Posted on 09/05/2004 5:02:05 AM PDT by Viet Vet in Augusta GA
This is huge! Leading UK newspaper reports that the Pentagon's inspector general is going to investigate ALL of Kerry's decorations and citations. John Lehmann quoted as saying he never signed Silver Start citation in 1986.
I'm not sure I like the idea of the military interfering in any way with a presidential election. Unless Kerry wants them to continue, they should probably postpone the investigation until after the election.
Shhh one long time poster clued me in that those are autopenned so it's not exactly earthshaking...but hey..I'm enjoying it anyway.
Say what? You think Senator Kerry should have the power to control the timing of an investigation which is about the integrity and accuracy of military records?
Byt don't Autopens have to be authorized? Apparently, John Lehman did not authorize this award of the Silver Star.
Whoa! (not as in 'stop', but as in 'wow'.) That is big.
These are commissioned officers who serve at the pleasure of the President of the United States, and this could be construed as interfering in an election.
If the circumstances were reversed, I would be outraged.
"The facts are clear," said Mr Meehan. "The navy awarded John Kerry the Silver Star, a Bronze Star with Combat V and three Purple Hearts. This is a waste of taxpayers' dollars and the Pentagon's time, especially during wartime."
Nothing to see here folks...move along.
I see the hand of that famous military personnel records specialist SANDY BERGER in this.
Interfering my foot!
This is a legitimate investigation into the pssible criminal actions of a person who wants to be President!
This is a MANDATORY investigation into whether this man has the moral authority to lead this country!
Our nation's refusal to do this to Clinton lead to 8 years of ineptitude and the adolesence of Islamic Terrorism!
Why is this coming from the UK?!
From the story: "A navy spokesman confirmed on Friday that the inspector-general's office at the Pentagon had authorised the inquiry. "It is the responsibility of all personnel to correct errors in official records," said the spokesman. Another official said privately: "There's a feeling that it's time to deal with this thoroughly, once and for all."
"Among other records to be examined is a citation of Mr Kerry for bravery that was apparently signed by the former Navy Secretary, John Lehman, and contributed to the award of his silver star. The glowing citation states: "By his brave actions, bold initiative and unwavering devotion to duty, Lt Kerry reflected great credit on himself." But Mr Lehman denies all knowledge of the commendation. "It's a total mystery to me," he said last week. "I never saw it, I never signed it and I never approved it." The inquiry will also investigate other reports and citations leading to the award of Mr Kerry's medals.
"On Friday, Mr Lehman endorsed the investigation of Mr Kerry's awards, saying that the relevant navy records needed to be "thoroughly researched and the facts established". Mr Fitton said: "We hope this is the beginning of an actual investigation of the legitimacy of Sen Kerry's awards by the navy and the Pentagon."
This is about the integrity of records. Even John Lehman agrees this needs to be investigated. I cannot understand why anyone thinks this should be postponed for political reasons -- unless you think the Paula Jones case should also have been postponed until Clinton left office.
Hugh too?
You think the MSM in America will cover this?
Apparently it is SOP for someone to investigate alleged errors or misdeeds within the military. The fact that this is about the awarding of medals, and it pertains to a candidate for POTUS, does not and should not justify any departure from the established rules and regs.
I note that the Telegraph doesn't even try to hide their hostility toward this inquiry...
"The highly unusual inquiry..."
And "many" of them served in VN? How about all?
I thought Kerry claims he got 2 Bronze Stars. Apparently his campaign manager hasn't heard that yet. Either way, the Navy would be interfering with an election if it DIDN'T investigate now. They can't chose the timing. They just have to follow regulations...which they are doing.
Telegraph is actually a conservative paper (in the UK newspapers are open and forthright about their political stances; no pretenses of objectivity)
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.