Maryland Go. Wes Moore has acknowledged a significant error in a White House fellowship application he submitted nearly two decades ago, revealing that he incorrectly claimed to have received a Bronze Star for his military service in Afghanistan.

Moore's admission about the apparent misrepresentation came to light after the New York Times uncovered the error in a 2006 application, which the paper obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request, as the Daily Mail reports, raising doubts about the honesty of the Obama ally.

Moore, who was 27 years old at the time he filled out the application, had been encouraged by his deputy brigade commander in the Army to include the Bronze Star on the form. According to Moore, he was advised to do so after receiving confirmation from two senior officers that the award had been approved.

However, by the end of his deployment, Moore learned that the Bronze Star had not been awarded. Despite this, the error remained uncorrected on his application, a decision that Moore now deeply regrets.

Bronze Star Error Haunts Moore's Career

The Bronze Star is a prestigious military honor awarded for meritorious service in combat zones. Moore's inclusion of the award on his application without having received it is a significant misstep, one that he describes as an "honest mistake."

Michael Fenzel, Moore's deputy brigade commander, confirmed that the initial recommendation for the Bronze Star had been approved by senior leadership. Fenzel also mentioned that Moore had been reluctant to include the award in his application, but eventually did so under the belief that it would be processed by the time his fellowship began.

After returning home, Moore chose not to revisit the mistake, instead focusing on aiding fellow veterans -- a mission that has continued throughout his career and into his role as governor. However, the uncorrected error has now resurfaced, casting a shadow over his otherwise commendable service record.

Recent Revelations Put Spotlight on Moore's Past

The New York Times report surfaced just days after Moore spoke at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. The timing of the revelation has drawn increased attention to the governor's military service and the circumstances surrounding the error.

Moore, who has often been praised for his leadership and dedication to veterans' causes, has expressed regret over the incident. "I sincerely wish I had gone back to correct the note on my application," Moore said in an interview with the New York Times. "It was an honest mistake, and I regret not making that correction."

During his 2022 gubernatorial campaign, Moore's military service, including the mention of the Bronze Star, was a topic in interviews. Despite knowing the error, Moore did not correct interviewers who assumed he had received the award, a decision he now acknowledges as a mistake.

Moore Reflects on the Impact of the Error

Moore's officer evaluation report during his time in Afghanistan described him as a top 1% officer in Operation Enduring Freedom. His record of service is otherwise exemplary, yet this error has brought an unwanted spotlight on his past.

"There is an understanding that if a senior officer tells you that an action is approved, you can trust that as a fact," Moore explained. "That is why it was part of the application, plain and simple."

Fenzel corroborated Moore's account, stating that Moore had initially resisted including the Bronze Star in his application but was reassured by senior leadership that the award had been approved. The discrepancy between the approval and the actual awarding of the Bronze Star remains unclear.

Governor's Commitment to Veterans Continues

Despite the controversy, Moore's commitment to veterans remains unwavering. After returning from Afghanistan, Moore dedicated himself to supporting fellow veterans, a mission that has defined much of his public service career.

As governor, Moore has continued to advocate for veterans' rights and support systems, leveraging his military experience to inform his policies. The recent disclosure, however, has raised questions about the accuracy of his past representations.

Moore's regret over the uncorrected application error is evident. "It was an honest mistake," he reiterated, "but I sincerely wish I had corrected it when I had the chance."

Conclusion: Moore's Reputation Faces New Scrutiny

The revelation of the Bronze Star error in Gov. Wes Moore's White House fellowship application has brought new scrutiny to his otherwise distinguished military service. Although Moore has expressed deep regret over the mistake, the incident highlights the importance of accuracy and accountability in public service.

As Moore continues his role as Maryland's governor, his commitment to veterans and public service remains strong, but this error serves as a reminder of the lasting impact that even a small mistake can have on a public figure's career