[js1138]

Kerry said that there is no real distinction between medals and ribbons in terms of the gesture.

There is a huge physical difference, particularly if you try to reconcile what Kerry said today and what Oliphant says he say 33 years ago.

Kerry says he was wearing the ribbons. Ribbons are attached to your shirt by clasps similar to those that hold earrings. It would take a considerable amount of time to remove nine ribbons. This could not possibly be mistaken for reaching into a shirt pocket.

For one thing, it is nearly impossible to remove a ribbon with one hand.

[kabar]

Kerry says he was wearing the ribbons. Ribbons are attached to your shirt by clasps similar to those that hold earrings. It would take a considerable amount of time to remove nine ribbons. This could not possibly be mistaken for reaching into a shirt pocket.

Not so. There are just two pin like attachments to the shirt. The ribbons are mounted to a frame. You remove the frame, not the individual ribbons.

I find Oliphant's description less than credible. You can put the frame with the ribbons and individual medals in one hand and it would be difficult for someone one foot away to see what is in your hand.