Doubts raised over Vietnam vet's POW claim

DENVER, July 26 (UPI) -- A Vietnam veteran Sunday has lost his Colorado Veterans of Foreign Wars post and is being probed for alleged false prisoner of war claims, VFW officials said.

Joe Potter, a veteran and a member of Gov. Bill Ritter's Colorado Board of Veterans Affairs, said Ronald Crumley raised suspicions about his background when he claimed he was a Marine for 30 years, flew 500 combat missions and was held as a prisoner of war, The Denver Post reported Sunday. Crumley had described being held prisoner after his virtually everyone else in his company was killed, the report said.

Records show Crumley was a 16-year Marine mechanic who earned a Purple Heart. He received complete disability benefits as a former prisoner of war.

Colorado State VFW Commander Bill Esch said Crumley was relieved of his post as Colorado Junior Vice Commander and cannot hold office in the organization for five years because he used a VFW credit card in violation of VFW rules.

Crowley County commissioners said Crumley will continue as their service officer.

"Unless charges are proven, he is employed with us," said Commissioner Matthew Heimerich.