[Hon]

I fill in more details as I find them.

Of course this is not to denigrate Cleland's service in any way shape or form. It is simply to clarify the record.

[Cathryn Crawford]

Okay.

[cweese]

...great post! any chance of finding similar details concerning sen. heinz's record?...

[sirshackleton]

While the clarification is appreciated, I don't think we should hold something like this against Cleland.

[TexasCajun]

Note to self:

Do Not Pick Up Hand Grenades I Find!

[NautiNurse]

Cleland was not eligible for a Purple Heart, as his injury did not occur while in direct combat with the enemy.

This last line was the most amazing.

[familyofman]

8 days at the front & he gets wounded. I can think of a lot of soldiers that spent less than a day at the front & never came home. Think Omaha Beach on D Day for starters.

Jessica Lynch wasn't even at the front & she came home a wounded "hero".

Some things in life just aren't worth trying to bring up to denigrate your political opponent & this is surely one of them. For pity sakes - quit going after our servicemen & women - have you no shame?

[Wheee The People]

He was there. That counts, and I honor his service. I spit on his judgement after that, but here was there...

[bobo1]

I would make a minor protest. I simply consider heros to be heros. Cleland does not fit the definition, as does Kerry.

I am wearied of those that wish to claim the status without the substance. Cleland merely appealed to the sympathy vote.

Go ahead and flame me. He is a jerk using his war wounds for his own ambition, just like Hanoi John.

A pox be upon them.

Blessings, bobo

[optimistically_conservative]

Your headline is misleading, not sure the battle for Khe Sahn can be considered the limit of Cleland's "front-line" experience in Vietnam. I've also done some research on this.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1080821/posts?page=92#92

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1080821/posts?page=104#104

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1080821/posts?page=155#155

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1080821/posts?page=168#168

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1076535/posts?page=220#220

[Mike Darancette]

His Silver Star is earned, glad of his service.

[cd jones]

thanks for all your posts, keep up the good work.

[CaptainLou]

I applaud and thank anyone who wore the uniform of our country, especially those that did so in a combat situation.

That being said, I also don't think we should be giving anyone a free pass about what they say or do upon returning home.

I don't think anyone here would denegrate Cleland's service, it's what came after that service and how he's leveraged it for personal gain that are the issue. IMHO, the heros aren't the ones that have to constantly remind folks about their accomplishments.

[lilylangtree]

Good reference information.

[LibWhacker]

Thanks, Hon, bookmarked! The facts appear correct and it's never wrong or shameful to compile facts.

[stylin19a]

your headline stinks.

That they served matters. How they served is a matter for them & their GOD.

How someone trying to get elected presents their military service, is also a matter for the American public.

Present the facts as they stand. Don't bias it with a really crummy headline.

Semper Fi

[znix]

This post and most of the comments here are disgraceful.

What matters is that they served.

[verity]

"At the front" is inappropriate when referring to RVN.

[devane617]

What does any of this matter? As a Republican, and a person with a severe disability that has been in a wheelchair for forty years, I fail to see the benefit in attacking MC. MC has tried to make the best of a very bad situation that most of you could not comprehend, although on the wrong side of the isle. I see no benefit to conservatives to continue this attack.

[ZULU]

Okay. Now can somebody clarify Kerry's service? What exactly did he do to deserve the three pruple hearts and the other medals he received?

[LiteKeeper]

INTREP - ELECTION 2004 - CLELAND