[Poohbah]

There is also a common-sense method for debunking this urban legend. One frequent test is the story's plausibility: how likely is it that the incident could have happened as described? Do we really believe that a "dirty hippie" would spit upon a fit and trained soldier? If such a confrontation had occurred, would that combat-hardened soldier have just ignored the insult? Would there not be pictures, arrest reports, a trial record or a coroner's report after such an event? Years of research have produced no such records.

He forgets that the SOLDIER would, if he responded, be in serious trouble with his chain of command, and could expect to be court-martialed for assault, battery, and conduct unbecoming.

[sargunner]

Poohbah,

You are correct with the implications of responding to that sort of provocation. I returned from my first tour in Jan '69. Things hadn't totally gone crazy yet with Kerry's protesters. During that period, to travel on a SPACE-A basis on commercial aircraft (50% reduction) the military member MUST be in uniform. Well, I must tell you that after several encounters with my fellow Americans, which two of the incidents were referred to my 1st shirt, I travelled in disguise (civvies). Although at that time, the haircut was a dead giveaway.

Congrats - USMC gets one year older

[BykrBayb]

He forgets that the SOLDIER would, if he responded, be in serious trouble with his chain of command, and could expect to be court-martialed for assault, battery, and conduct unbecoming.

The dirty hippies who were doing the spitting didn't forget that. I have no doubt, this John was one of those dirty hippies.

[HiTech RedNeck]

It appears from this thread that one spitter-hitter, and perhaps two, escaped that fate.

[cyn]

is this person aware that more recently, hitlery's coven spat upon firefighters/LE at some event when she was running for senate?