[Torie]

Fair enough, but I heard some stories along the same lines told to me by very successful and honorable men, who I don't believe were lying. The idea of being sent out into the paddies with a significant chance of being killed, for no apparent military purpose, in a war you perceived had no end, and no sign of victory, with a prevaicating president, who seemed perfectly content to waste you for his "honor" and political need, and to avoid him facing an admission of a failed policy, when you are about 19 years old, is simply one beyond the common understanding of most. You simply do things. And I think that is a fact, and was a fairly common one.

[Robert A Cook PE]

He DIDN'T "get sent" to the paddies.

He VOLUNTEERED for Swift boat duty BEFORE those boats were assigned into close riverine combat.

In his own book, Kerry says he volunteered for swift boat duty assuming he would be off-shore for a couple of months and out.

He ONLY began protesting and complaining AFTER he was assigned in-shore duty.

Then, after three minor flesh wounds (no days off duty!) and a medal (earned after shooting a wounded VC in the back) he applied for and LEFT Vietnam on a technicality, went home as an admirals aide, and started campaigning for democrats ... while still on active duty in the Navy.

Finally, even that was too much work and Kerry left "early" from active duty.