I heard one of the Commanders of those 5 boats tell a different story. It went like this. Kerry took his boat and beat feet while the other three picked up 4 or 5 other guys who were blown overboard. When Kerry came back the shooting was long over and he helped Rassman out of the water.
I don't know it that is the truth or not but I know the guy was there and that this was his story.
Question is, does anybody care?