[Recon by Fire]

Someone needs to explain to Kerry and the press the difference between ribbons and medals. Ribbons can be purchased at the base or post exchange. Medals are awarded.

It is true that medals are awarded, but you can also buy them at the PX or the Clothing Sales Store.

Most people who buy them actually have the orders to back the fact that they were awarded the medal, but there are some who buy them and wear them and have never been awarded that medal.

Just and observation!

[Recon by Fire]

Just and observation!

DUH, I think you meant "just an observation"

[Terry Mross]

Like I said, when I was in you couldn't purchase medals. You had to get them from personel. For instance, when we qualified in the Seabees for Expert Rifleman we were handed the citation. We then had to go to personel, present the citation, then we would be handed the medal. The ribbon was purchased at the exchange. I never went to pick up my medal, which I now regret. I purchased a ribbon to wear on my dress uniform.

It sounds like Kerry wanted everyone to THINK he was throwing his medals away. Then again, it appears he asked for replacement medals in 1984. I think he DID throw his medals away. In 1984 he needed them to get the union's backing in his senate bid. Being a high ranking politician it was very quick and easy for him to get his replacements, hang them on his wall, then have the union official over for viewing.