Kerry's War Tour Serves as Theme, Target

[papau]

July 29, 2004
Kerry's War Tour Serves as Theme, Target
A four-month stint in Vietnam is at the heart of the senator's image. But some ex-naval officers who oppose him question his resume.


By Stephen Braun, Times Staff Writer


WASHINGTON — As a young Navy lieutenant, Sen. John F. Kerry spent four months fighting in Vietnam — a tour of duty that is the touchstone of his public career and is certain to be a central theme as he accepts the Democratic presidential nomination tonight.

His stint as a patrol boat skipper on the Mekong Delta, where he earned a Silver Star, a Bronze Star and three Purple Hearts, gave Kerry his first taste of leadership. The conflict in Vietnam inspired his early career as an antiwar activist, and its unfinished business spurred his Senate efforts to open relations with the Communist government.

The wartime experience "gives you a clarity. You know what it means to be under fire, what it means to react quickly and make tough decisions," Kerry said in an interview earlier this year.<snip>

"What I saw back then was a guy with genuine caring and leadership ability who was aggressive when he had to be," said former crewmate Jim Wasser. "What I see now is a guy who's not afraid to tackle tough issues. And he knows what the consequences are of putting people's kids in harm's way."<snip>

<snip>
But reviews of Navy records show that many Swift boat personnel were awarded Purple Hearts for minor wounds of uncertain origin. <snip>

"In the military academies, they teach you that a good leader is someone who sets aside their well-being and puts their people first while finding a way to accomplish their mission. That's John," said Rassman, who will help introduce Kerry tonight.<snip>


http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-nam29jul29.story

[annxburns]

1. Great article ...

...and knocks down a lot of the crap Drudge is trying to spew.

Remember, the Bush smear machine went after McCain, Clark and now Kerry. The republicans only honor service if you are on their side. It's bullsh** and IT IS WRONG.

[Octafish]

2. Let's talk about Vietnam and John Kerry.

If the pukes want to make light of Kerry's service record, DUers might want to mention:

John Kerry joined the US Navy and volunteered to serve in Vietnam.

Kerry served a year aboard a USN destroyer, during which time Richard Pershing, his best friend and an Army officer, was killed in combat.

Kerry remained focused on his commission and completed his tour of duty in Vietnam.

Kerry then volunteered for a second tour of duty, this time aboard Swift River Patrol Boats, one of the most dangerous jobs in Vietnam.

Kerry volunteered for the dangerous assignments, earning a Silver Star for taking the fight to the enemy to accomplish the mission and protect his command.

Kerry never lost a man under his command, earning a Bronze Star for rescuing a Green Beret officer in combat, despite himself being wounded.

Kerry opted to return to the United States to finish his Navy service, as was his earned right after receiving his third Purple Heart.

Kerry resigned his commission, when eligible, in order to affect political change.

Kerry, as a civilian, helped organize the Vietnam Veterans Against the War.

Kerry testified before the US Senate in order to make clear the reasons for the VVAW's political opposition to the war.

All the while, John Kerry put his country and his fellow human beings ahead of his own well-being.

All the above was before he was 27 years of age.

John Kerry is the kind of President this nation needs.