[ScottinVA]

Murtha served in Vietnam and was awarded a Bronze star and two Purple Hearts. It is wholly unseemly for Freepers, especially Freepers who did not serve, to criticize the honorable military service of political opponents.

Conversely, a five-time deferral Marine Reservist who never served in a combat zone but claims otherwise is fair game, Reserve service notwithstanding.

[Rdev]

Do you know the circumstances of his medals? He, like Mr. Kerry, never served a day in any hospital during his tour. In fact, about a year after he returned home, he was working as an aid for the Congressman he would replace, that congressman planned to retire and suddenly Mr. Murtha contacted the Defense department to say something like, "Hey, I remember I was wounded twice during my tour!. When do I get my medals"? He's gone and I don't like bringing this up, but don't start bragging about his service medals. He served and anyone should respect that. To go beyond that gets into Mr. Kerry territory.