[Petronski]

What SECNAVINST regarding this issue was in effect at the time in question? Was this one in effect then?

And BTW, what IS the time in question? Late seventies? Or am I confused?

[charleston1]

BTTT and keep it there.

[Polybius]

What SECNAVINST regarding this issue was in effect at the time in question? Was this one in effect then?

We need some Pajama People to dig that up. This, however, was a 1984 SECNAV Instruction which referenced past discharge policies.

And BTW, what IS the time in question? Late seventies? Or am I confused?

The linked SECNAV Instruction specifically mentions those "who were discharged or had their discharge reviewed on or after April 20, 1971".

Kerry was not eligible for discharge until 16 December 1972.

[cake_crumb]

"And BTW, what IS the time in question? Late seventies? Or am I confused?"

You think YOU'RE confused?? I can't keep track of how many times Kerry received his "honorable" discharge", how many different decades he was awarded the same Silver Star, how many people awarded that particular medal OR which people awarded that particular medal in which decade!

[USNA74]

Generally, SECNAVINSTs (SECNAV Instructions) are numbered according to topic and lettered according to sequential revisions made. So, the SECNAVINST in force on this issue, during the 70's, might have been 5420.174A or B.

There's a website for all SECNAV Instructions, but it only provides the current versions of instructions. Someone would have to have 174A or B in hard copy, I would guess.

[BIGLOOK]

Question; Kerry seems to have some legal hold placed upon him by the Navy under existing UCMJ or Federal laws at the time he was to be discharged, having completed his contract with the Navy.

Does the Carter clemency deny further investigation or prosecution for acts committed by Kerry during his contractual service period that were not related to evading or fleeing military obligations?

I suspect charges were brought against Kerry other than those covered by Carter's blanket clemency.