ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Maryland’s Governor Wes Moore was awarded a Bronze Star for his service in Afghanistan nearly two decades ago. This presentation comes amid a recent controversy stemming from a report that he had inaccurately claimed the medal on a White House fellowship application back in 2006, despite the required paperwork not being finalized at that point.

A private ceremony took place at the governor’s residence in Annapolis on Friday, as confirmed by Moore’s office. Lt. Gen. Michael Fenzel, a close friend of Moore’s and his former commanding officer, had been instrumental in recommending him for this honor. During the ceremony, Fenzel pinned the Bronze Star on Moore, recognizing his “meritorious service,” according to sources.

Fenzel expressed his satisfaction at being able to “right a wrong” during the event. Both he and Moore noted that the governor had been nominated for the medal by superiors during his deployment, and Fenzel encouraged Moore to mention it in his fellowship application, as it had already received the necessary approvals at that time.

At that time, Moore, who was 27 years old, hesitated but was reassured by Fenzel that the medal would be officially awarded before the selection of fellowship candidates. Unfortunately, the award’s official processing did not occur before Moore completed his 11-month deployment and subsequently won the White House fellowship.

An article in August reported that Moore had inaccurately claimed the Bronze Star on his fellowship application. Following this revelation, Fenzel shared that it was during this controversy that he first learned Moore had not actually received the medal. Upon realizing this, he promptly contacted the chief of staff for U.S. Secretary of the Army Christine Wormouth to initiate a new recommendation for Moore to receive the award, including all necessary approvals from his previous command structure.

The citation for the medal was officially signed on November 19. However, Moore did not find out about the award until December 14, when Wormouth personally informed him during the Army-Navy football game, as reported by the governor’s team.