Unpacking JD Vance’s Military Service Record: Key Facts We Can VERIFY

JD Vance, the GOP’s vice presidential nominee, has stirred controversy by questioning Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s military service. Vance accused Walz of “stolen valor,” implying that his retirement prior to his National Guard unit’s deployment to Iraq misrepresents his service.

The term “stolen valor” carries significant weight, particularly among veterans, indicating that someone falsely claims military honors. Following these accusations, many VERIFY readers sought clarification regarding Vance’s own military background.

Questions arose about whether Vance served in a public relations role within the military and if claims of him never experiencing combat were accurate. The Walz-Harris campaign has not publicly attacked Vance’s military record, though allies like Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg have defended Walz amidst the criticism.

Here’s what we verified about Vance’s military service record.

JD Vance served nearly four years in the U.S. Marine Corps as a combat correspondent. His service dates ranged from September 22, 2003, to September 21, 2007. During this time, he achieved the rank of corporal by September 2005. Vance enlisted shortly after graduating from Middletown High School.

In his memoir, “Hillbilly Elegy,” Vance described his role as a “public affairs marine,” working as a military journalist. Two military news articles from 2005 and 2006 confirm his identity as Cpl. James D. Hamel, under which he served.

Vance’s deployment to Iraq lasted six months, from August 2005 to February 2006. However, he has consistently noted that he did not engage in combat during this period. In quotes from August 2024, Vance clarified, “I served in a combat zone. I never said that I saw a firefight myself.”

His deployment coincided with a notably dangerous year in Iraq, as noted by Quil Lawrence, a veterans correspondent for NPR. Vance wrote about his experiences and the nature of his assignments within the conflict environment, emphasizing his role in reporting rather than frontline combat.

While some argue that combat correspondents face unique risks, Vance’s past criticisms of the Iraq war highlight a complex relationship with military service. He has openly expressed regret about his support for the war, indicating a change in perspective over the years.

In reflection, Vance lamented the war’s consequences on both Americans and Iraqis and criticized U.S. foreign policy decisions related to it. His evolving views suggest a combination of pride in his service and critical introspection regarding the implications of military actions.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.