[idkfa]

No, they are not identical signatures. There were two issues:

First was the identical signatures on Kerry's two documents. They are likely rubber stamped or auto signatures, probably not a big deal.

The second was to properly identify those signatures on Kerry's citations by comparing them to known signatures of John Chaffee's and John Lehman's. A fellow Freeper scanned his Navy Unit Commendation from 1986 and the signature is indeed Lehman's. Chaffee was Secretary of the Navy during Kerry's Vietnam tour, Lehman wasn't until the 80's so Kerry had his citation reissued for some reason. Speculation was that there was language added in the 80's version that made Kerry look better in preparation for the senate and presidential campaigns. What happened to his original citations?

[Robert A Cook PE]

Almost, but it is actually worse!

Kerry had his same Silver Star citation written, reviewed and signed three times after he left Vietnam.

Copies exist (posted on this thread!) of three versions of the same 28 February (Silver Star) action signed by Vice Adm Zumwalt (Commander, Naval Forces Vietnam), and another version by Admiral Hyland, Commander-in-Chief, US Pacific Fleet, and a third version signed by John Lehman, Secretarty of the Navy under Reagan some 15 years later.

Each version showers more and more praise on Kerry, and each ignores and reduces teh praise for rest of the boats actually under fire and attacking the enemy.