Navy veteran Hung Cao, the Republican candidate for U.S. Senate in Virginia, has emphasized his military service in his campaign, claiming to have been disabled from combat injuries. However, his Navy service record does not show that he received a Purple Heart or the Navy’s Combat Action Ribbon. Cao has not directly claimed these awards, but his record does show that he was awarded a Bronze Star for his service in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Despite questions about his military record, Cao’s campaign has declined to provide specific answers. Cao has spoken at campaign events about being “blown up” and “shot at” while serving in combat zones and has criticized incumbent Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine for getting rich while serving in Congress.
Four retired Navy and Army officers reviewed Cao’s record and noted that it was uncommon for a severely wounded combat veteran not to have received a Purple Heart or Combat Action Ribbon. Despite this scrutiny, Cao’s campaign has only issued a brief statement in response to inquiries about his military service.
The race between Cao and Kaine is closely watched and will determine which party controls the Senate. Cao, endorsed by former President Donald Trump, won the primary with over 60% of the vote. The campaign has faced criticism for its lack of transparency regarding Cao’s military record and claims of combat-related injuries.
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