While the report itself is currently unavailable, Guenter Lewy had access to it, and characterized its contents as we have reported. We would love to see the details of the report, but Lewy's synopsis, done using classified records in 1977, is certainly worthy of mention.
In defense of Kerry, he quit the VVAW at this time over this issue among others and challenged Al Hubbard repeatedly once he got wind of Hubbard's deception, at that Executive meeting. They almost came to blows.
That's not correct; although Kerry wasn't happy when Hubbard's true record came out in April, 1971, he did not leave the VVAW until that fall. Neither was Hubbard removed -- he remained with the VVAW leadership into 1972.
Worthy off mention, sure. But hardly a refutation of the WSI. I hadn't read about the classified parts before. Source?
It becomes even weaker without even a government spokesman summarizing its conclusions. In fact, they can't even find it:
Lewy said he does not recall if he saw a copy of the naval investigative report or was briefed on its contents. "I'm quite confident the information is authentic," he said. Paul O'Donnell, a spokesman for the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, said officials were searching for a copy of the report.
That's not correct; although Kerry wasn't happy when Hubbard's true record came out in April, 1971, he did not leave the VVAW until that fall. Neither was Hubbard removed -- he remained with the VVAW leadership into 1972.
Looking it up in "Home to War" by Nicosia...
Lawrence Spivak of "Meet the Press" found out "that Al Hubbard had lied about his rank, and probably about where he served as well" - calls Kerry right after the "Meet The Press" interview in April 1971. Kerry attacks Hubbard in front of the other VVAW leaders but argues for keeping him in, and defends him publicly.
Then in July something happens and Kerry attacks Hubbard again, and resigns from the executive committee. I don't know if this is when the DoD says Hubbard didn't even go to Vietnam.
I couldn't find out when Kerry left VVAW altogether.