[BlueNgold]

OK, nothing to see here ...
Pick a better battle.

Lehman signed the Combat Distinguished Service Device, a clarification of the Bronze Star. Zumwalt signed the actual Medal.

My guess is that as he prepared to enter public servce Mr. Kerry reviewed his records and petitioned the Navy to amend his B-Star. Happens ALL the time. This is a losing battle, don't get caught out in the weeds.

[Robert A Cook PE]

No!

John Lehman signed the third version of Kerry Silver Star citation. Lehman did NOT sign "the Combat Distinguished Service Device, a clarification of the Bronze Star. Zumwalt signed the actual Medal."

Zumwalt signed the original Silver Star citation.

The first version was signed by Zumwalt, who was, legitimately and correctly Kerry's commander as Commander, US Naval Forces Vietnam when Kerry served.

The second version was signed (years later) by Admiral John Hyland. Hyland was CINCPACFLT, Nimitz's job in WWII and the third highest navy officer ranking possible.

The third version (same Silver Star award, for the same 28 February action) was signed by John Lehman in the mid-80's after Kerry was elected Senator. (Significantly, after Kerry had enough power in WAshington to get the SecNAV to change the records. Again.)

Finally, Kerry went back in March 2001 to get 4 bronze stars added to his Vietnam Service medal award. He did this by forcing the DOD to add a DD215 revision to the original 70's era DD214 Discharge record.

Now, you tell me why Kerry wants to keep re-writing his 30 year old records.

[kabar]

Lehman signed the Combat Distinguished Service Device, a clarification of the Bronze Star. Zumwalt signed the actual Medal

Not so fast. How do you know that the Lehman signing the Bonze Star citation was done to add the Combat "V" ? It was already stated in the Zumwalt citation that "Lieutentant (junior grad) KERRY is authorized to wear the Combat "V".

Why did Lehman also sign the Silver Star Citation? No mention of a combat device is needed.