Plagiarism charges costs Montana’s senator degree

The United States Army War College revoked senator John Walsh’s Master’s degree in Strategic Studies for plagiarizing parts of his final research paper in 2007.

An academic review board checked the paper after The New York Times published an article exposing the copied parts in Walsh’s paper. “The board found that then Colonel John Walsh did commit the offense of plagiarism and thus his Master’s Degree and status as graduate of the U.S. Army War College should be revoked,” said Army War College’s spokeswoman.

“Though I disagree with the findings made by the War College, I accept its decision with great humility and respect for the U.S. Military,” Walsh said in a statement. “I apologize to all Montanans for the plagiarism in my 2007 paper, and I am prepared to live with its consequences. I may not be a scholar but I am proud to have been a soldier who has served Montana and this great nation for 33 years in uniform.”

“As Montanans choose their next U.S. Senator over the next few weeks, I will continue proudly serving this state through the end of this term,” Walsh added in the statement.