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Correction to This Article
The Names & Faces column in the July 26 Style section contained an incorrect last name for a spokesman for the Military Order of the 8Purple Heart. He is Hershel Gober, not Hershel Gobel.
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NAMES & FACES

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Gobel is now campaigning for the "Stolen Valor Act," proposed by Rep. John T. Salazar (D-Colo.). As of now, it's a crime to wear, manufacture, steal, buy, sell or trade a Medal of Honor. Salazar's bill would expand the law to encompass more medals and would allow for prosecution of anyone who claims to have earned a Purple Heart. "It may be intended as a joke, but the movie highlights a very serious problem," he said.

Richard Socarides of New Line Cinema said yesterday that the Purple Heart portion of the "Crasher Kit" would be removed from the Web site, and added: "We understand the sensitivity of the medals."

-- Compiled by Korin Miller from staff and wire reports

Cheating Hearts

According to the summer blockbuster "Wedding Crashers," pretending to be a Purple Heart recipient is a great way to meet women -- and those who earned the real deal aren't pleased.

Hershel Gobel , a spokesman for the Military Order of the Purple Heart, got wind of the movie and, he says, "blew my stack." To add insult to injury, the movie's Web site features a "Crasher Kit," where you can print out a copy of the medal to wear. "Carrying a Purple Heart in your jacket guarantees you attention, admiration and plenty of free booze," the kit says. "To get one of these babies, some dudes have to prove their physical, mental and spiritual strength on the battlefield. All you need to do is press the button below."

Gobel is now campaigning for the "Stolen Valor Act," proposed by Rep. John T. Salazar (D-Colo.). As of now, it's a crime to wear, manufacture, steal, buy, sell or trade a Medal of Honor. Salazar's bill would expand the law to encompass more medals and would allow for prosecution of anyone who claims to have earned a Purple Heart. "It may be intended as a joke, but the movie highlights a very serious problem," he said.

Richard Socarides of New Line Cinema said yesterday that the Purple Heart portion of the "Crasher Kit" would be removed from the Web site, and added: "We understand the sensitivity of the medals."

-- Compiled by Korin Miller from staff and wire reports


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