I think we're missing the bigger picture here...KERRY WAS A LIEUTENANT IN THE INACTIVE NAVAL RESERVE WHEN HE WAS CONDUCTING HIS ANTI-WAR ACTIVITIES INCLUDING ACCUSING HIS FELLOW VETS AND OFFICER CORP OF COVERING UP ATROCITIES COMMITED IN VIETNAM. I wonder if the 100 missing pages of his service record address this , perhaps in the form of an Article 11 (as a minimum) or even an Article 32. Pure speculation but there has to be a good reason he won't release his record because if it was good news he'd be proudly using it to his advantage.
He won't release his records because of what you state and
He wrote up his own recommendations for the metals.
His medical records will show he never received a wound that would really merit his being awarded a Purple Heart.