[andyk]

Among other things, the new form changes Kerry's official US Navy separation date to March 1, 1970!

Maybe someone can help me out here. Kerry's DD214 from his website lists a separation date of March 1, 1970. Now, I realize this is a separation from active duty to the USNR (i.e., not a discharge!). It would not be the final entry in his DD214, which would eventually include his discharge from the Naval Reserves. However, I'm confused by the fact that the DD215 appears to update this date of separation (not discharge) to the same date. Furthermore, LTC Patterson appears to pass off the "updated" separation date as a date of discharge. What am I missing here?

[maica]

March 1,

####


I believe it was dated January 3, 1970.

It seems to me that the Admiral whose aide Kerry was, was happy to release him before his assignment was up - just as the commanding officers in Coastal Division 11 were happy to grant him the third Purple Heart in order to get rid of him.

[hubno]

When you finish your active duty service you are given a DD-214 and a Honorable Discharge worthy of framing.When you finish your inactive reserve service you receive another Honorable Discharge with the DD-214 adjustments on the back of the Discharge.
I have all three 2 H.D.'s & DD-214.
You get only one ( 1 ) DD-214.
You get only one ( 1 ) citation with your medal.
Nothing I have was ever reviewed by a board of officers or approved by the president unless it was rubber stamped on the front of my H.D.
Wonder if Kerry ever tried to join the VFW or American Legion?

[jackbill]

I'm having the same problem. As far as I know, you get one DD214. I got mine when I was released from active duty (1953). I still had inactive reserve obligation and at the end of that term, I received a discharge.

The DD215 is used to "correct" the DD214. In Kerry's case it looked like he just wanted more medals put on the record, although he left the "V" on the Silver Star.

I'm confused.