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Spc. Jordan Olson of New London tells WFRV-TV that he's sorry for misrepresenting his military experience
The Post-Crescent • March 10, 2010

NEW LONDON — A New London soldier who returned home to a hero's welcome Saturday apologized for pretending he was injured in battle and adopting the rank of sergeant, which he doesn't hold.

"Once I saw all the people there, I felt guilty," Spc. Jordan Olson told WFRV-TV Tuesday, referring to the reception he received Saturday at the Outagamie County Regional Airport in Greenville.

"I know I wasn't the rank I was. I knew there was some stuff I shouldn't have had on my uniform," he said, referring to an 82nd Airborne Division patch, a Parachutist Badge and the Combat Action Badge.

Olson's deception came to light in a report The Post-Crescent published on Tuesday. The P-C began investigating Sunday after several readers questioned the accuracy of information about Olson in its story Sunday about the homecoming.

Olson declined requests from The P-C for on the record comment.

Olson led family members, veterans organizations and various news media outlets, including The P-C, to believe he was injured in battle, but the U.S. Army told The P-C that is not true.

About 60 veterans and well-wishers greeted Olson with American flags and balloons at the airport.

The Army says it will address the situation when Olson returns from leave to Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state.