European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - January 29, 1994, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Saturday january 29, 1994 . The stars and stripes Page 7 Vietnam impostor recon Idaho Man took place of awol boyhood buddy Coeur d Alene Idaho a Paul Mahar served 406 Days in Vietnam earned a Crestful of medal Sand Rose to the rank of sergeant even though he never enlisted was never drafted and was physically unfit to serve. Now the army is taking the extraordinary step of recognizing the service Mahar performed after he assumed the identity of a Friend who went awol. The army s Board for correction of military records said thursday that it will create a file to show Maha received an honorable discharge and a citation for saving another Soldier from drowning while serving in Vietnam in 1966-67. Mahar assumed the identity of boyhood Friend Frank l. Clouse ., who was drafted and went through Basic training but failed to go to Vietnam As ordered. Clousejr who lives near Toms River,n.j., has an unlisted Telephone number. Associated press attempts to Contact him for comment have been unsuccessful. No decision has been made on charges against him. Mahar then 19, was exempted fro the draft in 1966 As physically unfit because he had a steel pin in one Arm used to repair a fracture. He said the Arm was broken while wrestling with Louse when they were 13. The buddies plotted to falsify Touse s military identification using Mahar s height and weight and the explain to officers that a mistake had been made and that a medical discharge should be granted. Mahar now a 47-year-Oldunemployed woodworker said Clouse talked him into the deception scheme. The plot backfired however. Whence reported to fort Dix n j., in clause s place Mahar was placed in Barracks with other awol soldiers. Rather than court martial him the path of least resistance was to Send me to Vietnam Mahar said. Why did t he Stop the charade before boarding the flight to Vietnam i was trying to buy time to still make the plan work Mahar said. Mahar said he had to learn quickly How to be a Soldier by imitating those around him. I was really scared i was going Roget somebody killed he said. But after two months i belonged  the army records Board based it recommendation on dental records fingerprints and handwriting As Well Asmahan s knowledge of actions by troops of the 2nd in 25th inf div near cd Chi in South Vietnam said army spokesman maj. Bill Buckner. While the Board does not approve of the deceptive manner in which he initiated his service it cannot be denied that he served and that reserved Well. In fact considering his Lack of formal preparation his performance As an infantryman in combat was extraordinary the boar wrote in december. Joyce Weisner a spokeswoman forthe army Reserve personnel records Center at St. Louis said she had never heard of a similar situation in which a service record was created rather than corrected. Buckner said military officials arc still trying to determine whether either Man could be prosecuted for the switch or whether Mahar is eligible for Veteran s benefits. I always knew there was possibility i could be charged or he could be charged Mahar said. But always knew he would be More in jeopardy than i could have  Mahar went Public with his Story six years ago seeking help from Idaho congressmen in obtaining recognition for his service. He also has sent countless letter asking Clouse to go Public with the Story. Mahar said the last time the two talked was about six years ago before Clouse got his unlisted phone number. Mahar said he s not sorry about his military service and even tried to enlist using his real name about two years after returning from Vietnam. He was rejected because of the pin in his Arm. Navy of Honor Hope Whf new class of ships Washington a the Nav said thanks for the memories to cd Hope on thursday by naming a Shin Anda class of vessels after the venerable entertainer. That s great but How Ami going to find a Bathtub big enough to float it in Hope quipped from his Palm Springs,calif., Home. The Bob. Hope will be the first of six noncombat Scal Ift vessels used to handle cargo for the department of  entire class of vessels will also carry his name the Navy said. We can never repay him for his contributions to the men and women in uni form but we can show our appreciation with a class of ships named in his Honor. This is our Way of saying thanks for the memories Navy Secretary John Dalton said in the announcement. Dalton said the action recognizes Hope s 50 years of support to . Forces stationed around the  the uses Bob Hope coming into service the spirit of this renowned entertainer will continue to support the armed services for Many years to come the statement said. The ships will be built by Avondale industries inc. Of new Orleans and the Lead ship is expected to begin service yearly 1998. The contract Calls for one ship to be built at a Cost of $265 million an includes options for building five additional vessels at a total Cost of $1.3 Bil lion. A my Mem my Mph a Exchange service concessionaire income choose from these options d direct Deposit your refund is deposited into your Bank account in approximately 3 weeks d electronic refund the Speed of direct Deposit for those who do not have Bank accounts you get your Check in approximately 3 weeks d irs Check get your refund Check in the mail in approximately 4 weeks also  anticipation loan get your Money in a matter of Days its fast an to. Army a air Force Exchange service