Here is the exact wording of Kerry's discharge for our archives off of the PDF. The Italicized parts were added for clarification purposes.
1) By direction of the President, and pursuant to reference (a)(10 U.S.C.S. 1162), you are hereby honorably discharged from the U.S. Naval Reserve effective this date (Feb. 16, 1978).
2) This action is taken in accordance with the approved recommendations of a board of officers convened under the authority of reference (b) (10 U.S.C.S. 1163) to examine the official records of officers of the Naval Reserves on inactive duty and determine whether they should be retained on the rolls of the Reserve Component or separated from the naval service pursuant to Secretarial instructions promulgated in reference (c) (BUPERSMAN3830300).
3) The Navy Department at this time expresses its appreciation of your past services and trusts you will continue your interest in the naval service.
http://www.johnkerry.com/pdf/jkmilservice/Honorable_Discharge_From_Reserve.pdf
thanks..looks like it could be damaging to me...it at least needs Kerry to answer some questions ..
It's gobbledegook, but 1163 looks mostly bad. I can't imagine that Kerry would reinlisted, so why was he being discharged in 1978 under a clause dealing with involuntary discharges?