6. The National Hearing Board of the League held a lengthy hearing in Lewiston, Idaho, at the Red Lion Hotel, on April 1, 2006. The Hearing Board was convened by order of National Commandant Frank Kish. The Executive Sessions lasted over eleven hours.

Two-hundred pages of documents were reported to have been gathered in an investigation prior to the Hearing. This was the first hearing in twelve years by the National Marine Corps League. Members conducting the hearing, Chairman Paul Hastings, Helen Hicks, Barry Georgopulous and Vic Voltaggio, flew in from eastern cities (Washington D.C., Florida and Pennsylvania). Numerous other former United States Marines from various locations attended.

Findings of the Board affirmed to Mr. Swisher: (1) “You have submitted for the record documents (DD214) found … to be a fraudulent … per the National Personnel Records Section, St. Louis, Missouri – Verdict: Guilty;” (2) “You did adorn Department of Defense Ribbons and Medals of which you were not awarded … Verdict: Guilty.” By a unanimous vote of the Hearing Board according to the MCL Administrative Procedures they declared that Mr. Swisher be “EXPELLED from the Marine Corps League for Life.”

National Personnel Records Center verified that Swisher was a fraud. PFC Swisher claims he took part in a “special expedition” after the Armistice was signed with Korea. The purpose, he stated, was to free American prisoners of war (POWs). The operation was “highly secret, classified,” he said. But upon investigation by the National Personnel Record Center, there was no evidence Swisher was involved in any classified operation. Swisher’s documents were altered (forged) according to the Record Center. Retired Marine Colonel Woodring, who was a captain at the time, confirmed that his signature on Swisher's DD214 was a forgery. Woodring had no authority to sign discharge documents.

Since Swisher would have been age 16 when the Armistice was signed in 1953, Swisher’s story was modified. He said he was selected for a special expeditionary force. Truth is, he was never in any combat situations. Because of his “heroism” under fire, having been wounded from a grenade etc. etc. etc. he maintained claim to “The Silver Star Medal,” “Purple Heart Medal,” “The Navy & Marine Commendation Medal with Gold Star” and other medals and Ribbons. However, according to the Personnel Record Center, Swisher is not entitled to any decorations. What is more, “The Commendation Medal” didn't even exist when Swisher claimed it.

Mr. Swisher served in the Marine Corps on active duty from 1954 to 1957. He was stationed at Camp Fuji (Japan) from March 4, 1955 until May 6, 1956. He had been demoted from corporal to PFC as a result of one of his three court marshals. He was in an auto accident in the State of Washington, thus giving rise to his injuries.

Because of his past “heroic” performance he endeared himself to other Marines who held him in high honor. He was elected as the Sergeant Major Linehan Detachment Commandant, was assisted by other well meaning members of the Detachment in getting “deserved benefits.” Once his fraudulent papers were in order, Swisher managed to obtain, at taxpayers expense–not only open heart surgery but–$30,000.00 back pay. Also the taxpayers are paying for his ongoing income stream of $2,500.00 per month.