Expert Doesn't Recognize Two Carter 'Medals,'
Calls Three Others Unauthorized

Below are the ribbons (which represent medals) and insignia that can be seen in a photo of Carter wearing his Army uniform. The photo appears in Carter's 1974 autobiography. All of these ribbons and patches are missing from the same photo in James Hirsch's pro-Carter book, "Hurricane." [Note: Carter was in the Army from Aug. 27, 1954 to May 29, 1956, according to prison records.]

Above are the items over Carter's left pocket in the photo; below right is a current paratroopers' insignia. The image above was shown to a person familiar with Army ribbons. Here is his assessment:

Top left: Good Conduct Medal. The medal is "awarded for exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity in active Federal Military Service." His military record wouldn't authorize the award of this medal. [Note: Carter was discharged as being "unfit for military service" after four courts martial.]

Top right: Korean Service Medal. This medal was awarded for service in Korea between 27 June 1950 and 27 July 1954 (Korean War time frame). This doesn't match his service dates, if indeed they are correct according to prison records. The Korea Unit Citation would have been awarded to someone who actually served in the Korean peninsula during the Korean War. [Carter's only overseas service was in Germany.]

Bottom left: National Defense Service Medal. This medal is "awarded for honorable active service between 27 June 1950 and 27 July 1954 (Korea) and between 1 January 1961 and 14 August 1974 (Vietnam)." His service falls between these dates, not during them.

Bottom center: Nothing I have ever seen before. I know of no Army ribbons or medals that have diagonal stripes.

Bottom right: Nothing I have ever seen before. I know of no Army ribbons or medals that have stars, except the Medal of Honor ribbon (left) which has five small white stars. There are campaign stars that are added to medals for second/third awards and for specific campaigns, but this appears to be a solid colored ribbon with white stars on it. Campaign stars are smaller than those depicted and are bronze colored, not white.

Top, the insignia on Carter's cap and an actual paragliders' patch.

Below is the object over Carter's right front pocket. Our expert has no idea what it is.