A shocking case of stolen valor has come to light in Massachusetts, where a former United States Marine admitted to falsely claiming a Purple Heart and pocketing more than $344,000 in Veterans Affairs (VA) disability benefits. The case underscores not only the lengths some individuals will go to exploit military honors but also the seriousness of defrauding the VA and disrespecting the sacrifices of true combat veterans.
On March 18, 2025, Paul John Herbert, a 54-year-old former Marine from Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty in federal court to making false statements to secure both a Purple Heart and hundreds of thousands of dollars in disability payments. Herbert was indicted in September 2023 and is now facing serious consequences for his deception.
Herbert’s scheme began in 2010 when he submitted multiple false statements to the VA, claiming that he had suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) from an improvised explosive device (IED) attack while serving in the military. The VA accepted his claims and, based on the alleged injury, began providing disability compensation payments. Over the next 13 years — between January 2010 and March 2023 — Herbert collected $344,040 in fraudulent benefits.
But Herbert didn’t stop there. On October 24, 2018, he took his deception a step further by submitting a request to his local Congressman for assistance with a Purple Heart application. In the request, Herbert included a notarized letter falsely claiming that he had been injured in a roadside explosion while deployed. The letter was a complete fabrication — Herbert had never suffered the injuries he described, nor had he been eligible for the award.
Federal investigators eventually caught on to the scheme, and Herbert was charged with making false statements. Under federal law, the charge carries a maximum penalty of:
- Up to 5 years in prison
- Three years of supervised release
- A fine of $250,000 or twice the amount of the fraud
Herbert’s sentencing is scheduled for June 17, 2025. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven H. Breslow and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Nagelberg are prosecuting the case.
Federal officials condemned Herbert’s actions in no uncertain terms. U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley called Herbert’s actions an insult to military members who have sacrificed for their country:
“Claiming valor for a false injury is an affront to all the members of the military who serve our country with courage and honor.”
Officials from the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General (VA-OIG) and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) vowed to aggressively pursue cases of stolen valor and protect benefits intended for veterans who truly need them.
What Is the Purple Heart and How Is It Awarded?
The Purple Heart is one of the most prestigious and widely recognized military decorations in the United States. It is awarded to service members who are wounded or killed as a result of enemy action.
History of the Purple Heart
- The Purple Heart traces its origins to the Badge of Military Merit, established by George Washington in 1782 during the American Revolutionary War.
- The modern Purple Heart was officially established on February 22, 1932 — the bicentennial of George Washington’s birth.
- Since its inception, more than 1.8 million Purple Hearts have been awarded.
Criteria for Receiving a Purple Heart
To qualify for a Purple Heart, a service member must meet specific criteria:
- The injury or death must be the result of enemy action (e.g., gunfire, IED attack, or combat engagement).
- The injury must require medical treatment and be documented in the service member’s official records.
- Certain circumstances are excluded, such as injuries sustained from accidents or self-inflicted wounds not caused by combat.
Application Process
If a service member or veteran believes they are eligible for a Purple Heart but were never awarded one, they can apply through their branch of service or:
- Submit a formal request through the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) or the appropriate military branch.
- Provide supporting documentation, including medical records, service reports, and witness statements confirming the injury’s cause and circumstances.
- The request is reviewed by a military board, which makes the final decision.
The process is rigorous — applicants must provide detailed evidence linking the injury directly to enemy action. Requests often face scrutiny to prevent fraudulent claims.
How Often Do People Fake Purple Hearts?
Unfortunately, cases of stolen valor — where individuals falsely claim military awards or service to gain recognition or benefits — are not uncommon. While the exact number of fraudulent Purple Heart claims is difficult to pinpoint, the Stolen Valor Act of 2013 made it a federal crime to falsely claim certain military honors, including the Purple Heart, for personal gain.
Notable Cases of Stolen Valor
- In 2017, a former soldier from Texas was sentenced to 21 months in prison for falsely claiming a Purple Heart and stealing over $200,000 in VA benefits.
- In 2020, a Pennsylvania man was charged after falsely claiming he earned a Purple Heart and receiving over $30,000 in benefits.
- In 2022, a New York man was sentenced to two years in prison after faking a Purple Heart and claiming over $100,000 in VA benefits.
How Difficult Is It to Fake a Purple Heart?
It’s difficult but not impossible to fake a Purple Heart — and that’s precisely why cases like Herbert’s are so alarming.
- Military service records are protected, and medical reports are carefully maintained.
- Any legitimate Purple Heart award will have a corresponding entry in the service member’s official file.
- Faking medical records or combat reports is a complex process — but some individuals exploit gaps in the system or rely on forged documents to slip through the cracks.
Since the Stolen Valor Act made false claims about military service a crime, enforcement has increased. However, fraudulent cases still slip through, often going undetected for years — as in Herbert’s case.
The Impact of Stolen Valor
Faking a Purple Heart is more than just a lie — it’s an insult to those who have endured real combat injuries and the families of those who gave their lives for their country. When individuals like Herbert steal VA benefits, they’re taking money and resources away from veterans who genuinely need them for medical care, rehabilitation, and financial support.
For the men and women who’ve faced gunfire, survived IED blasts, and suffered the lifelong effects of combat injuries, the Purple Heart is more than just a medal — it’s a symbol of sacrifice and resilience. Herbert’s deception cheapens that honor and erodes the trust that veterans have in the system designed to support them.
Final Thoughts
Paul John Herbert’s case serves as a reminder that the integrity of military honors and veterans’ benefits is not guaranteed — it must be actively defended. Fraudsters like Herbert may face justice, but the damage done to the reputation of military service and the trust within the veteran community is harder to repair.
For veterans who’ve earned the Purple Heart through blood and sacrifice, the true weight of the medal isn’t in its metal or ribbon — it’s in the shared experience of service and survival. That’s why stolen valor is so offensive — and why it will continue to be aggressively prosecuted.
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