A Columbia, Md., man was sentenced to 10 days in prison under the Stolen Valor Act for purchasing and wearing military uniforms, medals, badges and decorations to which he was not entitled.
Chad Chan Dieu, 39, was seen wearing a Navy uniform and ribbons at the National Naval Medical Center base exchange between July 15, 2009, and Aug. 3, 2009.
Dieu's outfit caught the attention of a service member because the ribbons he was wearing appeared incongruous. A service member in the shop reported to base police that Dieu was wearing a Navy SEAL badge, a Defense Distinguished Service Medal with Oak Leaf cluster, a Navy distinguished Service Medal, a Silver Star, a Purple Heart and other ribbons.
On another occasion, when Dieu was in the Uniform Shop wearing a Navy uniform, he identified himself to police as a Navy SEAL and was released. Investigators later found he was never a member of the military.
A search of Dieu's car recovered several decorations and medals.
In addition to the jail time, Dieu was sentenced to a year of probation with mental health treatment and 100 hours of community service to be served within six months.
