A couple of questions about Kerry's DD214 & DD215

[Walt Starr]

According to these documents, he has the following in order from lowest to highest precedence:

Vietnam Campaign Medal
Republic of Vietnam MUC Civil Action Medal Color with Palm
Republic of Vietnam MUC Gallantry Cross Color with Palm
Vietnam Service Medal with 4 Bronze Stars
National Defense Service MEdal
Navy Unit Citation
Presidential Unit Citation
Purple Heart (3 awards)
Bronze Star with Combat "V"
Silver Star with Combat "V"

Here are my questions:

On the citation for the Vietnam Serivce medal, I cannot make out how many stars on the original document. Does anybody know what campaigns he was involved in to be awarded four stars in addition to the medal?

Ordinarily, the Combat "V" device is awarded for Valor in combat. As the Silver Star is only awarded for gallantry, the Combat "V" device would be redundant and is not awarded with the Silver Star under any circumstances. Does anybody know what the explanation for a Combat "V" device being listed with the Silver Star on the DD214 is?

I only ask these questions because this is appreantly what round three of the Smear Boat Liars for Bush campaign will be ficusing on, trying to discredit these awards.

[NewYorkerfromMass]

1. Snopes article

http://www.snopes.com/politics/kerry/service.asp

I didn't see an answer in my perusal.

[Walt Starr]

2. Kick, because I need the answers

Especially about the Combat "V" device.

Is this simply a clerical error? Reading the citation, it's easy to see where a young E1 or E2 would easily make the error, but is there an official position form the Kerry camp?

[Bandit]

3. Those are very good questions

I have no stars on my VSR and I had two tours there as well as Kerry. You are absolutely correct about the Silver Star as well. It isn't Kerry's mistake or fault as he does not fill out the DD-214 form. It comes from much higher up (though it is filled out by a clerk) and if they want to contest it they will need to contest the Navy not Kerry.

[Walt Starr]

4. Good points, but here's the rub

They are going to try and insinuate that the DD214 and DD215 are faked because of this error. Then go on to claim the Silver Star is a a fake.

[Bandit]

5. If it is a fake then it should be easy to prove. Just use FOIA and get

the Navy to realease the official version of Kerry's DD-214. That is not a fake and if it is then it will also cast doubt on every soldier including Bush* and themselves.

[Walt Starr]

6. OUTSTANDING!!!!

Because I am 99.99999999999999999% positive this was a clerical error.

[vetwife]

13. The whole point of a DD215 is to clear up mistakes on DD214

No problem here .....

[HawkerHurricane]

7. Combat 'V'

is awarded for combat. Silver Stars and Bronze Stars (among other awards) can be awarded for non combat bravery... it isn't done often, but the fact it can be is why they added the 'V'.

Adm. Boorda committed suicide because a medal he wore with the 'V' wasn't documented as rating that, even though it was awarded for combat. Go figure.

[Bandit]

8. V is for Valor not Combat

A Silver Star is only awarded for Valor although it does not have to be during Combat. A Bronze Star is awarded for both Meritorious Service and Valor Hence the V Device.

[Walt Starr]

10. Bingo, putting a "V" Device on a silver Star is redundant

The requirements for a Silver Star are as follows (emphasis added for effect):

The Silver Star may be awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States, is cited for gallantry in action;

(1) against an enemy of the United States;

(2) while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or,

(3) while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.

The required gallantry, while of a lesser degree than that required for the award of a Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, or Air Force Cross, must nevertheless have been performed with marked distinction.

Thus, combat action Gallantry is a requirement for the award, making a Valor device a redundant component.

[NewYorkerfromMass]

11. This discussion went nowhere over at Freepville

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1195161/posts

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1195373/posts

If you dare look....

[NewYorkerfromMass]

9. Isn't the 'V' for Valor?

or does that also mean combat as well?

[HawkerHurricane]

12. It's supposed to stand for Valor...

but it's only awarded for combat.

Go figure.