I know more about Kerry's records than I care to know. I was an active participant in 2004 on FR discussing it. I downloaded all of his records and carefully went over them. I had separate, private email conversations with Lipscomb and the Holzers about the issue. I can only relate my own personal experience and knowledge to the Kerry case. I served in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968. I understand the Navy personnel system. I despise Kerry, contributed to the SBVFT multiple times, and was a campaign volunteer for Bush. There would be nothing more than I would like to find out is that Kerry received a GD that was upgraded to honorable. I don't think that is the case.
Thanks for the link. I did find the following interesting: "...points out that there should also have been a certified letter giving Mr. Kerry a choice of a reserve reaffiliation or separation and discharge." I did receive such a letter prior to getting my HD in 1978, six years after being released from active duty.
Kerry has knowingly restricted his release of his records to three friendly reporters, knowing full well that they don't have the desire or knowledge to figure out what the information means. As I have indicated elsewhere, the official record is not that useful given the fact that Kerry was the source for much of what is in the official record. It is the fact that his contemporaries [inclding his entire chain of command] who were there at the time dispute the official record, which makes it harder to sell to the public and the MSM, and this was detailed in Unfit for Command. We need to find out how Kerry's first PH was authorized and the story behind the reissuance of his medal certificates in 1985.
I could go on and on about the subject, but frankly, I just don't want to invest the effort. It is important given the fact that Kerry is running for reelection and he is trying to preserve his "hero status" that was badly punctured by the SBVFT. The MSM has been shilling for him.