An 84 year-old retired four-star general was detained by ten police officers last week after a Chinese takeout run went awry.

Gen. William J. Livsey was a platoon leader in the Korean War and led an infantry battalion in Vietnam. He is a highly decorated military veteran, and in his career he earned he Distinguished Service Medal, the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit with three Oak Leaf Clusters and the Distinguished Flying Cross.

It turns out, not even several medals of valor can pay for Chinese takeout. Last week, Livsey had Chinese food delivered to his home in Fayetteville County , but his debit card was declined when he attempted to pay. After the deliveryman informed Livsey that the restaurant did not accept checks, Livsey held him by the throat, pinned him against the wall and took the food.

After the deliveryman left, Livsey said that he sent his assistant to the restaurant to pay for the food and leave a tip. However, the incident was still reported to the police.

When the police arrived, Livsey resisted arrest and received a laceration on his arm. He was held in jail for robbery, misdemeanor obstruction, theft of services, simple assault and terroristic threats.

“It’s the first time in my life I’m ashamed to be an American,” Livsey said in an interview after his release. “They took me away without my shoes, glasses or medicine. I fought for this country so hard, and I’ve tried to do good all my life.”