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Considering the fact that the protocol when there was a wounded vessel was to "circle the wagons" and lay down cover fire for the rescue, this graphic is VERY damaging to Kerry inasmuch as it confirms that he was the only vessel to turn tail and run from the wounded vessel. All the other vessels stayed for whatever fight might ensue.

Further it confirms that Rassman was ejected due to the negligence of Kerry rather than from the explosion. It also confirms that it was Kerry who placed him in the drink, so he certainly didn't deserve a medal for rescuing him later. If anything he should have received a rerprimand for abandoning a man-overboard.

Finally it confirms that Kerry could not possibly know if there was any enemy fire coming from the banks, as he was too busy running from the scene to witness it.

Is it any wonder after this action that his fellow commanders "suggested" that he use his third purple heart as an excuse to get out of 'Nam? They couldn't count on him.