Controversy Surrounds Rep. Cory Mills Over Military Claims

Rep. Cory Mills (R-Fla.) is in the spotlight again as Congressional Republicans raise doubts regarding the legitimacy of his Bronze Star. They’ve accused him of engaging in questionable practices, a claim that’s not new—similar accusations have come from those who served alongside him.

Mills has frequently leaned on his military background and the Bronze Star to assert his capability to serve in Congress. His official biography indicates he is a decorated combat veteran, emphasizing his accolades.

Recently, Mills reiterated his status as a Bronze Star recipient. Yet, as reported by Blaze News, suspicions about his award and the associated documentation have lingered for years. Documentation has appeared online, supporting that Mills was endorsed for the Bronze Star during his service in Iraq, purportedly signed off by Brigadier General Arnold Gordon Bray.

However, Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) claims the form was completed by someone else and that General Bray had not authorized it. “The general didn’t sign the form,” Mace recounted in a phone interview, voicing her concerns during an episode of “Blaze News: The Mandate.” She mentioned having spoken to Bray over the weekend, revealing discrepancies that suggest the document lacked proper validation.

Blaze News obtained recordings where Bray identified himself and confirmed having approved Mills’ Form 638 via email—a form that Bray admits was initially incomplete and not personally signed by him. Instead, he implied that his email served as a substitute signature.

The signature presented on the document diverges from standard protocol. Furthermore, questions have emerged regarding the timeline of when the Bronze Star was documented, especially since it seems to appear in an April 2021 version of the form, which retroactively acknowledges Mills’ service in Iraq from as far back as 2003.

Mace, despite not being a veteran herself, pointed out that military awards are rarely upgraded after extended periods. According to her, it’s uncommon to see adjustments nearly two decades later. “If you see these forms filled out 20 or 25 years later, usually there’s new evidence or witnesses,” she stated. Yet, it doesn’t seem to fit the usual upgrade scenarios.

Moreover, the nature of the Bronze Star varies significantly. Awards can be given with or without a bravery device, with the latter reserved for acts of extraordinary valor on the battlefield. Some individuals, like Mills, receive the Bronze Star without the bravery designation, which is relatively common and reflects broader service merits.

An anonymous source speaking with Blaze News indicated that while Mills was recommended for the Bronze Star, it was strictly for service merits and lacked any associated bravery acknowledgment. Bray confirmed that he endorsed the award for all platoon sergeants, including Mills.

Following Mills’ vote on a recent bill, Mace launched a wave of tweets highlighting a series of allegations against him. She emphasized how Mills’ integrity had been compromised by what she described as repeated fabrications about his military service, hinting that he might be operating as a “con man.”

“There’s really no need to embellish your story,” Mace commented, adding that she was informed Mills had falsely claimed to be an Army Ranger with sniper training. “It turns out that’s not even close to the truth,” she noted.

She acknowledged Mills’ role as an ambulance driver as commendable, albeit emphasizing that there’s no reason to falsely declare oneself as something more heroic. Mace insisted that Mills’ history of alleged misrepresentation should result in his removal from Congressional Committees, citing it as a potential risk to national security.

Mills’ spokesperson did not provide an immediate response to requests for comments regarding these allegations.