[ohCompGk]

"...hadn't learned how to play the medals game."

My fullest respect to you but I tend to think you didn't have the political clout that Kerry had. He had, even at that age, enough clout to make the strongest ring knocker blush. This is why I am convinced that Kerry wrote up his own medals and had no problem getting them approved.

Medal turned down? Call the Pershings and express his condolences for the death of their son, mention the big scrap he just got in and Bingo.

Not really a big deal. Medals have helped make many a good men. I would expect many CO's have shined the facts and given medals to men under questionable circumstances. I doubt the men that authorized Kerry's medals had any idea that he would have turned out so dishonorable. Not something you would expect from 99% of officers.

[CedarDave]

My fullest respect to you but I tend to think you didn't have the political clout that Kerry had. He had, even at that age, enough clout to make the strongest ring knocker blush. This is why I am convinced that Kerry wrote up his own medals and had no problem getting them approved.

I don't think any of the men that I served with were focused on medals. We all volunteered, for various reasons no doubt, some for patriotism, some for adventure, others looking at future military advancement. But I doubt that one of us thought and fantasized at using this to aid in a future political campaign. Kerry apparently had this as a goal from the beginning, and it shows how self-centered, arrogant and calculating a person he really is.

[Bellflower]

My fullest respect to you but I tend to think you didn't have the political clout that Kerry had. He had, even at that age, enough clout to make the strongest ring knocker blush.

Well put. But this brings up the biggest question yet. Why did he have and where did he get all that clot from. It makes me think that he is a communist and a communist infiltrating ring was already grooming him to be a Senator or President. Way back then he was telling others that he would be President. Did he have any reason to believe this other then his own ego. Look how far that bazaar guy who took his own film footage has come. Who was coaching him? Does anyone else have any suggestions concerning his clout that allowed him to get all the awards that he did not deserve from the United States Military? This could be the bigger story hiding behind this one.