A photograph showing Robert Mueller, special counsel, during his service in Vietnam is a misidentified picture. Although Mueller is a Vietnam veteran, a viral photograph does not actually show the former FBI director during the war in a comparison with President Donald Trump holding up a bowling trophy. The viral photos were showing the differences between the two men’s services.
Currently, Trump suggested that he was going to fire Mueller from leading the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential elections. What followed was a viral meme allegedly showing Mueller during his Vietnam days compared to Trump with a bowling trophy. Trump did not serve in the Vietnam War but rather received multiple deferments exempting him from the draft:
Now, the image of Trump on the right in the above photograph is real. According to Business Insider, that image was taken from the New York Military Academy’s 1964 yearbook and showed Trump with (not pictured) “his fellow intramural bowling team staffers.” However, Snopes reported that the image of Mueller does not actually show the former FBI Director during the Vietnam War.
Here are some examples of people sharing the wrong photograph on social media.
Robert Mueller, holding his rifle while serving in Vietnam. Donald trump with his bowling trophy and his bone spur. pic.twitter.com/LcSMcMkbV8
— Lori Dukro (@JusDucky27) December 14, 2017
A picture really is worth a thousand words.
(Left) Robert Mueller in Vietnam.
(Right) Trump wins a bowling trophy. pic.twitter.com/thdsxjbcDA— The Resistance (@TheGayHumanist) November 17, 2017
Bob Mueller in Vietnam and Donald Trump with bowling trophy. My money is on Bob Mueller…He is a true patriot. pic.twitter.com/QOFHpQFDKr
— Fredra 🇺🇸🙏🏻⚖️⛓ (@FredraKodama) December 15, 2017
Robert Mueller Vietnam, Trump w/his bowling trophy. Pictures speak 1000’s of words. pic.twitter.com/Im1qpJNKZq
— Stephen McKenzie (@gildean) December 15, 2017
Mueller served in the Vietnam War, where his distinguished service as a Marine earned a Bronze Star, the Purple Heart and other decorations. Time Magazine published a profile discussing his enlisting in the Marines in 1968 and serving as the Commander of a rifle platoon of the 3rd Marine Division:
In 1968, while others of his generation were attempting to avoid the draft, Mueller enlisted in the Marine Corps. After officer candidate school, Army Ranger School and Army jump school, he shipped out to Vietnam, where he commanded a rifle platoon. Toward the end of his tour he became aide-de-camp to the commanding general of the Third Marine Division. He was decorated with the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, two Navy Commendation Medals and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry.
Rather, the man in the Vietnam photograph was originally posted to Flickr on July 28, 2012 by photographer Ed Episcopo it was included in an album documenting the 25th Infantry during the Vietnam War. Episcopo said that the man in his photograph showed a member of the “25th Infantry Division, 9th Regiment, 4th BN, C Company” on Easter morning.
What did you think of the misidentified photograph of Mueller? Did you believe the photograph was Mueller or see people sharing it falsely on social media? Let us know in the comments section.
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Photo Credit: Source