War Memorial Caretaker Sentenced for Faking Medals
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- A man who was known as the unofficial caretaker of Sacramento's Vietnam Veterans Memorial has been ordered to undergo mental health treatment for wearing a military medal that he didn't earn.
Prosecutors say 60-year-old Kenneth Nelson claimed for 20 years that he was a Vietnam War hero, though he never saw combat. They say Nelson wore a Silver Star, the military's third-highest decoration, and claimed to have received three Purple Hearts.
Nelson was prosecuted under the Stolen Valor Act, which makes it a misdemeanor to wear the fake medals. He pleaded guilty in December.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A judge sentenced Nelson on Monday to a year of probation in addition to mental health treatment.
The defense argued that Nelson was nevertheless devoted to the Capitol Park memorial, keeping the site in good condition.