[Terry Mross]

Again, I don't think you can purchase the actual medal. If medals could be purchased, he would have sent some flunky down to the nearest Navy base and bought a whole bag of 'em. No, he had to request "replacements" and they were signed by Lehman. I'm beginning to wonder if he ever was awarded any to begin with. I'm wondering since he had political connections did he get Lehman to give him some medals he wasn't awarded to replace the ones he didn't throw over the fence.

[jackbill]

Again, I don't think you can purchase the actual medal. If medals could be purchased, he would have sent some flunky down to the nearest Navy base and bought a whole bag of 'em.

Maybe you couldn't back then, but you can now buy them on line at:

http://www.usmedals.com/medals.html?s=navy&p=vietnam

This site has medals from all of the services and wars. It doesn't look like you can buy a Medal of Honor though - it's probably against the law.

[kabar]

I'm beginning to wonder if he ever was awarded any to begin with. I'm wondering since he had political connections did he get Lehman to give him some medals he wasn't awarded to replace the ones he didn't throw over the fence.

There is no doubt that Kerry was awarded the medals. There is ample documentation including the citations signed by Zumwalt and ADM Hyland (CINPAC). As you note, it is the Lehman signed citations that raise questions. Kerry has some more 'splaining to do.