Notice on the map that Kerry's boat is by itself on the top. Rassman says he was diving to the bottom of the river to avoid the other boats. Why?
I suspect he was diving to avoid the gunfire he ASSUMED was coming from the shore, but, in reality, was the suppression fire from the other boats.
He may have been afraid of being mistaken for an enemy combatant since Kerry had left him by himself [which is substantiated by the map!].
I suspect he was diving to avoid the gunfire he ASSUMED was coming from the shore, but, in reality, was the suppression fire from the other boats.
Thats exactly right.
Bobbing on the surface or being underwater during the entire incident doesnt really contribute to him being a credible eye witness. He only believes he was being fired upon.
I've always had a problem with THAT explanation...
Rassman would have to be as green as grass to not be able to distinquish between the sound of AK47s and the .50 Caliber machine guns from the boat...
The "song" of the AK47 is VERY distinctive - and not to be confused with any small or medium arms that were in use at the time...
Also - if he was being fired on while in the water - he would have seen the kicked up water from bullet immpacts.. or heard the sonic crack of rounds passing nearby.
Rassman's story about fire from the shore - was NECESSARY to set the scene for his rescue under hazzardous conditions and thus put him in a position to recommend Kerry for the Silver Star that the reviewing officers reduced to a Bronze Star...
Think of it.... A Medal for Valor - for picking a guy out of the water that fell off your boat... NO firing from the shore as reported by ALL the other officers that were on the river at the same time....
Bull Squat...
Semper Fi