Lando 
Posted on 10/15/2004 12:09:42 PM PDT by marlon
Statement by John O'Neill on "Nightline" Appearance Author: Dated: Friday, October 15 2004 @ 08:00 AM PDT Viewed: 1485 times While I have a tremendous amount of respect for Ted Koppel and ABC News I was appalled to learn that ABC News would go to the lengths of traveling to Vietnam to interview three Viet Cong communists in yet a third attempt by ABC to corroborate John Kerry’s version of the events that took place on February 28th, 1969. I would only ask the American people: "Who do you trust more, three members of a communist regime that tortured and killed our American troops or a group of more than 280 highly decorated American veterans, who proudly served their country and are now responsible members of their respective communities?"
The number of veterans who support John Kerry’s accounts of his military service would not fill one Swift Boat. But instead of sitting down to interview some of the 280 plus members of our Swift Boat organization, ABC News chose to travel to Vietnam taking extraordinary and highly suspect steps to find someone to corroborate John Kerry's story.
ABC News Nightline has now dedicated three separate programs to this one incident while ignoring John Kerry's now discredited Senate testimony that he spent Christmas in Cambodia, his receiving a purple heart after all three of the officers required to approve such an issuance rejected his application, or his constantly changing account of the circumstances surrounding his remaining medal, a bronze star.
Further, one has to wonder why ABC News will not address the serious questions as to why John Kerry only received an honorable discharge through the act of then President Carter, seven years after his discharge, and had to have all of his military citations reissued, on the same day, when he became a United States Senator in 1985. And, finally, why has Nightline found it of no interest to permit any POWs to come on their program to explain why they believe John Kerry betrayed their nation, caused them to be incarcerated for an additional two years and caused them tremendous additional hardship and suffering.
-- John O'Neill
Boy are we in trouble if that jerk wins.
"I would only ask the American people: "Who do you trust more, three members of a communist regime that tortured and killed our American troops or a group of more than 280 highly decorated American veterans, who proudly served their country and are now responsible members of their respective communities?" "
NOW THIS IS THE NEXT SWIFTEE COMMERCIAL I"D LIKE TO SEE!!!
It's inspiring to see how John O'Neill keeps "plugging away."
bump
After hearing Rush's take and analysis, and listening to John O'Neill, I'm ready to donate to the Swiftvets again. John O'Neill is awesome.
Lando
This same type of thing happened during the clinton era. It makes one feel like we're in the Twilight Zone - where what is complete logic to us, is completely dismissed by liberals, especially the main stream media.
I wish John O'Neil would ask Ted Koppel - or whoever else interviews him - to answer the questions that he poses in his article.
Done
already posted http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1245808/posts
It is amazing that ABC would prefer the opinion of the our enemy the Viet Cong over American POWs.
The Old Media should be getting a check from the DNC.
I think we just might have gotten a clue to the Switfies "October Surprise".
Perhaps "we" won't be the only ones. ;)
Why doesn't Kerry answer these questions and sign a 180?
Why is the MSM totally uninterested in getting the answers to this one.
It is surely looking more and more like Kerry did NOT get an honorable discharge.
i seen it was posted before also, BUT this is one post that needs to be kept ALIVE...the previous was not bumped it fell off to the side......we need to get info out about kerry's discharge, i think we all can agree on that.
Oliver North is in the media, has his own show and is a favorite on Fox News, Sean Hannity radio show, etc. He is also a Marine Viet vet, former political candidate. If we all e-mail him to enlist his help may be he could hook up with John O'Neill and get out all of Kerry's traitor/ war criminal past. Not ONE question in THREE DEBATES was asked to Kerry about all of this. The public that just watches regular TV needs to hear this. They have to know the horror that electing an admitted war criminal and war protester, possible accessory to a potential assasination of Senators, buddy to Communist leaders while in uniform - they have to know why that is totally UNACCEPTABLE!!!!!!!!
John O'Neill is a true American hero. He was on fire last night when he destroyed Ted Koppel and exposed ABC's blatant attempt to discredit his group and favor Kerry. What a great and articulate man. Thank God for John O'Neill!
hi, wvromania,
Then that is the time to use bttt or ping or reply to any post within the thread. It will bump the thread back to the top of the list. It also keeps the comments focused within one thread so that people don't miss something.
Regards
Nothing surprises me anymore. I swear, if Kerry wins it will be armed revolution!! ABC and Koppel should be wrapped in pigskin and dropped in Falluja - from 10,000 feet.
Was there a transcript of last night's "debate" on "Frightline"? I would like to read it.
I emailed my local ABC affiliate and suggested that ABC reconsider that option of canceling Nightline.
ABC = Always Believe Communists
Do you think there will really be anymore from the Swiftees? I was hoping for something really smashing from them when they released these latest two ads of theirs; neither of which really impressed me. The camera work is great and the visages of these honorable men and women are beautiful and impressive, but the words, the soundtrack, the MESSAGE doesn't really SAY anything relly accusative about Kerry. Their earlier ads had much more punch. I wish I didn't have to say it, but I'm disappointed.
Oliver North is in the media, has his own show and is a favorite on Fox News, Sean Hannity radio show, etc. He is also a Marine Viet vet, former political candidate. If we all e-mail him to enlist his help may be he could hook up with John O'Neill and get out all of Kerry's traitor/ war criminal past
---- Ollie North has no credibility whatsoever with a huge segment of the population. Certainly the MSM would not give him the time of day.
BAM!!!!!
...one has to wonder why ABC News will not address the serious questions as to why John Kerry only received an honorable discharge through the act of then President Carter, seven years after his discharge, and had to have all of his military citations reissued, on the same day, when he became a United States Senator in 1985.
>>>>>While I have a tremendous amount of respect for Ted Koppel and ABC News <<<<<<<
I dont have any respect for Ted Koppell or ABC news , Any news organisation or reporter is to report the news , not try to make it , and when they try to make it they make it partisan. Respect?? Hell no :disdain.
I'll second that! Bump!
Maybe this is what the ABC memo meant when they said to try and "level" the playing field for Kerry
Is it the part of the public that will vote for Kerry? I am not being sarcastic - I don't know.
All I know is I watch his War Stories show everyweek and I love his reports from Iraq. My husband is a Viet vet and I have 2 granddaugters so I am really desperate. Maybe you have some suggestions we could try? Thanks!
With this garbage Ted Koppel is trying to pass off from the North Vietnamese Commies as credible evidence, I think Ted Koppel makes Dan Rather look like a rookie!
| NOTES | Zumwalt Original | Hyland Revision | Lehman Revision |
| HEADING: Aside from the differences in the issuing authority and minor punctuation, Kerry's middle name is shortened in the final revision to the initial "F." which more resembles Kerry's hero, John F. Kennedy. |
COMMANDER UNITED STATES NAVAL FORCES VIETNAM The President of the Unites States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to JOHN FORBES KERRY LIEUTENANT JUNIOR GRADE UNITED STATES NAVAL RESERVE for service as set forth in the following: CITATION |
COMMANDER IN CHIEF UNITED STATES PACIFIC FLEET The President of the Unites States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Lieutenant (junior grade) John Forbes KERRY United States Naval Reserve for service as set forth in the following: CITATION |
THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY WASHINGTON The President of the Unites States takes pleasure in presenting the SILVER STAR MEDAL to LIEUTENANT (JUNIOR GRADE) JOHN F. KERRY UNITED STATES NAVAL RESERVE for service as set forth in the following CITATION: |
| PLACE and TIME: The official reference to "Vietnamese Regional and Popular Forces" in the original citation is reduced to just "regional", removing any notion they were "Popular." The words "junior grade" are shortened in the final revision to "jg" in most places for the Massachusetts junior Senator. |
"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Officer in Charge of United States Navy Patrol Craft Fast 94 and Officer in Tactical Command of an operation in the Republic of Vietnam. On 28 February 1969, Patrol Craft Fast 23, 43 and 94, in conjunction with Underwater Demolition Team 13 and Vietnamese Regional and Popular Forces personnel, conducted an operation on the Ca Mau Peninsula as part of Operation SEA LORDS. | "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the Coastal Division ELEVEN engaged in armed conflict with the Viet Cong insurgents in An Xuyen Province, Republic of Vietnam on 28 February 1969. Lieutenant (junior grade) KERRY was serving as Officer in Charge of Patrol Craft Fast 94 and Officer in Tactical Command of a three-boat unit engaged in inserting Vietnamese regional force troops on a reconnaissance in force mission. | For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the Coastal Division ELEVEN engaged in armed conflict with the Viet Cong insurgents in An Xuyen Province, Republic of Vietnam on 28 February 1969. Lieutenant (jg) Kerry was serving as Officer in Charge of Patrol Craft Fast 94 and Officer in Tactical Command of a three-boat unit engaged in inserting Vietnamese regional force troops on a reconnaissance in force mission. |
| FIRST ACTION: "Small arms" is enhanced to "automatic weapons and small arms." (Had there been another revision, it would no doubt say "assault rifles.") The strength of the Swift force is approximately 18 crew, with 90 Vietnamese and demolition forces as passengers. The friendly force total is removed from the revisions and an enemy force total of 20 is added. This addition means that someone got information other than the original citation for the revisions. The removal of the number 90 (3 PCF units x 30) makes plausible the addition of "numerically superior" enemy added at the end of the revisions (20 VC vs. 18 crew). Also, in narrative one, the South Vietnamese troops did the ground sweep while one PCF stayed on station and two moved upstream. In narratives two and three the South Vietnamese troops play no part and credit for picking up the enemy weapons on shore is transfered to the crew gunners who should have still been posted at the 50 calibres providing cover for the ground troops and protecting the PCFs themselves. |
While transiting the Bay Hap River en route to an insertion point along the Dong Cung River, these craft with thirty Regional/Popular Force personnel embarked in each unit came under heavy enemy small arms fire from the river banks. The Officer in Tactical Command, Lieutenant (junior grade) KERRY directed his units to turn to the beach and charge the Viet Cong positions. Lieutenant (junior grade) KERRY expertly directed the fire of his craft at the fleeing enemy while simultaneously coordinating the insertion of the embarked troops. While the Regional and Popular Forces conducted an area sweep, Patrol Craft Fast 43 remained on station to provide fire support and | As the force approached the target area on the narrow Dong Cung River, all units came under intense automatic weapons and small arms fire from an entrenched enemy force less than fifty feet away. Unhesitatingly, Lieutenant (junior grade) KERRY ordered his boat to attack as all units opened fire and beached directly in front of the enemy ambushers. This daring and courageous tactic surprised the enemy and succeeded in routing a score of enemy soldiers. The PCF gunners captured many enemy weapons in the battle that followed. | As the force approached the target area on the narrow Dong Cung River, all units came under intense automatic weapons and small arms fire from an entrenched enemy force less than fifty feet away. Unhesitatingly, Lieutenant (jg) Kerry ordered his boat to attack as all units opened fire and beached directly in front of the enemy ambushers. This daring and courageous tactic surprised the enemy and succeeded in routing a score of enemy soldiers. The PCF gunners captured many enemy weapons in the battle that followed. |
| SECOND ACTION: The original citation contains the most impressive account of personal heroism on the part of Lt.(jg) Kerry, the famous story of single-handedly chasing down and killing a VC and capturing a live rocket. This daring exploit is not in the revised citations. One has to wonder why? Without that element, is this really Silver Star material? The "numerically superior" enemy cannot be from the second action as the lone VC in the original citation is the only enemy mentioned. The request by Army advisors and the 800 yard distance are not mentioned in the original citation, further indicating independent sources for the revisions. |
Patrol Craft Fast 23 and 94 moved upstream to investigate an area from which gunshots were coming. Arriving at the area, Lieutenant (junior grade) KERRY's craft received a B-40 rocket close aboard. Once again Lieutenant (junior grade) KERRY ordered his units to charge the enemy positions and summoned Patrol Craft Fast 43 to the area to provide additional firepower. Patrol Craft Fast 94 then beached in the center of the enemy positions and an enemy soldier sprang up from his position not ten feet from Patrol Craft Fast 94 and fled. Without hesitation Lieutenant (junior grade) KERRY leaped ashore, pursued the man behind a hootch and killed him, capturing a B-40 rocket launcher with a round in the chamber. Lieutenant (junior grade) KERRY then led an assault party and conducted a sweep of the area while the Patrol Craft Fast continued to provide fire support. After the enemy had been completely routed, all personnel returned to the Patrol Craft Fast to withdraw from the area. | On a request from U.S. Army advisors ashore, Lieutenant (junior grade) KERRY ordered PCFs 94 and 23 further up river to suppress enemy sniper fire. After proceeding approximately eight hundred yards, the boats were again taken under fire from a heavily foliated area and a B-40 rocket exploded close aboard PCF 94. With utter disregard for his own safety and the enemy rockets, he again ordered a charge on the enemy, beached his boat only ten feet from the VC rocket position, and personally led a landing party ashore in pursuit of the enemy. Upon sweeping the area, an immediate search uncovered an enemy rest and supply area which was destroyed. | On a request from U.S. Army advisors ashore, he ordered PCFs 94 and 23 further up river to suppress enemy sniper fire. After proceeding approximately eight hundred yards, the boats were again taken underfire from a heavily foliated area and a B-40 rocket exploded close aboard PCF 94. With utter disregard for his own safety and the enemy rockets, he again ordered a charge on the enemy, beached his boat only ten feet from the VC rocket position, and personally led a landing party ashore in pursuit of the enemy. Upon sweeping the area, an immediate search uncovered an enemy rest and supply area which was destroyed. |
| THIRD ACTION: The third action is mentioned only in the original citation. There is no indication that any assessment was made of effectiveness of the fire in EKIA or materiel. |
While backing off the beach, these units again came under a hail of fire, this time from the opposite river bank. Lieutenant (junior grade) KERRY immediately coordinated the firepower of his units and suppressed the enemy fire. | [no mention] | [no mention] |
| FOURTH ACTION: The fourth action is mentioned only in the original citation. There is no indication that any assessment was made of effectiveness of the fire in EKIA or materiel. |
Later, after disembarking personnel and while exiting from the Bay Hap River, the Patrol Craft Fast were again taken under fire. Lieutanant (junior grade) KERRY immediately maneuvered his craft through several strafing runs which completely silenced the enemy. | [no mention] | [no mention] |
| OVERALL RESULTS: Only in the original citation is any mention made of enemy killed (11 total) or wounded (1). The revisions seem to wipe the scene of any blood and clear Lt.(jg) Kerry of killing anybody. It is a totally bloodless Silver Star according to the revisions and seems to have accomplished very little for the expenditure of ammo. |
As a result of this operation, ten Viet Cong were killed and one wounded with no friendly casualties. In addition, numerous sampans, structures and bunkers were destroyed as well as confiscationn of substantial quantities of combat essential supplies. | [no mention] | [no mention] |
| COMMENDATION: In the first revision, extraordinary personal courage is substituted for outstanding leadership even as his most personally courageous and only specific action was removed. In the second revision, "brave", "bold" and "great credit" are added to his appelations. |
Lieutenant (junior grade) KERRY's devotion to duty, courage under fire, outstanding leadership, and exemplary professionalism directly contributed to the success of this operation and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service." | The extraordinary daring and personal courage of Lieutenant (junior grade) KERRY in attacking a numerically superior force in the face of intense fire were responsible for the highly successful mission. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service." | The extraordinary daring and personal courage of Lieutenant (jg) Kerry in attacking a numerically superior force in the face of intense fire were responsible for the highly successful mission. By his brave action, bold initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty, Lieutenant (jg) Kerry reflected great credit on himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service." |
| SIGNATURE: At each revision, a more prestigious signature was obtained. |
For the President (sig. E R Zumwalt) E. R. ZUMWALT, Jr. Vice Admiral, U. S. Navy Commander U. S. Naval Forces, Vietnam |
For the President (sig. John Hyland) JOHN HYLAND Admiral, U.S. Navy Commander in Chief U.S. Pacific Fleet |
For the President, (sig. John Lehman) Secretary of the Navy |
| SOURCES: | johnkerry.com (p.7-8) | johnkerry.com (p.1) | johnkerry.com (p.2) |
Election tampering, Like to see ole Ted be tried. Intentionally misleading the electorate from a position of trust. Like when a school teacher abuses a child, penalty is added to original crime. You know, he had intent.
Ollie North has no credibility whatsoever with a huge segment of the population.
What a stupid statement. Perhaps you should adjust it to say:
Ollie North has no credibility whatsoever with the communist loving segment of the population.
Incredible. They travel to Vietnam to interview 3 communists but won't interview dozens of our vets right here at home. ABC is scum.
Kerry will DO a 180 every chance he gets but won't sign a 180.
Remember...Koppel, ABC and Nightline owe Carter and the Dems a bunch. If Carter hadn't bungled the hostage crisis in Iran there wouldn't be any Nightline and Ted Koppel would still be doing standups from BFE
Bump...
Mr. Koppel
it was interesting watching you attempt to dismiss John O'Neill. I heard you say that the after action reports and the Navy citations support the assertion that there was a "numerically superior force" that Kerry faced on 28 Feb 1969.
In fact, the first version of the Silver Star citation makes no mention of a "numerically superior force." Neither does the second. It is only in the third version of the citation in which the enemy force miraculously expands. That the citations were twice re-written is itself an anomaly- which Nightline for some reason (wink, wink) saw as not important to report. It would be of considerable interest to know how the enemy force grew over time, as the third citation was re-issued (that's right, RE-issued, in 1985). They had to be re-issued for an undisclosed reason, which some assert was a less-than-honorable discharge.
You also made reference to the after-action reports of 28 Feb 1969 supporting the numerically superior force.
The Spot Report for 28 Feb 1969 reads this way-
PCF REMAINED AT ORIGINAL AMBUSH SITE TO PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR TROOPS. PCF 94 AND 23 PROCEEDED TO VQ 984831 AND THEN TURNED TO RETURN TO PCF 43 LOCATION. AT V1 9843O A B-40 ROCKET EXPLODED IN WATER CLOSE ABOARD PCF 94 BLOWING OUT WINDOW FRAME. BOTH UNITS RECEIVED HEAVY SMALL ARMS FIRE AND OTC AGAIN CALLED UNITS TO TURN INTO FIRE AND CHARGE AMBUSH SITE. PCF 43 WAS CALLED TO AND MOVED IMMEDIATELY TO ASSIST. PCF 94 BEACHED IN CENTER OF AMBUSH IN FRONT OF SMALL PATH WHEN VC SPRUNG UP FROM BUNKER 10 FEET FROM UNIT. MAN RAN WITH WEAPON TOWARDS HOOTCH. FORWARD M-60 GUNNER WOUNDED HIM IN LEG. OINC JUMPED ASHORE AND GAVE PURSUIT WHILE OTHER UNITS SATURATED AREA WITH WITH FIRE AND BEACHED PLACING ASSULT PARTIES ASHORE. ONIC OF PCF 94 CHASED VC INLAND BEHIND HOOTCH AND SHOT HIM WHILE HE FLEED CAPTURING ONE B-40 ROCKET LAUNCHER WITH ROUND IN CHAMBER.
There is no mention of a "numerically superior force." It was written in 1969 immedately after the incident. Where exactly did you get your information? It is incorrect. Neither the Spot Report nor the first two versions of the Silver Star citations make any mention of a "numerically superior force." Only in reports written, or rewritten, much later do any of these interesting little facts appear.
The after-action report on Kerry's own website reads: 28 FEB 1969 Bay Hap River
Three PCFs were traveling up the Bay Hap River with 70 South Vietnamese Militia investigating an area where the boats were ambushed the previous night. During the patrol, the boats came under heavy fire from the shore. Kerry, serving as the Officer in Tactical Command of the mission, ordered the units to turn toward the fire and beach. As the boats approached shore, more than 20 Viet Cong troops stood up and ran. They were quickly overrun when the Marines troops reached the shore. While the Militia searched the area, PCFs 23 and 94 left to investigate another site where an Army advisor reported gunshots. Returning from the site, a B-40 rocket exploded close to PCF94, blowing out one of the windows. Kerry again ordered the units to turn into the fire and charge the ambush site. PCF 94 landed in the center of ambush and a man jumped up holding a B-40 rocket launcher and started to run. The forward M-60 gunner on PCF94 wounded him in the leg as Kerry jumped off the boat and chased him inland behind a hooch and shot him. Marines swept the area, and received fire from snipers and small arms that was suppressed with the assistance of mortars and gunfire from the swiftboats. The landing parties found vast stores of rice, ammunition and clothing. The boats were fired on one additional time as they were heading back down the river. The site of the second ambush was believed to be a major Viet Cong supply point. Kerry received the Silver Star for this operation.
Again, no mention of any "numerically superior force." You specifically said that the after action reports support your claim of numerical superiority. It does NOT. You lied, Mr. Koppel.
To suggest that the Communists of Vietnam do not have an agenda is patently absurd. John Kerry was the best friend the Vietnamese Communists ever had, and it is why his picture hangs today in the Hall of Heroes in Ho Chi Minh City, something you clearly did not want O'Neill to make known.
You broadcast an essentially false report. You accepted the word of the Vietnamese over that of the decorated Swift Boat vets and even that of John Kerry himself. You have omitted critical details that change entirely the perspective. It was totally dishonest.
Sincerely
i myself, did that on the one you referenced but I didn't have much help.
Excellent summary.
But you also need to mention, that Lehman said he never saw the citation, never knew anything about it, and he never signed it.
It took South Carolina 301 days after the election of 1860 to make up their minds...
The mainstream media and the likes of Koppel will ALWAYS believe a bunch of Commies over American Veterans. <p. Is Andrea Koppel his daughter. Isn't she the one that told two guys at a POwell presser in Israel that Israel wasn't going to exist very long. Had something to do with CNN being pulled in Israel and Fox the replacement. Just wondering.
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