First of all, Kerry is obsessed with his medals. It (1)must make him feel superior; (2)deflect criticism about his antiwar activities; and (3) represent the only thing meaningful (in his eyes) that he has ever really accomplished. I think the three campaign medals are really the stars on his Vietnam Service Medal. It is interesting to note that Kerry amended his DD214 in 2001 and added an additional star to his VSM. His amendment (DD215) is listed on his website.
IMO Kerry has some real psychological problems. He has been using Vietnam in all of his campaigns for public office. When it suited his purposes, he played the decorated war hero or the antiwar activist attacking the establishment. Like so many other things, he wants it both ways. So far, his MO has been successful, i.e., Lt Gov (Mass), 4 term senator, and now a Presidential candidate. Hopefully, this time he will be exposed for the poseur he really is.
IMO Kerry has some real psychological problems.
Probably so, I wonder, since he had all this combat experience if he's been treated for PTSD.
But of course, we'll never know.