James Edward Ferris; Korean War phony
I got this about six weeks ago and somehow it slipped through the cracks on me. But this is the story of James Edward Ferris, a homeboy from Liverpool, NY. Here he is on the CSPAN broadcast of ceremonies commemorating the signing of the armistice ceasing outward hostilities on the Korean Penninsula back in July;
Here he is with Joe Bite Me at the same ceremony;
And Leon Panetta;
Here’s what he was wearing;
Here’s where the trouble begins;
Right off, anyone who can count can see that he’s wearing more than the four awards that are in his records. His records also say that he was in the Pacific with the 3rd Marine Division. Wiki says the 3rd marine Division never went to Korea;
The Division was reactivated on 7 January 1952 at Camp Pendleton, California. Immediately after its activation and still in its organizational state, the Division began intensive combat training, including new tactics and maneuvers based on lessons learned in Korean War. During the remaining part of 1952 elements of the Division participated in numerous exercises and training problems, including vertical envelopment (helicopter landing), airborne operations and attack, and defense against atomic weapons and missiles.
In August 1953 the Division arrived in Japan to support the 1st Marine Division in the defense of the Far Eastern area. In March 1956 the Division moved to Okinawa and remained there in a readiness posture until 1965.
By the time the 3rd Division got to Japan, a cease fire had been signed the month before and major combat operations in Korea had ceased. it wasn’t his fault that he didn’t get to Korea, but it is his fault that that he’s told several journalists that he was in Korea in 1952 while hostilities were raging, when, in fact, he was at Camp Pendleton, CA.
Of course, Wiki isn’t a real source, so I went to the 3rd Marine Division Association‘s website, and there is a big gap in their history between World War II and Vietnam. Another website mirror’s Wiki’s history;
The 3rd Marine Division was reactivated on January 7, 1952 at Camp Pendleton, California. This was the Korean War era, but the Division did not deploy to the theater. Instead they undertook training that involved both experimental tactics and lessons learned from Korea. In August of 1953 the Division arrived in Japan to support the defense of the Far Eastern area. In March of 1956 the 3d Marine Division moved to Okinawa and remained there until their deployment to Vietnam in 1965.
So, who is James Edward Ferris? Well, he is the national director of the Korean War Veterans Association. Technically, his service in Japan qualifies him for membership in the Association. Their website says;
If you have EVER honorably served in Korea as a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, or served outside of Korea June 25, 1950 to Jan. 31, 1955, you qualify to be a Regular Member of the Korean War Veterans Association, Inc.
So all of that bling is unnecessary for his position. I can’t find the top ribbon, so it may be somehow connected to the Association, but I do see a Combat Action Ribbon, his Army of Occupation Medal is on upside down and neither are in his records. But his National Defense, Marine Corps Good Conduct, Korean Service and UN Service Medals are all there. I didn’t bother looking up the rest that stuff, and I’m guessing that the badge above it all is part of the Association’s stuff, since I don’t recognize it. Maybe you guys know more.
ADDED: I have text to several interviews he did in which he said he was in Korea in 1952, but he couldn’t have been since the 3rd Marine Division was at Camp Pendleton in 1952. Those articles, from July, have mysteriously disappeared from the internet. Wearing a CAR for Japan after the Korean War is like wearing a CIB for Iraq while he was stationed at Doha.
Category: Phony soldiers
Best I can make of the above picture is he is also wearing a Navy Achievement Medal and a Navy and MC overseas service ribbon. The whole stack it messed up and out of order. Also appears he may be wearing the Marine Corps China Service, and Marine Expeditionary Medal. Again, harder to make out but those 4 are the best I can do. Resolution sux when blown up.
Stand by for a significant update
51 was me… standing by, COB6
I emailed my phone number to Jimmy, by way of COB6. Waiting for a call back.
Awesome. I am very interested in this so I will stay tuned. Hate Marine posers more than anything. Just be proud you were a Marine, Jim!
I hope no one is holding their breath waiting for the call back. I don’t want you to pass out and conk yourselves on the desk.
Lol. Not holding my breath on it.
Anonymous (51): I’m pretty sure the outboard ribbon in the top row isn’t the China Campaign Medal. The one he’s wearing looks to have narrow dark red stripes at the edges, not narrow blue ones. It appears to be the USMC Reserve Ribbon. That’s been obsolete since 1967 (replaced by the AFRM) and was relatively rare even before that.
Hondo- Anonymous(51) was me. Didn’t register my name for some reason. Noted. I think you may be right. Did you check out his stack in the picture from link on 50?
That’s where I got the China Campaign medal. He has almost twice as many ribbons on in that pic
He’ll probably just pull a Joe Pat and die before having to face any allegations.
I then elaborated on what extra ribbons I could make out in Anonymous (51).
No explanation needed.
http://www.kvacanada.com/newsletterpdf/july302012newsletter.pdf
http://www.marinesoflongago.org/pi_fotos/photos/pages/gen.jim-ferris-and-red.htm
http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2006-05-28/news/0605280035_1_peace-prize-korean-war-veterans-nobel-peace
http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2006/05/29/Korean-War-vets-lose-tie-to-Nobel-Prize/UPI-17401148960546/
http://www.kwva.org/graybeards/gb_06/gb_0602/gb_0602_final.pdf
http://kwva.org/update/archives_dechert/i_update_050826.htm
http://www.kwva.org/peace_medal/050919_peace_medal_brochure_jd.pdf
EdUSMCRet: roger. Thought you were referring to the one in the photo above.
I also initially thought the one above was the China Campaign Medal ribbon until Anonymous II (26) suggested the USMC Reserve Ribbon. I then expanded the photo enough to get a better read on the edge colors (couldn’t really tell at first, but initially thought they might be blue). They do appear to be darkish red instead.
The other photo is so low res that it’s hard to make out what he’s wearing there. But you’re right – his ribbon rack seems to have “grown” even more there.
I was able to blow it up enough to recognize a couple. Either way, none other than the 4 listed on FOIA are able to be proven. His service doesn’t even constitute eligibility for that NY medal he is wearing. Makes one wonder if he forged something along the way.
This is nowhere in his records- the 1st MAR DIV part..
James E Ferris, Liverpool, NY, KWVA Director and Committee Chairman, President Department of NY – Corporal, HQs, 1st Marine Division, Korea – January 1953-March 1954.
Anonymous II (63)… The first one has him identified as Brigadier General?(WTF?)
The rest have to do with the Nobel Peace Prize deal that they don’t rate but can’t let go of..
That what you wanted us to get out of it?
Do they call their leaders “General” in the KWVA?
My point is if you got through Boot Camp, you didn’t have to prove anything to anyone, ever.
The Nobel Prize stuff is part of some sort of rationalization of self-worth.
Correction.
You didn’t have to prove anything to a civilian.
You did have to prove something to your First Sergeant, Platoon Sergeant, Squad Leader, and Squad Members, and of last, your Platoon Leader, but not to anyone outside the Corps.
I understand now. Basically, you could say whatever you wanted once you were out. In other words, no one would doubt you back in the day. After years of lying about it, people don’t even question it. He started the NY chapter he was in so who would question anything he said or ask for proof? From reading up on the KWVA, it appears to have a slew of problems. Most notably, issues with leadership. I suspect this info about the National Pres being a liar will not be taken lightly. It’s a shame. Korea was a forgotten war and the veterans deserve better.
This is getting annoying. He styles himself a brigadier general – retired? Seriously?
Well, then, gee whiz — I’m the aft photon gunner on the USStarship Dothera Gray.
I still think that top ribbon is a British War Medal given to Canadians for WWI service in the British Army. It is blue borders, then white stripes, then a wide red stripe.
Out of USMC in ’55.
Vietnam service medal/ribbon retroactive from ’65 back to ’61. Unless they’re calling up the NY Guard for international incidents…
So what is the ETA on when his guy gets rightfully punched in his old balls? Make it happen NCO’s!
Apparently, Jim Ferris already knows of the allegations and is currently responding (to someone) to them. I emailed the contact person on their website with a link to the blog. hopefully this ends well.
Wonder if Biden is in the mix?
#74,
I too hope it ends well, but all of the links and pics seem to point towards Ferris knowingly elaborating on his career and achievements.
I’m still somewhat young, and despite eleven years of service I feel as though I have done little compared to those who have come before. As such, my first instincts when I meet or read about an older veteran are to respect and honor that person. From the WWI and WWII vets I recall meeting as a child, to the Golden Rakkasans I met at the Hamburger Hill Reunion as an E-1, to my 60 and 70 year old “drinking buddies” (to include a 91-year-old WWII Airborne vet who still rides his Harley) at the VFW, I’ve always held those that came before in high regards.
Obviously Ferris and some other older vets (like Dick Stoops) think that merely serving wasn’t enough. Maybe his claims will be substantiated, but I’m not holding my breath.
@#76 I agree, man. I have the highest respect for the guys who went before me (especially Marines). It pains me when I see any allegations against one of them who really did serve. I really do hope this is all cleared up somehow but I doubt it will be. I did a ton of research on this guy and it isn’t looking good for him. The KWVA is aware of the allegations and I suppose they will do the right thing on it. If not, they lose all legitimacy. Sad any way you look at it.
Fringe: I believe only the USAF recognizes back to 1961. USMC/USN/Army begin their recognized Vietnam campaigns in Mar 1962.
That minor difference doesn’t matter in this guy’s case. His records show he was out of the USMCR by 28 Apr 1960, and had left active duty on 28 Apr 1955.
I am on it! I just retired in the Syracuse area and Liverpool is ten minutes away. My father served with KMAG from 50-51 & 52-53, maybe I will take him with me so he can elaborate a little more. Phonies come in all shapes and sizes.
@79
He shouldn’t be too hard to find. I imagine the President of a Vet Org is someone who gets out and about a lot. Just ask him to show you his DD214 in person.
That skill badge is probably the NY Guard communications badge-senior.
http://www.88ny.net/nys_nyg_medals.htm
Now I see why the ribbon that resembles the UK WWI award to Canadians is so difficult to find: it’s a New York state award for conspicuous service. It’s almost completely identical to the Brit WWI award.
Whom It may Concern:
You guys could have held off on the Jim Ferris story and at least given their members a chance to regroup if need be. We just received our National charter a short time ago, and you snap shit to get your report out sure won’t help matters, and for my part I hope I never see another one of your reports again, I think you guys should join the rest of the HEADHUNTERS.
SN. from Iowa
@83
Considering he sat on this for 6 weeks, I would say you all had plenty of time. He wasn’t going after your organization. Just calling someone out for wearing medals/awards his records don’t indicate he rates. Based on your comment, I assume, then, that there is truth to this story and it is therefore even more reason to continue to expose these posers/embellishers for who they are. They just call it how they see it. If he isn’t lying about what he has done then there is no issues here, correct? Suppose that means TAH is spot-on once again. Good luck to KWVA. In the future, verify your members’ claims before you give them such a high position in the organization or this will undermine the credibility of KWVA. The fact he was able to get as close as he did to such high-ups like the Vice President by lying about his service is not a good thing at all. This is a HUGE story- how can you expect them to sit on it longer than 6 weeks?
Sam, if your organization had vetted its leadership and asked these questions before now, your concerns over the charter would be unfounded; you’d either have replaced Mr. Ferris as President, or had the information in hand to quash these questions the instant they are asked.
Instead, he’s just *now* attempting to answer questions that should have been asked a long time ago, and not by the staff and readership here.
It’s a shame that it has had to come to this, but John and the readership aren’t at fault for doing your organization’s due diligence.
The KWVA was chartered back in 2008, finally–it took along time to be approved–back 5or 6 years ago I had an exchange of emails with Ferris–I had asked him when he had been in Korea and what outfit he was in His answer was that he was in HQ Co and had been liason between the 3rd Mar Div and the 1st Mar Div and had been in Korea in January of 1953–He would never give me a straighujt answer on rank, mos and his duties—he told me he did not dwell on his time in the Marine Corps–he felt his time working for a telephone co was more important–I told him that if he did not have time in the Corps than he would not be able to be in the KWVA—his answers were always the same. I joined the 3rd Mar Div at CJHP in June of 1953, was there for 1/12 months until being transferred to Security Forces FE,in July ’53, I was assigned to Sasebo, Japan Navy #3912–history says that the 3rd Div left the States in July also–I had heard rumors while at Pendleton the Div was going to Hawaii. I don’t know if there was liason between the 1st and 3rd Mar Divisions and that Marines were involved in that or not , I was Pfc 0311 in the 7th Marines and half the time I did’t know where in Korea we were– Then I see he was a clerk 0143–and enlisted , a Cpl, and probably did not ever see Korea unless it was a flyover on his flight to Okinawa or Iwo to “check out the 3rd Div moves–which I doubt — I doubted his words then and and was surprised to learn he was the President of the KWVA–that is not good for the KWVA I am not a member of the KWVA— I was in Korea from July1951 to June1952– I saw combat on Hill 673 on 11 and 12 Sept1951—I carried a BAR in that operation– Sam Naomi, I am surprised that you don’t agree with this effort to… Read more »
@86-
Thanks for sharing that and thank you for your service. It pains me to see a fellow Marine lie/embellish his service rather than being proud to be called a Marine. I am proud to say I also served in 7th Marine Regiment though my time was spent in Iraq in 2003-2006 (not consecutive). Always good to meet one of the warriors who went before us. Semper Fi
3/7, to be exact.
Little know fact but Marine Corps Rosters are available on Ancestry.com from 1798 through 1958. There are 21 rosters for this Marine.
http://tinyurl.com/crbb57u
@87-88
C Co/1st Bn /7th Marines
And I thank you for your time in the Corps also—
I kept track of all you Marines in Iraq,as mcch as I could back when you made more outstanding History for the Marine Corps–and have tried to keep up on the Marines in Afganistan also–all you present day Jarheads are the best—
That Peace Medal handed out back in 2005 by Dechert(KWVA President of that time) awarded Korean War and Korean Service Veterans, I believe had to be purchased, unless you were one of the men chosen by Dechert—according to the article he chose 14 to receive them
I wish some of you guys would use your name when your posting, I’d like to know just who each one of you are. It seems to me that most of you have no understanding of whats going on in the KWVA. I’ve done alot of recruiting in all the years of being a member, and all I am trying to do is keep our organization afloat till we can see what the outcome is going to be, and please don’t bother to post any reply to me cause this will be my last visit to this headhunting party. enjoy. Sam
Some of “us guys” actually do use our names when wer posting.
#81 Animal6,
That does appear to be it. I was looking to see if NY had state badges but the official website doesn’t list them.
Mr. Naomi,
As has already been stated, Jonn (the owner of this site) had this information at least six weeks before it was posted. KWVA and its members had plenty of time to vet Ferris’ records if there was even the slightest suspicion that he wasn’t being truthful. If the general consensus on this thread is right–that Ferris is a phony–I sincerely hope that the Association isn’t affected based solely on Ferris’ position and membership.
Let’s assume Ferris was exposed in a different manner; would he have been able to salvage his reputation within his community and the KWVA? Part of me doubts it, but if he were quietly asked to resign, as opposed to being exposed to the “masses” on a blog with (inter)national readership, what would be his motivation to stop his false claims? Phonies exposed here and other places constantly prove that they are wont to continue claiming falsities. Only after widespread exposure will some of the more “honest” phonies apologize and attempt to explain their deception. Many others will continue lying, even when family, friends, and acquaintances see through those lies.
As I stated before, I hope Ferris is telling the truth. Maybe his service is an anomaly and he somehow earned all those awards; or maybe the ribbons he’s sporting aren’t what we think they are.
How many of the people that you recruited were valor stealing shit birds? And i am a 38 year old, medically retired SSG with 5 overseas deployments (3xOIF) and 2 PH’s. i earned the right to call BS, as did most of the readers here. You let an asshole tarnish the name of your org, and this asshole disrespected ever Joe who served in Korea.
@89.
I can’t see said rosters and don’t know the significance. Anyone have an account?
Sam Naomi: Mr. Ferris appears to have worn decorations he never earned. One of those is the CAR – the Navy/USMC rough equivalent of the CIB/CMB/CAB. A second is the Vietnam Service Medal.
A large number of people have died earning those two awards; many more have been wounded or otherwise seriously screwed up. Ferris is publicly pissing on every one of them (or their graves) by wearing those awards without authority.
That, fella, is why many here are angry. Ferris seems to think that making himself “look heroic” is more important than honoring those who actually bled and died for this nation.
If he can show he rates what he wears, good for him – and in that case he’ll have my apologies. If not, then as far as I’m concerned he can go straight to hell.
The Rosters, or as they are listed, Muster Rolls, place the Marine where he is assigned month by month for the most part starting with Parris Island in 1952 and ending at Brooklyn in April 1955.
Assigned to Engineer Battalion at Camp Lejeune for the last half of 1952 and through most if not all of 1953 if the records are to be believed.
The October 1953 Muster Roll on Ancestry.com places at H-S Co Eng Sch Bn MCBL Camp Lejeune, E2 rank.
Assigned to Japan Camp Gifu in about January 1954, return CONUS March 1955, a 13 or 14 month tour as descibed in some stories.
The point is the reference to January 1953 in newpaper stories may be more accurate as January 1954 and it begins to make sense when viewing the records on Ancestry.com
I’ll tell you what pisses me off. My friend, LCPL Stephen Bangert, someone I grew up with and went to church with, whose family and mine were close friends, was KIA on March 2, 1967, in the DMZ in Quang Nai province, five days ahead of my going off to Navy RTC(W) at Bainbridge, MD, on March 7, 1967, and no one at home knew until weeks afterwards, and I didn’t find out until months later.
It took forever for me to find out where he’s buried just so that I can go put a bunch of flowers on his grave on Memorial Day.
He was a machine gunner. B CO, 1ST BN, 4TH MARINES, 3RD MARDIV, III MAF. He was hit and killed by shrapnel from a mortar round. He earned his rack of ribbons the hard way, by dying in defense of his country in a foreign land, during Operation Prairie. He has a right to the Vietnam Service Medal.
Mr. Ferris does not.
That’s all I have to say.
http://www.vvmf.org/index.cfm?SectionID=110&Wall_Id_No=2282