[There's millions of'em]

I would normally tend to agree with you, but I allow for the longshot chance here that Z did know Kerry for a couple of reasons:

It is possible that Kerry's file had a "political flag" on it due to his family's relationship with the Kennedys. If it did, Z would have been briefed on K's assignment. This may be one of the reasons that K refuses to release his Navy files.

It is possible that K was given preferential treatment in obtaining the swift boat assignment, because of high level connections.

It is possible that K came to Z's attention because of his being in the swift boats, and the swift boats having such a high profile mission. Since K volunteered, and he was on a volunteer 2d tour, and he was a Yalie, and he was politically connected... I think it is possible.

[mylife]

Looks like Edwards is leading Kerry by 2% in Wisconsin

[Rockpile]

Your post 78 is excellent I think. Also, wasn't the War Kriminal already in WESTPAC on a destroyer prior to his riverine assignment? He may have already done something earlier to come to the attention of Admiral Zumwalt and his staff.