Talk:Dave Canterbury

This is from the Bushcraft forum. I found this interesting just passing it along

http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/showth...highlight=dave

I want to put this Dave Canterbury (aka "The Pathfinder") issue to bed. He was asked to leave, by ME. He had violated the advertising and self-promotion rule numerous times, but had several chances, which others have not received, as I am sure they will attest to. Canterbury decided to call it politics when I informed him that he needed to make the 100 post minimum like everyone else. Part of his response was "I am not some unknown knife maker brother." I am not a knife maker, but that is pretty insulting to me. He felt he was above the rules, because he is "The Pathfinder." He's not.

I knew he had falsified his military experience, and as a combat veteran, and disabled at that, I take a dim view of folks lying about their service, and disparaging the people who have actually giving their time, blood and sometimes their lives, to the service of their country. It does not matter if you served in combat, peace time, are disabled or not. If you served, then you served, and I respect you…as long as you do not compromise your integrity in telling about your service.

Here are the facts about David Michael Canterbury. He has had a couple of aliases, but we will use the name on his military records. I have acquired a copy of his military records, through the POW Network, via the Freedom of Information Act.

Claims by Mr. Canterbury, from his own words on this site, as well his biography on Discovery and his personal site (some of these items disappeared the last week of June 2010). His claims are in bold, followed by the facts as presented in his official military records.

1. Over 20 years of Combined Military and Civilian Survival: No survival training annotated in military records. 2. US Military Veteran 1981-1988: Dates of Service: 12/03/1981 to 11/25/1987. That is just under 6 years, not 7. 3. Airborne: FALSE 4. Sniper: Not US Army Sniper. He DID attend a local 4th ID Sniper/Counter-Sniper Class (2 wks - 1986). 5. Scout: FALSE. He only attended the Law Enforcement 95B Course. He was an MP ONLY, not a 19D Scout. 6. SRT Member: He did attend the local 4th ID Course (2 wks – 1986), but there is no record of him being on SRT, per his Assignment Record. 7. SRT Coordinator and Instructor: He could have been a coordinator, but until doctrine changed in 1993 (after he was out), you had to be an E-6 (SSG) in order to be an instructor. Canterbury never attained this rank. 8. Joint Service Operations in Central America 1986-87 (Honduras/Nicaragua): NO RECORD 9. Performed Security Escorts for Military Equipment in Korea for Specialized Equipment to Forward areas near the DMZ between North and South Korea 1983-85: According to his military record, while stationed in South Korea, he was an “ID Badge Clerk.” 10. Squad Leader 4th ID 1982-1983: Not unless they make Privates squad leaders. 11. Ranger: FALSE 12. Instructor in Close Quarters Combat in US, Central America and Korea: See #7 & #8.

Military Decorations and Awards: 1. Army Service Ribbon (For completing AIT) (x1) 2. Army Good Conduct Ribbon (x1) 3. Overseas Service Ribbon (x1) 4. Army Achievement Medal (x2) 5. Expert Badge with bars: auto rifle, pistol & hand grenade 6. Driver’s Badge

I disparage no one from being a success. I love success stories! I do however, abhor someone with no integrity, and refuse to hold them in high esteem, regardless of their accomplishments, especially when those accomplishments were achieved through lies and deceit, and at the expense of good people.