Stolen Valor: Ga. Self-defense business owner claimed wild military deeds

quote:

---

Cobb County man who spent years pretending to be a Navy SEAL finally came face-to-face with the truth. And the FOX 5 I-Team.

Bob McDaniel runs a business teaching self-defense classes in metro Atlanta. However, his real skill appears to be thriller fiction writing, the kind that might put Jack Ryan to shame.

---

quote:

---

At various times, McDaniel claimed he flew Marine Corps combat missions in Vietnam, fought with and taught the Army's elite Delta Force and served for more than 20 years as a Navy SEAL, the unit considered the tip of the spear for any sensitive military mission.

But according to the military, none of that is true. And as you'll see, those lies are not harmless.

---

quote:

---

The FOX 5 I-Team waited until November 10 -- the birthday of the Marine Corps -- to see whether McDaniel would show again at that same Woodstock restaurant, the Semper Fi Bar and Grill.

He did, this time wearing a Marine Corps t-shirt rather than a Navy admiral's uniform

---

quote:

---

FOX 5 I-Team: "Excuse me. I understand you’ve got a pretty storied military record. What do you think of the Marine Corps birthday today?"

McDaniel: "Well, I think it’s wonderful. You know? 244 years of the Marine Corps. Semper Fi."

FOX 5 I-Team: "And you flew jets in the Vietnam War?"

McDaniel: "I did. I did. I flew the EA-6B. I flew the Prowler."

FOX 5 I-Team: "And you became a Navy SEAL?"

McDaniel: "I did. I did."

FOX 5 I-Team: "Why are you lying about your military record Bob?"

McDaniel: "I would never lie about my military record."

We tried to show him his real military record. Instead, McDaniel sounded full retreat and headed for his car.

---

quote:

---

Semper Fi Bar and Grille co-owner Ralph Roeger said over the years customers impressed with his stories had offered to pick up McDaniel’s check. He said last month was the first time McDaniel wore a uniform.

“I was like, really? A rear admiral?" Roeger said. "But I wasn’t going to question him in front of God and everybody."

"So now that you know the truth, what do you think of him?" I asked.

"Well, I’m thinking his girlfriend is sitting in there wondering where he is,” Roeger answered.

Arlene Johnson refused to look at McDaniel's military record when we tried to show her after he drove away. She walked out of the restaurant while talking to McDaniel on her cellphone.

---