Fact: KERRY is the deserter!

Michael Kranish, John F. Kerry: Candidate in the Making, Part II, The Boston Globe, June 16, 2003. ^ | 2-3-04 | Jonathan M. Stein

[kegler4]

"Kerry requested out after three "wounds" in three months, none requiring hospitalization."

Does this matter?

Three wounds, even just flesh wounds, means three times he was just inches from being killed or maimed. So exactly how many times have you been wounded or shot in the defense of your nation?

[kegler4]

I see now that you are a Marine, but my first question still stands. A wound means he was probably nearly killed. Is he less heroic because he wasn't maimed or badly hurt?

[Enterprise]

http://www.purpleheart.org/explanation.htm

The Military Order of the Purple Heart
5413-B Backlick Road
Springfield, Virginia 22151
(703) 642-5360
(703) 642-2054 (fax)

I called these people and the answer was that there aren't any actual limits to the awarding of a purple heart. The ribbon would symbolize a purple heart, and if it had like three silver or gold stars on it it would mean that the person had been injured multiple times. If Max cleland lost his arms in one incident, I believe he would get one purple heart. If the Navy has a rule letting a person out of a combat area after three purple hearts, it may just be the policy of that particular service. It would still be at the discretion of the Navy to grant an early out with no guarantee that it would be granted. However, after three purple hearts, the Navy would probably be more humanely disposed to releasing someone early. Just my guess though.

[Enterprise]

I missed the show. But the military has the discretion to release someone who is under military contract. When the military lets someone out of the contract it is not desertion. Again, the military has let any number people out early, let them retire early, or discharged them because it no longer needed them. And while I hate to state the obvious, none of these situations are "desertions."

[Mich0127]

You don't say! (sarcasm ;-) )

[WHBates]

I wasn't arguing with your point just your understanding of mine?

[opbuzz]

A wound doesn't mean he was probably nearly killed.

During Vietnam there were hundreds, if not thousands of instances of "can opener" wounds. Self inflicted to get a purple heart or evade duty.

His entire tour was intended for his political viability (as Clinton said in his "despise the military" letter). I am entirely dubious of his awards.

[ChadGore]

Kerry desered from supporting the troops, and that's what's really sad.

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In 1971 George W. Bush was wearing uniform with pride and serving his country and supporting the troops.

In that same year, 1971, Kerry was desecrating our flag, called our troops baby killers, and openly siding with our enemy.

[jwalsh07]

Kerry taking an opt out is hardly "desertion."

I agree, I don't want to play on that field.

[CommandoFrank]

Can anyone summarize Kerry's tour of duty and injuries

Kerry's Vietnam record is one of high honor, courage and guts. I don't see anything he should be ashamed of. In fact I give him great credit for enduring what he had to do. Why do I give him credit... Vietnam was hell, I know because I was there. And if I had won three purple hearts and was still alive, you can bet your sweet bootie I'd have take the 'out' option. I don't remember one guy saying how much they enjoyed fighting and wanting to stay..(I'm sure there were some 'soldiers of fortune' who did that, but not many).

His life as a war protester is obscene and an insult to those who were yet to serve...

I can't stand the today's obnoxious J.F. Kerry, but I give him credit for being a true warrior for his country.

[kegler4]

"During Vietnam there were hundreds, if not thousands of instances of "can opener" wounds. Self inflicted to get a purple heart or evade duty."

I see, so you have proof he wounded himself? I've seen no allegations of such anywhere. Unless you have such proof, I think it's pretty dishonorable of you to imply such a thing.

Even if his duty was intended for political viability, he would not be the only one. Do you prefer the politicians, Democrat and Republican (yes, there are plenty of them, too), who made up excuses to dodge duty entirely?