Fundraiser’s lie cancels dedication

RUMFORD – The dedication of a Vietnam Veterans Memorial that was supposed to include Gov. John Baldacci and other dignitaries was canceled following the disclosure that a chief fundraiser lied about having served in Vietnam.

Earl “Scott” May told folks that he participated in the 10-day battle for Hamburger Hill in 1969. But law enforcement officials planning for Saturday’s ceremony discovered that his birth date meant May would’ve been 8 years old during the fierce battle.

“The stories and proclamations were all false,” said Oxford County Sheriff Wayne Gallant, a Vietnam veteran who served in the Army.

May and another man, Len Greaney, worked for six months to raise $11,500 for the black granite stone with the names of 38 Oxford County soldiers who died in Vietnam. It was to be dedicated at Rumford’s Veterans Memorial Park.

May said he did serve in the 101st Airborne Division, which saw action at Hamburger Hill. But he says he served from 1979 to 1986, long after the Vietnam War was over. Vietnam fell into Communist hands in 1975.

“I can’t explain why I did it,” said May, who said the deception about his military record started in 1991 after he was released from federal prison in Danbury, Conn., for misusing a passport. He said he wanted to put his past behind him.

“I accept full responsibility, but in no way should that deter from the hard work I and Len have done. The vets are still my friends,” May said.

The dedication began to unravel after Mark Cayer, Rumford’s acting police chief, confronted May on Monday.

Later, Baldacci canceled his appearance, partly because there was concern over May, said David Farmer, a spokesman for the governor.

Gallant said the decision to postpone was made partly out of safety concerns.

“We were so nervous that if this got out, we didn’t know what the reaction would be. The guy presenting it is a liar,” the sheriff said.