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 Families of deceased vets selling their history on Ebay?
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Ian White

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RE: Families of deceased vets selling their history on Ebay? - 06/12/2008 02:35:07 PM
Tks Mike and especially Terry.
Putting aside the important issue that first started this thread for a moment, I suggest everyone seriously concerned on the Medal of Honor issue described - Ebay - should make their feelings known to them at the above address....
 
Ian
Ian White - 305th BGMA Hon. Life Associate, UK Contact and Organiser of next years 40th Combat Wing UK Reunion - May 21st-31st 2009
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RE: Families of deceased vets selling their history on Ebay? - 06/12/2008 03:24:44 PM
Hello all. I think (?) I have forwarded the following below via a link into Ebay Inc, San Jose, CA. It may not get to Mr Bannick, but at least I have tried my best to get some comment to him. I posted it via a blog for Ebay business opportunities, I would hope it will be read by someone there and in turn, perhaps shame a few, into getting something done.
 
A message for President Matt Bannick - Ebay International.
 
Sir
 
I and a great many individuals were simply appalled to see the attached item promoted as an auction item within your Ebay network.
I am sure you, like myself and many others that have had the misfortune to witness this act, would be equally shocked to see such an item, a symbol of the United States of America's highest decoration, under auction on your company auction site as if it were a simple every day item?
It has to be said, that the Congressional Medal of Honor is subject to Federal Law, and as the attached information explains, the selling of such a decoration has serious implications under that law. Again this would allegedly make Ebay liable for allowing such an act to take place.
Moreover, again I beleive you will agree as a patriot and respector of the Armed Forces and their personnel currently serving in harms way, such action by a company as Ebay, with a highly respected record throughout the world, would be falling short of its very real moral obligations in equal measure. Many I have spoken to this week feel betrayed by Ebay by apparently allowing this to happen, many of them former US Forces, veterans of recent conflicts and serving presently around the world.
This award is bestowed to very few people, and it is because of the courage, heroism, valour that it stands for, makes the whole idea of reducing its symbolism into 'just another item for sale' so distasteful in many peoples eyes.
As President of Ebay, I hope you will see the seriousness of such an incident, and act upon it immediately so that a repeat of such a item being offered for sale does not happen again.
Respectfully yours
Ian White
305th BGMA UK Contact
'The Can Do Group' recipients of two CMoH - Lt William Lawley and Lt. Edward Michaels, B-17 Flying Fortress Pilots, both in 1944.
 
Links below to the offending auction item. The statement concerning Federal Law concerning the abusive of CMoH.
 
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/RARE-MEDAL-OF-HONOUR-U-S-AIR-FORCE-TYPE-IN-FRAME_W0QQitemZ250253360633QQihZ015QQcategoryZ4724QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
 
All:  There are no authorized sources of authentic, uncirculated or unissued MOH devices. Period.
 
It is illegal to sell, wear, or manufacture any decorations or medals authorized by Congress for the armed forces of the United States.
Title 18 United States Code. Sec. 1001, 25 JUN 1948, ch. 45, 62 Stat. 749 states: In General - Whoever knowingly wears, manufactures, or sells any decoration or medal authorized by Congress for the armed forces of the United States, or any of the service medals or badges awarded to the members of such forces, or the ribbon, button, or rosette of any such badge, decoration or medal, or any colorable imitation thereof, except when authorized under regulations made pursuant to law, shall be fined under this title (18 United State Code) or imprisoned not more than six months or both.
There is no prohibition against selling, trading or giving away rank insignia, unit devices, campaign ribbons (as opposed to decoration ribbons).
re: offering for sale of eBay.
This is from the eBay website:

The following items may not be listed on eBay: Congressional Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, Air Force Cross, Purple Heart, and certificates for these medals. Also prohibited are any associated ribbons, buttons, or rosettes of any such medals.
 
I'll posted any response I get!
Ian W
Ian White - 305th BGMA Hon. Life Associate, UK Contact and Organiser of next years 40th Combat Wing UK Reunion - May 21st-31st 2009
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RE: Families of deceased vets selling their history on Ebay? - 06/12/2008 04:08:58 PM
Much confusion over this question since the passage of the Stolen Valor Act of 2006. This act was intended to provide law enforcement with better tools to prosecute individuals who fradulently claimed to be recepients of medals of valor, and used this deception for personal gain. There have been many prosecutions since the act became law of shady characters, claiming to "heroes" ( and having the medals to 'prove' it) who use this false history to obtain business deals (such as security contracts), donations from good-hearted folks, etc.
 
As far as collecting these awards ... with the exception of the Medal of Honor, which in NO CASE is authorized by anyone not officially receiving that medal .... was addressed by the sponsor of the Stolen Valor Act on the Senate floor.  The following are his remarks from the Congressional Record in regard to this question :
 
Statement of Senator Kent Conrad
February 27, 2007
 
"Mr. President, I would like to comment today on the Stolen Valor Act of 2005 that was signed into law by President Bush on December 20, 2006. I am extremely proud of authoring the Senate version of this legislation that ultimately became law. The new law that has resulted from the Stolen Valor Act strengthens and expands the protections for our Armed Forces’ military service awards and decorations.
 
Since the Stolen Valor Act was signed into law, there have been reports of concerns raised by medals collectors, historians, museums, family members that inherit medals, and persons legitimately possessing, shipping, or selling military service awards and decorations. I would like to make it clear for the Record that the intent and effect of my legislation and the resulting law is only to provide the tools law enforcement need to prosecute those fraudulently using military service awards they did not earn through service to our Armed Forces. It does not in any way restrict legitimate possession, use, shipment, or display of these awards and decorations.
 

Before the law was enacted, my legislation was reviewed by the Senate Judiciary Committee, the House Judiciary Committee, the Department of Justice, and the Congressional Research Service’s American Law Division. All concluded that the Stolen Valor legislation does not negatively impact those legitimately in possession of military service awards and decorations.
 
Although the new law modifies Title 18 USC, Section 704, it does not impact the legitimate purchase, sale, or possession of medals. The key part of this passage is the phrase: "except when authorized under regulations made pursuant to law." That exception refers to 32 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Section 507. I believe the concerns raised by collectors and dealers of military medals and memorabilia may stem from lack of familiarity with the CFR and its relationship to statutory law. The CFR is the regulation that implements and administers statutory provisions, in this case, the provisions of 18 USC Section 704 as amended by the Stolen Valor Act.
 

The CFR specifically states in Section 507.12 (b) “Mere possession by a person of any of the articles prescribed in Sec. 507.8 of this part is authorized provided that such possession is not used to defraud or misrepresent the identification or status of the individuals concerned.” According to numerous legal experts consulted on the drafting of the Stolen Valor legislation, “mere possession” would include: family members that inherit medals, museums, collectors, approved medals dealers, historians, and other persons in possession or selling medals that do not use them for fraudulent purposes. In addition, CFR Sec. 507.8(a) indicates, “the articles listed in paragraphs (a) (1) through (10) of this section are authorized for manufacture and sale when made in accordance with approved specifications, purchase descriptions or drawings.”
 

The articles listed as authorized for manufacture and sale in Sec. 507.8(a) include: decorations, service medals, ribbons, lapel buttons, and badges with the exception of the Medal of Honor. The CFR allows for the sale of all US medals (except the Medal of Honor) and insignia, provided that an official government manufacturer has made them and that the Institute of Heraldry (IOH) approved those pieces. Thus, the Stolen Valor Act does not in any way stop collectors or dealers from selling or collecting officially made medals and insignia, whether they were made yesterday or fifty years ago.
 

I ask Unanimous Consent that a memo from the American Law Division at Congressional Research Service supporting this analysis be included in the Record at the conclusion of my remarks.
 

In closing, I again want to assure those legitimately in possession of, selling, displaying, or shipping military service awards that the Stolen Valor Act is only directed at those who fraudulently use military service awards and decorations. I have been to Walter Reed Hospital, Bethesda Naval Hospital, and have awarded numerous awards and decorations to soldiers and veterans. These brave men and women have given so much to ensure our freedoms. I strongly believe protecting the meaning and valor of military service awards is a very important way we can continue to honor their service and sacrifice."
SHAEF1944 American Veterans Museum
Ian White

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RE: Families of deceased vets selling their history on Ebay? - 06/12/2008 05:21:51 PM
Hello All...
I came across the info below, which I beleive explains a great deal on the recent incident in UK of the two CMoH at auction-for sale...
 
On December 3, 1996, H.L.I. Lordship Industries entered a corporate guilty plea in United States District Court, Newark, New Jersey. They admitted to illegally manufacturing and selling at least 300 Medals of Honor during the time period of 1991 through 1994. H.L.I. Lordship Industries was fined the maximum amount allowed under Federal Sentencing Guidelines and subsequent legislation has prevented them from receiving future government contracts.
Every Medal of Honor that has been recovered from an "imposter" during the course of this investigation can be traced back to Lordship Industries. Because of those individuals who have violated Title 18, United States Code, Section 704, there are potentially more "imposters" wearing the Medal of Honor than actual recipients. The FBI will continue to honor our veteran's service to our country by maintaining the integrity of all the military awards, especially the Medal of Honor.
Ian White - 305th BGMA Hon. Life Associate, UK Contact and Organiser of next years 40th Combat Wing UK Reunion - May 21st-31st 2009
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RE: Families of deceased vets selling their history on Ebay? - 06/15/2008 11:58:24 AM
Hi all..
Well... I'm sure it will be of no surprise to our forum members, that my email complaint concerning the CMoH issue posted above, has still not been answered fully. After receiving an automated (?) reply assuring that someone from Customer Care would respond within 24-36 hours.... they havent!
 
Even less surprising, is the lack of any acknowledgement from their CEO Matt Brannick. Not even a 'brush off' from the back door email I sent a further email to at the Ebay headquarters in San Jose CA. May be they dont have anyone literate who can read more than two words at a time?
 
Would seem, so far at least, that the 'Trendy - upwardly mobile - young things' at Ebay are more interested in the cash Dollar, than having just a little respect for the moral side of this subject. (perhaps also an understanding for Federal Law too!!)
 
As a final point, I personally visited my buddy (counterpart UK contact) over at the 306th BG Museum here in Thurleigh UK over weekend. Took another look at the CMoH on public display there, so given to remember the heroid deeds of Sgt. Maynard 'Snuffy' Smith of their group. Ralph verified that originally the medal had never been assured as a donation; It was actually a Congressman from Texas, a man closely connected by family and next of kin to the 306th BG, who came forward with the idea-proposal to secure a medal for display here in UK. So impressed was the Congressman of the hard work by the museum to remember the 306th Bomb Group, he wished to do something for them. It was never promised, because of the red tape involved. Somehow though, it happened and the museum have a genuine unissued medal from official sources. Done so with the correct procedures and paperwork I may add. Ralph again confirmed the lengthy negotiations, assurances on security of its display etc. He was bewildered and more so disgusted to learn of the two for sale by a memorabilia collector-dealer on Ebay.
 
So I guess this ends this torrid tale, I have done what I can to bring this sorry story to someones attention. I hope a few of you, especially residents of the USA, have done something similar. May be in time a reaction may be forth coming from Ebay?
 
Ian W
Ian White - 305th BGMA Hon. Life Associate, UK Contact and Organiser of next years 40th Combat Wing UK Reunion - May 21st-31st 2009
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RE: Families of deceased vets selling their history on Ebay? - 06/15/2008 12:45:32 PM
My Brit friend Ian,
I take umbrage to your reference with E-Bays choice of the cash dollar as to the laws of our Congress. We do not use the term cash dollar, it is the "Almighty Dollar", ( no umbrage Ian, just sarcasim as to what rules this country). E-Bay dont give a rats butt to you or anyone else's concerns to offense to medals laws etc so long as it does not interfere with their monetary profits. My nephew has a business where he sells things for people through E-Bay. It will be a cold day in Hell before I sell squat through either sucker.
Sorry for venting, I'm just saddened as to the direction we have taken and ending up as pawns of big business. 

Nothing but the best to you my friend,   John
Fair Winds and following seas.
John, (GM 3/C USS Frost DE 144)

Kin to LT. John W. Farnkopf
15th AAF, 52 FG, 4th FS; Madna, Italy
MIA 11/11/44 remains found 12/8/53
Ian White

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RE: Families of deceased vets selling their history on Ebay? - 06/15/2008 01:27:29 PM
John.. My 'yankie' buddy!!! Unless Ive really fouled up and your a proud confedrerate! At which I apologize and say, the south will rise again..!! Aprreciate your comments always. Yes, very unique, but I'd rather have it that way than any other....everyone speaking the same would get awfully boring.
Agree with you, and say sadly it would seem some of the honest values the world might have believed in have become as rare as hens teeth. I'm not that old, and can just about remember better days as a kid. Those same feelings I dont see much of today. Kind of brings me right back to the CMoH issue and the wider respect of our veterans and their heritage and history, such as memorabilia, they leave in our care. What will the future hold for all this and for us...?
 
Tks for your words
Ian
Ian White - 305th BGMA Hon. Life Associate, UK Contact and Organiser of next years 40th Combat Wing UK Reunion - May 21st-31st 2009
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RE: Families of deceased vets selling their history on Ebay? - 06/15/2008 03:10:13 PM
Ian,
Just to clarify where I stand here in the eyes of North Carolinians.
They have three different clasifications for people from north of the Mason Dixon line as per following.

Good Yankee; Passes through North Carolina from the north to and from   Florida, for vacation. Also refered to as "Snowbird". Will stop in NC for gas and cheap cigarettes, but does not tarry.

Half back Yankee; Retired, sold his house up north, moved to Florida, cant stand the heat in the summer, buys a second home in the NC mountains for the summer.

Damn Yankee; One who has moved to NC from the north and wont leave.
Thats me. I was transfered down here by "Big Blue" 38 years ago, and retired here. I have been called a damn yankee more times than I can remember and was even told Yankees are like hemorrhoids, " come down easy, but cant get them to go back up".

What do I think of the rebels?, love em. We all fought together when the chips fell. 50% of the guys on my ship were 'Rebs", and they also have very strong feelings as to who should/should not wear/own medals especially the "CMOH".
Fair Winds and following seas.
John, (GM 3/C USS Frost DE 144)

Kin to LT. John W. Farnkopf
15th AAF, 52 FG, 4th FS; Madna, Italy
MIA 11/11/44 remains found 12/8/53
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RE: Families of deceased vets selling their history on Ebay? - 06/15/2008 06:58:34 PM
Ian (et al):
 
ON SUBJ OF: There is a process to request issuance of replacement of military service medals, decorations, and awards should be directed to the specific branch of the military in which the veteran served. Their offices will review the application, verify the awards to which a veteran is entitled, and forward the request and verification to the appropriate service department for issuance of the medals.
 
Navy, USMC and Coast Guard apply to the Navy Personnel Command Liaison Office in St. Louis, Missori.
 
For Air Force (inc. Army Air Corps) and Army personnel apply to the the National Personnel Records Center, also in St. Louis.
 
This replacement system is available to A military veteran, or a next of kin of a deceased former member of the military. (The next of kin can be any of the following: surviving spouse that has not remarried, father, mother, son, daughter, sister, or brother.)

Title 18 USC Sec. 1001, 25 JUN 1948, ch. 45, 62 Stat. 749 contains the phrase: ...... Whoever knowingly wears, manufactures, or sells any decoration or medal ...... except when authorized under regulations made pursuant to law, .... "
 
Donations by are allowed to museums, official archives, government displays (e.g., a hall of honor), etc. because they are "authorized under regulations made pursuant to law." In turn, they are NOT allowed to sell them.
 
Carry on.
CPT(VT) W.P. Sullivan
HQ Company - Asst G-3
Camp Johnson, VT

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RE: Families of deceased vets selling their history on Ebay? - 06/17/2008 01:23:09 AM
Hello, group ~

Other than the automated reply from eBay, I haven't heard from them, either, nor do I expect to. As I said above, they seem to protect their sellers very well. They aren't just ignoring all of you and the Congressional Medal of Honor issue; they ignore everyone equally. Besides, I'm sure they figure that any tempest whipped up here will blow over soon enough and be forgotten.

Neither have I heard from the "Congressional Medal of Honor Society" www.cmohs.org . However, their forum is: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hallofheroes2/ . So I posted this thread's concerns there. They went through some eBay problems in the past, 2004 being the latest search result. Something about some address labels with the CMOH on them and some "challenge" coins (sorry - don't know what that means). but I'm sure these eBay auctions trump the problems they knew of in the past.

This item was in one of the posts:

"> I've copied an article from the Charleston, SC
> paper. This is a
> true tragedy. Hopefully they will catch
> this/these perpetrator(s)
> quicky. Guess will have to keep an eye open on
> eBay!
>
> War Medals Stolen From Patriots Point Museum
> Tuesday June 29, 2004 7:48pm Posted By: Charles
> Hayes
>
>
> Charleston County - SEVEN MEDALS OF HONOR HAVE
> BEEN STOLEN FROM THE
> CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR MUSUEM AT PATRIOTS
> POINT.
>
> POLICE SAY THEY WERE TAKEN SOMETIME BETWEEN SUNDAY
> NIGHT AND MONDAY
> MORNING.
>
> THE MUSEUM HAS LOCKED UP IT'S REMAINING MEDALS OF
> HONOR UNTIL
> SECURITY IS STEPPED UP. BUYING, SELLING, OR
> TRADING THE MEDALS IS A
> FEDERAL OFFENSE. OFFICIALS HOPE THEY WILL BE
> RETURNED.
>
> THE STOLEN MEDALS WERE FROM THE CIVIL WAR, BOTH
> WORLD WARS, THE
> NICARAGUAN CAMPAIGN, THE INDIAN WARS, AND VIETNAM.
> ONE BELONGED TO
> DONALD TRUESDELL, A SOUTH CAROLINIAN.
>
> THE MEDAL OF HONOR IS THE HIGHEST MILITARY AWARD
> AND IS OFTEN HANDED
> OUT BY THE PRESIDENT. ONLY FOUR THOUSAND HAVE EVER
> BEEN PRESENTED.
> THEY WERE FIRST CREATED DURING THE CIVIL WAR."

After seeing a dead link at the above-mentioned "hallofheroes2" forum, I found that the FBI is actively involved with returning CMsOH to the US. I found these items on the 'net for your information:

Operation Cybersweep - how medals were returned from Canada by luring the guy across the border -
http://www.fbi.gov/cyber/cysweep/cysweep1.htm

Some of the indictment language - http://www.fbi.gov/pressrel/pressrel03/metal070903.htm

Follow-up - http://www.fbi.gov/page2/may04/052804medal.htm

Too tired to type any more --- J
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RE: Families of deceased vets selling their history on Ebay? - 06/17/2008 06:05:40 AM
Seeker Jay,
Thank you for your concerns/effort and recent posting. Many things, I was totally unaware of. My late wife and I attended a NC/SC DE sailors meeting on the "Yorktown" at Patriots point years ago. A great museum, Aircraft Carrier, Destroyer, Submarine, CG Cutter, etc.   
Fair Winds and following seas.
John, (GM 3/C USS Frost DE 144)

Kin to LT. John W. Farnkopf
15th AAF, 52 FG, 4th FS; Madna, Italy
MIA 11/11/44 remains found 12/8/53
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RE: Families of deceased vets selling their history on Ebay? - 06/18/2008 04:34:10 AM
Seekerjay,
Not of real importance to the thread but a "Challenge Coin" is a specially minted if you will, coin, that has a significance to a particlular unit of the military and in some instances specialized police units. It usually has some significant identifier to the unit whether it be a mascot, phrase or other identifiers(Type of A/C,Ship,tour,Etc.) coined on one side then something else significant to the unit on the opposing side. Not to cheapin it's value but in Readers Digest form it is a bar token in a sense because one of its traditions is this: If a coin is presented (CHALLENGED), those not in possesion must by the next round of drinks, if the challenge is met then the one issuing the challenge must buy! Another interesting turn is if a coin is dropped and hits the floor the one who dropped said coin must buy!
Now that having been said the coin is also a symbol of pride which is carried by members of the unit and from time to time gets traded for another units coin or given as a gift to a special person or dignitary and through time I could see some being offered up on ebay as unwanted items since there is no attachment to it originally...still it does not equal the larger subject of the CMH..no comparison! Just a thought. Not sure on its complete history but I have seen Challenge Coins that came from all types of units in the recent history..from D.I.'s to Air Force units to 9-11 commeratives.
 
Regards and Cheers,
Clint
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RE: Families of deceased vets selling their history on Ebay? - 06/18/2008 05:23:55 AM
Seekerjay,
Side note here, just did a google on Challenge Coins. But Wikipedia gave a short history as well as a bit about what i had said...can't remember the exact link off the top of my head but google "Challenge Coins" and you'll get all you ever wanted to know I'm sure.
Regards
Clint
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RE: Families of deceased vets selling their history on Ebay? - 06/23/2008 03:02:11 PM
Hello Ian,
 
Sadly, I too have had experience with WW11 veteran items being sold on EBay. I came across a packet of personal and military paperwork of a Theodore Johnson that was being sold on EBay out of Italy. I purchased the packet hoping to locate the vet and/or their family. Again, sadly, I believe the vet passed on in the early 1990's and have had no luck in contacting his family. I have since offered the packet to historians of various WW11 associations of his service branch. As yet, I have not received a reply from any group interested in these papers and continue to wait as the months slip by. Any suggestions?
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RE: Families of deceased vets selling their history on Ebay? - 06/23/2008 03:22:13 PM
I found this on the FBI website..its a few years old..
 





Press Release








For Immediate Release
July 9, 2003




Washington D.C.
FBI National Press Office
(202) 324-3691




Defendants Charged With Conspiracy to Sell Several Congressional Medals of Honor

Today, Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Peter J. Ahearn, Buffalo Division, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Inspector M. Peter Goulet, Officer in Charge, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Greater Toronto Area Federal Enforcement Section, announce the July 8, 2003, arrest of Edward Fedora, age 67, charged in a criminal complaint, which will be filed today, by the United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of New York; Fedora is charged with violating Title 18, United States Code, Section 704, namely the sale of a Congressional Medal of Honor. The complaint also charges Fedora with making a false statement upon entrance into the United States, namely his failure to declare the Medal of Honor upon entering this country on July 8, 2003. In addition, Fedora and his wife, Gisela Fedora, age 60, are charged with conspiracy to sell several Congressional Medals of Honor through the internet.

The FBI's Buffalo Cyber Task Force (BCTF) and the RCMP Toronto West Federal Enforcement Section commenced an investigation approximately two months ago based on an internet complaint involving the unlawful sale of a Congressional Medal of Honor.

The individual arrested yesterday is further identified as:

1. EDWARD FEDORA (male)
DOB: 11/29/1935
Address: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Edward Fedora will be arraigned today at 3:00PM before visiting Federal
Magistrate Judge Victor Bianchini on violations of the following sections
of the United States Code (U.S.C.):

  • Title 18 U.S.C. §371 - Conspiracy to violate 18 U.S.C. §704, Unlawful Sale of a Congressional Medal of Honor


  • Title 18, U.S.C. §704 - Unlawful Sale of a Congressional Medal of Honor


  • Title 18, U.S.C. §1001 (a) (2) - Material False Statement in a Matter Within the Jurisdiction of the Executive Branch of Government


The complaint alleges that the defendants ran a business over the internet which included the attempted sale of Congressional Medals of Honor which is prohibited under United States law. The complaint further alleges that on July 8, 2003, the Buffalo Division Cyber Task Force completed an undercover operation which culminated in the seizure of a dual citation Congressional Medal of Honor awarded to United States Army First Sergeant George Washington Roosevelt on August 30, 1862, and July 2, 1863.
 
These citations were bestowed upon First Sergeant Roosevelt for heroic acts performed during the Second Battle of Bull Run and the Battle of Gettysburg. On May 28, 2003, the BCTF covertly purchased a Congressional Medal of Honor from Edward and Gisela Fedora in the province of Ontario, Canada. This medal was awarded to United States Navy Seaman Robert Blume on May 11, 1898, while serving aboard the USS Nashville near Cuba during the Spanish-American war.

The complaint also alleges that when Fedora entered the United States on July 8, 2003, he failed to declare the Medal of Honor, denying that he had anything of value when he entered through the Peace Bridge. Gisela Fedora is not in custody and has not yet appeared on the charge.

The Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, under Special Agent in Charge Peter Smith, cooperated with this investigation. Members of the BCTF which participated in the arrest included the New York State Police and the Erie County Sheriff's Office.


These matters will be prosecuted by the United States Attorney's Office
for the Western District of New York in the person of Martin J. Littlefield under the direction of Michael A. Battle. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.




#####

Terry T.
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RE: Families of deceased vets selling their history on Ebay? - 06/23/2008 04:19:45 PM
Terry T,
Old news is good news. It's nice to see our tax dollars at work.
Fair Winds and following seas.
John, (GM 3/C USS Frost DE 144)

Kin to LT. John W. Farnkopf
15th AAF, 52 FG, 4th FS; Madna, Italy
MIA 11/11/44 remains found 12/8/53
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RE: Families of deceased vets selling their history on Ebay? - 06/24/2008 05:39:04 AM
Hi all..
Thanks to Terry for sharing the previous news on CMoH legal actions by Federal Investigators. Its plain to see that this issue is a serious one.
 
As an aside, I have been notified by several sources this past few days, of an album of photos and papework which can be identified as belonging to one of OUR 305th veterans. Amazingly this veteran is still an active member of our association, and as far as I know from speaking to the Officer committee in USA, is very much alive. Begs the question, how did his album find its way onto Ebay, with a reserve price tag of $400 plus Dollars... And more pointedly, does the veteran actually know that HIS album is now up for sale....
 
I have emailed the seller, requestng to know if he is acting on behalf of the veteran concerned, and indeed if that same veteran is still alive...No answer from seller so far.
 
There are other background issues concerning this very same seller, which I cant go into here. But it has raised a 'RED FLAG' warning to our own 305th BGMA.... And because of this, is t be tabled as a point of discussion at this years Colorado reunion.
 
Its pretty clear, this whole subject of Memorabilia, Ebay, selling of personal items etc is not going to dissappear.....
 
Ian W
 
 
Ian White - 305th BGMA Hon. Life Associate, UK Contact and Organiser of next years 40th Combat Wing UK Reunion - May 21st-31st 2009
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