Interesting that the WP immediately goes after Thurlow and were able to get his records so quickly. The point is that Thurlow didn't write up his own report and did deserve the Bronze Star. In Unfit for Command, it was Thurlow who tried to rein in PCF 3, which was going around in circles with a dazed, unconscious crew onboard. He was thrown into the water on the first attempt to board the PCF 3 and then later brought it to a stop after it was on a sandbar.
I believe Thurlow when he said he believed he received the medal for saving people and paid no attention to the wording about being under fire. Thurlow certainly deserved a medal more than Kerry. Hopefully, the SBVFT will respond. The battle is now joined.
also note the post suggests Thurlow should file a 180, not Kerry! it's Kerry's report that was filed in these regards.