Democratic politician and the mayor of Atlantic City, New Jersey, Mr. Robert W. Levy, Sr., usually known as Bob Levy, resigned effective today after disappearing for two weeks, attorney Edwin Jacobs said. "The circumstances surrounding his resignation include multiple health problems but were precipitated by a pending Federal Department of Veterans Affairs investigation," he said in a statement.

The U.S. Federal Department of Veterans Affairs found that two of Levy's military awards do not appear to be supported by an appropriate military order. This "creates a question as to a portion of Mr. Levy's Veterans disability benefits," the statement said. Levy served two tours of duty in Vietnam and received multiple medals, awards and citations, but only two of these are under investigation.

Apparently, Levy lied both in person and in written 2005 campaign material, that he served in the Special Forces in Vietnam. The Press of Atlantic City revealed last year that he was never, in fact, a "Green Beret", which calls into question why and how he obtained and used a Combat Infantryman's Badge (CIB) which brings about significant veteran benefits. The Combat Infantryman Badge can be given to an army infantry or special forces soldier for being "Personally present and under hostile fire while serving in an assigned infantry or special forces primary duty, in a unit actively engaged in ground combat with the enemy."

Levy also was apparently awarded two Bronze Star Medals.

Bob Levy apologized after the revelations, but a federal investigations was launched nevertheless. His lawyer Jacobs alleges he is having discussions with the U.S. Attorney to resolve the benefits issue. Allegedly, Levy had been home for almost a week, after being first admitted at a clinic known for treatment of substance abuse and mental health issues. He dissapeared without a trace there after calling in sick on Sept. 26.

City Council President William "Speedy" Marsh is to take over immediately as interim mayor, according to Marsh's lawyer, James Leonard. "He is going to assume the office of mayor today," Leonard said Wednesday.