BACKGROUND
Peter Schlenker comes to us from Okeechobee Florida. He previously lived in New York. People that have listened to his claims repeat his tales of being “a lifetime member of the Purple Heart club”, “a highly decorated Vietnam Vet”, and a “lifetime member of VFW.”
Although we really cannot speak to the claim of club memberships, there were some interesting claims of medals that grabbed our interest.
He has also claimed to have been awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Vietnam Cross of Gallantry. These claims were supported by plaques that Schlenker owns and displays.
There are many more claims inherent in the display cases – Rank of E-7, Jungle Expert, LRRP, Special Forces, Airborne, Jump Wings, Pathfinder, EIB, Vietnam campaign, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, etc.
People were skeptical of the Vietnam claims based on his age, having been born in 1958.
Schlenker’s military records were ordered through a Freedom of Information Act request with the National Personnel Records Center.
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FOIA RESULTS – SELECTED
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FOIA RESULTS – COMPLETE
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AFFIDAVITS
Since there was very little to link the displays to Peter Schlenker besides his name on the second photo of the plaque, sworn affidavits were obtained.
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CRIMINAL
Records show that the only conflict he was involved with was not military related.
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SUMMARY
Peter Schlenker got out of the Army as an E-1 after three years. His claim of E-7 in the display case is not supported. An E-1 is the lowest enlisted rank one could have. After three years he should have advanced, so there is some suggestion of an issue that would have precluded him from normal advancement.
There is nothing in his military records that support his claim of service in Vietnam. In fact, he entered the Army in November 1975, long after the US pulled out of Vietnam.
There are no Vietnam campaign medals.
Perhaps the largest issue here is that there are no Silver Star, Bronze Star or Purple Heart medals listed in his records. How could there be since he served during a time of no military conflict? The Silver Star and the Purple Heart claims put Peter in direct conflict with Stolen Valor laws, especially if there were financial gains from his claims.
Peter Schlenker’s military records do not support his claims.
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SOCIAL MEDIA
[none confirmed]