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We began this discussion by talking about getting replacement medals. You indicated that you could buy them in the Exchange. The citation authorizes the wearing of the medal. The official medal is provided in a presentation case and is manufactured for the USG according to certain specifications. Knock off medals aren't the same.

There is no significant difference between the citations signed by Lehman and Hyland and Zumwalt excpt for one sentence on the Silver Star citation, which could just be new boilerplate. It needs to be questioned. This is a non-issue as far as I am concerned. The real question is why there is need for a second citation signed by Lehman for both the Silver and Bronze Stars. We posit, but don't know, that it is part of the administrative procedures for replacement medals. Kerry claims that he has his original medals. The plot thickens.

I also wonder why Kerry felt it necessary to update his DD214 in March 2001.

I have my fathers original medals and I ordered replacement medals for a "Medals Plaque" and there is no difference between them. The originals are not stamped or numbered. All the Military does is contract companies to make the medals. The medals are symbolic, the Citations tell the story.

In my opinion, ANY alterations to the original wording of his Citations is a distortion and IMHO, makes the Citations WORTHLESS

"There is no significant difference between the citations signed by Lehman and Hyland and Zumwalt excpt for one sentence on the Silver Star citation, which could just be new boilerplate. It needs to be questioned."

It does indeed. The new boilerplate is heavy, heavy.

From the Zumwalt (original):

"Lieutenant (junior grade) KERRY's devotion to duty, courage under fire, outstanding leadership, and exemplary professionalism directly contributed to the success of the operation and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Navy." (Note use of the word "contributed."

From the Lehman:

"The extraordinary daring and personal courage of Lieutenant (jg) Kerry in atttacking a numerically superior force in the face of intense fire were responsible for the highly successful mission. By his brave action, bold initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty, Lieutentant (jg) Kerry reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest tradition of the United States Naval Service."

There is a marked difference in the, above, concluding sentences of these versions....Note that in the glowing, Lehman certificate, Kerry is given full - total - credit for the mission instead of having just, as the Zumwalt certificate states, "directly contributed" to it. These ARE significant differences.