Man accused of wearing unearned medals

STAMFORD, Conn., April 23 (UPI) -- A Connecticut man is accused under a controversial federal law of wearing military uniforms and ranks he did not earn, officials say.

Damian Pace, 22, was arrested for violating the Stolen Valor Act, which prohibits unauthorized wearing of uniforms, rank insignia and badges, The Stamford Advocate reported Friday.

The misdemeanor offense carries a maximum 6-month prison sentence and a $5,000 fine, the newspaper said.

An investigation leading to Pace's arrest started in April 2009 when a photo of him wearing combat fatigues and Army Ranger markings appeared on the Internet.

Pace was discharged from Army medic training in 2007 for "motivational reasons," the Advocate said.

Critics of the Stolen Valor Act say it is too broad and may violate First Amendment rights. A challenge to the act by an elected official who lied about being awarded the Medal of Honor is being heard in a California federal court.

Pace said he knew wearing the uniform and badges was wrong but he wanted to "look cool," the Advocate reported.