Replies

Kerry crewman James Wasser said he was "absolutely upset" over his former commanding officer's claims that the U.S. committed wartime atrocities as a matter of course.

Saying he recalled no such war crimes, Wasser said of Kerry, "I felt betrayed."

Shipmate Bill Zaladonis was also offended by Kerry's claims. "I didn't like the idea [of Kerry condemning his fellow servicemen]," he told the Sun.

"I certainly didn't believe that all Vietnam veterans were baby-killing women rapers. Most people I know agree with me - they didn't see it."

Many returned from Vietnam disillusioned by the war. In some cases we let our feelings be known. We didn’t call those still fighting rapists, baby-killers, or accuse them of committing daily atrocities and war crimes. They were our friends, comrades, and fellow soldiers. He who made these references for his own self-serving interests must never be forgiven.