NV phony soldier bows out of parade

Every small town wants to have a decorated hero to be the grand marshal of their Independence Day Parade. That’s what the Fernley, NV parade committee was thinking when they asked Arthur York to be their grand marshall. York is supposedly a veteran of the recent war in Iraq and claimed to have been awarded the Navy Cross. This being the age of the internet and access to vital information in seconds, the choice of York set off alarm bells among veteran organizations;

That caught the attention of officials of the Legion of Valor, which tracks people who are awarded military honors.

Thomas A. Richards of San Diego, a member of the Legion’s board of directors, sent e-mails to news media and contacted parade organizers, saying that name did not appear in their information about Navy Cross recipients. Richards said they have almost all the names of people who have received the Navy Cross.

Parade organizers said they spoke with the man Wednesday night and determined his name is Arthur Yonkey. They said he declined to provide documentation of his military discharge, Form DD-214, which would show any awards or decorations.

According to the above quoted news service, Yonkey got a little belligerent on the phone with reporters. It’s tough when they get busted, I suppose.

Luckily, Femley was able to find a real hero to step up as grand marshal, according to the Associated Press;

Andrew “Andy” LePeilbet, who was earned the Distinguished Service Cross, Purple Heart and Bronze Star, replaced Arthur Yonkey as honoree in the town about 30 miles east of Reno.

According to that article, Yonkey wouldn’t answer the phone for the AP, either.

Thanks to T2 for the tip.

Category: Phony soldiers