[stylin19a]

Vietnam Service Medal
Devices
A. Bronze stars
Bronze stars are authorized for participation in the the 29 campaigns specified for the Vietnam War. A silver star is worn in lieu of five bronze stars.

The following are the only active campaigns during Kerry's 2 short tours of duty.

- Vietnam Counteroffensive, Phase III (Army, Navy, USCG): June 1, 1967 to January 29, 1968

- Vietnam Air/Ground (USAF): January 22 to July 7, 1968

- Tet Counteroffensive (Army, Navy, USCG): January 30 to April 1, 1968

- Vietnam Air Offensive, Phase III (USAF): April 1 to October 31, 1968

- Vietnam Counteroffensive, Phase IV (Army, Navy, USCG): April 2 to June 30, 1968

Vietnam Air Offensive, Phase IV (USAF): November 1, 1968 to February 22, 1969

- Vietnam Counteroffensive, Phase VI (Army, Navy, USCG): Nov 2, 1968 to Feb 22, 1969

- Tet 1969 Counteroffensive (Army, USAF, USCG): February 23 to June 8, 1969

I don't know how many months the Gridley was in the South China sea during Kerry's 5 months aboard 'tween 12/67-06/68.

Anybody know when the Gridley was in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspace; or, for any period of service during the same time period in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia ?

- Does Kerry rightfully get to wear the 4 Bonze Stars on the Vietnam Service Medal ?

[Chad Fairbanks]

I can only account for one earned while on the Gridley, and two (he was in country during an overlap, essentially) others during his time there. I can't account for the fourth one...

[Robert A Cook PE]

See my dates about the Gridley in nbr 391.

[kabar]

Good info. Kerry arrived in-country on November 8, 1968 and left 26 March 1969. He was on combat ops 9 Feb-March 22 1968 WESTPAC and the Gulf of Tonkin on the Gridley 23-27 March 1968 and April 1 to May 5. He arrived on the Gridley 8 June 67.

Based on your info it appears that Kerry earned two stars on the Gridley --Tet Counteroffensive (Army, Navy, USCG): January 30 to April 1, 1968 and Vietnam Counteroffensive, Phase IV (Army, Navy, USCG): April 2 to June 30, 1968

Kerry earned only one star in Vietnam, according to your info. Some more questions for Kerry.