Posted on 08/07/2004 2:37:48 PM PDT by doug from upland
Eight years ago, an admiral with a distinguished career took his life over questions on two "V" pins for valor that he wore. Admiral Boorda did not take a camera with him for a photo-op. He put his heart and soul into defending this nation. He was pursued by Col. David Hackworth, who was determined to get to the truth. Well, Col. Hackworth, what do you say about John Kerry? Did he wear medals he didn't deserve? Are you going to sit this one out or do something about it? Why don't you demand the full release of Kerry's military records. THE FULL RELEASE.
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May 17, 1996
Web posted at: 8:30 p.m. EDT
From Correspondent Jamie McIntyre
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- While suicide notes confirm that the Navy's top officer took his life because of questions surrounding his military medals, many in the Navy believe Admiral Mike Boorda would have passed the scrutiny.
But for Boorda, it was a question of integrity. Sources say Boorda wrote in a suicide note that he wore two "V" pins for valor in combat in Vietnam because he thought he had earned them.
Newsweek magazine, which was working on the story questioning Boorda's "V" pins, issued a statement saying it had reached no conclusions.
"We try to be as meticulous and as careful as possible whenever you're dealing with questions about a person's reputation or about what he has done or not done in the past," said Maynard Parker, Newsweek editor.
In the end, Boorda failed to heed the counsel he had given thousands of sailors over the years -- to lead by example and look out for each other.
Boorda might have been apprehensive because one of the Newsweek reporters working on the story was Retired Col. David Hackworth. Hackworth's exposé last year on Air Force Gen. Joseph Ashy resulted in a congressional investigation into an expensive military flight the general took with an aide and his cat.
But Ashy survived the probe, and many in the Navy believe that Boorda would have survived an investigation.
While rules governing the awarding of combat "Vs" are very clear now, they were not so clear when Boorda was a young lieutenant in Vietnam.
The rules in 1965 stated simply that "V" pins were authorized for "direct participation in combat operations." Also, Boorda's combat operations citations implied that he was qualified to wear the medals.
Retired Admiral Elmo Zumwalt, who was chief of naval operations during the Vietnam War, said he believed Boorda was "completely entitled" to wear the pins.
Zumwalt said on the CNN program "Larry King Live" that paperwork sometimes did not indicate the V, even though it was authorized. He said he routinely authorized the wearing of the combat "V" pin for Vietnam combat veterans.
"That was my intention as an operational commander, and I believe that is the judgment that should prevail," Zumwalt said. "It is a bureaucratic distinction to say, 'Well, it wasn't in the citation.'"
Boorda stopped wearing the combat "Vs" once they were questioned, but many think he could have successfully argued that wearing them was no mistake or, at worst, an innocent one.
What baffles Boorda's friends is why, if he felt he had hurt the Navy, he didn't simply offer to resign. But few seem to have realize how devoted he was to the Navy and that even the slightest whiff of scandal would devastate him.
Dirty Hackworth.
I wonder if we will hear anything from Tom Lantos.
Seems to me Boorda had not one but TWO suicide notes, compared to Vince Foster's only belatedly discovered torn up one.
The Admiral also had his office on station where the secret service kept a motor pool facility.
Arkanside? instead of suicide?
Come on, Col. Hackworth, don't be shy. Admiral Boorda served this nation with honor and distinction. John Kerry created a 4-month resume and turned on his comrades and on his nation. Men were tortured while the torturers used John Kerry's words. Where are you, Col. Hackworth?
I agree, Hackworth has been noticable quiet about JFLurch. He will go after an honorable admiral over "V" pins. But doesn't have a problem with Purple Hearts for scrathes and silver Stars for questionable behavour. I lost respect for Hackworth when he went to Iraq during DS 1. If he has nothing to say about Kerry, he is totally discredited.
Hack was a hell of a commanding officer in Korea and Nam. He just hates phonies.
I agree, Hackworth has been noticable quiet about JFLurch. He will go after an honorable admiral over "V" pins. But doesn't have a problem with Purple Hearts for scrathes and silver Stars for questionable behavour. I lost respect for Hackworth when he went to Iraq during DS 1. If he has nothing to say about Kerry, he is totally discredited.
Really?
Excellent question!
Yes the silence from Hack is deafening. You know damn well he knows Kerry's a bald face liar.
Is this what you mean?
http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/editorials/2004-06-15-hackman_x.htm?POE=click-refer
Hack's Email: teagles@hackworth.com
"HACK"worth.
Hack had his own problems with wearing awards not awarded,
Tell me it's not so! Hackie can't be AWOL!
The difference between Boorda and Kerry is like equating God with the Devil, the Devil being Kerry.
Again , no comparison!
Yes, he was a helluva warrior and we are in his debt. It is time for that old warrior to not yet fade away. He has one more big job ---- expose John Kerry.
Hackworth is, and always was, a phoney.
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