We know CBS producer Mary Mapes was involved in both these stories. Some folks and even I immediately thought of Hackworth when mulling who the retired military officer was, but then I discovered that Hackworth had had a problem with CBS a while back over their claiming that he had medals listed on his website that he hadn't earned. It appears to be pay-back by someone, for Hackworth's involvement in the Boorda affair. Rather was involved in this attack on Hackworth as well. Interesting how he went after Hackworth, but shys away from pursuing the medal hoax perpetrated by Kerry. Here's a link to a copy of the letter CBS sent Hackworth about it:
Wasn't it eventually shown that Boorda earned his medals too?