Question about Kerry's Purple Hearts

[HFishbine]

I've been trying to defend Kerry to some "if he would only release his records" critics. A question has come up that I'm unable to answer.

The records available on John Kerry's site document him being wounded on 20 FEB 1969 and 13 MAR 1969. When and for what did Kerry receive a third Purple Heart and are the spot reports or action reports available for it as they are for the others?

I've relied on the documents posted here: http://www.johnkerry.com/about/john_kerry/combat_reports.html

[0rganism]

1. I think those two you mention are his 2nd and 3rd injuries

His first purple heart citation comes on Feb. 28, 1969, and (assuming the combat report page is accurate) would probably be due to the mine explosion on Feb. 18, 1969. I don't know why it isn't written up in the combat reports or the Personnel Casualty Report

It appears that the records release thus far is incomplete, unfortunately.

[HFishbine]

2. 2 DEC 1968

The first Purple Heart citation as per Kerry's site was awarded for injuries suffered on Dec. 2 1968. The 2nd and 3rd are documented with action reports. What was the first for?

[0rganism]

3. good catch, I see it on the timeline now...

...but it doesn't appear in the Personnel Casualty Report or the Combat Reports. Hmm. I don't know. Maybe there is a hole in the records?

[Swamp Rat]

4. I applaud your efforts but I'm DONE playing a defensive role.

When I hear this Swifboat crap coming from Freeps, I just say "where the FUCK was Bush during Vietnam?! Where the FUCK was Cheney, Wolfowitz, DeLay, etc.?!"

Rove keeps re-framing the argument because that's all they can do now. Why allow them to do that? We have just TEN weeks left... I just refuse to defend... instead, attack attack attack!!! :kick:

[HFishbine]

5. Oh, I am

My replies include plenty of pointing out the holes in Bush's "story." It just seems like this is the last peice of the puzzle in Kerry's record.

It's not really even that significant since nobody seems to be questioning the first PH. But if I can at least find some record of what it was for, I'll be able to compare the complete record of documentation for Kerry to the lacking documentation of Bush's record. You know freeps, as long as there is the smallest opportunity for them to say, "Yeah, well what about..." they will whine instead of think.

[Swamp Rat]

6. Right. They do whine a lot.

That's my FAVORITE thing to point out in a heated argument, though I tend to stay out of those types of exchanges. If the debate heads South and I decide not to pull out, I will mention the whining as many times as they open their mouth. I will also offer, as a "debate ender," to give them a ride to a military recruiter.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

7. I say, forget 35 years ago, what about now?

What has Bush done to support our troops and veterans? He's shut down VA hospitals, cut veteran's benefits, cut funding to military dependents, cut combat pay, made it so Guard units had to buy their own equipment, makes sure that Reservists and Guardsmen's tours are extended, etc. etc....

[luaneryder]

8. Right on, right on!!

Where the fuck were you *?! Kerry VOLUNTEERED for Vietnam; you took the cushy Guard role stateside asking NOT to be sent overseas then just blew a year of that off. Where was Georgie!!??

No need to defend, Kerry WAS there, * was NOT. End of story.