Pentagon investigates Kerry's war medals

smh.com.au ^ | September 6, 2004 | The Telegraph, London

[TaxPayer2000]

In a fresh blow to John Kerry's flagging presidential campaign, the Pentagon has ordered an official investigation into the awarding of the Democratic senator's five Vietnam War decorations.

News of the inquiry came as two of the first polls released since last week's Republican convention said President George Bush had opened an 11-point lead over his rival - the widest margin since serious campaigning began.

The inquiry is to be carried out by the Inspector-General's office of the US Navy, for which Senator Kerry served as a Swift Boat captain for four months in 1968, making two tours of duty. He was wounded in action and subsequently awarded three Purple Hearts, a Silver Star and a Bronze Star. But, for the past month, the details of Senator Kerry's military service in Vietnam have become shrouded in a controversy that the navy now feels warrants a full-blown search for the truth.

A self-styled group of Swift Boat Veterans for Truth, many of whom served in Vietnam during the same period, say Senator Kerry exaggerated the significance of combat incidents and inaccurately reported the circumstances of his injuries. The accusations are repeated in a book, Unfit to Command, published last month.

Advertisement Advertisement Last week, the Kerry campaign attempted to leave the Vietnam debate behind, as signs appeared that the controversy was damaging Senator Kerry's standing in the polls. But to the consternation of campaign strategists, the US Navy has now agreed to a request by Judicial Watch, a bipartisan lobby group, for a full inquiry.

Judicial Watch is calling for the navy to report before the elections, but navy officials are so far refusing to give any timetable for the inquiry.

The group's president, Tom Fitton, sought an investigation in August into the "determination and final disposition of the awards granted to Lieutenant (junior grade) John Forbes Kerry, US Naval Reserve", in response to the Swift Boat Veterans' allegations.

A navy spokesman confirmed on Friday that the Inspector-General's office at the Pentagon had authorised the inquiry. "There's a feeling that it's time to deal with this thoroughly, once and for all," an official said.

Among other Kerry records to be examined is a citation for bravery that was apparently signed by the former navy secretary John Lehman, and contributed to the award of his Silver Star. The glowing citation states: "By his brave actions, bold initiative and unwavering devotion to duty, Lieutenant Kerry reflected great credit on himself."

But Mr Lehman denies all knowledge of the commendation. "It's a total mystery to me," he said last week. "I never saw it, I never signed it and I never approved it." The inquiry will also investigate other reports and citations leading to the award of Senator Kerry's medals.

Mr Lehman endorsed the investigation on Friday, saying that the relevant navy records needed to be "thoroughly researched and the facts established".

In an angry statement from campaign headquarters, Michael Meehan, Senator Kerry's senior adviser, condemned the inquiry as a waste of resources.

"The facts are clear," Mr Meehan said. "The navy awarded John Kerry the Silver Star, a Bronze Star with Combat V and three Purple Hearts. This is a waste of taxpayers' dollars and the Pentagon's time, especially during wartime."

[hoosiermama]

"The facts are clear," Mr Meehan said. "The navy awarded John Kerry the Silver Star, a Bronze Star with Combat V and three Purple Hearts. This is a waste of taxpayers' dollars and the Pentagon's time, especially during wartime."

Har har har har har! This joker actually thinks he has more knowledge than the Navy and pull with the Pentagon. Think again.

[rocksblues]

In an angry statement from campaign headquarters, Michael Meehan, Senator Kerry's senior adviser, condemned the inquiry as a waste of resources.

Silver Star with a Combat V has never been awarded to any one in the history of the US and the Navy cannot investigate this claim by Kerry?

Did you know I served in Viet Nam and was wounded?

[Just Lori]

I doubt the source of this info.

[Shellback Chuck]

I hope the Navy gives him the old "BOHICA".

[Ethyl]

"The facts are clear," Mr Meehan said. "The navy awarded John Kerry the Silver Star, a Bronze Star with Combat V and three Purple Hearts. This is a waste of taxpayers' dollars and the Pentagon's time, especially during wartime

This guy says a Bronze Star with a Combat V??? Which is it a Silver Star or Bronze Star, and which doesn't have a Combat V? I don't know, just asking?

[familyop]

Heads up, Chief. ...looks like they're going to do it.

We considered the cluster circus that might happen if it's before the Election, resulting in the Dems screaming "foul!" and having to pick another candidate late.

But what if the investigation goes on until after the Election? ...little different scenario there?

[Oldeconomybuyer]

bump

[rocksblues]

Oh so now it's a Bronze star with a Combat V. Check out Kerry's web page. Oh wait it's one of the pages that has pulled!

[BlessedBeGod]

Pentagon to check Kerry war record

Pentagon to check Kerry war record

[traumer]

I feel somewhat sorry for the DNC.... Kerry - Edwards.
Is it the best they could come up with in the four years ??

[KellyAdmirer]

I find it difficult to believe that Secretary Lehman wouldn't recall signing a citation for such a well-known (and controversial) political figure as John Kerry, even pre-Senator Kerry. Something stinks really bad about Kerry's claims.

[Nick Danger]

I find it hard to believe any serious effort to look into Kerry's service history will be made by either the Pentagon or the Navy.

The Pentagon will not want to put itself in the position of potentially throwing this election one way or the other. That's too hot a potato.

Having put out an announcement that they are investigating, they can now wrap themselves in the "cannot comment on an ongoing investigation" cloak until the election is well behind us.

Because of Lehman's public statement, they now have to at least look into the Lehman Mystery. And they probably have to deal with the Silver Star with the 'V', there being no such medal. But other than that, I would expect them to find nothing substantive either way.

There will always be Democrats in Congress, and they will always be part of setting the Pentagon budget. The Pentagon is not going to do anything to start a feud with them.

[TaxPayer2000]

ok, sorry, already posted under a different headline

[John Lenin]

I think the deadline passed for a new candidate ?

[shagbark]

a Bronze Star may be awarded with or without the "V", which connotes a specific valorous action as contrasted with a meritorious performance. The Silver Star is an award for valor. Hence the "V" would be redundant and is therefore not included.
The more germane question is: was a Silver Star awarded?
The record of all awards will consist of a listing in the serviceman's 201 file, and a copy of the commendation and award order in the serviceman's official personnel file.

[texson66]

Well I hope the Navy can pin his (ScaryKerry's) a** to the bulkhead!

What I'm really waiting for is the following:

In a fresh blow to John Kerry's flagging presidential campaign, the Senate has ordered an official investigation into the lack of attendance at his committee meetings and Senate sessions during the Democratic senator's 20 year term.

But I won't hold my breath!

[Calpernia]

Just do a search here at FR. This story has been posted from multiple sources now. Not all have register to read options.