Wes Moore expresses regret for not addressing interviewers who referred to him as a Bronze Star recipient.

Democratic Maryland Governor Wes Moore expresses regret for not correcting past interviewers who mistakenly stated that he was a Bronze Star recipient.

Moore, a rising star in the Democratic Party who served as an Army captain in Afghanistan, has been criticized after it was discovered he included the prestigious military honor in his 2006 application for a White House fellowship. Despite subsequent interviews where he was identified as a Bronze Star recipient, he did not correct the inaccuracies at the time.

Moore admitted to making an honest mistake 20 years ago and takes full responsibility for it, as he stated in an interview with Planet Chronicle Digital on Friday.

"Upon my return from combat deployment and being thrust into national media for the first time, while still dealing with the aftermath of conflict, I contemplated whether I should have given a lengthy introduction. In hindsight, I realize I should have done so. I take responsibility for my actions."

In both a 2008 interview with Gwen Ifill on "PBS NewsHour" and a 2010 interview with Stephen Colbert on "The Colbert Report," Moore was mistakenly identified as a Bronze Star recipient.

Moore expressed his unwavering pride in his service and stated that his love for the country remains unchanging.

"At the age of 17, I enlisted in the military and pledged to serve my country with pride. I was honored to wear the uniform and carry the flag as I fought alongside some of the bravest soldiers in the world. As a lieutenant, I led my troops in combat and was recognized as one of the top 1% officers in the entire US military. My senior rater praised my leadership skills and said I was the best lieutenant they had worked with during Operation Enduring Freedom in the Afghanistan campaign."

The governor of Maryland expressed deep pride in the work he did to support veterans and their families, stating that he will always continue to do so and be proud of his service.

Although Moore first admitted his mistakes to the Times, his critics still linked him to the controversy surrounding Democratic vice presidential nominee Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, whose military service record has been scrutinized since he joined the 2024 Democratic ticket.

During a conversation at the Texas Tribune Festival, the subject of whether Walz and his GOP rival Sen. JD Vance were having their military service "maligned" was brought up.

"Moore stated on NPR's Michel Martin that he has personally experienced it, and only less than 1% of the country has worn the uniform of this country. As a result, when discussing veteran issues, it is more of a voyeuristic conversation because people have not experienced it firsthand."

"Moore stated, "I look at the soldiers, airmen, Marines, and sailors who have been pushed back from their service, and I see the pushback from their families. These are not people who volunteered to serve their country. They were willing to leave their families and even their bodies when the country called. I have no patience nor tolerance for anyone lecturing me, especially those who have no understanding of the emotions that these soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines are going through as they prepare to say goodbye to their families, not knowing if it will be the last time they see them.""

"Whether we're referring to Sergeant Major Walz, who has devoted 24 years of his life to the military and is willing to risk everything for his country, or Corporal Vance, who raised their hand to serve their country, I believe that "Thank you for your service" should not be a mere statement. It should carry meaning. When we have two individuals who were truly willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to be called American, and we now know that the next vice president of the United States has worn the uniform of this country, I feel a deep sense of pride as a veteran."

In 2005, Walz retired as a Master Sergeant for benefit purposes because he did not complete additional coursework at the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy, as stated by the Minnesota National Guard.

Moore later clarified his own controversy, stating that he was directed by his superior and a previous White House intern to include the Bronze Star in his application.

Moore stated that he was informed he would receive the Bronze Star, but the paperwork never processed despite his instructions to include it on his application.

"In the army, that never happens," Martin sarcastically remarked.

"Yeah, because paperwork issues never occur in the military," Moore joked with a grin. "And people have said, 'Why don't you go back and fix it?' something that happened 20 years ago? The truth is I forgot about it. The truth is that I was just happy to return home. The truth is that I didn't enlist because I was seeking a medal. I didn't enlist because I was seeking an award. I serve because I love my soldiers. I serve because I love this country."

Moore stated that he was "humbled" when his commanding officer informed him that he would be "resubmitted" for the Bronze Star after learning that the governor had not received it despite hearing the reports.

The governor, a Democrat, dismissed the attacks against him as "foolishness," despite expressing regret.

"I'm too busy improving the lives of Marylanders and ensuring our veterans receive proper care to play games," he stated.

"I don't have time for foolishness. I never have. I never will. And so I think the thing that real patriots do is keep their heads down and do the work, and that's how I respond to this," he later added.

Planet Chronicle' Brian Flood contributed to this report.