Hostile fire was not the basis for Thurlow's Bronze Star. You can receive a Bronze Star without hostile fire, i.e., sans a combat "V" distinguishing device. I am sure that Thurlow didn't see Kerry's citation or even know about the circumstances for which it was awarded until Tour of Duty came out. The SBVFT are questioning Kerry's Bronze Medal citation for a number of reasons. He took off while everyone else stayed to protect PCF 3 and he received a medal for picking someone out of the water. Thurlow's actions went beyond that per my earlier post.
The problem here is that this story is becoming too complex for "regular" folk, who don't spend their nights cruising the blogs and FR.
It is disgraceful that the WP fails to mention Kerry's non-disclosure while they go after Thurlow. Masterful spin, as it even had me on the ropes for a minute.