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What makes you think this is an obscure technicality? I remember in Platoon when Charlie Sheen was injured the second time (required hospitalization twice) he was on his way home. I doubt they would dig up an "obscure technicality" to send him home.

How many people do you think, knowing that they could go back states side after being wounded 3 times wouldn't opt for it? I am sure everybody knew it was possible. You suppose people would say to themselves "schwew lucky break, let's see if I can escape death a 4th time."

He served honorably and was decorated. Not like he worked for Army Times, was a sometimes National Guard Pilot or "had other priorities during Vietnam."

There is more than enough to question Kerry's record on. His service is not one of them IMO

Well, I'm not so certain. After all Lyndon Johnson received a Silver Star. Do you think his war record was beyond questioning?

And, of course, Johnson didn't run for President based almost solely on his Silver Star. He also didn't question other candidates (or President's) military service.

"He served honorably and was decorated. Not like he worked for Army Times, was a sometimes National Guard Pilot or "had other priorities during Vietnam."

You are two for four.

Agree that Kerry should not be beat up for knowing the rules and using them, or for bitching about policies (we all did that, part age, part justified, and part 'just because'). Kerry is a jerk, Max Cleland is a jerk, Al Gore is a jerk, Mc Cain is more than a jerk; Vietnam is neither cause nor excuse nor pertinent.

However, "worked for Army Times" and "National Guard Pilot" are off-base. Most of us were NOT chin deep in paddy water and most of us did NOT get home on a three PH rotation!
You go over and do what you are assigned to do. Or, you find an honorable way to stay home and do what you are assigned to do.
(Note here that Guard and Reserve units have been chewed up in more than one US fought war; it's a gamble unless you decide to go all conch AFTER getting rotation papers.)

Your second accurate statement is the "other things"...especially true thirty years later when some bozo sets down his beer and tells you he'd really liked to have served but had to stay home with the (instant or very quickly organized) family.

PS: Might want to reconsider citing "Platoon" as a valid starting point for debate.