After going over Kerry's three Purple Hearts listed on his website, I noticed another discrepancy that I haven't seen mentioned before. According to the citations the first Purple Heart was awarded for actions occurring on 2 Dec 68, the second was awarded for actions on 13 Mar 69, and the third was awarded for actions on 20 Feb 69. The second and third are out of sequence.
Now this may have been an administrative error by the person preparing and signing (all three citations were signed on the same date: 12 Aug 69), but it speaks to the fact that these records probably don't mean much to Kerry. If they did, he would have taken the time to correct the certificates to have the proper dates reflected. After all, he (or someone on his behalf) did take the time to have multiple citations corrected/reissued/embellished/...whatever for some of his other awards.
For me the bottom line is this: when taken individually all these discrepancies may seem trivial to some, but in aggregate, they paint a picture of someone who doesn't care about his military service and is conveniently using it for personal gain. Thankfully, I know many of the people I serve with see through this sham and are voting for President Bush.
Swift Boat Vets: Vietnam War Heroes
John Kerry: Vietnamese War Hero
...The difference is clear
According to the citations the first Purple Heart was awarded for actions occurring on 2 Dec 68, the second was awarded for actions on 13 Mar 69, and the third was awarded for actions on 20 Feb 69. The second and third are out of sequence. They look in chronological order to me... what am I missing?
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PURPLE HEART #1
www.johnkerry.com/pdf/jkmilservice/Purple_Heart_1_Citation.pdf
Confirmation Letter - not a Citation.
Date (stamp) 28 Feb 1969
From: Commander US Naval Support Activity, Saigon
Purple Heart Medal, Ribbon, Lapel Pin
Injuries: 2 Dec 1968
"A certificate of this award will be forwarded directly to you by Chief of Naval Personnel"
/s/ (stamp) Donald A. Still, Chief Staff Officer
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PURPLE HEART #2
www.johnkerry.com/pdf/jkmilservice/Purple_Heart_2_Citation.pdf
Confirmation Letter - not a Citation.
Date (stamp) 5 March 1969
Injuries: 20 Feb 1969
..."Gold Star in lieu of second Purple Heart..."
/s/ (stamp) Donald A. Still, Chief Staff Officer
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PURPLE HEART #3
www.johnkerry.com/pdf/jkmilservice/Purple_Heart_3_Citation.pdf
Confirmation Letter - not a Citation.
Date (stamp) 17 April 1969
Injuries 13 March 1969
..."Gold Star in lieu of a third Purple Heart..."
/s/ (stamp) Donald A. Still, Chief Staff Officer