In a pointed attack, U.S. Reps. Guy Reschenthaler and Scott Perry, along with dozens of other Republican military veterans in Congress, have accused Minnesota Governor Tim Walz of misleading the public about his military service. The accusations come at a crucial time, as the Democratic National Convention in Chicago is set to ceremonially name Mr. Walz as the vice presidential nominee.

The scrutiny of Mr. Walz's military record began when Vice President Kamala Harris announced him as her running mate two weeks ago. Despite serving as a former teacher, football coach, and a 24-year veteran of the Army National Guard, questions have arisen about his retirement several months before his unit was deployed to Iraq in 2005, resulting in no combat experience.

Republicans have seized on these concerns, labeling them as "stolen valor," a term used to denounce individuals for falsely claiming military achievements. Mr. Walz's perceived lack of leadership during times of war and accusations of exploiting the experiences of combat veterans for personal gain are outlined in a letter signed by 50 Republican lawmakers, who demand that he "come clean to the American people."

Among the issues raised in the letter are allegations of "egregious misrepresentations" regarding Mr. Walz's service, including his claim to be a retired command sergeant major without completing the required coursework. The Minnesota National Guard has confirmed that although Mr. Walz achieved the rank, he did not hold it after retirement, allowing him to say he retired as a command sergeant major but not as a "retired command sergeant major."

The Harris campaign has defended Mr. Walz, attributing his statement about carrying "weapons of war" to a misspeaking moment during a 2018 discussion on gun violence. Additionally, criticism has been directed towards President Donald Trump, who has been accused of disrespecting military personnel in the past.

Despite the accusations, Mr. Walz has fervently defended his military service and expressed pride in his contributions to the country. He firmly stands against denigrating anyone's service record, emphasizing the importance of respecting each other's military involvement.

The controversy surrounding Mr. Walz's military service adds an intriguing element to the ongoing Democratic National Convention. As Mr. Walz prepares to speak at the convention, former Vice President Joe Biden, the current Democratic presidential nominee, highlighted his administration's efforts to support veterans, criticizing Trump's derogatory remarks about soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country.

As the political campaigns intensify, the focus on military service and veterans' issues remains a crucial aspect of the discourse. The accusations against Mr. Walz by Republican lawmakers further underscore the importance of maintaining transparency and honoring the sacrifices made by veterans across the nation.