The Star-News story on Sat., Aug. 13, stated that Andalusia native Cliff Moore is a member of the U.S. Army special forces had received both the Distinguished Cross and Purple Heart. We confirmed today that The Star-News and others were misled by Moore, his claims, and his photograph.

MSG Eric A. Hendrix, chief of media relations for the U.S.Army Special Operations Command at Ft. Bragg, released the following statement on Friday:

“The U.S. Army Special Operations Command has no record of an award of the DSC to any Soldier on August 1, 2011, and no indication that Cliff Moore is actively serving within the command, including at 3rd Special Forces Group as is portrayed in the photo which appeared in [The Andalusia Star-News].”

The Star-News retracts its Aug. 13 story, and apologizes to its community, subscribers, veterans and those now serving in the military. The work of numerous retired members of the armed forces who brought this misinformation to our attention and assisted us in resolving the matter is greatly appreciated.