[Robert A Cook PE]

I disagree:

The words are the same, but every sentence is different. every phrase is different.

The second "award" has been completely rewritten, but was clearly copied from the first.

But, while copied from the first, it was SIGNIFICANTLY "enhanced":

Compare the last two sentences:

From the first award, itself being written many years AFTER he left Vietnam!

"His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

(Yawn....)

Now, immediately ABOVE Lehman's signature ten years later, when Kerry was routinely running for office (and apparently trying to impress HIMSELF): "By his brave action, bold initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty, Lieutenant (jg) Kerry reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

(WAHOO! Stand up! Take notice! Salute the flag!)

[kabar]

Good pick up. The citations are virtually the same, except for the last sentence. That is another question to ask whether it came from someone in Lehman's office or Kerry himself. Lehman is also a Navy vet and may have embelished it a little for a comrade. Still someone needs to ask these questions.

[William Tell]

Robert A. Cook, PE said: "(WAHOO! Stand up! Take notice! Salute the flag!)"

The change in wording at the end may simply reflect that the form has been changed. All certificates of the newer date might bear that last statement.

The commendation certificate which I received is 95% pre-printed text attesting to how attentive to duty, etc. I was. Only the range of dates covered by the award are unique to my copy. If I requested a replacement certificate, I might see my very generic contribution described in a very different manner with the dates filled in to match the prior certificate.

[stylin19a]

Is it possible Kerry's records were destroyed in the 1973 St. Louis fire, in which approx. 18 million military records were destroyed ?

This would explain the need to rewrite the citation.