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
RIP LCPL Bangert. Semper Fi
A big MAYBE ? Ferris misspoke he meant Korean Era Vet? I highly doubt that. He has slapped my Uncle Bob in the face. Bob came back from there with a scar across his forehead ,he did not have when he joined the Corps.To me Ferris is lower than the whale that is found at the bottom of the deep,deep ocean.
This is not the first time this has happened in my area. Do a stolen valor google search for the name Ed Monarski. This scumbag had the audacity to solicite my father for membership into the International Korean War Veterans something blah blah. Long story short, the organization didnt exist, Ed Monarski was NEVER in Korea. His pitch to my dad was “if you agree to sign up for one year, I will throw in a free membership for your son because he is eligible as well (was currently stationed at Camp Casey 2nd ID). Now here is why blogs like this are sooooo important, that POS died with over $80,000 of embezzled funds from private donations and membership fees. He never even stepped inside of a court room. Think about that for a minute.
@ Sam … Don’t get me started!
To MCPO NYC USN (Ret)
Suck it up, I have much better things to do then bullshit with the likes of you, one thing for sure, I am going to flush your web site down with the rest of your bullshit.
Really? Then why did you come back here after you said you wouldn’t?
Just trying to pick a fight, Sammy?
This website did KWVA a favor and now he is threatening to shut it down? That’s not how you show your appreciation, Sammy.
So, Jimmy wants to email with COB6 and not with me for some reason, but apparently, there’s an offer on the table in which Jimmy completes [insert whiny “I’m dying of some shit” comment about medical treatment coincidentally planned for early this week] and then meets one of us “and we can talk this over at lunch or dinner”.
That’s more time than I care to invest in a conversation over this matter, seein’s how I have a real job and I don’t get to write it all off to some organization’s membership.
He has my phone number.
Is Sam going to bring his lawers?
It’s simple. Either he proves the allegations false/clears up the inaccuracies, or he admits they aren’t just allegation/inaccuracies and that he is lying. Come clean or prove them wrong. Either way, someone is wrong here. The FOIA info isn’t wrong, but perhaps the NPRC is. Orrrr, he is lying. Simple. No need to meet up with anyone.
So Sam,
If you are connected in anyway with the KWVA, I might advise you that you ARE in violation of the Code of Conduct Revised 2008.
In addition, seek to understand before being understood, know the company you keep, and if you think for any moment that I don’t know this subject … you are wrong.
BTW, I don’t give a damn about the subject, KWVA, or you … my father actually fought in the Korean War and he did not not walk around making a Class A, Tier 1, Frontline Jackass out of himself. In fact he was humble warrior, unlike you and Jimmy Boy, however …
One other thing, KMRIA!
Since for some reason the KWVA website – http://www.kwva.org – seems to be down at present. So I thought I’d save a copy of the text-only version of the KWVA “Directory of Officials” for future use. According to Google Cache, the KWVA had the version I found posted to their website as of 25 Feb 2013, but since their site’s down it’s a bit hard to find at present.
I decided against posting the link – for now. But it’s saved for posterity. And it shows Ferris as their national president with term ending in 2014.
That’s strange, Hondo. It wasn’t down when I looked at it on Saturday.
Hmmm….coincidence? I think not.
Last time I saw it up was last night and the newest post on it was about an election to be held for the next officers. Nothing too crazy found on it. Had the President’s blog section that I found interesting. Otherwise, it was rather boring.
Wait- I can see it now….
Anyone near Arlington? You should visit their next convention! You can sign up now! lol
Web site is up to speed and on the governor. All pages including thy President!
Must be a connectivity or proxy issue at my current location. Oh well.
Guys , do me a favor, give Sam Naomi a break , he is as pissed off as anyone about the subject person who is now flying under false colors—Sam has a lot of years invested in the KWVA and he wants to see the KWVA solve this problem as he knows it can –if the right Veterans in that outfit are aware of the situation–they WILL be aware of the situation–
I understand and agree with your comments on ferris, as I said before I have had the same discussion with him some years back–As much as i disliked doubting another Marine , at that time I did and had questions that ferris would not really answer.
Now I see those questions to him are no longer just mine ,they are legitimate questions about his records , the thing that makes it worse he is supposed to be the leader of the KWVA–if he has been lying about his record it will hurt the membeship and his own family– and the reputation of the KWVA, and that is a shame—
Thanks for letting me comment—-
@119
No doubt it might hurt the reputation a bit, but getting rid of him publicly if these allegations are true would be a good start. No hard feeling to Sam or anyone at KWVA from me. I think it is a good organization and I have all the respect in the world for any veteran who has gone before me- especially a Marine. I still respect Jim for serving. I just lost most of that respect when these allegations came out. I mean, he is representing the KWVA at a ceremony with the VP and others who were there to honor Korean War veterans and he has been lying for years! That should really boil every member of KWVA’s blood! Again- not hating on KWVA at all. You have some work ahead of you with all that has been alleged, but I think you will bounce back. I am sure Sam is just upset about the way people are finding out which is understandable. Never good to get blindsided. I recommend checking EVERY member’s DD214 or, at the very least, those who joined in earlier on when KWVA first started or those who hold office. It’s easy, when you are the one starting a chapter, to lie about your service because everyone assumes you are legit. Anyways, much respect and keep doing what you are doing.
Hey Jonn/anyone:
Anything new on this joker?
Check it out!! Someone save this quick!
Very interesting video.
Arrives 3rd Marine Division Camp Gifu after 29 days at sea probably around January 1954. Matches Muster Roll from 1954.
Corporal in Japan – Records show promoted sometime after October 1953. Date of rank could be March 1954.
Had dinner with President Obama last November.
Sad stuff.
yup
Video:
Claims TDY with a five-man team to 29th RCT in Okinawa for movement of 3rd Marine Division from Japan to Okinawa.
Fact. 3rd Marine Division arrived Japan August 1953. 3rd Marine Division moved to Okinawa March 1956.
Issues:
West Point article claims “I arrived in Korea in January 1953 with the 3rd Marine Division in an engineering battalion.” “Eventually I was transferred to Okinawa and Iwo Jima after the war…”
West Point: “After the Korean War, Ferris was sent to Vietnam on a rescue mission.”
The “rescue mission” was actually called “Operation Passage to Freedom,” with operations beginning in August 1954. Many of the mission documents are in the Vietnam archive online at Texas Tech.
Documents show stationed at Camp Lejeune with the 2nd Division until at least October, 1953, with an approximate tour in Japan of 13 to 14 months ending in approximately March, 1955. This would mean his claim of arrival in Korea/Japan would be in about January 1954. Some news articles cite a tour of 13 to 14 months, a typical tour in the Far East after Korea.
Pretty clear stationed with 3rd Marine Division Japan from about January 1954 to March 1955, then April 1955 to Reserve status.
Which claim is correct? Arrival in Japan/Korea January 1953 or January 1954.
WTF
Who knows. I am interested in what the KWVA is doing about this. Look at their website and you wouldn’t even know anything is being done.
Any word??
He is featured for a keynote speech at the Korean War Veterans Memorial in July sponsored at the highest levels of the Army. Nobody at DOD is going to investigate this mess.
@128.
Really?
Wow.
He currently goes around the country with an active duty Army Colonel making presentations on behalf of the DOD Korean War 60th Anniversary Committee. He was on the DOD 60th float at the Rose Parade in January. Featured speaker at West Point with a Medal of Honor recipient.
The organization had a meeting about what to do with him a few days ago. I guess you can see what they decided. That’s OK, I’m checking on another couple of them. If they don’t do something about him, I’ll blow the rest of them out of the water.
Pretty sad. I will contact anyone and everyone who will listen. KVWA doesn’t want to do anything with it, I don’t feel bad making a stink about it.
Sorry, KWVA
Sam just posted this in another thread:
Sam Naomi Says:
April 10th, 2013 at 2:33 pm
Fellows, I will make my statement short and not take any more space or time then needed. First I’d like to apologize to each and everyone of you that posted on Jonn’s March 1. posting regarding the James Edward Ferris; Korean War Phony.
I think I made the big mistake of not looking into what really was the truth or false statements that was sent out regarding our National President. And I guess in my remarks to many of you guys I might have made a big ass of myself in calling evertone “A BUNCH OF HEADHUNTERS” Here in Iowa we are taught one thing in this small town of 185 people, when you say or do something wrong, you either go hide or you eat crow. So with everything said I would like to say one more time, I apologize if I offended anyone of you guys in my posting. Think I’ll think twice next time I open my mouth.
I would still like to hear that the KWVA has dropped him. I give him props for apologizing and don’t hold a grudge against him. It’s hard to hear this kind of info.
As @129 would say…..
“Turd”
@ 128 … I am more qualified to speak at that event … I have second hand knowledge of the Korean War … and I did not have to lie to get it.
My father served during the Korean War!
Just called a buddy of mine who was looking in to the NY National Guard claims. He is still looking into it because he could not find any documentation on it. Normally, anyone receiving the awards he is claiming from the guard there would be easily found. Doesn’t mean anything for sure, but not looking good.
Well, tomorrow, actual Veterans of the Korean War will be at the White House as witnesses for one of their own, Chaplain Emil Kapaun, United States Army, whose Medal of Honor will be accepted by his nephew.
That’s awesome. I hope this fool isn’t there.
@140. God, please don’t let him be there. Please!
In #138 I meant New York Guard..
I still have no clue how he got this one (NY Conspicuous Service Cross) based on the criteria unless he forged a DD214…
http://dmna.ny.gov/awards/csc.html
I met Tibor Rubin years ago, shortly before he received his long-time coming MOH, and thinking about Mr. Ferris’ shenanigans sets my teeth on edge. Perhaps half the problem is that honorable dudes with real service don’t crave leadership roles in veterans service organizations. I look at Sheldon Ohren, a Korean Era veteran who is presently the JWV National Commander. Great guy, served as a communications tech, never did anything dangerous. But he doesn’t lie or embellish, and he’s probably twice as relevant as Mr. Ferris in his role because of that. His service was enough, as Mr. Ferris’ would have been.
@144. Totally agree. I think the reason this has gone on for so long and he was able to get away with it is because he STARTED his local chapter of the KWVA. No one made him verify his claims because no one would suspect he would be lying. After starting it, he just moved on up with no one verifying the claims. Perhaps groups representing veterans should check ALL members- even those who started a chapter- to ensure they are legit. Sad thing is: he would have been perfectly fine if he hadn’t been living the lie all these years.
@144. Well, well, well, BK, if that’s not too much! Corporal Rubin and Chaplain Kapaun were both with the 1st Cav (8th Cav Regiment) and were in action together. Both, too, were POWs, although I cannot determine–as yet–whether they were in the same camp.
For others here, the link below is to Corporal Rubin’s Medal of honor citation: http:
//www.army.mil/medalofhonor/rubin/citation/
http://www.army.mil/medalofhonor/rubin/citation/
Interesting sense of righteousness in this letter.
February 17, 2013
Open Letter to Leon E. Panetta, Secretary of Defense
1000 Defense – Pentagon
Washington, DC 20301-1000
Dear Secretary Panetta:
As National President of the Korean War Veterans Association, I represent the Korean War Veterans of the United States and its’ Territories. The recent creation of the “Distinguished Warfare Medal” to be awarded to pilots of unmanned aircraft, cyber war experts and others, has created an extremely negative attitude from our members.
We do not disagree that the aforementioned people should not be awarded for their dedication to duty; their ability to save ground troops lives; the stress they are under to guide unmanned drones that destroy our enemies or their installations. However to place the “Distinguished Warfare Medal” above the prominence of the “Purple Heart” and the “Bronze Star” is unacceptable to our members and those of other Veterans Service Organizations that I have spoken to.
The men and women that will receive this award are indeed brave individuals, but not in the category of a combat infantry person, a fighter pilot, or a seaman. When these people fire a weapon in most cases someone fires in return, and in far too many cases, results in the maiming or death of these extremely brave men and women. In the case of a drone pilot, this of course does not occur.
We urge you, Mr. Secretary, not to withdraw this award but to change its’ significance, better define its’ merit and give the unmanned aircraft, cyber war experts and others that are involved in this type of warfare, an award that is within the nature of their risks. Their risks are somewhat different than a combat soldier. The stress of knowing you have destroyed an entire village or an entire military installation, or just the life of one person with the movement of a computer, is a risk to them worthy of an award, but not one ranked as high as the “Distinguished Warfare Medal” has been designated.
Respectfully
James E. Ferris, President
Korean War Veterans Association, Inc. (KWVA/US)
Knowing what we know now, I can’t take anything he says seriously.
@148.
You have to be kidding me.
@136.
Thanks for the shout out.