The Social Security numbers of some of the most highly decorated heroes from Iraq and Afghanistan were posted on a public web site by a civilian contractor, according to a report in The Washington Times.
The Army is investigating how the disclosure happened.
Of more than 500 names and profiles on the site, 31 contain Social Security numbers. Six are Medal of Honor recipients, two of whom are alive. There are also Social Security numbers for 25 soldiers who earned the Distinguished Service Cross, 22 of whom are living.
1st Sgt. Leroy Petry is the Army’s lone Medal of Honor recipient on active duty. A Ranger, he was awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism during a firefight in Afghanistan.
Contracted by The Times and shown the data, Sgt. Petry said he immediately contracted Army Special Operations Command.
“It’s disappointing. You always have the fear of fraud,” he said. “The bigger question is how did they get it and is the person who released it being held responsible.”
