I heard that he was very much a loner when he was in the Swift Boats. That he spent most of his time in his hooch writing. People were wondering what he was writing. Could it have been the "Great American Novel" with himself as the starring character, later to be played out in front of the Senate and MTP and Cavett... all the biggies? The world wonders.
Besides his 8mm movie camera (for heroic reenactments) Kerry also had a personal typewriter. Presumably for writing his own award citations. Just put the old Navy form in the typewriter, and fill in the blanks...very official looking. Sort of "priming the pump" on the old Purple Hearts that the MD and the CO shot down....