Posted on 01/15/2006 4:00:20 PM PST by armydawg1
Jack Murtha's 'Fake' Purple Hearts - An Open Letter
May 5, 2002
Dear Jack,
I’m writing on matters of joint concern. A number of weeks ago I was talking with someone who is a mutual acquaintance and your name came up. It was an unusually frank discussion and I considered it private. I did relate some opinions about you and shared some recollections about experiences with you in Congress. I was, to be honest, critical about how you misled me about ABSCAM where you convinced me you had voluntarily told federal agents about the offer of money to you and I learned later, after I had successfully defeated the ethics charges against you, that you had merely manipulated the system to cooperate with federal agents to avoid prosecution.
I also shared my recollection of when you admitted, back in our corner, that you didn’t earn your purple hearts (you indicated you had small scratch on your cheek that wasn’t even directly related to an APC that ran over a small anti personnel mine that was behind you). The other purple heart you even declined to explain.
At the time you were feeling particularly vulnerable, because it wasn’t too long after you had called me crying and sobbing, thanking me for “saving your life” before the ethics committee. There was no doubt in my mind that you were expressing to me that you did not believe you did anything sufficient to earn the purple heart, and that you didn’t want to be active in my efforts to laud Vietnam Veterans that served with us.
Given what I know about the brave men who served in the Marine Corp., I did not criticize you, but to be honest, I was shocked and disappointed in you personally. We both knew what was at issue, and we both know what happened and that you wanted to avoid the limelight. Later, we ended up having to run for the same seat. It was a good clean race and I admit I knew I couldn’t win, simply on the basis of voter turn out alone. During that time some people came to me with documents indicating you had used influence, after the fact, or had embellished your purple heart awards. I did not respond, and I said nothing. In doing so I may have betrayed my comrades in arms because I knew then what you had told me in the corner of the house - but I had told no one about that and I stood mute. But a few weeks ago my conversation was private and I was not seeking to do you any harm, though it would be ridiculous for me to infer that I have any respect for what you’ve done.
Regardless, shortly thereafter a reporter called me and I was put in a very different position. I could either deny what I said in private conversation, and thus lie, or I could fess up to the truth, or, I could take the cowards way out and stand mute. If I say something, I should either have the courage to back it up, or I shouldn’t open my mouth. Regardless it was too late, and I did not choose to lie. So I admitted to what I had said. However, I later received two calls from two different aides of yours, and later I was called a liar in the press. I am not a liar and I want an apology for the remarks you authorized that I didn’t tell the truth about our conversation. I don’t know how you got yourself awarded the purple hearts, but I know you indicated you didn’t earn them.
By the way. I’m not an ingrate. I deeply appreciate the help you gave me for the last governor’s primary. In fact, out of respect for you, when I realized that the race was going no where, I didn’t even cash the check you sent, (which I kept). Being grateful for your help, I have not sought to hurt you - but I will not betray or exploit the young men who died while fighting, with me, for this country. Never coming forward is one thing - I never have. Lying is another. Coincidentally I just settled an 11-year old law suit with Barbara Hafer where she apologized in writing for campaign defamation and admitted that federal agents (Thornburgh’s political friends) lied to her. I will not accept your falsehoods now. Enough is enough.
You clearly indicated to me in a moment of weakness, that you hadn’t deserved the purple hearts and there was no confusion on that. You may deny that all you wish - but you and I know that that conversation took place. Please apologize now. You may fool a few reporters into believing that merely because you got some perfunctory paperwork made out by a friend, that that means you earned the purple hearts. But even if you were awarded the medals later, there should be affidavits from witnesses. These things should be easy to get - where are they? I bet they don’t exist Jack because you are the one who’s lying. Luckily there’s one easy way to settle all this. Call a press conference. Explain where you were and what you were doing when you got the purple hearts. Explain who was with you and treated your wounds, but most important Jack describe your wounds or the lack thereof, as you did for me, years ago. I am absolutely certain that you won’t do that - because, though you may have manipulated some paperwork that says you were awarded the medals (for political purposes) you can’t produce the witnesses or documents to show any wounds or circumstances under which they occurred.Unless the Marine Corps gives out medals for unsubstantiated non -combat related telltale scratches, procured for use in political campaign - then show me the money Jack - because there should at least be evidence by affidavit, or record of the scratches, that’s what getting a purple heart requires - show me.
You may be able to take advantage of a few Washington reporters who don’t have sufficient experience to understand - but you can’t fool combat veterans of the Vietnam war by hiding behind “Unit” losses - we’re used to those stories. I have my orders describing my combat awards Jack - to back up my DD-214. Where’s your’s? And Jack - don’t ever call me a liar.
Sincerely,
Don Bailey
Submitted by Kelly Anne
I never thought she was until I saw the personal attacks though.
The Republican Party should not go after him concerning the medals..Men who served with him, other servicemembers are much better and more credible. It does no good for non servicemembers to accuse..
Non vets could be helpful with research behind the scenes..but it looks like a purely political hit/political witch hunt instead of truth if a political party goes after him about medals awarded long ago..That is just the way it is..
Remember the outrageous way the Swiftboat Vets were attacked and they had truth and first hand knowledge about Kerry. I still think they were tremendously effective in keeping Kerry from becoming President.
What Murtha is doing now is a disgrace and he should be held accountable for undermining our troops. He deserves to be exposed by his own words and his sleezy anti troop associations....
I'll let vets and present military members keep him honest about his previous service.
Will work for Mocha!
LOL!!
"The Republican Party should not go after him concerning the medals.."
MURTHA's record on his website
Distinguished Service Medal of the United States Marine Corps, upon his retirement from the Marine Corps Reserves for 37 years of distinguished service to his country, 1990. Distinguished Service Medal, Pennsylvania's highest honor, 1977. Meritorious Service Medal, Pennsylvania's second-highest honor, 1976. Bronze Star with Combat V, 1966. Purple Heart, 1966. Purple Heart, second award, 1966. Vietnamese Cross of Galantry, 1966. American Spirit Honor Medal of the Marine Corps Recruit Department, 1952.
However in the document provided by his office purportedly from the Marine Corp said: "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 against insurgent Communist Guerrilla forces on 22 March and 7 May 1967 in the Republic of Vietnam," according to the letter signed by an individual identified only as A. Gardoni. Gardoni's title is not listed on the letter.
Now it would seem that he was awarded medals before he was there...move over skerry...you got company!!
75 posted on 01/13/2006 3:47:26 PM EST by RVN Airplane Driver
And rightly so!
This has gone too far...Never put Tonk in the Murtha column. That is clearly untrue.
Supporting 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub.
Seems he has indeed padded his part..I look at that Bronze Star with a V and must honor his past service, decry and condemn his making stuff up about that service, and despise what he is doing now. Past service excuses in no way present acts and words that are harming our troops.
Tonk, I think people who haved been there and done that have a right to question his medals and expose his lies about it. He dishonors his own service by lying and he certainly tries to undermine the service of those fighting right now with his present conduct.
You left out the part that it looks purely political if the Party goes after him..That's the way it is..
Kerry will NEVER be able to get up in front of adoring hordes and salute, "reporting for duty", posing as a great hero..and the Republican Party didn't do him in, couldn't do it..Vets did it.
AMERICA...HOME OF THE FREE BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE
http://www.themoderatevoice.com/posts/1137302880.shtml
Already questioning the messenger..
"Had the reporters done a simple Internet search, they would have discovered this biography of Thibault posted online which describes him as a "senior producer for a televised news magazine" broadcast and sponsored by the Republican National Committee. I dunno, but I for one, would have wanted to know that."
Until recently, I had never heard of him, but I have come to despise him rather quickly.>
Peach..
If I hadn't read this with my own eyes, I would never have believed it of you..
Comparing Tonk to Murtha??!!
He has done more for Vets and the Troops than anyone I know.
He sacrifices vast amounts of time to them...
I am honored to know him, and to call him my friend..
I hope you understand what you have said here is not only vicious, but hurtful as well..
Frankly, I'm surprised at you...
Ms.B
"Already questioning the messenger.."
MURTHA's record on his website
Distinguished Service Medal of the United States Marine Corps, upon his retirement from the Marine Corps Reserves for 37 years of distinguished service to his country, 1990. Distinguished Service Medal, Pennsylvania's highest honor, 1977. Meritorious Service Medal, Pennsylvania's second-highest honor, 1976. Bronze Star with Combat V, 1966. Purple Heart, 1966. Purple Heart, second award, 1966. Vietnamese Cross of Galantry, 1966. American Spirit Honor Medal of the Marine Corps Recruit Department, 1952.
However in the document provided by his office purportedly from the Marine Corp said: "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 against insurgent Communist Guerrilla forces on 22 March and 7 May 1967 in the Republic of Vietnam," according to the letter signed by an individual identified only as A. Gardoni. Gardoni's title is not listed on the letter.
Now it would seem that he was awarded medals before he was there...move over skerry...you got company!!
75 posted on 01/13/2006 3:47:26 PM EST by RVN Airplane Driver
Bob J and RIGHTALK.com!
is nailing murtha now
Murtha's "Kerry" Medals
Check the replay schedule.
http://www.rightalk.com/
2pm est -The News Report : Tune in as Marc details his article on the controversy over Rep. John Murtha's two Purple Hearts. (Click here for article: http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewPolitics.asp?Page=Politicsarchive200601POL20060113d.html )Find out the details of Marc's exclusive investigation regarding Murtha's medals going back 35 years, an investigation that prompted Washington Post coverage and a denunciation by Rep. Nancy Pelosi who called the article "despicable." Find out why Marc has been wished a slow painful death, an eternity in Hell and a called a "smear merchant" for simply reporting the known facts surrounding Murtha's Purple Hearts. Is Marc really the focus of Evil in the modern world for doing an article on Murtha and his Purple Hearts? Is Marc "Swift boating" Murtha? Tune into to decide for yourself whether Morano is a A Prince of Darkness or A Beacon of light and truth. You be the judge during this hour of Rightalk.com. Plus, blogger/cartoonist Timothy Kelly joins Marc to question President Bush's wiretapping activities. You won't want to click your mouse during this hour! Host: [Marc Morano]
I turned it on the minute it was posted..still listening..
Good stuff!
Indeed..
Then read the entire thread.
Because I, and a lot of other freepers, feel it is better to go after Murtha for his allegiance with Code Pink than to delve into the validity of his medals from 40 years ago, he has referred to me and others as MoveOn.org freepers and worse.
As well, he has lied about my posts and things I've said. So he's upset because he thinks Murtha lied to get his medals and gets ticked whenever someone doesn't agree about the best way to go after Murtha and so lies about them. Do you think that's honorable? I think it's detestable.
I can't stand Murtha either. But it's detestable that those of us who think it's better to go after Murtha for his Code Pink alliance are called MoveOn.org freepers and worse. And that our posts and positions are lied about!
So this freeper is ticked at Murtha for perhaps lying to get his medals and then this freeper turns around and lies about other freeper's positions. That's pretty dishonorable if you ask me.
Those of us who think we should go after Murtha for his Code Pink activites vs whether his 40 year old medals are honestly earned are called MoveOn.org freepers and worse.
You think it's okay to misrepresent and lie about someone's posts? On a thread discussing whether Murtha lied, I think it's ironic.
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