Posted on 01/15/2006 4:00:20 PM PST by armydawg1
Jack Murtha's 'Fake' Purple Hearts - An Open Letter
May 5, 2002
Dear Jack,
I’m writing on matters of joint concern. A number of weeks ago I was talking with someone who is a mutual acquaintance and your name came up. It was an unusually frank discussion and I considered it private. I did relate some opinions about you and shared some recollections about experiences with you in Congress. I was, to be honest, critical about how you misled me about ABSCAM where you convinced me you had voluntarily told federal agents about the offer of money to you and I learned later, after I had successfully defeated the ethics charges against you, that you had merely manipulated the system to cooperate with federal agents to avoid prosecution.
I also shared my recollection of when you admitted, back in our corner, that you didn’t earn your purple hearts (you indicated you had small scratch on your cheek that wasn’t even directly related to an APC that ran over a small anti personnel mine that was behind you). The other purple heart you even declined to explain.
At the time you were feeling particularly vulnerable, because it wasn’t too long after you had called me crying and sobbing, thanking me for “saving your life” before the ethics committee. There was no doubt in my mind that you were expressing to me that you did not believe you did anything sufficient to earn the purple heart, and that you didn’t want to be active in my efforts to laud Vietnam Veterans that served with us.
Given what I know about the brave men who served in the Marine Corp., I did not criticize you, but to be honest, I was shocked and disappointed in you personally. We both knew what was at issue, and we both know what happened and that you wanted to avoid the limelight. Later, we ended up having to run for the same seat. It was a good clean race and I admit I knew I couldn’t win, simply on the basis of voter turn out alone. During that time some people came to me with documents indicating you had used influence, after the fact, or had embellished your purple heart awards. I did not respond, and I said nothing. In doing so I may have betrayed my comrades in arms because I knew then what you had told me in the corner of the house - but I had told no one about that and I stood mute. But a few weeks ago my conversation was private and I was not seeking to do you any harm, though it would be ridiculous for me to infer that I have any respect for what you’ve done.
Regardless, shortly thereafter a reporter called me and I was put in a very different position. I could either deny what I said in private conversation, and thus lie, or I could fess up to the truth, or, I could take the cowards way out and stand mute. If I say something, I should either have the courage to back it up, or I shouldn’t open my mouth. Regardless it was too late, and I did not choose to lie. So I admitted to what I had said. However, I later received two calls from two different aides of yours, and later I was called a liar in the press. I am not a liar and I want an apology for the remarks you authorized that I didn’t tell the truth about our conversation. I don’t know how you got yourself awarded the purple hearts, but I know you indicated you didn’t earn them.
By the way. I’m not an ingrate. I deeply appreciate the help you gave me for the last governor’s primary. In fact, out of respect for you, when I realized that the race was going no where, I didn’t even cash the check you sent, (which I kept). Being grateful for your help, I have not sought to hurt you - but I will not betray or exploit the young men who died while fighting, with me, for this country. Never coming forward is one thing - I never have. Lying is another. Coincidentally I just settled an 11-year old law suit with Barbara Hafer where she apologized in writing for campaign defamation and admitted that federal agents (Thornburgh’s political friends) lied to her. I will not accept your falsehoods now. Enough is enough.
You clearly indicated to me in a moment of weakness, that you hadn’t deserved the purple hearts and there was no confusion on that. You may deny that all you wish - but you and I know that that conversation took place. Please apologize now. You may fool a few reporters into believing that merely because you got some perfunctory paperwork made out by a friend, that that means you earned the purple hearts. But even if you were awarded the medals later, there should be affidavits from witnesses. These things should be easy to get - where are they? I bet they don’t exist Jack because you are the one who’s lying. Luckily there’s one easy way to settle all this. Call a press conference. Explain where you were and what you were doing when you got the purple hearts. Explain who was with you and treated your wounds, but most important Jack describe your wounds or the lack thereof, as you did for me, years ago. I am absolutely certain that you won’t do that - because, though you may have manipulated some paperwork that says you were awarded the medals (for political purposes) you can’t produce the witnesses or documents to show any wounds or circumstances under which they occurred.Unless the Marine Corps gives out medals for unsubstantiated non -combat related telltale scratches, procured for use in political campaign - then show me the money Jack - because there should at least be evidence by affidavit, or record of the scratches, that’s what getting a purple heart requires - show me.
You may be able to take advantage of a few Washington reporters who don’t have sufficient experience to understand - but you can’t fool combat veterans of the Vietnam war by hiding behind “Unit” losses - we’re used to those stories. I have my orders describing my combat awards Jack - to back up my DD-214. Where’s your’s? And Jack - don’t ever call me a liar.
Sincerely,
Don Bailey
Submitted by Kelly Anne
Is it a MIL brotherhood? Or is this exclusively about the Marines? Because Kerry was Navy, right?
Kerry was Navy.
I think that everyone behind Murtha expects -and very likely hedged all bets- thinking Marines would NEVER 'dishonor' one of their own because of the brotherhood issue...
But from Peter Pace to FR the honor of the Corps itself is more valued in its integrity than than to permit this one lone shitbird to shit on those in the field.
This POS has no shame. After being called down by Peter Pace, he STILL has diarrhea of the mouth.
as I said if you dont want to know the facts ---but if you dont discourage those that want them.
For the most part, they are not and it is best to keep pointing out that fact. But the attack by this article is a waste of ammo (IMO) because Murtha's senility and utter ludicrousness speaks for itself. The media might give him a pass on that, but people can see it everytime he opens his mouth. OTOH, the media will use this attack represented by this thread as a distraction.
I understand that. The type of article you posted is a lot of ammo and worked well against Kerry who was a traitor shortly after he grandstanded for his medals. The problem with bringing up Murtha on the same issues, it that the essential reason Murtha is a traitor is not because of some deliberate plan he had to go to Vietnam, get some medals and become a traitor, but because he is now old and senile. You can hear that each time he opens his mouth. If you use this sort of ammo against him, it dilutes the attack on Kerry and anyone else past, present or future who plans the type of treason that Kerry planned and executed.
BTTT
BTTT
"Murtha joined the Marines in 52 "during the Korean War", yet no mention of any actual deployment to Korea. His family got money. I wonder what exactly he was actually doing during Korea?"
I dunno...But his website says he went from recruit to drill instructor to captain in 7 years.
He learned about military service from the bottom up, beginning as a raw recruit when he left Washington and Jefferson College in 1952 to join the Marines out of a growing sense of obligation to his country during the Korean War. There he earned the American Spirit Honor Medal, awarded to fewer than one in 10,000 recruits. He rose through the ranks to become a drill instructor at Parris Island and was selected for Officer Candidate School at Quantico, Virginia. He then was assigned to the Second Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. In 1959, Captain Murtha took command of the 34th Special Infantry Company, Marine Corps Reserves, in Johnstown. He remained in the Reserves after his discharge from active duty until he volunteered for Vietnam in 1966-67, receiving the Bronze Star with Combat "V", two Purple Hearts and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. He remained in the Reserves until his retirement. This first-hand knowledge of military and defense issues has made him a trusted adviser to presidents of both parties and one of the most effective advocates for the national defense in Washington. At the request of Presidents and Speakers of the House, he served as chairman of delegations monitoring elections in the Philippines, El Salvador, Panama and Bosnia.
He was awarded the Navy Distinguished Service Medal by the Marine Corps Commandant when he retired from the Marines.
OLD MARINE SAYING:
You can shock the sh!t troops
But ya cannot sh!t the shock troops!
-Author Unknown
I essentially stated my method in my post. I believe it's better going after him (initially!) for his corruption, then follow up with his service fraud as a final crushing blow. Doing so not only strikes at his character but also strikes a blow at Nancy Pelosi who has cuddled up with him on his anti-Iraq stance. She's become so vocal about the GOP 'culture of corruption' this could seriously damage her as well - not to mention her own issues which are under investigation. Once the corruption issue is in full swing the service issue would be seen for what it is and the MSM would have less success fluffing it off as they tried with the Swift Boat Vets.
This being said, another response to me (which I haven't replied to yet) indicates that some of the Freepers involved in this thread are actually his service comrades. That being so, I have far less concern for the issue as long as they go about it properly. By that I mean public announcements, news articles, etc. The same as the Swift Boat Vets handled the issue. Keep in mind, a large segment of the population still gets it's news from TV and the MSM. They're apolitical and tend to believe what they see. The issue should be presented to them so that it seems to come from mainstreem sources; not what can be stylized as a 'right-wing' website (now, don't go getting on me for that statement - I'm writing from their perspective, not mine).
All I'm saying is, handled properly, I believe Murtha, et. al. can be not only marginalized in the public's opinion but dealt a decisive blow to their character and credibility. Since the new Dimocrat issue seems to be corruption, then use this as the major issue in an attack against them.
I agree. His medals are secondary now except that the media uses them as an instrument of credibility as they try to paint him as Mr. Marine Corps and Mr Military.
First, this would not only be a strike at him but at Nancy Pelosi and her 'culture of corruption' crap she keeps sputtering about. She's become so cuddly with him over his anti-Iraq issue, this would tarnish her also.
Then, while that is in full swing, should these people come public with their information about his service record, it would be a final nail in his political career (as well as to his reputation). By public I mean their handling it in the same fashion as the Swift Boat Vets did with John Kerry. Public announcements, newspaper articles, appearances, etc. That's how to get the news out to the majority of Americans (who still get their news from the MSM). They're the ones we have to inform; not those of us who already visit and contribute to conservative 'ether-land'.
BTW, I too have worn the uniform although I never served in Vietnam. I too despise anyone who collects political brownie points from Code Pink and the Dancing Dims - or even from their time in service. That's nothing to barter on in my estimation. It's something to be proud of; not use to solidify one's power. That's why I have far greater respect for President Bush than for John McCain.
'Nuff said!
"My opinion is that John Murtha is a lowly form of human defecation worthy of ridicule, scorn, and derision. Even if he WAS a United States Marine."
I lost all respect I had for murtha when he aligned with code pink
At that point he was no longer a United States Marine"
Well said.
What if Muthra's not senile?
What if he knows exactly what he is doing?
What if he wants this country to flee in the face of terrorism for the sole purpose of political gain by his party?
What then?
Doesn't the possiblity that all of the above are reasons enough to go after his record to take away his ability to stand upon it and preach to the masses.
Democrats aren't just playing around with the safety and moral of our troops when Muthra speaks, they are tempting fate by dropping our guard against future terrorist attacks, so that they can be the ones that respond to the next attack.
Compared to the overall security and defence of this country, Muthra's records and awards mean nothing!
Kerry is on the ash heap of history now. Neutered for the most part.
Murtha still must be carried to that same spot in history.
How sad to see such a spectacle. But he deserves every bit of derision, comtempt and disgust that comes his way. He earned it.
Sorry Gunny, you might have to put that in English or Armyese for me. :)
What I think we are all missing here...is the DD-214 and the implications. Its not Purple Heart history that would be damaged by the release of the DD-214...in fact...it would be a plus just to show the wording on the document. I have no arguement with any of Purple Heart business. But when you don't want the entire DD-214 to come out...it makes me wonder what else you did...and if you got any involuntary separation paperwork or if you were court-martialed for some action (like striking a officer or AWOL for two weeks). This is the case in front of us today. Murtha hasn't laid out the DD-214 for a reason...Purple Heart comments aren't the reason...he's got something else that he hasn't admitted.
For this reason, I think he is a open target. Any man who puts his hat in the ring for congress or the senate...better put his entire reputation on the line and lay out the path he took to get to that point. I can say alot of negative things about McCain...but he has a military career that cannot be stained. I don't think Murtha can sit at the same table as McCain...nor can he stand judgement on military decisions of the president.
Anyone who disagrees with you is attacked and called part of MoveOn.org? Come on. You MUST be smarter than that.
Compared to Kerry, Murtha's use of medals means nothing. Even his downfall pales in significance to Kerry's. If you guys refute this guy based on phony medals, even part way, that's a main piece of valueable ammo against Kerry that gets slightly diluted. It doesn't matter whether you think it's deserved or not, it's the public perception of "always" going after the medals that dilutes the very serious charges against Kerry.
In this case, sh1t troops would be the gullible/sheep/herd/useful idiots, fellow travelers, etc....
the shock troops...would be...the...'enlightened,' the elite ones, etc.
;)
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