[Eastbound]

"Could it be that Kerry NEVER had any medals and "throwing them over the fence" was just a cover for not having them in his possession in the first place?"

I think he had his medals, but it could be possible he tossed them for spite IF he did in fact receive a DD or BCD, not being able to display them legally anyway. That might have been the impetus for the tossing-them-over-the fence theatrics

[Dr. Eckleburg]

That's possible, but the full article in the NYSun says...

"But when a dishonorable discharge is issued, all pay benefits, and allowances, and all medals and honors are revoked as well."

Does that mean he had to give them back, or simply not display them?

And does this hold true for other categories besides DD?

Someone must know if Kerry was required to return his medals as a result of a less-than-honorable discharge.

You're correct, however, that it would be a duplicitous move either way.