Marine Corps Leader Demoted for Wearing Unauthentic Military Honors and False Credentials

Last month, a Marine Corps judge demoted then-Sgt. Maj. Charlie Clawson to sergeant after he was found guilty of donning unauthorized military decorations, including the prestigious Purple Heart, that he had not earned. According to charge documents obtained by the Marine Corps Times, Clawson wore nine unauthorized awards, ribbons, devices, and insignia on his uniform from January 2019 to October 2023.

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The Combat Action Ribbon, generally awarded to Marines and sailors engaged in direct combat, and the Purple Heart, typically reserved for those who are slain or wounded in battle, were among the falsely displayed decorations. Clawson was also observed donning the NATO Service Medal, the Kosovo Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and the Joint Meritorious Unit Award. In addition, his uniform included the Navy and Marine Corps Parachutist Insignia and devices that denoted numerous Sea Service and Overseas Service decorations.

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Clawson was charged with each unearned decoration under Article 134 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, which pertains to various forms of misconduct. In May 2019, he was also charged with making a false official statement after allegedly submitting a fraudulent doctoral degree and transcript from Liberty University to Marine Corps Manpower and Reserve Affairs.

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According to Maj. Hector Infante, a spokesperson for the Marine Corps Training and Education Command, Clawson, was sentenced on September 13 following a court martial that found him guilty of all charges.

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