[Callahan]

Good summary. I want to know why we can't get the after-action reports from the other commanders? Or is there only one for the whole incident?

[DaveMSmith]

I'd bet that there are after action reports filed by each skipper.

[Texasforever]

Ask yourself this question as an "undecided voter". Kerry's contends that there was "HEAVY small arms and grenade attacks" on 5 boats. How is it that John Kerry was apparently the ONLY one of 30 crew members wounded especially when one boat was completely immobilized by a mine and the others were sitting ducks trying to rescue the crew in the disabled boat.

[Cboldt]

The SITREP for the incident (which is on Kerry campaign website) recites, in part:

PCF 23 joined at Cai Nuoc. PCFS with MFS [The Swift Boat with Rassman on it] departed Cai Nuoc at 1445H proceeding down Bay Hap. At VQ995772 mine detonated under PCF-3 lifting boat about 2-3 ft out of water. Very heavy blk smot [? smoke, I think] observed at same time boats rcvd heavy A/W and S/A from both banks. ..."

Therefore, the Swiftees (and the press) knew, and have known for quite awhile, of at least -one- official record that included small arms fire. In other words, this is, in a way, already old news.

I am surprised that the Swiftees did not have Thurlow's citation.