gave you the opportunity to on here and “come clean” so to speak. You know how to get hold of me if you need anything or to just chat. Semper Fi Brother
Few embellishers have come clean as forthrightly as you have. You definitely deserve credit for that.
KUDOS TO YOU Mr, Ruiz, a Real Man has the balls and spine to admit it when he fucks up and take the consequences. My respect for you has vastly increased!
Bert and all. I’m far from being an expert on military records and I can only go by what I have seen on my Record of Service of assignments and what I have seen on yours, Bert. You stated ( I was a boot when I got in Country was assigned to SCAMP and was immediately sent to Vung Tau outside Saigon for my technical training.) You got in country Feb 2, 1970 and was assigned to H & S Co 3rd Bn 4th Mar, 3rd Mar Div as an Admin Clerk and you kept that assignment until 6-20 1970 when you where transferred Hq. Co. Hq. Bn. 1st Mar Div at which time you were assigned as G-2 0231 on 12-13-1970 you were assigned to special leave and remained as such until your return to Vietnam 1-31-1971, On 2-2-1971 you returned to your assignment with the G-2 as an 0231. You remained in that assignment until you were transferred to Casual Co Okinawa and then you were transferred to Brooklyn, NY as a patient You relate the following narrative: ” In Feb 71 I had malaria for the first time and was medevaced to the USS Sanctuary off the coast of Danang. It was awful. Many badly wounded Marines. As I got better a Lt. asked if someone was a good writer? No one answered so I said yes. He took me to the after recovery room where amputed Marines were taken to come to. My assignment was to help them write letters home. They would talk I would write. The very first Marine I attended to was a pig farmer from Iowa. He lost both his legs was still in shock and told me he wanted to die. He asked me to kill him, that he was no good on a farm with no legs. In time after many tears we managed to write a letter that the Lt. Okayed to send. I got better again was volunteered to carry body bags to a helicopter for pick up. They did not survive the wounds were too great. We… Read more »
I lies just don’t stop. I has on hill 10 and fire support base ryder. Sorry but you were not there. On hill 10 it was me and Cpl Adams and on fire support base ryder it was me and Sgt Davis. The action at hill 10 happen when me an Cpl Adams were there. You never when to Vung Tau. The only people who were trained in Vung Tau were Sgt Gavaldon, SSgt Posner and Cpl Shoemarker. All other were trained in house in DaNang. I was in Scamp from Mar 1970to Jan 1971 and retired as a GySgt in May of 1990. You sir are a scam bad and still not telling the truth.
HMCS (FMF) ret. here is the link. I sent it to John last night. My son the Marine made me proud. S/F Bert
http://pleasantville.dailyvoice.com/news/pleasantville-veteran-admits-to-embellishing-vietnam-service/610153/
I read the link here and I’ll be the first one to start the slow golf clap for Bert.
You may have screwed the pooch by embellishing, but, you have again, done something that almost no one has done when they realize they screwed up, taken responsibility for it, admitted the mistake, shown through their words and actions (read this article and see if you don’t agree with me) that they are truly sorry for what they did.
It sounds to me that you did exactly that AND went BACK to the press to admitted your mistake, asked for forgiveness and showed sincerity.
Again, way to do the right thing afterwards.
That takes courage.
God knows I’ve been there and done that and preach it to my kids.
Bert, thank you for doing that. It took courage to do it, something that we have not seen from other SV embellishers before.
I hope that with the “albatross” gone, you have found a sense of peace and honor in what you did. I salute you for doing what you did.
God bless you, your family and friends, Bert.
Sgt.Major Chip – Thank you Sir. I found the official USMC yellow Western Union Telegram from April of 1971 to my parents informing them I was hospitalized with malaria. Will send it to John now. S/F Bert
I’ve seen the telegram – yes, you had malaria.
And as a result you changed your DD214…??
What’s the issue?
Sgt. George Davis – You have been an enormous support. Other SCAMPERS as well. Thank you & Semper Fi, Bert
I have no basis to pass judgement on you, so I won’t. I wish you the best. Thank you for serving when many did not. Yours is the first apology I have ever read here that reads like a real apology. I am sure you wrote some nice letters for your Brother Marines back in the day and that must have been extremely difficult to do. Welcome home sir.
Mr. Bill –
The past instructs…the future invites…Emerson.
Thank you Sir!
GD Contractor – Thank you Sir!
ChipNASA – Thank you Sir!
HMCS (FMF) ret.
Thank you for your kind & warm remarks Sir!
A Proud Infidel –
Thank you Sir!
You’re welcome for now, but DO take the time to read my post about repentance.
Amen
Bert and I have had a few pleasant conversations since we first wrote this. He’s is genuinely a nice guy and I really appreciate the way he handled this awkward situation.
Mr. Lilyea – You Sir have provided me with the proper platform to set the record straight and have done so in a prompt & professional fashion. Thank you for your kindness & understanding.
Semper Fi,
Bert
Bert, seems like it worked! Once again, you charmed the audience. So humble, so polite, so contrite. Before getting puffed up about support from SCAMPers, please count your votes. The majority of our RVN SCAMPers know the truth and only hope that someday you will be able to tell the truth. As a member of the Westchester County Executive staff, you should strive to model Rob Astorino’s demonstrated integrity and leadership.
Semper Fi
Karl Karl – Thank you for your comment. Have examined your comment and checked the record as you have. I spoke with Bill L. this morning and we figured it out as memories are clouded after 45 years. Feb 2, 1970 I joined H&S 3/4 3rdMarDiv in Okinawa. On Jun 20, 1970 I joined G-2 SCAMP 1stMarDiv. It was then I went to Vung Tau for Sensor School. This explains the huge gap with all the 3rdMarDiv Marines at SCAMP, you, Bill L., Buck & others in that most had rotated home. I reported to my NCOIC Sgt George Davis after Vung Tau & Pleiku. I have pics of Pleiku with the heavily fortified cement bunkers that I shared with Bill L. (I think he said he shared my many pics with all of you at a reunion) On Dec 13, 1970 I was allowed to go home for 30 days because I signed up for a second tour in country. I recall returning to SCAMP 1st Mar Div in early Jan 1971. Shortly afterwards I had malaria for the first time and my narrative is correct. I never returned to Okinawa and have no idea what Casual Company is unless that is when I was on the USS Sanctuary off the coast of DaNang. My second bout with Malaria was in April of 1971 and was when I went to Youkuska, Japan, Anchorage, Alaska, Bethesday, Maryland and then St. Albans. I have the Western Union Telegram to my parents from the USMC alerting them to my malaria. Mr. John Lilyea has the scan of that doc in his possession and perhaps can post it here. From there I did go to on June 6, 1971 to 2ndMarDiv until my Honorable Discharge Dec 10, 1971. As per your suggestion am in the process of obtaining all my records. I do very much remember being in Yokuska, Japan and Alaska, Bethesda and eventually St.Albans. Perhaps that is defined by Casual Company. Again, I never returned to Okinawa. I almost died from my second bout with malaria. And I must point out… Read more »
Bert, I can only say one thing when you get your records we will see. as for me ys it did take 34 years to get my CAR and to get a DD215 so that it Officially reflects my wearing the CAR. I have always known that I had it in my record book but not on my DD214. I have reviewed many records over the last 30 some odd years as a VA Counselor/Claims Rep that I still stand by my words and your records. And yes, Memories do get muddled over the years and yet it appears that when someone says something about your record you always seem to have a come back with more details than before. So I wish you the best and will be waiting for those records that will prove me wrong.
Karl – I will get my records and hopefully it does not take me 34 years. We are all in our mid-60’s and memories are dim. George Davis,Bill Lavelle & John Lilyea have been extremely supportive and provided me with valuable guidance. One last thing, our 1st Mar Div fellow Marines suffered terrible casualties when I was on the USS Sanctuary. I will never forget the carnage and never disrespect their sacrifice. I really don’t remember how much time I spent on the USS Sanctuary. I do know I was very weak when asked to write letters home for the severe amputees. However given what my Marine Brothers sacrificed how could I not volunteer? And I must mention when we were asked to carry the body bags to the deck I did so with other badly bandaged Marines with wounds…the Walking Wounded that proudly jumped at the sacred honor to carry their fallen brothers. I actually was ashamed to not have body wounds as they did and was on the Hospital Ship for Malaria. I will never ever forget that experience as long as I live. Semper Fi, Bert
Well now, this is very interesting. The news article states that Bert “has admitted to embellishing his service during the Vietnam War” and “Ruiz was a marine during the Vietnam War though he never saw combat.”
Was he or was he not in country? I ask because his service record (not DD-214) is sketchy, it indicates an “APO” and mentions “Camp Butler” in Okinawa.
If he was in the RVN then he was in a combat/hostile fire/eminent danger, etc zone. He may not have been in direct contact with the enemy, and that’s OK. I salute those who served for just being there…
HOWEVER, I question the sincerity of Bert’s apology and here’s why:
The news article, which I assume he contributed to, stated that “he never saw combat.” He wrote here at TAH a lengthy description of his service, i.e. dropping in sensors, posted at OPs or firebases, calling in fire, receiving incoming fire, 81s and 105s lighting up the sky, blown up trucks, dead bodies, etc. If this is what he experienced a reasonable person would say he “saw” combat, as in seeing, and I take nothing away from him for that. But why would he agree to or not rebut the wording the reporter used in the article? Did he not want to make a big deal about it what the definition of “is” is? Or is it that what he wrote here at TAH is really BS and he knows it and wants us to form our own opinion? Maybe he’s so contrite that he just didn’t want to belabor the issue. I hope that’s the case, but as has already been mentioned, only time will tell.
“Oh, what a tangled web we weave…when first we practice to deceive.” ― Walter Scott, Marmion Mr. Bert Ruiz, as your former Non-commissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC) with 1st MarDiv, SCAMP, I would hope you will acknowledge that prior to reporting you to the Fake Warrior organization, I spent over 2 years requesting that you admit to falsifying your DD214 – you were not entitled to wearing a Navy Commendation with a “v”, a Combat Action Ribbon, or a Presidential Unit Citation. After you became aware of the news story by John Lilyea at thisainthell.com you called me on Tuesday Dec 8, 2015 and thanked me for setting you free and removing the “albatross” from your neck. I forwarded John’s story to the Pleasantville Voice, and you responded to them with a long, confusing, and inaccurate statement. As you go about the business of apologizing for your deception, I once again note that you focus on an “admission of guilt” and forget to report that your admission and decision to remove the Albatross from your neck came only after myself and other SCAMP Marines researched, obtained a copy of your records, and fakewarrior.com sent the information to Mr. Lilyea. It was only after your true record of service was published that you decided to seek redemption. Since you raised issues, I’d like to address some specific comments when you admitted to “embellishing” your records: 1. Your record of service page NAVMC 118 indicates that you were on active duty for 28 months, and your military education was Motor Vehicle Training in 1970. 2. On Feb 2, 1970, you were assigned as an S-1 Admin Clerk to 3rd Bn. 4th Marines, 3rd Marine Division. 3. You arrived at the SCAMP unit Da Nang on June 20, 1970. Of the 12 sites in our TAOR, you were assigned primary duties at a readout site. 4. As your former NCOIC, I have no recall of you ever going to Vung Tau for training with Special Forces. Because of my position, I attended training in Vung Tau with Intel Analyst SSgt Walt LeBlanc and… Read more »
Well then…Albert can get bent then.
Frank – I hardly know you. We NEVER had a face-to-face meeting in Viet Nam. You NEVER visited a Hill I was on. Of the hundreds of pictures shared at the SCAMP reunion there is not one of us together. I reported to our CO, XO, Gunny, Sgt. Grassley & Sgt. Davis. My only passing recollection of you at Camp Reasoner is that you were a heavy drinker. You are mean-spirited and a bully. I do not know where your holier-than-thou mindset comes from. If you were my NCOIC no one ever told me. You were not at my promotion. You know nothing of my training at Vung Tau. And to report on this important blog that my military education was Motor Vehical Training is pure madness. You are out of control. I am so grateful for the many kind souls on this blog. Am super grateful to sj that he is fed up with you!
Frank – I thank God Mr. John Lilyea is decent, understanding, intelligent & kind. He is a great American!!
Bert Ruiz wrote: “And to report on this important blog that my military education was Motor Vehicle Training is pure madness.”
Question for Mr. Ruiz: Why does the DD214 that you registered with your county (above) say “US Government Motor Vehicle School”? It seems to me that it was either part of your official training, or you entered it with your own hand. What am I missing?
I would like to take this opportunity to do a couple of things, one, set the record straight as far as I know it, and to say, that I am recusing myself from this conversation.
First order of business, Frank is 100% correct, Bert you misstated my “title” or lack there of while I was in SCAMP, I was NEVER the NCOIC or an NCOIC of the unit and have never claimed to be, my “title” if there has to be one (on my fitness reports) was Implant Team Leader. When on read out sites in the hills, I was an NCO and most times the ranking NCO, but that’s it.
Bert, you were a good Marine while we served together and I will vouch for your service while on read out. I’d suggest that you get your paperwork and documents together to support your statements. In this day and age of the overage of posers and stolen valor we all need to keep our shit straight so to speak. I’m asking you as a Brother, to PLEASE make this right. You are a Marine, a Viet Nam Veteran and in anyone’s book that is something to be proud of.
I’ve never been a joiner or someone who lives in the past. I’ve always been someone who’s felt my best day is going to be tomorrow.
A wise man once told me to “Never try and be someone else, that job is already taken, ALWAYS be the best you you can be”.
Bert, you are the one who has the power to make this right, I’m asking you as a Brother, to reach down into yourself and do the right thing, it will make you feel better.
All that being said, I’m done with this conversation/thread.
Semper Fi
Bert,
You have shown true honor and integrity. I cannot imagine how difficult this has been for you but I do believe I read a sense of true relief and new found freedom in your writing.
I want to make sure that you know you are welcome here. Please contribute to this community, I believe you can bring a perspective that no other can.
God Bless and Welcome Home
Amen.
I’m fed up with folks that have never posted here before continuing to kick Mr. Ruiz. As King Barry says, that’s not who we are. Jonn has posted a very clear accolade to Mr. Ruiz. Mr. Ruiz has come clean like no one else ever has in my time here. He sets a stellar example of how to acknowledge that you erred. Hopefully other posers will follow his example…but not if they see they will still get bashed by purists that are new to TAH.
As much as I love it here, if the attitude of kicking a guy when he is down is going to prevail, then I will have to reassess if I want to be a part of that, by silence.
Dear SJ – Thank you for your uplifting remark. You have no idea how much it means to me. Semper Fi,
Bert
Old 1SG, US Army (Retired) – Excellent question. Thank you sincerely for making a critical observation. I made a mistake 45 years ago. A big mistake. Go to the top. The headline here is, “Phony Combat Record.” Which is true. That is the story. I have no proof of combat experience. It is impossible to defend a defenseless position. Particularly to a young civilian reporter facing a deadline. This is big news where I live. He never asked me if I ever saw combat. He wrote I never saw combat. Which is correct given the evidence he had. To me, the most important thing is to admit my mistake with my records. Obviously my comments here clearly demonstrate I was not in the rear drinking cold beers in an AC hooch . Malaria is serious business. I had it twice. I was out on the Hills conducting sensitive readouts most of my time in country. We SCAMP saved many grunt lives. Look at Karl above…it took him 34 years to get a CAR. I have things to prove but not in that article or here for that matter. I need all my records, (I do have my parents Western Union Telegram from the USMC informing them I was hospitalized with malaria) collect the many key location pictures of my time in Country, collaborate information with those I served with from June 1970 to April 1971. (minus the 30 days in Dec/Jan they let me go stateside for signing up for a second tour) 1st Sgt, the story in the news article is to admit a mistake nothing else. And I did so. I thank you very much for your astute question. And I am also blessed to have so many open minds and forgiving hearts on this site. Semper Fi, Bert
Mr. Ruiz, no one here is questioning whether you had malaria, hung out in an air conditioned hootch drinking beer, or were in combat. Nor are we denying that you have done good work in your community. But you are trying to get sympathy with all your stories. Just admit that you lied about your record for 46 years and leave it at that. No more excuses. You are using diversionary tactics to take the focus off the real issue – you falsified your DD214 and then continued on that path, receiving other recognition that was not deserved because it was based on the original lie.
Mo – I guess you did not see this link I posted here this morning at 0909 H
http://pleasantville.dailyvoice.com/news/pleasantville-veteran-admits-to-embellishing-vietnam-service/610153/
Bert,
You lied and held on to that lie for 46 years. You can apologize all you want. That’s fine. Now move on. Your apology was accepted, but go toot your horn elsewhere.
Enigma4you –
Thank you for your generosity of heart. I am not seeking it but am touched when someone like yourself and others demonstrate compassion. This has been extremely difficult. Fortunately, I have a long history of volunteerism & goodness in my community. Still and all I have had mean-spirited contact. And I want to remind everyone I created this mess and must accept full responsibility. Peace & Prayers, Bert
Mo – Thank you for the reminder to re-post the link. It allows others to see the responsibility I accepted because of my mistake 46 years ago. I pray this satisfies your well placed call for contrition. Semper Fi, Bert
That would be 44 years ago. Not 45 years or 46 years ago. Do some basic math.
You were discharged on 10 December 1971. And 10 days later, on 20 December 1971, you presented an altered federal document to be entered into the county records. That is when the lie started and has been perpetuated from that day to present.
You have made your apology. Some have accepted it while some have not.
The altered federal form (DD214) was not a mistake on your behalf. It was a deliberate action/crime to present that altered document as a true copy of your service. You are the one that has accepted, over the subsequent 44 years, real tangible benefits from various organizations due to that altered document.
Therefore, you are the one that will have to live with the knowledge that your own actions have brought dishonor not only to yourself, but to the members of your family and your hometown.
Best of luck in the future.
Good job on coming clean Bert, first time I’ve ever seen it since starting to visit this site
Gentlemen, one of the objectives of Bert is to write a book, fictional as it may be about the SCAMP program, Like I stated before I am one of the original SCAMPer from the 3rd Mar Div, starting in July of 1968, In the northern I Corps area, just south of the DMZ, My CO Col Soper USMCR just passed away this passed Sept. and he refused to talk to Bert, along with the XO Col Bahnmaier, he also refused. During the discussion that Bert had with me was to obtain information about SCAMP. I spoke with him for a short period of during which he elaborated about his experience. His gift of gab is really good, practiced for many years. I would be happy to show my records to anyone so that they can verify My stories, Information, But I don’t think I have to as both of my OIC and assistant OIC Lt Rains can verify my status. See it is hard to embellish when you have buddies that can support you stories. I left Vietnam 3 to 3 months before Bert even got to Vietnam I cannot support him, I can however support others in our group as we served together and had shared many experiences together. It is amazing how the more resistance from some members come up against Bert the more detailed and the more embellished his story gets. More lies when confronted with the truth. I think that if Jonn was in agreement that have Bert’s complete Service records, Medical records DD214 and awards, citations and medal mailed directly to him from St Louis, we might have some conclusion in this case. This is the only way for a third party to issue a statement and to resolve this issue. Jonn if you are in agreement Please email and I will explain the process that I use to get all of this information at one time. we would however, need to have Bert sign the SF 180 form and return it to Jonn in order for him to mail it in to St Louis.… Read more »
Bert – STFU!
Stop it, now. You didn’t own up to the truth because you’ve had a spontaneous celestial epiphany – you were caught in a lie. Period.
There was no PUC, neither were there a CAR, nor a Navy Commendation Medal, W/V. You did a fine thing when you enlisted and went to Nam – live with that. You never lived through multiple human wave attacks on that hill either. Oh yeah – when you called me over a year ago, under the guise of looking for SCAMP anecdotal for your Vietnam opus, your stories were over the top. I probably should have called you on it then, but who wants call a fellow Marine a liar. I knew then I wanted nothing to do with your novel. My suggestion is that you stop vilifying others, and perhaps spend some time reflecting on the truth. Get some help.
After reading all the recent comments by the Marines that were there and knew exactly when,where,what and who CPL Ruiz is/was, I’m thinking that old Bert is sitting at home right now laughing at how easy it was to sweet talk all those rubes over at TAH into believing he was truly sorry for his dishonorable actions.
So, Bert, just sit back and continue to run your suck. Color me pessimistic and a lone voice from the wilderness. I’m not accepting your “apology.”
Claw,
I am with you on that. It does no good to apoligize for one Bullshiting on your DD214 years ago then pile on another bunch of “stories”.
If even half of what he said was true he would be able to get plenty of evidence and statements from the Marines he served with to get a legit CAR.
Oh, and Bert, if you’re sitting there reading this and wondering why is this guy riding my ass, here’s a small bonafide for you:
C Company, 101st Aviation Battalion (Assault Helicopter), 101st Airborne Division.
Phu Bai 71-72.
SFC USA (Ret)
Your actions have brought dishonor upon yourself and in turn has brought dishonor upon all who have ever served, especially Vietnam Veterans. That’s why I’m riding your ass.
My name is Dieter Cross GySgt USMC retired. I was in SCAMP from March 1970 to January 1971 I served with Frank Gavaldon, Steve Bosworth, George Davis and others. I was on hill 10 doing readouts from March 1970 to June 1970 on fire support ryder from July to September 1970. The indicant that happened on hill 10 was during my watch and the result of a bad sensor. When I was not doing readout I did implants with George Davis. No SCAMP Marine was send to Yung Tau after March 1970 and the Marine NCO’s who did go to Yung Tau conducted in house training in Da Nang. You now say your are sorry for what you did regarding false awards but still coming up with bull shit stories about your service in Viet Nam. I would wish you would just go away and not post anymore
Early on in the initial reading of the first batch of responses my gut was leaning toward forgiveness for you. Then when you began posting your own statements amplified with all the “good” you’ve done, opposing comments from others who served near or around you suddenly began to show doubt in your sincerity. Rather than see it written by you as a “Mistake I made 46 years ago”, my preference would have been to see you have written it as “For the past 46 years I have been lying and dishonest about my service while in the United States Marine Corps.” Seeking to repent and find forgiveness does NOT bring much to the table of forgiveness when you make certain you add “what good you have done’. Now about not only once, but getting malaria twice was a shocker to me. Not eating right and bad food at that, would not have served you well as a source in the Tank unit I served in. It was nearly 49 years ago when I arrived in country the first time. Roughly two months after arriving I vividly remember a fellow by the last name of Harrington who came down with a case of malaria. The day after he was released back to our unit from the ship hospital, he was busted by one rank and sent back to the United States for what I don’t know. His eating habits were as the rest of us, an occasional cooked meal when we were in the Battalion area in the rear, C rats the rest of the time. Periodically when out in the field, we’d run short of water for one reason or another. NOBODY forgets that nasty skanky rice paddy water with the iodine pills in it….still very warm to the touch when it was ready to drink. Never made us sick other than once & a while. The ONLY way a person contracted malaria was to NOT take their daily malaria pill. Truly regrettable that you weakened your letter of apology by laying claim to have “Done a lot community service,… Read more »
Skeptic here, by nature.
Embellishers disgust me. Hypocrites, liars, and criminals do as well. Seems like ole Bert has all that covered.
Yeah, Bert, falsifying a service record is a crime even when the statute of limitations has run out. Prosecution at this late date may not be possible, but your actions started with a crime, one you have continued to perpetrate for a very long time. And benefitted from.
The only way to judge his sincerity is to observe his behavior over time. Sure, we can offer opinions based upon prior experience with embellishers, crooks, and liars, but only time will tell if his contrition was real. Or not.
Meanwhile, Bert, it really is possible to recover from your lies. First, you simply need to stop lying. Just stop.
You might also consider issuing no more public apologies. The more you submit, the less sincere they appear.
Just stop lying, Bert, then move on. Perhaps out of the public eye. If you are contemplating writing a book, maybe you should publish it as a work of fiction. It’s fine to gain from an active imagination as long as it is presented as something other than historical accuracy.
Bert, pay attention. People are getting convictions for forging DD214s.
Any word on having your state veteran’s hall of fame induction revoked? Or repayment of those tangible benefits you received from the pro sport teams?
Keep us updated.