Fake or not (I just assume anything with "email from XXXX" in the title is fake) I liked reading this. Thanks for posting.
"There are no finger prints under water."
I question the validity of this email for two reasons. Identifying your AO, even in a vague manner as this, in an email is a sure way to get it blocked and to get a talking-to by people with more stuff on their collars than you have. Also, what kind of recon dog in an OP carries a shiny bling knife? Last I heard (a few years ago) all knives personal or otherwise had to be black period, except for the edge.
That said, it is a cool story.