Swift boat memories Eagle Point vet who was there backs Kerry’s assertion that bullets were flying

Mail Tribune ^ | August 26, 2004 | PAUL FATTIG

[lurker214]

Robert E. Lambert doesn’t plan to vote for John Kerry.

But the Eagle Point man challenges claims by a group called Swift Boat Veterans for Truth that there was no enemy fire aimed at the five swift boats, including the one commanded by Kerry, on March 13, 1969 on the Bay Hap River in the southern tip of what was then South Vietnam.

Lambert, now 64, was a crew member on swift boat PCF-51 that day. The boat was commanded by Navy Lt. Larry Thurlow, a now-retired officer who questions why Kerry was awarded a Bronze star for bravery and a third Purple Heart for the March 13 incident.

"He and another officer now say we weren’t under fire at that time," Lambert said Wednesday afternoon. "Well, I sure was under the impression we were."

[cyncooper]

I'd say post #6 reflects my thoughts on it. I don't purpot to know, but I don't think Lamber vindicates Kerry.

[cyncooper]

purpot = purport

[showme_the_Glory]

They were shooting at all the OTHER Vietnam Vets but not those on the Swift Boats?

[RottiBiz]

I was wondering where Lambert was -- guess he got his phone call from Kerry.

[HenryLeeII]

Further in the article he says he doesn't remember meeting Kerry. How is this possible? I thought they went out as a group and came back as a group. Would have after action discussions, etc. What gives?

That's something else that jumped out at me. If he supposedly trained most of the new arrivals, and he was pulling his second tour with the SBs in 1969, wouldn't he have known him?

[river rat]

"Hell yes, most folks would believe they were under fire, absolutely.

I disagree. With amateurs, perhaps..confusion could be the explanation.
But the men on these boats had all previously been under fire.

There is NO problem distinguishing between the song of an AK47 and the heavy .50 cal guns on the Swift Boat...

The fact, that on a narrow river -- not ONE of five boats present received even ONE bullet, rocket or FRIENDLY FIRE bullet hole.. This in itself - puts the lie to enemy fire being present.. Even more ridiculas, was one Kerry account that said he was "under constant fire" for a couple of clicks while he was returning to pick up Rassman... BULLSQUAT!!!!

The VC and NVA were a lot better shots, and more capable of killing you than Kerry's story reflects.. To date - I believe it is true that ONLY crew on Kerry's boat claim there was incoming... In my opinion, they are lying to protect their own myths and unearned decorations..

Semper Fi

[lurker214]

Yeah but this guy was on thrulows boat and was supposedly a witness in the citation for thrulows bronze too.Somthing stinks and maybe they got to him

[river rat]

No one disputes that "bullets were flying"..
The dispute is WHOSE bullets were flying..
Kerry's Bronze requires that he performed some heroic act while under "ENEMY FIRE"..or at some hazzard to himself..Neither of these conditions were met, except in his imagination or myth.

The FACT than NONE of the boats suffered hits -- would convince any RATIONAL person that Kerry lied, again..

Any freaking fool that can't distinguish the difference between his own outgoing .50 cal boat guns and incoming .30 cal AK47 is too stupid to regard as a witness..or lying.

Semper Fi

[Reactionary]

"Well, I sure was under the impression we were."

One generally doesn't get the "impression" that one is being shot at.

Of course, to dreamy liberals gunfire might appear as rainbows or fluffy clouds. You never know.

[Texasforever]

http://www.mwweb.com/ndc/SwiftBoats/pcf43.htm


Here is the story on PCF 43 after Kerry's "ambush" Compare what hppened then to Kerry's story

[Squantos]

Best firefight I was ever in involved me, my dog and a lizard !

No I wont tell the story .....I may want to run for President someday .........:o)


Stay safe !

[river rat]

Damned straight!
That is exactly what it looks like when "receiving sustained fire" from the banks of a narrow river..

There is NO PLACE TO HIDE.
A drunk could hit you with a damned rock!

Kerry is lying his traitorous ass off.

Semper Fi

[Texasforever]

There was not ONE battle assesment that showed any bullet holes in any boats after Kerry's last stand. All battle damage was confined to the boat that hit the mine.

[Texasforever]

http://swiftboats.net/

here is a great Swift Boat site.

[river rat]

Exactly.... That fact alone makes Kerry's story unbelievable.

For the life of me, I don't understand how so many folks can make this so difficult.....

It's simple and clear... Kerry and those that support his version -- are lying to protect a myth.. Lying or pathetically wrong..

You're right - that Swift Boat site is quite something...
Do you know of an equivalent site for the PBRs that operated in I Corps around Da Nang?

Semper Fi

[nunya bidness]

Look, Kerry brought the 8mm camera along because he saw the future of 24 hour news and knew he needed a B-Roll when folks on FNC were talking about him.

It's really that simple.

[Texasforever]

Do you know of an equivalent site for the PBRs that operated in I Corps around Da Nang?

Sorry but I don't. What I did find interesting is that Kerry was not listed as Crew on PCF-94 on that site. They have him on I think PCF-44 and it says he was OIC for a YEAR.

[river rat]

Roger....there is a lot of garbage on some unit sites..
They're not kept up to date or proof read for accuracy against official records...

I've got to get some sleep..

Stay safe.
Semper Fi