If nothing else, I think this man, introducing George Bush this April, could be the SON of the deceased orderly who signed Kerry's paperwork on behalf of Doctor Letson.
Even THAT could make for an interesting story...
You are WRONG. HM1 (Hospitalman 1st class) is an E-6. Top petty officer grade below Chief PEtty Officer (Chief). To obtain that paygrade at that time, he probably had at least 8 years active service.