Although this may indicate that Kerry was not the most willing entrant into the service, in fairness I wouldn't characterize this as some sort of 'smoking gun.' I am reminded that Alvin York sought deferral from military service as a conscientious objector on religious reasons, .... True. On the other hand, Alvin York did not campaign for public office by letting his underlings accuse his opponent of being the moral equivalent of a draft dodger and a deserter.