Did WaPo actually see his DD214 or did they just request Phillips ‘clarify.’
Most likely someone at the WP who trolls FR saw it and sent an email to executives before someone slapped a slander suit on them.
I’m guessing they contacted him and he admitted he was never in Vietnam. He knew people were looking into it, people who would find the truth. He gave himself an out by using “weasel words” (as Comey would say)calling himself a “Vietnam times veteran”.
I never served but I was raised by two Vietnam Veterans, my dad and my brother, and I know how they talk and I knew this Phillips guy didn’t talk like one. He doesn’t act like a Marine either in my opinion.