Murtha's War Hero Status Called Into Question

cnsnews.com ^ | 1/13/05 | By Marc Morano and Randy Hall

[Wild Irish Rogue]

" A May 12, 2002, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette article reported that "Marine Corps casualty records show that Murtha was injured in 'hostile' actions near Danang, Vietnam, on March 22, 1967 and May 7, 1967."

Ahhh...Someone has their dates wrong.
From Murtha's website http://www.house.gov/murtha/awards.shtml#military

Bronze Star with Combat V, 1966.

Purple Heart, 1966.

Purple Heart, second award, 1966.

Vietnamese Cross of Galantry, 1966.

[RVN Airplane Driver]

Hey Tonk.....I got your 6....keep up the good work...

[Wristpin]

Yes...fascinating isn't it?

[Axhandle]

Going down this road could open an interesting can of worms. I returned from my second trip to Iraq last week. There are guys in my unit with Purple Hearts for which most of us are hard-pressed to recall what "wounds" they were given out for. Some are extremely questionable - one guy had temporary hearing loss from an IED that detonated near him; one guy got a tiny cut (I guess "laceration" sounds more impressive) when a VBIED detonated against our patrol base; one guy had a ricochet hit his elbow pad (not his elbow) - I suppose it caused a bruise - and there are lots of others. A few guys are getting Purple Hearts because they were in vehicles that were struck by IEDs and they were "shaken up" and sent to the Foward Aid Station as a precaution, to make sure nothing was wrong. There are some high-ranking officers with Purple Hearts that many of us find ourselves scratching our heads over.

When we start belittling the Purple Hearts for Murtha and questioning whether he deserves them, there are going to be hundreds, if not thousands, of current OIF and OEF veterans who will be quick to notice that Murtha is equally deserving as they are. I'm curious what the reaction will be.

[river rat]

"I'm just not cool that we smear every war-vet Moonbat that comes along."

Neither am I.....

However - I'd just like to get the record straight on poseurs who use a false history to justify treasonous behavior while serving as a U.S. Congressman.

In my view - his CURRENT behavior sets him up as a legitimate target....and that opens his Pandora's Box to view....

I also dispute your point that "Bum a Smoke?" rises to the level of "Semper Fi"

Semper Fi

[Snickersnee]

Now, I know I'm late to this thread and forgive me if someone has already brought this up, but :

"The records of this Headquarters show that you are entitled to the Purple Heart and a Gold Star in lieu of a second Purple Heart for wounds received in action...

Isn't the second award of a PH marked by an Oak Leaf Cluster?

[gridlock]

Bumpforlater

[RVN Airplane Driver]

Isn't the second award of a PH marked by an Oak Leaf Cluster?

Rodger that....good point...as I posted earlier...liars have a way of exposing themselves...just like his buddy Kerry. Thanks for the post..

[Delta 21]

It depends on the branch of service. Army Purple Hearts have an Oak Leaf Cluster as the second award. I think the Marines and Navy use a Gold Star. The Coast Guard uses stars as subsequent awards also.

No one liked the fact that I had oak leaves on my Army ribbons and stars on my Coastie ribbons on the same ribbon bar, even after the explanation of wearing the awards as they were presented.

[kellynla]

First, I want to thank you for your service.

Next, when and if any of the present PH recipients decide to run for public office and put their war records and PH's out there as campaign material then I and others will want to see their war records...so everyone be advised and be prepared!

We've had enough of Kerry "Band-Aid PH's" and "wannabe" heroes to last us all a lifetime.

Semper Fi,
Kelly

[Howie66]

"LOL - works for me! You can just toss those hugs over this way! He he he!!"

Now yer talkin'!! *HUGS* :-)

Eat yer heart out, Tonk!! lol

[afnamvet]

C7/CV 2 pilot or Mohawk?

[Delta 21]

Big Bump to #320 !!

[RVN Airplane Driver]

Flew U-21's in Vietnam.....we had a dual mission...hauling folks and also a Radio Relay mission, which was boring as hell for the most part...but could upon crazy times become less than boring..

[fox0566]

I think his military service should be left alone. I'm sure that he put his life on the line during his military service just like many others did.

As far as present day matters are concerned, that is a different story. I think that Murtha has made some very irresponsible and dangerous comments, and the fact that he did serve in the military should not make him immune to criticism and attack. Stick to what he's doing now instead of dredging up material from years ago that will only reflect badly on those who are trying to make an issue out of it.

[JLO]

I survived an attack today by someone on this forum trying to silence me by getting my account suspended.

And they did get it suspened, for a few hours, because of my opinions on this very thread.

This was the 1st time since I've been on FR that I've been silenced for voicing my opinion.

I know it wasn't Jim Robinson but this certain poster and their "hired help"

Jim : If you read this I have the exact FReep mails I was sent and my replies.

UNBELIEVABLE!

Here's a pic of Murtha (I'm 99.99% sure it's him) sitting in the VFW audience while President Bush spoke awhile back. It was a headline story over at DU.

I'm behind you, Tonk, 100%!

[RVN Airplane Driver]

It is amazing to me....the folks who have never served in the military...much less being Vietnam Vets...always wan't to give Murtha a pass...I say...WHY...please explain why it is OK to be a liar about your combat record...???

[freema]

I am not surprised, Tonk.
But I am very, very sorry.

I don't think I need to tell you, but I'm going to anyway.
I love ya, man.

[freema]

Did you ever know that you're my hero
And everything I would like to be
If I can fly higher than an eagle
You are the wind beneath my wings



Sorry for getting sentimental, but I mean every word of it.

[freema]

I've been so worried for this generation, since before the election. When Swift Vets wouldn't continue the fight to permanently stop this insanity, I got a bit upset. I moved over here. And you've been my rock. Thank you for that.