Retired Lt. Col. Jamie Gottschling said Moore's repeated claim that he "led soldiers in combat in Afghanistan" is inaccurate. "It's disingenuous to say he led soldiers into combat or did direct action activities in combat zones," Gottschling said.

Moore, a Democrat, served six months in Afghanistan. He has long described his service as leading troops in combat. During a podcast appearance with Chuck Todd this week, Moore responded to questions about Gottschling's credibility by saying, "I pray for him and his family. I know mental health and the challenges people go through are real." Moore added that he and Gottschling "just come from different political positions."

Gottschling called those remarks offensive. "Yeah, they were offensive. It seems like he's indicating I have some kind of mental illness or personality problem. I don't know where that came from," he said Thursday.

Gottschling said he felt compelled to speak out because Moore was misrepresenting his record. "He wanted to emotionalize and aggrandize his activities. It just wasn't true and I just couldn't sit here and be a party to this," Gottschling said. He added that he did not intend to become involved in politics. "This is uncomfortable for me, but it's the truth and it's about doing what's right and I feel I'm doing what's right," he said.

The dispute has also drawn attention to Moore's past claims about receiving a Bronze Star. Moore listed the award on a 2006 application that earned him a White House fellowship, even though he had not received it at the time. In a Comedy Central appearance, Moore was introduced as "a recipient of the Bronze Star" and responded, "Yes." After questions were raised by The New York Times and other outlets, Moore acknowledged he had not received the Bronze Star for his service in Afghanistan and said it was an error. "I do regret that it was nearly 20 years ago. It was an honest mistake," Moore said.

Moore has pointed to another award, the Combat Action Badge, as evidence of his combat role. "I received the Combat Action Badge. For everything he's saying, that question has already been answered," Moore said.

But Gottschling said the badge was awarded after a rocket exploded on the base where Moore was stationed. "Pretty much everyone on the base at that time would qualify for the Combat Action Badge, so when he uses that as validation for his combat experience, that's not a truthful statement," Gottschling said.

The controversy has resonated with veterans in Maryland. On talk radio, callers vented frustration over Moore's depiction of his service. "The thirst and self-aggrandizement of his career, it just disgusts me," one caller said.

The back-and-forth comes as Moore, a rising figure in national Democratic politics, faces renewed scrutiny over his military record. The governor's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Gottschling's latest remarks.