DAVENPORT — Robert Brooks, the Davenport veteran found guilty of buying congressional military decorations without proper authorization, was sentenced to five years probation and a $5,000 fine in district court Tuesday.
He was charged under the Stolen Valor Act and in addition to his $5,000 fine, he was ordered to pay a $25 special assessment to the Crime Victim’s Fund.
According to the sentencing documents, Brooks admitted to falsely reporting he had received the following awards and decorations:
Silver Star Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, a Purple Heart with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, and a Combat Infantry Badge. Brooks also admitted that his records falsely included the following: Distinguished Flying Cross with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, Bronze Star Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Airmen Medal with a 57, an Oak Leaf Cluster and “V,” Army Commendation Medal with “V,” Navy Good Conduct, Navy Pistol Expert, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with star, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign w/ Bar, Republic of Vietnam Honor 1st Class, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Presidential Unit Citation, (Army) Presidential Unit Citation, (Army) Meritorious Unit Citation, (Army) Valorous Unit Citation, Republic of Vietnam Combat Action Ribbon, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Republic of Vietnam Air Service, Vietnam Air Cross Gallantry w/ Silver Wings, Army Overseas Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Army NCO Proficiency Development, Naval Parachutist Badge, Naval Aviator Badge, Navy Aircrew Member Wings, Army Parachutist Badge, Republic of Vietnam Parachutist Badge, and Pathfinder Badge.
The statement added that Brooks knew he had not been legitimately authorized to receive the awards and decorations and that he repeatedly and purposefully “affirmed in public and private setting that he was properly entitled to and received the additional awards and decorations.”
A story published in the book “Chicken Soup for The Veterans Soul” based on information provided by Brooks describing flying through enemy territory to save a group of Marines, one of which was a family member, also was untrue, the statement said.
