Stunt, I'm going to check with Joe Roark on that; his arsenal of info is mind-
boggling. I doubt that he would know what WE are seeking, but he would know of a close, informed contact that may be able to shed some light on the issue.
Your reflections on medals is precise and spot perfect. I did know a few Marines in the Marine Barracks where I was stationed following Nam, that wore a few medals that weren't earned...and frankly it turned my guts. Since I was in a leadership billet I reported them--in a tactful way, really--to our CO, a crusty
tank commander who looked remarkably like John Wayne, but more muscular,
standing 6'4" and weighing probably 225, solid Marine Steel. He had long scars
going down his face and on his forehead. He too was appalled. This one joker
wore all the Nam ribbons and had never even gone yet. Made me sick.
The awards thing is another matter. I do believe--as a former newspaper
journalist myself--that reporters make stupid errors, especially regarding the
military or war, and then it goes to the editor who rapes it some more. The
only place I've seen reports about Reeves' medals were in magazines. And
we know how inaccurate they can be. But Reeves was extremely humble about
his record and seldom if ever mentioned it. When I met George Eiferman, Steve's
close friend for many, many years, he told me about Steve's war record, but I
can't recall the exact facts, except he won--was awarded--citations, unit
for sure, and perhaps a few individual ones. I do have some older publications about Reeves and will attempt to look up some facts, if they can be counted
on.
But you are absolutely right my friend about unit and individual citations. And
it's a point few understand, even fewer outside the military. Personally, I have too much profound respect for my brothers-in-arms who were seriously wounded or died, to ever even flirt with wearing anything I didn't totally deserve, because I have my life and limbs and they don't.
Nothing against the other services mind you, but it's the generally accepted fact that medals given to Marines are far more scrutinized and earned than
elsewhere...at least in the "old" Corps. But then, I'm slightly biased; sorry.
Semper Fi.
And regards and respects to all--ALL--Servicemembers. SALUTE!
Steve Reeves may or may not have been a (genuine) war hero, per se, a term misused today in a very devaluing way by the press and uninformed people, but by virtue of his service during war, his participation in it, his contraction of Malaria, his involvement in known campaigns, his hospitalization, etc., etc., he deserves recognition and our adulation. Reeves did not skirt his country and responsibility. He faced it head-on and was among a relative elite few who accomplished great things in Bodybuilding and Hollywood but humbly also served his country, but never complained. So, in the sense of integrity, honor and character, he was indeed a "hero" of a man.