Wearing medals or badges you didn’t earn is super cringy, and you’re basically just shitting on everyone who actually did earn them. I’m not trying to take away this guys service, but as an actual recipient of a CIB, I feel like his lying is a direct slap in the face.
Generally speaking, most of this stuff is purchased through civilian stores just off post catering to military needs. No paperwork required to buy, but you’d be better off dead than to get caught wearing awards you didn’t earn. And yes, there are ceremonies and other formal occasions where one needs to wear a dress uniform with all your ribbons and awards on them.