Firm Admits Selling Medals Of Honor

The company that holds the government contract to manufacture the Medal of Honor - the nation’s highest combat decoration - admitted Friday it sold 300 unauthorized medals for $75 each.

H.L.I. Lordship Industries Inc. of Hauppauge, N.Y., said it will plead guilty in federal court Nov. 4 to making unauthorized medals and pay up to $225,000 in fines. Under the plea bargain, there will be no further prosecution of Lordship or any individuals, said its lawyer Frederick Hafetz.

Bogus decorations often land in memorabilia shops, which sell them to collectors or people who then pose as recipients.