Meddler Crosses the line...
EXCLUSIVE
BY
A SMUG Army veteran poses with a Victoria Cross and 10 other medals just about fitting across his chest… but all is not what it seems.
Baz Porter claims to be one of only three living recipients of the VC – and that he was awarded the Queen’s Gallantry Medal too.
But sources revealed he has won neither and had an ordinary military career before apparently working as a pub DJ.
Porter went on to offer his services as a motivational speaker in the US based on his so-called credentials.
But his website has since vanished after he was exposed by the Walter Mitty Hunters Club – a group of veterans who “out” people who exaggerate their service records.
The picture of Porter displaying a rack of medals was taken last month at a business conference called the Secret Knock Soiree in San Diego.
It sparked jokey comparisons to legendary Russian general Georgy Zhukov, who was famed for his chestful of medals.
CLAIMS
Porter has been working as a motivational speaker and spiritualist in California, describing himself as the ‘Light Angel’ and offering help to those suffering trauma, including post traumatic stress.
He served in the Light Infantry between 1997 and 2004 and claims to have medals for service in Afghanistan, Iraq, Kosovo, the Balkans and Ulster.
He also claims to have been awarded the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, which requires 15 years of military service. But a former partner said: “It’s all lies.” Only six Victoria Crosses have been awarded in the past 40 years.
Teresa Cundliff, the owner of a media company in the US, has previously spoken to Porter. She said: “I’ve interviewed Baz twice and have subsequently taken down both. I cannot abide this behaviour.
“He said he was one of three people still living to hold the VC. It never occurred to me to check the official list.”
The Walter Mitty Hunters Club said: “The Government needs to make this a chargeable offence as a deterrent.”
The MoD was approached for comment. Porter did not respond to requests for comment.