Maryland Gov. Wes Moore regrets “honest mistake” on Bronze Star

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, a rising Democratic star and future presidential candidate, regrets that he did not correct the mistake.

The New York Times published Moore’s 2006 application for the White House Fellowship, in which he claimed to have received the Bronze Star in Afghanistan for his service with the Army’s 822nd Airborne division.

Moore, now 45 years old and then 27, won the fellowship.

Reid Epstein, of The Times, obtained the document as part of an Freedom of Information Act Request this week.

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What they say: Moore, Moore’s deputy brigade commanding officer said that he encouraged him to submit an application for a White House Fellowship. “He helped me edit the application before I submitted it. He had at the time recommended that I receive the Bronze Star. “He told me to put the Bronze Star on my application only after two senior officers confirmed that they also approved the commendation.”

The Times spoke to Michael Fenzel who is now a lieutenant-general. He said that he had told Moore he was approved for the White House Fellows Medal and advised him to: “You have to include it. If you’re selected, you will be wearing it every time you wear your uniform.”

Fenzel said to The Times that he will resubmit all the paperwork for Moore to receive the medal.