Kerry Bronze Star Certificate signature questioned. Investigation warranted?

Kerry's PDF Military Files on his Website ^ | 4-15-04 | me

[moondoggie]

How come the paperwork on Kerry's Bronze Star Award is signed by John Lehman, Sec. of the Navy????

In addition, the date Lehman (supposedly) signed it is not on the document.

Did Kerry not get the award when Chaffee was Secretary of the Navy? If not, why not?

Did Kerry get the award 15 years late?

Or is the paperwork a "sham" and somebody made a big booboo?

I'll post the document as soon as I find it again. Maybe somebody here has it bookmarked? And, if there's already been a thread on this that I missed....please direct me to the proper thread.

Thanks!

[Timeout]

Now, hold your breath...

FYI, I emailed the Lehman information to the Boston Globe reporter who's covered Kerry for many years.

He wrote me back within 20 minutes, saying "very interesting, can't explain it, will check into it."

Still holding my breath, but at least it's "out there".

[lilylangtree]

Had to look up John Lehman. He was SECNAV under Reagan's tenure as President. That's 1981-1988. I agree why is Ketchupman receiving a bronze years later?

[nolu chan]

In the U.S. Navy, CINCPAC and CINCPACFLT are two distinct titles and are not interchangeable. Admiral John McCain was CINCPAC while Admiral John Hyland was in the subordinate position of CINCPACFLT.

LINK

"Admiral John S. McCain, Jr., submariner, became Commander-in-Chief of the Pacific Command (CINCPAC) in July 1968, a position he held until 1972. As such, he directed all U.S. military operations in the vast war theater during the Vietnam war, exercising command through CINCPACFL (Commander-in-Chief of the Pacific Fleet) and CINCPACAF (Commander- in-Chief of the Pacific Air Force). He exercised command over ground and air operations in Vietnam through CONMUSMACV (Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Military Assistance Command Vietnam), U.S. Army General Creighton Abrams."

LINK

CINCPACFLT

Admiral John J. HYLAND, USN
30 November 1967 - 5 December 1970

[Robert A Cook PE]

OK.

So, who had "signature authority" for Silver Stars during the Vietnam conflict?

Who had final signature authority for Bronze stars then? (Not now, but at the time Kerry's SHLOUD HAVE BEEN signed?)

[nolu chan]

The specific question is who was authorized to sign twenty or thirty years ago. I can only provide the current instructions. I doubt that the procedures have changed drastically, but research into old instructions would be required to verify that.

The Silver Star Medal authorized in 1932 was designed by Rudolf Freund of Bailey, Banks and Biddle. Silver Star Medal number #1 (with six oak leaf clusters) was issued to General Douglas MacArthur in August of 1932

The statutory authority for the Navy/Marine Corps to issue a Silver Star Award is 10 USC 6244. For the Army it is 10 USC 3746. For the Air force it is 10 USC 8746.

LINK

10 USC Section 6244. Silver star medal

The President may award a silver star medal of appropriate design, with ribbons and appurtenances, to a person who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy or Marine Corps, is cited for gallantry in action that does not warrant a medal of honor or Navy cross -

(1) while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States;

(2) while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or

(3) while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.

LINK SECNAVINST 1650.1G PDF

SECNAVINST 1650.1G of 7 January 2002

NAVY AND MARINE CORPS AWARDS MANUAL

The first page provides points of contact, including the Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals: (202) 685-1770

Paragraph 113. AUTHORITY TO APPROVE AWARDS

Subparagraphs (3) and (4)

[at page 12 of the PDF file, page 1-4 of the instruction]

"3. The Navy Cross, Distinguished Service Medal, and Silver Star Medal are approved and awarded by SECNAV in the name of the President."

4. The Legion of Merit, Distinguished flying Cross, Navy and Marine Corps Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, and Air Medal (Strike/Flight) are awarded by SECNAV and Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) or Commandant of the Marine Corps (CMC) under delegated authority from SECNAV in the name of the President.

SECNAVINST 1650.1G, page 2-43, [At page 82 of the PDF file] appendix C to Chapter 2, provides a sample SILVER STAR CITATION which appears to show that the signature of SECNAV is required.

[Robert A Cook PE]

Several of those links didn't come through (on first try) but I've checked the current instructions, and agree.

Problem is, during a war, when tens of thousands of things are going on at the same time (including medals and honors, deaths, and drafts, and attacks and planning ... as well as the "usual" rounds of congressional inquiries and budgets and DOD purchasing and coordination), it is usual that the "authority" to name awards gets moved doen several levels.

So, for a Bronze Star, when many are going to be authorized in a single year (and this even BEFORE photocopies and faxes and email (obviously) and even automatic typewriters!) it's usual the the SceNAV delegates authority to award that medal to somebody else. Perhaps the same for Silver Star - a slightly higher award.

Question is, that authority would be from a single letter or memo issued (perhaps!) in '65 or '66, and was removed in (maybe ?) '72 or '73 when the fighting stopped.

So, was such a letter issued?

[nolu chan]

Such a change should be reflected by a message such as the one below and then by a change to the effective edition of the Awards Manual. Not that it would be easy, but it it would probably be easiest to find the old Awards Manual. That could likely be done with a FOIA request to the Awards office, but it would take time. I don't think the answer you seek is readily available using online sources.

For info, the info addresses appearing as "AIG 7403" and "AIG 7406" do not indicate one addressee. AIG = Address Indicator Group and each represents a great big gaggle of addressees.

The current policy shows Army delegation for a Bronze Star but not a Silver Star.

https://www.perscomonline.army.mil/tagd/awards/Delegation_of_Wartime_Approval_AuthorityUSJSOC.doc

231306Z APR 03

FROM: CDRPERSCOM ALEXANDRIA VA//TAPC-PDO-PA

TO: COMUSJSOC FORT BRAGG NC

INFO:
COMCFLCC DOHA KUWAIT KU//C1//
COMUSARCENT-CDRUSATHIRD FT MCPHERSON GA//AFRD-PA//
HQDA WASH DC//DACS/DAMO/DALO/DAPE//
USCINCENT MACDILL AFB FL//CCJ1-MPSA//
CDRFORSCOM FT MCPHERSON GA//AFAG-PSS-S//
AIG 7403
AIG 7406

UNCLAS

SUBJECT: DELEGATION OF WARTIME APPROVAL AUTHORITY-USJSOC

A. AR 600-8-22, MILITARY AWARDS, DATED 25 FEBRUARY 1995.

B. DOD 1348.33-M, MANUAL OF MILITARY DECORATIONS AND AWARDS, SEPTEMBER 1996.

C. HQ, PERSCOM MESSAGE, DTG 121305Z, NOV 02, SUBJ: SECOND AND SUBSEQUENT AWARDS OF THE COMBAT INFANTRYMAN AND COMBAT MEDICAL BADGES.

D. HQ, PERSCOM MESSAGE, DTG 091135Z, JUL 02, SUBJ: CLARIFICATION OF PURPLE HEART CRITERIA-CORRECTED COPY.

E. HQ, PERSCOM MESSAGE, DTG 110501Z, MAR 02, SUBJ: AWARD OF THE COMBAT INFANTRYMAN BADGE AND COMBAT MEDICAL BADGE-OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM.

F. HQ, PERSCOM INFORMATION PAPER, DATED 13 JAN 03, SUBJ: CRITERIA AND PROCESSING PROCEDURES FOR ARMY AWARDS TO FOREIGN MILITARY PERSONNEL.

G. HQ, CFLCC/ARCENT MEMORANDUM (AFRD-PA), DATED 20 APR 03, SUBJ: CFLCC WARTIME AWARDS POLICY FOR OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM (OIF).

1. ON 18 APR 03, THE SECRETARY OF THE ARMY DELEGATED, AS AN EXCEPTION TO POLICY, AUTHORITY FOR YOU TO APPROVE WARTIME AWARDS, BRONZE STAR MEDAL AND BELOW, TO U.S. ARMY PERSONNEL ASSIGNED OR ATTACHED TO YOUR COMMAND WHO DEPLOY INTO THE USCENTCOM AOR IN SUPPORT OF JSOC COMBAT OPERATIONS. THIS AUTHORITY WILL NOT BE FURTHER DELEGATED.

2. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR AWARD OF THE MEDAL OF HONOR, DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS, DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL, SILVER STAR, LEGION OF MERIT, DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS, AND SOLDIERS' MEDAL WILL BE FORWARDED TO HQ, PERSCOM (TAPC-PDO-PA) FOR CONSIDERATION BY ONE OF THE ARMY DECORATIONS BOARDS.

[snip]

[BIGLOOK]

Excellent analysis Mr. Swampfox. Citations cannot be purchased at the PX. As I recall, they're presented at the awards ceremony. Although I received updated citations post sepros (actually my father did at my home of record), these arrived about six mos. after separation. 10 or more years? Get a grip. A really firm grip. Biglook.

[BIGLOOK]

I'm new to this, so cut me some slack. I saw your facsimile of John H. Chafee's signature that you posted. This caused me to rummage around a bit to find my own citation, signed, in 1971, by SECNAV CHAFEE. Comparing them, there is no comparsion. Not even close. My document is dated 10/71. Your signature looks like Lehman. We did'nt have concurrent SECNAVs at any time as I recall.

[Bommer]

See post #221. Its from someone on the USS Saratoga and its Leamens signature stamp. This is undeniable. This means that Kerry was telling the truth (before he lied about it) about thowing his medals away in the 71 interview. The only way he could have gotten the "offical replacements" was through the war department, so he wrote to Leamen to get the copy, but screwed up by posting the copies hoping Leamens name would not be noticed.

[Bommer]

BTW which post number of mine were you refering to and can you scan your signature and post it?

[kabar]

I have posted the following elsewhere and also sent it to the media. Re the approving authority for the Silver Star and Bronze Star: I don't think the current Navy regulations applied during Vietnam when we had a much larger force under arms. I am confident that the authority was delegated downwards from SECNAV.

Did he or didn't he? After reviewing Kerry's service records, as released by him, I find it hard to believe the media have not picked up on the John Lehman connection. It should set off all kinds of alarm bells, especially considering the current flap over whether he threw his medals away or not.

A very curious question arises over Kerry's multiple Silver (3) and Bronze (2) star citations. Two of the five were signed by John Lehman who was Secretary of the Navy in the Reagan Administration 5 Feb 1981 - 10 Apr 1987. There are three Silver Star citations supplied by Kerry. One was signed by ADM Zumwalt, one by ADM Hyland, and one by Secretary Lehman. The Bronze Star citations were signed by Zumwalt and Lehman. Specifically,

Zumwalt: ADM Zumwalt served as Commander, US Naval Forces Vietnam from Sep 1968-May 1970. The Silver Star citation is more than likely the original citation taken from the award submission. Normally, as part of the nomination form, the nominator must provide a synopsis of the award (citation) that can fit on a single page suitable for framing with the certificate. Zumwalt's citation covered two pages. I suspect that Zumwalt forwarded the award to CINCPAC, ADM Hyland, for the final signature, including the citation. It is worth noting that the requirement to go to CINCPAC applied only to the Silver Star, hence only the Zumwalt and Lehman citations for the Bronze Star, i.e., Zumwalt as the final approving authority and Lehman for the replacement/reissue.

Hyland: CINCPAC probably edited the Zumwalt Silver Star citation to make it fit on to one page and to clean it up a bit to fit the existing format. ADM Hyland was CINCPAC 30 Nov 1967 - 05 Dec 1970

Lehman: Except for the last sentence, the Silver Star citation is the same as Hyland's. What makes this curious is that Secretary Lehman signed the citation at least over 12 and up to 18 years after the events occurred. Kerry served in Vietnam from November 1968 to April 1969. I doubt, in any event, that the final approval authority for Silver Stars had to go to SECNAV for approval. We also have photographic evidence that Kerry had the Silver Star medal pinned on in 1969. Kerry also acknowledges that he received them by at least 1971. How else could he have admitted and then denieds that he threw them away. My take is that Kerry requested replacement medals and due to the fact that Kerry was no longer an active duty service member, administrative requirements mandated that SECNAV's office had to approve the issue of the replacements once it was verified from official records that Kerry had actually earned them.

The bottom line is that Kerry probably did throw away his medals and then requested replacements in the 1980s. Someone needs to raise this issue with Kerry, i.e., why did Secretary Lehman sign duplicate Bronze and Silver Star citations at least 12 years after you left Vietnam? Kerry needs to release all of his military records including the nomination forms, which will give us the chronology and the approval chain of command.

Kerry's latest reaction on Good Morning America fits his MO. He wants it both ways. When he discovered that throwing away your medals was politically a negative, he came up with the story about his ribbons and someone else's medals. Kerry realized that he couldn't walk away from the story entirely, especially since he has the medals displayed prominently in his office. However, the fly in the ointment is that we now have the citations, released by him, signed by Lehman. If he indeed requested replacement medals, he has a real problem, i.e., he was telling the truth initially, lied in the 80s, and is lying now.

I recognize that confronting Kerry on his military service is fraught with problems politically, but I believe there are plenty of inconsistencies that need to be made public. His antiwar activities and associations (Fonda, Ramsey Clark, the Vietnam Veterans Against the War, et. al) also need to be exposed fully. The fact that Kerry was a member of the inactive Naval Reserves (1970-2) subject to involuntary recall and could meet with the Communist Vietnamese in Paris (per his sworn Congressional testimony) while our forces were engaged in hostilities is disgraceful. Kerry is unfit to be Commander-in-Chief.

Kerry is frozen in a time warp when it comes to his service in Vietnam. His preoccupation with his medals borders on being an obsession. If you check Kerry's released military records, you will notice that Kerry amended his DD214 with a DD215. Among other things, Kerry burnishes his Vietnam Service medal by adding four bronze service stars to reflect various campaigns. This was done in March 2001!!! Why anyone would go through that effort to make some meaningless changes is beyond me. Hundreds of thousands of veterans, including myself, could do it, but beyond self-gratification and ego, what is the point?

[Robert A Cook PE]

Can you post your citation from Chaffee? (Deleting what's private, of course!)

I'd like to see what's different (format, arragnment, setup, date missing, etc.)

Also, did you get just one citation, or a "new" citation by each level of command from Zumwalt up to SecNAV? Did your citation (the wording) change at each level of command?

Did you get citations from each admiral who reviewed it, in addition to the final approval from Chaffee?

I'd look at my own, but "I" never earned that high a letter!

[BIGLOOK]

I don't have a scanner, but you can find John H. Chafee's signature on Google Search. Also SECNAV Lehman's
I admire your diligence and research, but I think we're a dog chasing a dog chasing its own tail. John Kerry threw his decorations away, considering them worthless and thus rendered them so. If he really wanted them back, the proper authority to go to would have been the White House groundskeeper.
We have on record testimony from Kerry, before congress:we have photos and documentary of Kerry liasons and travelers and ,thanks to the recently appearance of SWIFTVETS,we find the young Lt j.g.who courageously braved
(check the salad) months of duty in the Nam.
Personally, don,t think Kerry will be them presidential candidate. The emerging candidate will be much worse and much more vicious.
BIGLOOK

[sevry]

Can you post your citation from Chaffee?

I agree with the others that the signatures is like a stamp, and perfectly legit.

I wonder, and maybe I'm naive, but why didn't Kerry just get some used medals from a surplus or pawn shop, or something? Or before ebay, were they that difficult to come by? He had the original documents, or they were available at any rate.

[sevry]

Hyland: CINCPAC probably edited the Zumwalt Silver Star citation to make it fit on to one page and to clean it up a bit to fit the existing format.

Was this done in any other case? I've seen various websites of those awarded Silver and Bronze Stars. They only have the one document. Does anyone know how many received two citations, two certificates, for the same medal? at the time.

[sevry]

Among other things, Kerry burnishes his Vietnam Service medal by adding four bronze service stars to reflect various campaigns. This was done in March 2001!!!

Is that meant to appear more impressive - and if so, to who? And was this substitution something that many took advantage of?

[Robert A Cook PE]

Actually, Kerry has THREE different "official" versions of his Silver Star citation: One signed by Zumwalt (one star admiral in charge of the naval forces in Vietnam in 1972), one signed by Admiral Hyland (Commander-in-Chief, Pacific Fleet in Pearl Harbor who served in 1972-1973 time frame) and the last one by Sec. of Navy John Lehman (who was SecNAV between 1983 and 1988.)

So, since the citations themselves DO NOT get changed arbitrarily, and of course, Kerry threw his (or somebody's else's) MEDALS (not the citations!) over the WH fence ...

We have no idea why Kerry demanded his official citations be changed some 14 years after he left the service. Then again, we have no idea why John Kerry demanded his official discharge papers be changed some thirty YEARS after he left active duty. Other than to make John Kerry's Vietnam war record look more impressive, that is.

However, we do know that the change happened as soon as he (Kerry) became a Senator. As soon as Kerry had the power to demand a change in his old records - but while the Pentagon SHOULD HAVE been fighting the Cold War and the war in Afghanistan and the Soviet's spying in submarines and crypto-technology!

[kabar]

Was this done in any other case? I've seen various websites of those awarded Silver and Bronze Stars. They only have the one document. Does anyone know how many received two citations, two certificates, for the same medal? at the time.,/i>

I don't quite understand your question. Kerry received a Silver and a Bronze star. Normally, the nominations are passed through an approval process using a standard form. The Silver star was signed by Zumwalt, the area commander and passed up to Hyland as CINCPAC for final approval. There is only one reasonable explanation for Lehman's signature on a citation since he was SECNAV at least 12 years after Kerry received his medal. It was for a replacement medal. The Bronze star only had two signatures, Zumwalt and Lehman. As I speculated, Zumwalt was probably the approval authority and Lehman for the replacement medal.

Normally, there is a certificate accompanying the medal plus a one page summary suitable for framing next to the certificate. Some editing at the approval level may take place for various reasons, e.g., grammar, lenght, etc.