A Battlefield Tourist

Fake “War Hero” Gets Three Years in Prison

Sep 7 at 1:01pm by David Tate

A US Army veteran, who falsely claimed fantastic stories of war and bravery, will go to a federal penitentiary for three years.

Randall Moneymaker, who lives in North Carolina, was convicted by a jury in federal court of six counts of fraud and stealing for filing fake claims with the Veteran’s Administration.  Those claims netted him more than $18,400.  He was sentenced September 5 to three years in prison and must also pay back $19,000 in restitution and fines.

While most impostors claim war tales as bragging rights or for political gain, Moneymaker’s agenda included the former, as well as profiteering.

Moneymaker, who did serve two years of active duty service in the 1980’s, claimed to be an Army Ranger who had served more than 20 years in the service, participating in combat tours in Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia, Grenada and Panama.

To bolster his story regarding his the Purple Heart claim, Moneymaker often showed off liposuction scars, that he said, were combat wounds.

The 44-year old remains free on bond until ordered to prison later this year.