One of them was John Kerry, Vietnam Navy veteran and aspiring politician who had been among those who organized the protest. Kerry flung a handful of medals -- he had received the Silver Star, a Bronze Star Medal, and three Purple Hearts -- over the fence. Kerry spoke later that week before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, putting a face on the antiwar movement far different from the one seen before -- the scruffy hippie or wild-eyed activist. Kerry represented the All-American boy, mentally twisted by being asked to do terrible things, then abandoned by his government.
From start to finish, the public took Dewey Canyon III at face value, not understanding that they were watching brilliant political theater. Kerry, a Kennedy protege with white-hot political aspirations, ascended center stage as both a war hero and as an antiwar hero throwing away his combat decorations. His speech, apparently off the cuff, was eloquent, impassioned.
This is posted on the website WinterSoldier.com
"during the Vietnam era that atrocities were routinely committed by America's military."
The Senate Investigations brought about by "The Winter Soldier Tribunals" failed to substantiate the claims made by Kerry and the others involved. The site has the information in great detail or links to further sites for research.
If you're concerned about the Vietnam Veteran and how he was portrayed after the war this site is vital to a more complete view than the one given out by the media - during the 1960-70's. The image of the Vietnam Veteran as portrayed by Hollywood, and the mainstream media was hugely influenced by the "Winter Soldier" tribunals. It was an inaccurate impression.
Regards,
TS
...and '80s. Casualties of War starring Michael J. Fox still says it's a true story in the opening credits. It was proven not to be true.