Explaining Claims About Tim Walz’s Military Service

Four veterans who investigate claims of fraudulent military service said they do not believe the governor is guilty of “stolen valor,” but that he did misrepresent his record at times.

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Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota at a campaign rally in Las Vegas this month. He served for 24 years in the Army National Guard.

Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota has faced fresh scrutiny over his military service, and how he has characterized his record, in the weeks since he was selected as Vice President Kamala Harris’s running mate.

The attacks, spearheaded by his rival for the vice presidency who himself is a veteran, JD Vance, have dogged him since he first ran for Congress nearly two decades ago. Mr. Walz has forcefully defended his time in the Army National Guard.

“I am damn proud of my service to this country,” Mr. Walz said this month. “And I firmly believe you should never denigrate another person’s service record.”

Some details of Mr. Walz’s service are still unknown and other facts may remain unverifiable. Still, before Mr. Walz addresses the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday, here’s what we know.

What Was Said

“What bothers me about Tim Walz is the stolen valor garbage. Do not pretend to be something that you’re not.”
— Mr. Vance at a rally in Michigan in August

“How dare @GovTimWalz claim he went to war when he did not. While I am not a combat veteran, I did not dodge service. He’s a coward. This is grossly misleading and, by definition, illegal. Walz never deployed and is falsely claiming he did. This is stolen valor.”
— Representative Anna Paulina Luna, Republican of Florida, on social media in August

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