AUSTIN, Texas – Maryland Governor Wes Moore, a Democrat, has expressed regret for not correcting interviewers who mistakenly referred to him as a Bronze Star recipient. Moore, a prominent figure in the Democratic Party and a former Army captain who served in Afghanistan, has faced criticism after it came to light that he had listed the prestigious military honor in his 2006 application for a White House fellowship. This information was revealed through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request by The New York Times. Following the application, Moore participated in at least two interviews where he was incorrectly identified as a Bronze Star recipient, but he did not correct the mistake at the time.
“It was an honest error I made almost two decades ago, and I take full responsibility for it,” Moore stated in an interview with TV5s Digital on Friday.
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“When I had just returned from a combat deployment and found myself suddenly thrust into a national media spotlight I wasn’t used to, I was still grappling with many of the effects of conflict,” Moore explained. “Looking back, should I have taken a moment to correct the record during a lengthy introduction? In hindsight, yes, I probably should have… and I take full responsibility for that.”
Moore was mistakenly identified as a Bronze Star recipient in a 2008 interview with the late Gwen Ifill on “PBS NewsHour” and again in 2010 during an appearance on “The Colbert Report” with comedian Stephen Colbert.
Despite the error, Moore remains proud of his military service and spoke passionately about his love for the country.
“I enlisted in the military at 17. I made the choice to raise my hand, wear this nation’s uniform, bear the flag on my shoulder, and serve in one of the most elite units in the U.S. military,” Moore said. “I led soldiers, led paratroopers in combat, and was ranked in the top 1% of officers. My senior evaluator said I was the best lieutenant they had worked with throughout the entire Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.”
Moore emphasized his enduring pride in both his military service and his current work. “I am deeply proud of my time in uniform, of the work we accomplished together, and of the role I now play in supporting veterans and their families as Maryland’s governor. That pride will always remain.”
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Moore initially acknowledged his past mistakes to The New York Times, but this did not stop his critics from associating him with the controversy surrounding Democratic vice-presidential nominee, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Walz’s military service record has come under scrutiny since joining the 2024 Democratic ticket.
During a conversation at the Texas Tribune Festival, Moore was asked if both Walz and his Republican opponent, Senator JD Vance, were facing unfair criticism over their military service.
“I’ve been through it,” Moore told NPR’s Michel Martin. “Less than 1% of Americans have worn this nation’s uniform. So when the topic of veterans comes up in national conversations, it’s often a distant or abstract discussion because most people haven’t lived that experience.”
Moore went on to highlight the disconnect between the public and those who serve: “I see what’s happening to so many soldiers, airmen, Marines, and sailors, and the criticism they face. These are people who raised their hands when the country called, people who not only left their families but were prepared to risk their lives. I have little patience for being lectured by anyone who has no understanding of the emotions that run through the minds of these service members as they say goodbye to their families, not knowing if it’s the last time.”
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“So, whether we’re talking about Sergeant Major Walz, who dedicated 24 years of his life to serving in uniform, ready to risk everything, or Corporal Vance, who also answered the call to serve, we must remember that ‘Thank you for your service’ shouldn’t just be a phrase—it should carry real meaning. We now know that whoever becomes the next vice president will be someone who has worn this nation’s uniform. As a veteran, that fills me with pride,” Moore remarked.
The Minnesota National Guard clarified that although Walz held the role of Command Sergeant Major and often referred to himself as such, he officially retired as a Master Sergeant in 2005 due to not completing the necessary coursework at the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy.
Moore later touched on his own controversy, explaining that he had been advised by his commanding officer and a former White House fellow to list the Bronze Star on his application.
“He told me I was going to be awarded it and instructed me to include it in my application, but the paperwork never went through,” Moore shared.
NPR’s Michel Martin sarcastically added, “Because that never happens in the army, right?”
Moore, chuckling, responded, “Exactly, paperwork never gets lost in the army. People ask, ‘Why didn’t you go back and fix it?’ Honestly, I forgot about it. I was just grateful to make it home. I didn’t serve for a medal or an award—I served because I love my soldiers and this country.”
Moore also revealed that his former commanding officer, after learning that the Bronze Star had never been processed, offered to “resubmit” him for the honor, which Moore described as humbling.
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Despite expressing regret, the Democratic governor dismissed the criticism directed at him as mere “foolishness.”
“I’m not here to engage in these distractions. My focus is on improving the lives of Marylanders and ensuring our veterans receive the support they deserve,” Moore said.
“I don’t have time for nonsense, never have and never will. What real patriots do is stay focused, keep their heads down, and get the job done. That’s my response to all of this,” he added.
