SVC has been tracking Kenneth Laroche and his medallic claims for a couple years. Unfortunately, it took us some time to marry up multiple photographic images with a name.
Once we had his particulars, they were passed on to our US partners with the goal of initiating a Freedom of Information Access request. However, access to the US National Personnel Records Center has been severely restricted due COVID 19 and we have been unable to obtain official proof of his Vietnam War claims and that information may not be secured until well into 2021-22.
SVC researchers have compiled enough evidence that raises questions regarding Mr Laroche’s claims, but, questions do not mean we have reached any solid conclusions.
Laroche’s military records, once received, may address all of our questions and perhaps, even result in us thanking him for his service. Until such time, there are questions that need to be asked and answered.
Remembrance Day 2021 Sudbury, Ontario
What do we know?
The open source records indicate that Mr Kenneth Laroche isn’t named as a recipient of the Silver Star, Navy and Marine Corps Medal nor the Prisoner of War medal. Those findings bring his entire military narrative into question…
Had his service and multiple awards been legitimate, he’d be a legend in the US Marine Corps and buildings would be named after him. However, there’s not even a one hole shithouse in the Camp Pendleton training area recognizing his claimed service.
Is Kenneth Laroche of Copper Cliff Ontario a liar of epic proportions?
Imagine, a Marine who claims that “his job there was saving lives, not taking lives”? Is he alluding to being a US Navy Corpsman / Devil Doc? Surely, he knows that medical care provided to the USMC is delivered by US Navy personnel?
https://www.orilliamatters.com/local-news/local-veterans-honoured-at-orillia-dinner-6-photos-1109895
Why isn’t he listed as Vietnam War Silver Star recipient?
Is this due to an uncorrected administrative error? If so, Laroche should have this situation cleared up and have his heroism officially recognized.
https://valor.militarytimes.com/award/5
Why isn’t he listed as a Navy and Marine Corps Medal awardee?
According to accessible records, he’s not listed a recipient the Navy and Marine Corps Medal which also awarded to former US President John F Kennedy, Master Chief Carl Brashear US Navy Master Diver and SVC’s friend Senior Chief (Ret’d) Don Shipley US Navy SEAL. If there was a mistake made, this needs to be resolved and his name added to the list of NAMC Medal recipients.
https://valor.militarytimes.com/award/19
Is Laroche listed a POW from the Vietnam War?
As above, if there was an administrative error spanning several decades Mr. Laroche needs to get this sorted out. Being officially recognized as a US Prisoner of War will secure access to POW specific benefits and allow him to cease his visits to charitable organizations with cap in hand asking for assistance as his “military pension had been denied”…
That being said, anyone can access the US military’s Vietnam POW returnee list to confirm whether an individual was a prisoner or not. Should an individual claiming to be a POW and/or wearing the POW Medal not be on the list, there’s a issue – the POW returnee accounting is 100% accurate.
It’s just that simple…
Mr Laroche can contact us and we’ll happily assist in determining his truths.
