If he constantly put his service out as legitimizing his right to say these things, then I believe Marines and vets have right to investigate the truthfulness of his claims.
I always leave it up to people who who served to critique.
I honor his service but do not respect his demoralizing our troops or cavorting with Code Pink. His service, no matter whether he "padded" his part or not, does not justify what he has said recently.
He hurt our troops so I hold him accountable.
I can see your points. And I completely agree with your last paragraph.