I met an American "can't talk about it" former serviceman yesterday afternoon in Udon. I was doing dad taxi so hadn't had a drink and TBH this guy was a loudmouth drunk. It was around 2pm. Even though we were sat on seperate tables, he insisted on trying to hold a conversation, or rather talk at me.
Just so happened the 2 guys I went to meet were also from the States, one (you met him @boydeste) ex US armygreen of 25 years and the other although retired for 10 years, is/was the genuine article who really does not talk about his service to his country.
So my 2 friends turn up and as soon as the wannabe heard the accents he invited himself to come and sit at our table. He lasted about 5 mins. It was like watching an interogation and I almost felt sorry for him when he realised how totally out of his depth and "out ranked" he was. They were brutal, no mercy whatsoever and he got found out and sent on his sorry way.
I have had similar experiences with other fantasists in Thailand. Got to be honest and admit that I often don't care if they are telling or embelishing the truth as long as I am in the right mood and its a good story.