The Washington Times

12/07/03

METROPOLITAN SECTION

Tax filers taking war hero benefits

    RICHMOND (AP) — State officials are trying to determine whether

hundreds of Virginians erred — or lied — when claiming a state tax deduction

intended for Medal of Honor recipients.

    Only four men alive today in Virginia received the Medal of Honor,

which is the nation's highest military honor, awarded for risk of life   in

combat beyond the call   of duty. But 642 persons claimed the state tax

deduction when it was offered for the first time in 2001. It is a federal

crime to impersonate a Medal of Honor recipient. ....