So Kerry didn't save Rassman's life?
He just gave him a lift?
It's entirely possible that Rassman thought his life was saved. I also just read that 1LT Rassman, a Green Beret, is the one who wrote up the citation.
If he knew he was exaggerating a bit at the time (because that's the way some awards are), it would be real hard to go back on that years later, and especially amidst this firestorm.
I wonder how deep the water was.
What's your point ?
a: The Rassman incident had nothing to do with Kerry's first PH.
b:Kerry did his duty in retrieving Rassman after losing him overboard, to have not done so would have been dereliction of duty, so it was not an "act of heroism"
c: If Kerry had not picked up Rassman, Chenoweth was ready to do so just 10 yards away, therefore he would not have drowned.
d: there are no reports of hostile fire during the Rassman incident. no one else was wounded (except by the mine explosion) and there were no damage reports of bullet holes despite the fact the other boats were there for over an hour on a 75 yard wide waterway. The Swift boats did open up themselves when the mine went off, this is likely what Rassman mistook for enemy fire.
e: Rassman (who nominated Kerry for his medal) was also mistaken in his statement that Kerry was "bleeding from his arm" -Kerry's Medical Report shows he was only bruised, therefore Rassman cannot be considered to be a reliable witness.
>>So Kerry didn't save Rassman's life? He just gave him a lift?
Yep. I read that long ago, from Rassman's own accout, I believe.
Rassman climbed a 'rope ladder' or some kind of 'netting'
that made it easier for swimmers to get out of the water, but Rassman
was unable to pull himself over the railing.
Kerry pulled him over the rail. THATS ALL. Some hero!
...and another boat was 10 yards away and would have gotten
him out instead 30 seconds later if Kerry had not returned.
I don't think saving Rassman has ever been disputed.
Although Kerry has changed his story 3 times that I know of .. saying he plucked Rassman out of the water; he was wounded and bleeding in his arm and hip and he lunged over the side of the boat to drag Kerry into the boat; and he jumped into the water to get Rassman. I've heard all 3 stories.
The SBV's never have denied Kerry rescued Rassman. What they dispute is the reason Kerry had to rescue Rassman .. they believe Kerry gunned his boat to run away after the mine went off, and that action resulted in Rassman being thrown overboard. When Kerry realized there was no fire coming at the boats, he returned to get Rassman - but another SB was within 10 secs of getting Rassman. And .. Kerry claimed in his after action report that the boat was "under fire" .. it wasn't.
I've wondered if Rassman's story would be different if another SB had picked him up ..??