Honorable service as an enlisted guy? You obviously have no clue ... another pontificating ignoramus who never served day one in any branch of the U.S. military.
Unless the history I read is different than the history you read, I am correct.
Kerry joined the United States Navy Reserve during his senior year at Yale. He is quoted as saying that he decided to join the Navy after he approached his draft board for permission to study for a year in Paris, and the draft board refused.[9] In addition, several of his classmates were enlisting in the armed services. Upon graduation from Yale, Kerry entered active duty and served until 1970, eventually reaching the rank of Lieutenant. Kerry was awarded several medals during his second tour of Vietnam, including the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and three Purple Hearts. Kerry’s military record has received considerable praise and criticism during his political career, especially during his unsuccessful 2004 bid for the presidency.
Commission, training, and tour of duty on the USS Gridley
On February 18, 1966, Kerry enlisted in the Naval Reserve.[13] He began his active duty military service on August 19, 1966. After completing sixteen weeks of Officer Candidate School at the U.S. Naval Training Center in Newport, Rhode Island, Kerry received his officer’s commission on December 16, 1966. During the 2004 election, Kerry posted his military records at his website, and permitted reporters to inspect his medical records. In 2005, Kerry released his military and medical records to the representatives of three news organizations, but has not authorized full public access to those records.[14]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Kerry#Military_service_.281966.E2.80.931970.29
I hate to cite wiki on this but it was the easiest to find and I have to go to bed.