Replies

February 28, 1969: When Kerry's Patrol Craft Fast 94 received a B-40 rocket shot from shore, he hot dogged his craft beaching it in the center of the enemy position. Kerry was given a Silver Star for his actions.

I read a more complete bio of Kerry's swift boat career, and, as I recall, he received his Silver Star in the above mentioned engagement. When he beached his boat a teenager with a B-40 jumped up aiming it at them. Probably because he was too close to safely fire, he turned around and ran. Kerry jumped off the boat, ran after him and shot him before he could fire the B-40. His action likely saved the boat and crew.

After reading the account I had to admit that it sounds like a legitimate Silver Star. I don't think his actions under fire, however, warrant the behavior Benedict Kerry displayed upon his return home.

"Probably because he was too close to safely fire, he turned around and ran. Kerry jumped off the boat, ran after him and shot him before he could fire the B-40. His action likely saved the boat and crew."

I'm a little surprised at the twist this discussion has taken, but so be it.

There are numerous descriptions of Kerry's SS event, including the one you give. What I find surprising, is that in all of them he is described as RUNNING after the VC.

This was supposed to have taken place very shortly after his supposedly most serious wound--shrapnel in the thigh--which he claimed cost him two service days in the hospital. (His CO said he lost no duty days from his wounds.)

What was he doing running after VC when he had just been wounded in the thigh?