"I am not questioning Mr. Ford's military service, but I am a little confused on some of this. "
There is confusion, I think the gist of it on this thread is true, but that people that have reported on it over his lifetime don't have the military experience to pin it down perfectly.
I have a great interest in a history like his, and so far I haven't been able to find a totally satisfactory version.
dighton's link in post 12 is a good read also.