Navy Launches Formal Kerry Medal Probe

NewsMax .com ^ | 9/03/04 | Carl Limbacher

[kattracks]

The United States Navy has launched an official investigation into John Kerry's Vietnam War decorations, saying, "it's the responsibility of all personnel to correct errors in official records."

In a launching a formal probe, the Navy was responding to a referral from the Pentagon's inspector general's office - based on a complaint filed by the Washington-based legal watchdog group Judicial Watch, Fox News reported Friday. In a letter to Judicial Watch, the inspector general's office said: "Concerning our allegations of violations of Uniform Code of Military Justice, we have the responsibility to . . . 'report suspected or alleged violations.' We have informed the secretary of the Navy of the allegations."

Former Navy Secretary John Lehman, who has challenged the authenticity of his signature on one of Kerry's war decorations, told Fox that Navy records needed to be "thoroughly researched and the facts established."

Most questions about Kerry's combat record appear to be based on processing errors, Navy sources told the news network.

However, even if the errors were based on inadvertent mistakes, any corrections would force the top Democrat to acknowledge that citations touting his heroism that have been posted to his Web site for months were false - a development that could have devastating political consequences.

"Even if it was the Navy's fault," one source following the story told NewsMax, "surely Sen. Kerry knew the citations were wrong. Why did it take a formal Navy probe for him to correct records he had to know were fraudulent?"

Kerry received five medals during his four months in combat in Vietnam, including a Silver Star with a "Combat V" designation. A Navy source confirmed last week, however, that in the entire history of the Navy, no Silver Star has ever been awarded with "Combat V."

Kerry campaign spokesman Michael Meehan suggested that the Navy probe was a waste of time and money.

"The facts are clear, the Navy awarded John Kerry the Silver Star, a Bronze Star with a Combat V and three Purple Hearts. It is waste of taxpayer's dollars and the Pentagon's time, especially during wartime, to investigate a 35-year-old Navy clerical error," Meehan said in statement.

In 1996, Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Jeremy Boorda committed suicide after he was accused of wearing medals he hadn't earned.

At the time, Kerry told the Boston Herald that the error was "sufficient to question his leadership position."

"If you wind up being less than what you're pretending to be, there is a major confrontation with value, self-esteem and your sense of how others view you," Kerry told the Boston Globe.

[EQAndyBuzz]

Oh my. This is getting very very good.

[goodnesswins]

"The facts are clear, the Navy awarded John Kerry the Silver Star, a Bronze Star with a Combat V and three Purple Hearts. It is waste of taxpayer's dollars and the Pentagon's time, especially during wartime, to investigate a 35-year-old Navy clerical error," Meehan said in statement."

So....they are admitting it's WRONG???? But, not saying so?

[Andyman]

I wonder if this will be reported in the lamestream media? I wonder if it would have been reported had this been Bush?

[Phantom Lord]

When someone other than NewsMax and Judicial Watch report this I will take it seriously.

[Radix]

I hope that someone can find this sourced on an official Navy site.

[nikos1121]

right just like it's a waste of time to investigate some wacko's claim that he got George Bush into the guard.

Where do I send my money to off set taxpayer's dollars for the Navy's probe...

nick

[IMRight]

To be more specific. Boorda commited suicide - NOT for wearing medals he didn't earn, but for (mistakenly according to him) wearing a "Combat V" on his EARNED Bronze Star.

This is PRECISELY what is being investigated with Kerry (though whether he WORE it or not is a question). His documents claims a "Combat V" on his SILVER Star that could not have been there (because there is no such thing).

[Marysecretary]

WHOA! Be still my heart! This IS beginning to sound good, no, great!

[gopwinsin04]

Holy crap!

[engrpat]

When someone other than NewsMax and Judicial Watch report this I will take it seriously

Thank you. So far NewsMax and JW are less than reliable sources. When I hear this on the news or read it in a main line paper then I will set up and take notice.

[CedarDave]

It's pretty obvious, based on FR discussions, that the combat "V" never should appear on the Silver Star (for anyone). I'd like the first Purple Heart (Cam Rahn Bay self inflicted wound) to be investigated and removed too.

Having said that, it's obvious to me that Kerry did come under fire and no doubt deserves some of the metals. However, his penchant for exaggeration in the citations (some of which he likely wrote himself) is going to hurt him badly, if not sink him.

[Area51]

Anyone have a compilation of the Kerry back peddling on his FAMOUS WAR RECORD?


First he was in Cambodia while Nixon was President then he wasn't.

First he was the only boat to stay and pick up swamped Sailors then He wasn't

First he was under Attack from all sides of the River then His Boat hit a Mine

First he Took shrapnel for small arms fire then it might have been shrapnel for his own Weapon.

First he was wounded from shrapnel from enemy fire then it might have been a self inflicted wound from a grenade he thru into a rice cache.

First he shot an enemy combatant while under heavy fire, then it is shooting a wounded kid in the back.

First he recieved a citation and Medal now it was a 35 year old mistake.

[Antoninus]

In 1996, Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Jeremy Boorda committed suicide after he was accused of wearing medals he hadn't earned. At the time, Kerry told the Boston Herald that the error was "sufficient to question his leadership position." "If you wind up being less than what you're pretending to be, there is a major confrontation with value, self-esteem and your sense of how others view you," Kerry told the Boston Globe.



"Ahdmirhall Booordah comeeted sssooicide for lesss." /Dracula Lantos

[boxerblues]

When I hear this on the news or read it in a main line paper then I will set up and take notice.


Fox news mentioned it this morning, theres a thread somewhere here on FR

[2nd amendment mama]

In a launching a formal probe, the Navy was responding to a referral from the Pentagon's inspector general's office - based on a complaint filed by the Washington-based legal watchdog group Judicial Watch, Fox News reported Friday.

[Area51]

A Chicago paper has reported this story. I saw the link here this morning.

[boxerblues]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1206202/posts

Fox link

[Constitution Day]

Ditto that

[boxerblues]

This is getting good.