The Silver Star was probably for beaching the boat while attacking a site that had just fired a B-40 rocket at them. The Chicago guy (OIC of another boat) said that Kerry had proposed this after several boats were shot up running away from fire. It is common for an OIC to receive the honor that probably belongs to the unit. As far as shooting VC's running away after firing rockets at you, even if wounded, good. Any Silver Star inherently is for valor. The question is why the 1978 honorable discharge? It sounds like an upgrade to me under Carter.
I do believe Kerry was dishonorably discharged and that his why he will not release ALL his records?
And why will not one reporter as Kerry about his discharge?