O.K., time to debunk the Cleland picked up a grenade while he was drunk

[Grover Cleveland]

talking point.

I actually remember reading this in a Free Republic archive of all places when I did a search for Cleland.

Fact: He was stepping down from a helicopter to go have a beer. true. He wasn't "drunk" yet.

Fact: He saw a grenade rolling on the ground.

Fact: He saw another helicopter was going to land on the grenade.

Fact: He picked up the grenade so the other helicopter wouldn't land on it.

[Kagemusha]

1. Ann Coulter said it so they figure it must be true.

Sigh

[aquart]

2. Jesus.

[pocket]

3. I never heard anything about being drunk

I just know he picked up a grenade in a training evolution and it went off. Being drunk wouldn't make any sense.

[Zen Democrat]

4. That was just Ann Coulter's evil lie. Another in a long list. n/t

[Elwood P Dowd]

5. George Bush would have shit in his pants

Probably would have caused more damage than that grenade.

[KharmaTrain]

6. Cleland Didn't Win His Silver Star For That Accident

And yes, it was an accident...he got tangled up in a grenade while under fire (no he wasn't drunk...yep that was Coultergeist who started that slander).

His star was for bravery he displayed several days earlier when he saved his platoonmates in an ambush.

No matter what this man is a hero now more than ever for his heroic stand against this regime and all the slime they've poured on him.

Let the wingnuts slime Kerry and other Democrats who served their country...it's a wonderful contrast to their own military records or even if they'd be willing to send their children to fight a war they're profiting from. Bloodsuckers!

[pacalo]

8. That says it for me -- well said.

Anyone who has the evil urgency to fabricate the circumstances in which this wonderful hero lost three limbs in a war is not a human being. This man served his country willingly & honorably in the most dangerous circumstances, unlike our uniter/divider/war/peace president.

It's one thing to revolt against a politician who has done harm in so many ways to our country. However, we need more Max Clelands in this country to represent us. Spreading vicious lies about this good man is evil & disgusting.

[sandnsea]

7. Bronze Star & Silver Star too

I don't know if the grenade story is accurate or not.

http://www.disinfopedia.org/wiki.phtml?title=Max_Cleland

"Cleland volunteered as communications officer for 2d Battalion, 12th Cavalry, which had been chosen for Operation Pegasus – the relief of Khe Sanh – in April 1968. CPT Cleland was on a mountaintop with his Signal team to set up a radio relay when he lost his legs and right arm to a grenade explosion. For Khe Sanh he received the Bronze Star for meritorious service and Silver Star for gallantry in action." <8>

The awards of star medals appear unrelated to the grenade explosion accident which caused hs injuries. The Silver Star Medal Citation references action on 4 April. The grenade explosion was on 8 April.

Silver Star Medal Citation<9>

Captain Cleland distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 4 April 1968 … during an enemy attack near Khe Sanh.

When the battalion command post came under a heavy enemy rocket and mortar attack, Captain Cleland, disregarding his own safety, exposed himself to the rocket barrage as he left his covered position to administer first aid to his wounded comrades. He then assisted in moving the injured personnel to covered positions.

Continuing to expose himself, Captain Cleland organized his men into a work party to repair the battalion communications equipment, which had been damaged by enemy fire.

His gallant action is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

Grenade Explosion Accident. In his own words, <10>

"On April 8, 1968, I volunteered for one last mission. The helicopter moved in low. The troops jumped out with M16 rifles in hand as we crouched low to the ground to avoid the helicopter blades. Then I saw the grenade. It was where the chopper had lifted off. It must be mine, I thought. Grenades had fallen off my web gear before. Shifting the M16 to my left hand and holding it behind me, I bent down to pick up the grenade. A blinding explosion threw me backwards."

[shraby]

9. It makes no difference whether it

was a grenade or a land mine or whether he was sober or drunk. He was serving his country and lost three limbs. That shouldn't happen to anyone. In my mind he served with honor and should be treated with respect.

[sandnsea]

11. I totally agree

I was just posting the story and commenting that I had no idea if those were actually his comments or not. I don't care if he was headed to the latrine, he was in country and serving his country. I think this smearing of war veterans is the lowest thing the Republican Party has ever done. Although the terror alert bullshit is a pretty close second.

[drhilarius]

10. Cleland has the best reply to these

douchebags:"He jests at scars, that never felt a wound."