A Marine sergeant was detained for wearing nine unauthorized decorations

A judge last month demoted a Marine sergeant to sergeant for receiving military awards and decorations, such as a Purple Heart, that he never received.

Then-Sergeant Major Charlie Clawson was charged and convicted of wearing nine unauthorized awards, ribbons, devices or insignia between January 2019 and October 2023, according to indictments obtained by Marine Corps Times.

Among the awards and decorations that Clawson deceptively displayed on his uniform were the Purple Heart, awarded to those killed or wounded in active duty; A combat ribbon issued to sailors or marines who have actively participated in land or surface combat; and the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, given to those who have contributed to the achievement of joint merit, the indictment said.

Clawson also wore the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Service Medal, the Kosovo Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Medal, the Expeditionary Medal, the Sea Service Ribbon (with a silver and bronze element to denote the seven awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Ribbon, and as well as the insignia of Navy and Marine Corps paratroopers, the charges state.

For each of those awards, Clawson also faced charges of violating Article 134 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, a general article that covers misconduct such as indecent acts, fraternization, and bigamy.

Additionally, Clawson was also charged with making a false official statement after he reportedly provided a false doctorate degree and transcript to Liberty University to the Marine Corps Reserve and Personnel Division in May 2019.

The statement was “absolutely false and the said Sergeant Major Clawson knew at the time that it was so false,” the indictment said.

Maj. Hector Infante, a spokesman for the Marine Corps Training and Education Command in Quantico, confirmed to the Marine Corps Times that Clawson was convicted by a court-martial on Sept. 13 of all charges against him.

Military.com first reported Clauson’s demotion.

Clawson, of Virginia, first enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1996 and then served as a vehicle operator, according to his service records.

Service records show Clawson is assigned to a headquarters battalion at the Quantico Training and Education Command. Infante confirmed to Marine Corps Times that he is currently administratively assigned to the command.

Among the awards and honors Clawson has received are one Global War on Terrorism Service Medal awarded to personnel who supported counterterrorism operations after 9/11; and two sea service ribbons authorized for sailors and marines who have deployed at sea.