"Just what is Murtha's pedigree? I'd like to see an accurate listing of his duty in the military."
________
The word I've heard is that he was a dirt Marine sergeant in 'Nam, got a commission in the Reserves and retired at O-6.
Enlisted types don't usually write themselves up for medals, and that goes double for the Corps. If he got Purple Hearts as a Marine, he damn well earned them.
All that being said, I know at least one retired Gunny who would like to stake Murtha out over an anthill for a week or so while he thought up something REALLY unpleasant to do.
But it's not a free pass to say or do anything for the rest of one's life.