Several Members have sent clippings regarding a guy named Stephen van Rensselaer Pyne, who has been arrested and charged with stealing war medals from veterans. According to an article in THE SUN (Baltimore) Pyne made a promise to Admiral Maurice Rindkopf that he would take the Admiral's war medals and mount them on a royal blue background in a gold frame. These medals included the Admiral's NAVY CROSS and five other medals.

Pyne, a 35 year old budget analyst for Carroll County, has been charged with stealing six of the Admiral's medals and replacing them with fakes. He has been charged so far with three felonies but according to the local State Attorney's office, there are at least two dozen more victims including CAPTAIN EDWARD L. BEACH (1163-LIFE-1989), author of 'RUN SILENT, RUN DEEP'.

Since some victims live in other states, the State Attorney's office is working with federal officials (the FBI) to bring additional charges. According to the article, on 12 July, 1995 investigators found hundreds of stolen medals including at least one CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR, certificates and citations in Pyne's home. The article also tells that the battle flag of USS DRUM was taken and sold as well.

Pyne has resigned his $32,000 per year job with the county and according to his attorney, is preparing a 'vigorous defense'.

To the Members who sent this clipping - many thanks! Please keep us informed of any future happenings as we will report them.