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House Republicans have expressed disapproval towards Rep. Troy Nehls (R-TX) for wearing a military award pin that was revoked last year after it was mistakenly awarded to him.
Despite an investigation by CBS News revealing that the Combat Infantryman Badge was removed from his military record in 2023, Nehls continues to display it on his suit jacket.
The badge, designated for infantrymen or Special Forces soldiers engaged in active ground combat, was initially awarded to Nehls in October 2008 for his service in Afghanistan but later rescinded due to his role as a civil affairs officer rather than an infantryman or Special Forces soldier.
The Army confirmed to the Washington Examiner that Nehls should instead wear the Combat Action Badge, awarded to soldiers outside the infantry or Special Forces who are “actively engaging or being engaged by the enemy” as per Army guidelines.
Army spokesman Bryce Dubee explained that a DD215 form was issued in 2023 to correct Nehls’ military record, omitting the Combat Infantryman Badge.
Nehls’ insistence on wearing the revoked badge has drawn criticism from fellow GOP members with military backgrounds. Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-MT), a retired Navy SEAL, emphasized, “As a former commander, it matters what you wear on your uniform. And if you didn’t earn it, you shouldn’t wear it.” Similarly, Rep. Wesley Hunt (R-TX) remarked, “That’s stolen valor.”
In defense of his military record, Nehls has disputed the investigation’s findings, particularly the claim that he earned only one Bronze Star instead of two. He posted on X, “The Department of Defense (DoD) claims I was awarded only one Bronze Star. Wrong. I have two,” along with a photo showing his two medals and their approving paperwork from 2004 and 2008.
