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
The timing sounds like he was being groomed for a political career, and a tour in VN was a necessary "ticket punch" for that career. His bio lists him as being a captain in '59. Haven't seen what rank he was in '66, but I don't think he was leading from the front by that point
I would be curious as to his family history
"Is this what we really want to do?"
Seems like it's running about 8-2
8 for 2 against
That's just an unofficial guess.
This seems awful 'loose' and questionable material to be basing an investigation on. And without him signing a 180 and releasing his records I don't think anything short of a purposeful challenge to him by his service 'buddies' will carry much, if any weight.
That's why I believe he's more open to the corruption charges and without further evidence believe that would be a preferable route. I would love to see him taken down as much as the next Freeper, I just don't want it to come back and haunt us.
Ouch -- I'll bet this was a serious enough hit to "earn" a Purple Heart!
Semper Fi
Actually, the CNS article came out AFTER it was brought up on FR on a Code Pink article.
Murtha is the one that keeps bringing up his service record.
I wonder if any GOPers would be hurt if that can of worms was open.
Giving a ton of leyway to Murtha (being a fellow US Marine), his diengeuous statements are truly his current ideals and he's justified them to himself in some convoluted form of anti-government rhetorical posturing.
Which brings into question his sanity.
Concurrently, his Purple Hearts coming into focus seems like simple copy cat political attacks left over from sKerry.
You know, those words are very similar to the ones that have been uttered, muttered, and screeched by the left against Bush....
Murtha better put some ice on that.
Murtha was in the Reserves for a long while, then volunteers to go to Nam in '66-67, gets a few decorations, then gets elected to the Pennsylvania house in the 68 elections.
Then over the next 23 years he never receives has a significant deployment or receives another award until his DSM kiss at his retirement in 1990? Hmmmmmmm.......
He was an Intelligence Officer, not a Commanding Officer.
Since a famous incident on Guadalcanal, The Marines have perfered Their intellegence officer chained to a field desk, rock, or some other nonmovable object and not in the field looking for the enemy.
Lt Colonel Frank Goettge earned his Purple Heart the hard way on Guadalcanal, he died for it, leading a small patrol in search of intelligence, and as such has been The example of what a good Intelligence officer should never do, go off and look for the enemy.
Add that to the list of why Muthra's Purple Hearts are suspect, They fly in the face of Marine SOP.
I agree; he does! All the time! Lets just say we agree on the goal but aren't quite there yet on the method of achieving it.
Have a good one! I have to get some meds in me and some rest or I'll be hurtin' for certain.
Exactly. I'm suprised at those on this thread who would give a free pass to someone who may have received military awards through fraud. They must hold concepts such as honor and integrity in low regard.
I agree with you. He's a deluded old man. Leave him alone.
Although I'm new here (since November) I've gained a lot of respect for FR and its people. I'd hate to see anything impugn its fine reputation.
Sorry, but I have to leave it at that. I have to get some meds in me or I'll be in trouble.
Take care!
I agree.
It's on him whether or not he did or did not earn the Purple Hearts. He has to live with that.
But his arguements have been shot down several times, the military and the vets already hate his guts, so to speak.
There is very little, if any, gain to be had in going after him like that. It's in the past when he is giving up a LOT of stuff to be used now.
I've seen most of the threads on this guy Don Bailey.It's compelling, but how can we know it's true?
The way I see it, Murtha is an EX-Marine, he turned his back on the Corps.It's as if he had no military service at all.
But,if we want to demand he sign a SF180 and release his medical records, that's fair game.We have to be prepared to listen to the "How dare you question my patriotism" crap.But so what? We know that drill.
If Murtha is proud of his service,he has nothing to hide.
There is a matter of truth. If you dont want to know the facts about traitors just read the nation and code pink news and stay out of FR.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.