Republican Rep. Troy Nehls, during his time in office and amid his inaugural 2020 run for Texas' 22nd District congressional seat, has repeatedly claimed to be the recipient of two Bronze Star medals and a Combat Infantryman Badge from his time in the U.S. Army serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
However, military documents obtained by CBS News after a months-long investigation and a review of his service record by the U.S. Army at the Pentagon reveal that Nehls actually received one – not two – Bronze Star medals. Furthermore, his Combat Infantryman Badge from Afghanistan was revoked from his service record in 2023 because Nehls served as a civil affairs officer, not as an infantryman or Special Forces soldier.
When contacted by CBS News multiple times via email and phone, Emily Matthews, Nehls' press secretary, declined to discuss the matter or provide any explanation for the discrepancies.
"Congressman Nehls doesn't wear medals he wasn't awarded," Matthews told CBS News.
It is widely considered deeply offensive, especially within the military, for a service member to display any medal they have not earned. Past cases have brought disgrace to public officials, such as former Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert McDonald falsely claiming he served in Special Forces or former Sen. Mark Kirk inaccurately stating he received the U.S. Navy's Intelligence Officer of the Year award.
However, the case of Nehls presents a different and somewhat confusing situation, as his record confirms his overseas service and earning of a notable commendation.
The Bronze Star medal, dating back to World War II, is the eighth-highest award in the U.S. Army. Service members can receive this medal for heroic actions in combat or for meritorious performance under "combat conditions," as described by the Army.
Army veteran Anthony Anderson, who operates Guardian of Valor, a popular social media site investigating service member records, publicly asked Nehls to address inquiries about his awards. CBS News had previously featured Anderson and his work.
Controversy Surrounding Troy Nehls' Military Decorations
In a recent campaign ad, Troy Nehls, a Texas congressman, is seen in his Army uniform adorned with military decorations, including what appears to be two Bronze Star medals. The ad highlights Nehls' service in Iraq and Afghanistan, stating that he "fought terrorists" and "led troops into battle receiving 2 Bronze Stars." However, an investigation by CBS News has revealed that Nehls actually only has one Bronze Star medal, awarded to him in September 2004 for his service in Iraq.
The award citation, obtained by CBS News, describes Nehls' role in training and mentoring Iraqi staff members and coalition soldiers at the Kirkuk Business Center. While Nehls has received other awards and decorations for his military service, there is no evidence to support the claim of a second Bronze Star medal. A spokesman for the U.S. Army confirmed that Nehls has only been awarded one Bronze Star.
In light of these findings, veterans on social media have criticized Nehls after a recent post where he posed with handcuffs in response to a political incident in Washington D.C. The controversy raises questions about the accuracy of Nehls' military record and the portrayal of his service in his campaign materials.
When looking at the photo, Nehls can be seen wearing a Combat Infantryman Badge lapel pin, a symbol with roots dating back to World War II. This badge is currently awarded to Army soldiers in the infantry and Special Forces community who are actively involved in ground combat.
However, the Pentagon has clarified that Nehls actually possesses a Combat Action Badge, not a Combat Infantryman Badge. The U.S. Army has specific criteria for awarding these two badges.
Traditionally, the Combat Infantryman Badge is given to Army soldiers in the infantry and Special Forces who are engaged in active ground combat. On the other hand, the Combat Action Badge, established in 2005, is meant for Army soldiers outside of these specialties who are still actively participating in combat situations.
Records obtained by CBS News reveal that in February 2006, Nehls was retroactively granted the Combat Action Badge for his service during a deployment to Iraq in 2004.
Although Nehls initially started his military journey as an enlisted infantryman with the Wisconsin National Guard in July 1988, by 2004 he had transitioned to the role of a civil affairs officer holding the rank of captain. He eventually concluded his military tenure as a major.
CBS News investigations show that Nehls was honored with the Combat Infantryman Badge in October 2008 for his actions in Afghanistan in March of the same year. This accolade was documented on Nehls' official discharge papers, known as DD Form 214.
However, it has been confirmed by Nehls' military records and the Pentagon that his service record was amended in March 2023, leading to the revocation of his Combat Infantryman Badge. A spokesperson from the Pentagon clarified that the badge was taken away because Nehls served as a civil affairs officer rather than in the capacity of an infantryman or Special Forces soldier.
This information was verified by James LaPorta, a former U.S. Marine infantryman and veteran of the Afghanistan war.
