I apologize for distorting history, but the mind can play strange tricks, especially after taking the brunt of tremendous explosions of underwater mines,and then risking death to rescue a fellow officer. Harrowing adventures lead to Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome.
It was definitely a moonless Chanukkah evening, in 1969, when we ran with muffled engines into Cambodia, our small yet powerfully armed riverine craft loaded to the gunwales with humanitarian supplies and a load of bright and jolly toys for Catholic/Episcopalian/Jewish missions along the river. Not that my CO, Lt. John Forbes Kerry of Massachusetts was seeking to slight the very worthwhile efforts of other missionary sects, he just wished to honor his own diverse heritage. It's an Irish thing.
We who served those many long years 'in country' with the man who selflessly would be our CIC, are just sick and tired of these scurrilous nit-picking attacks. "Chambering an RPG round," for example. Done it many times myself in the heat of combat in the fog of war. The resultant explosions were how I earned some of my own personal Purple Hearts, which were heartily endorsed by Lt. JFK. Laugh away, right-wing dingbats, but the Lt. and I are to this very day, picking rice from our continually festering Vietnam-era wounds.
When my former CO wins the Presidency, and I am appointed head of The Veterans Administration, we shall not take vengeance upon those who have lied and distorted the record with this slanderous pettifoggery. Instead, we shall make sure that anyone who has a war record similar to Lt. John F. Kerry's will be honored with huge cash bonuses and other 'perks,' such as free Heinz Condiments for life.
I would be lying though, if I did not tell you that these false and libelous attacks have caused a hero from Massachusetts great pain. I share his pain. It is seared; seared I tell you, into my memory.
A just-setting-the-record-straight-ping
Thinking about your heroism and your CO gives me a journalistic woodie. I may soil myself, or at least the pages of New York Times and the Boston Globe, with the results. Mary Mapes would unnerstan.
Since it was February, wouldn't it be considered a Ramadan eve mission?