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-Lurid Crime Tales-
Accused Marine imposter faces federal charges
2007-04-05
A Tacoma man stands accused of pretending to be a Marine officer. It's a strange story that's causing consternation among some decorated Marines. Reggie Buddle faces a federal charge of unlawful wearing of military medals, although it's not exactly clear as to why he may have been doing it.

"I had been introduced to him as a former marine," said Major Forrest Poole, U.S. Marine Corps. "I kind of took that and said, 'Well OK nice to meet you,' but unfortunately that is not the whole story."

According to federal prosecutors, Buddle posed as a decorated Marine captain, a self avowed chaplain who said he worked at the Marine recruiting office in Tacoma. U.S. attorneys say it is simply not true and now accuse him of unlawfully wearing the defense distinguished service medal, combat action ribbon, presidential unit citation, Vietnam service medal and USMC gold jump wings.

True American heroes were honored for their brave and distinguished service at the Mariners game Monday night. Some shared their disgust with the alleged crime. "I think it's tragic because there are so many people through the years who have earned those medals," said Captain Barbara Beil, U.S. Navy.

Buddle's daughter says this is all a misunderstanding and that Buddle is a chaplain who befriended some Marines at the Tacoma recruiting office, who allowed him to wear the uniform.
And now we'll allow him to appear in court.
Buddle appears in federal court Thursday.
Posted by:Anonymoose

#8  Thanks Ranbler I thought that was the case. His daughter sounds kind of delusional. Recruiters do not allow people to wear a uniform, I still believe it must be earned. I know some Air Force ROMOs (Forward Air Controllers) that used to be stationed with Army units and they thought of themselves Army before Air Force. Talk about brain emptying washing! FYI they are some TOUGH SOBs.
Posted by: Cyber Sarge   2007-04-05 19:07  

#7  Sarge, the Navy supplies the chaplains and the corpsmen for the Marines.
I used to have a pastor who was a retired Navy Captain who had spent a lot of time with the Marines. He considered himself a Marine first and foremost.
Of course, there was also Navy LT (Father) Vincent Capodanno, who received the Medal of Honor with the Marines.
Posted by: Rambler   2007-04-05 15:34  

#6  If only there were some way to charge Murtha with this same thing......
Posted by: USN, Ret.   2007-04-05 14:54  

#5  No Medal of Honor? Or two? No ten Purple Hearts or eight Silver Stars?
Usually, these yahoos like to go whole hog...
Posted by: tu3031   2007-04-05 12:19  

#4  Impersonate a serviceman, get charged with a crime (that's good) Vote illegally, no problem (tat's bad)...
Posted by: M. Murcek   2007-04-05 11:53  

#3  Of course they could go to Hollywood, play at make-believe and make a good living. Then they would begin to make the mistake of thinking someone gives a shit about their political views. Nevermind.
Posted by: JohnQC   2007-04-05 10:28  

#2  These imposters should have to serve time.
Posted by: JohnQC   2007-04-05 10:26  

#1  Do the Marines have Chaplins? I thought that the Navy looks after their spiritual needs?
Posted by: Cyber Sarge   2007-04-05 10:21  

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