Walter K. Carlson was a military imposter. Carlson was arrested in 2004 at services for Marine Lieutenant John Wroblewski who had been Killed in Action during an April small arms battle in Iraq. Carlson, who resided in Summit, New Jersey, attended the services for fellow New Jersey resident Lt. Worblweski wearing Marine Corps dress blues affixed with the rank of Captain

Captain (OF-2)

The army rank of captain is a commissioned officer rank historically corresponding to command of a company of soldiers. The rank is also used by some air forces and marine forces. Today a captain is typically either the commander or second-in-command of a company or artillery battery...

 and medals that included Navy Cross

Navy Cross

The Navy Cross is the highest decoration that may be bestowed by the Department of the Navy and the second highest decoration given for valor. It is normally only awarded to members of the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps and United States Coast Guard, but can be awarded to all...

, two Silver Stars, two Bronze Stars and three Purple hearts. By coincidence, FBI agent Thomas Cottone, the bureau's specialist in illegal wearing of military awards, happened to be at the Washington Township church. Carlson caught Cottone's attention when a band played the Marines' Hymn. Cottone later said, "Anyone who's been a Marine more than two seconds would have snapped to attention, and he didn't." At his hearing, Carlson said, "I did this for myself, nobody else. I always wanted to be in the Marines. I knew one day I would get caught". Carlson was ordered by the court to pay $10,000 and surrender all of his false military items.