You are absolutely correct: guys who are for real are pleased to prove it when asked. If someone dismisses you, saying that their activities were too secret, or that everything is classified, then you know that you have an absolute bullshitter.377 wrote:Ranger ma91c1an,
Thank you for that detailed on point reply. I have been criticized by my friend for even questioning this guy's story since I am not a vet. I am pretty sure that real heroes wouldnt mind having their stories checked out.
You have now convinced me that the guy is a poser, but I am having a really hard time convincing my friend.
I wonder if the poser took accounts of Ranger Underdonk's heroic action, spun them up a bit and adopted it as his own? Seems to be some similarities.
In spite of requests from rangers to post or PM the posers name I have not done it. I don't want to see physical harm come to him. I have heard stories about what happens when real Rangers find fake ones.
Thanks again,
Mark
Scott Underdonk's story is not as well-known as it should be, in my opinion, but your charlatan may have heard it somewhere. Like all military posers, he trips himself up with the details, and any Ranger veteran of Operation Urgent Fury would have known instantly that he was full of shit.
As for physical harm coming to your poser, you do not need to worry about that. We do not harm them physically. We may introduce ourselves to them in the flesh, and make it clear to them that they need to modify their behavior, but even that is rare. I do not think that these confrontations have ever gotten physical. People have gotten scared, but this is more due to the fact that they are suddenly confronted by strangers who know a great deal about them and their activities.
This is generally adequate to get most people to behave themselves. Posers are usually not the most morally courageous people, anyway. They are often readily intimidated. The thing that they fear and dread the most is their eventual unmasking. Amazingly, when it finally happens, they feel immense relief, even while it is mixed with great shame.
On other occasions, we inform local law enforcement, district attorneys, the FBI, the Inspector General of the VA, and other agencies, as the case may require. In some cases, posers can actually pass muster with the VA and end up drawing pensions. We find these sorts of incidents unacceptable, as they should be reserved for those that truly need them.
You really should share the identity of your poser with us. We will handle him. You should also probably stop talking to your other friend about him. There is no need for you to associate yourself with Ranger justice, although we will always be grateful to you for your courtesy, and we will not forget you.
