[msdrby]

Yep... He threw his medals away, then 10 years later, in anticipation of something more, he requested replacements, hence the DD-215 with the 2000 date. This also explains the duplicate citations, and Lehman's signature.

I still don't like it. More flip-flop.

[TankerKC]

It has been said here a few times already, but it is worth repeating: If you "throw your medals away" you can go back to the Military Clothing Sales Store (or go online) and buy replacements. We all do it each time we make a new rack for our uniforms. If you need a certificate, then you request a duplicate of the original. There should be no reason to get a new certificate...unless you are a well-connected politico who survives on war hero status.

[Robert A Cook PE]

Uh. Hmmmn. Yep... He threw his medals away, then 10 years later, in anticipation of something more, he requested replacements, hence the DD-215 with the 2000 date. This also explains the duplicate citations, and Lehman's signature.

No. Nonsense. This "summary" has so many holes in it nobody but a Kerry apologist/excuser/fibber could believe it, or propose it. (And, as been noted MANY times in this thread, you just get replacement medals from any of several sources WITHOUT getting the citation re-written and re-signed by a different Secretary of the Navy.)

Also, the 2001 DD-215 has NOTHING to do with Lehman's signature: Lehman was SecNav under Reagan: 15 years BEFORE 2001, and 15 years AFTER Kerry's Vietnam service. A proper Silver Star citation would have HAVE to been signed/authorized by John Chaffee, if the medal itself was given before Kerry quit active duty in 71.

The DD-214 and DD-215 merely repeat the Silver Star award: Which we don't deny: Kerry has always been credited with receiving the Silver Star. The DD-215 ADDS 4 bronze stars to Kerry's (previously unadorned ?) Vietnam service medal. (Or perhaps, given that the Admiral had recently committed suicide after falsely wearing decorations on HIS medal, Kerry realized HIS displayed medals in HIS Senate Office Building Vietnam shrine weren't authorized (?). Something to think about.

"flip-floppinghas nothing to do it. BOTH Kerry's Bronze Star and Silver citations at the SecNav level have Lehman's signature, prepared and issued some 15 years AFTER Kerry left the Navy.

[Howlin]

He threw his medals away, then 10 years later, in anticipation of something more

What EVER do you mean? :-)

Perhaps this explains why he dumped the expensive Italian motorcycle Phantom Lord told me about -- and got an American made one?

Getting all "revved up," if you'll excuse the pun.

Do you think it's too late to go back and make a list of ALL the changes and all the flip-flops? I mean just the ones we know about are enough to boggle the mind.

[dennisw]

One Kerry watcher said, John Kerry has told at least three different versions of where he threw all or some of his medals or someone else's medals over the wall. Papers signed in 1986 for replacements say he threw some of his medals over the wall in protest.