Fake War Hero Dupes N.C. College

Woman Who Posed As Air Force Pilot Got Free Tuition

(CBS) 
According to investigators, Phillips said she had broken her arm during one mission and claimed to have recovered from another injury at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington.

Phillips bought uniforms, medals and flight suits over the Internet and at military surplus stores, investigators said.

The indictment said she wore 10 different medals, including a Bronze Star, a Purple Heart, and a European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal that was given out during World War II.

"Because she was wearing the uniform and medals, they believed it," Stroot said.

Due to the ongoing criminal case against Phillips, officials at Meredith declined to discuss why her tuition had been forgiven, except to say that it is not a regular practice for members of the military, and that all financial aid is handled on a case-by-case basis.

Spokeswoman Kristi Eaves-McLennan said the school is cooperating in the investigation.

"As an institution with a strong honor code, Meredith is deeply committed to maintaining an atmosphere of trust and honor throughout the campus," said a statement released by the school. "The college takes equally serious its obligations to maintain the privacy of student records."

Phillips' attorney, Woody Webb, said that his client had a personal problem which she is addressing, and that they are entering into plea negotiations with the government.

"My client will take full responsibility for whatever she is accountable for," Webb said.