I don't quite understand your question. Kerry received a Silver and a Bronze star. Normally, the nominations are passed through an approval process using a standard form. The Silver star was signed by Zumwalt, the area commander and passed up to Hyland as CINCPAC for final approval. There is only one reasonable explanation for Lehman's signature on a citation since he was SECNAV at least 12 years after Kerry received his medal. It was for a replacement medal. The Bronze star only had two signatures, Zumwalt and Lehman. As I speculated, Zumwalt was probably the approval authority and Lehman for the replacement medal.
Normally, there is a certificate accompanying the medal plus a one page summary suitable for framing next to the certificate. Some editing at the approval level may take place for various reasons, e.g., grammar, lenght, etc.
How common was it to receive a certificate from Zumwalt, and then another from Hyland? for the same medal.
Some editing at the approval level may take place for various reasons,
Was this not uncommon then? And would many of those who have posted their own citations, also have in their possession a second one signed by Hyland? which maybe they don't post?
Zumwalt was probably the approval authority and Lehman for the replacement medal.
Was there a form that someone had to send in to request replacements? Someone asked this, before. But what would it be? What document?