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Jack Murtha's "Fake" Purple Hearts, An Open Letter
Strange Military.com ^ | Jan 12, 2006 | Kelly Anne & Don Bailey

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


TOPICS: News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: 109th; fraud; marines; murhtaspastishere; murtha; murthamedals; murthawatch; purplehearts; usmc; veterans
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To: bcsco
I must state at this juncture that a very significant number of Bronze Stars were awarded (I like to use the word "issued") during the peak of the SEA conflict as essentially nothing more than "thank you" tokens for a clap-free in-country tour.

I cranked out far too many of them myself -- and am guilty of this perversion of the system. I got so good at it, I could grind out the Citation verbage to such a colorful degree that I could make Elmer, the postal clerk, into Audie Murthy in less than 10 minutes of serious scribing.

Farcical and demeaning to the process. I suspect the good Colonel may well have been caught up in one of these penmanship exercises as a reward for keeping his family jewels unsullied.

Just my real-life two cents worth. *S"
81 posted on 01/15/2006 6:07:45 PM PST by dk/coro
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To: Peach

the truth is always worth pursuing no matter the outcome.


82 posted on 01/15/2006 6:08:05 PM PST by bdfromlv (Leavenworth hard time)
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To: bcsco

The paper work doesnt lie and if he stands by the record let us see the record. I you do not want to know what is true so that you can make an informed decision you must be a democrat.


83 posted on 01/15/2006 6:12:14 PM PST by bdfromlv (Leavenworth hard time)
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To: dk/coro
Unfortunately, that is the moral authority that they are using today to give weight to their attacks against the administration.

-PJ

84 posted on 01/15/2006 6:14:18 PM PST by Political Junkie Too (It's still not safe to vote Democrat.)
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To: JoeSixPack1

Joe, I suspect the good Colonel has a very serious drinking problem. Even old farts like myself don't look like Murtha unless we imbibe a good 1-2 jugs a day.

Just a thought.


85 posted on 01/15/2006 6:15:00 PM PST by dk/coro
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To: smoothsailing

"If Murtha is proud of his service,he has nothing to hide."

Exactly!

Now who else do we "know" who has
refused to release ALL of his military records?


86 posted on 01/15/2006 6:15:32 PM PST by 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub (Be wary of the "Move On FReepers" who scream and howl "Move On Tonk, Get Over It")
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To: bcsco

If you desire the truth but fear the criticism then your opinion will be given to you when we think you need it. Fear not what can not kill you.


87 posted on 01/15/2006 6:16:40 PM PST by bdfromlv (Leavenworth hard time)
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To: bcsco

When you are done with whatever you needed to do, I'm still interested in listening to the method of your madness that you mentioned in post 50.


88 posted on 01/15/2006 6:19:26 PM PST by Calpernia (Breederville.com)
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To: MikeinIraq
There is very little, if any, gain to be had in going after him like that

Bullshit. ABSCAM Murtha is as dirty and implicated as they come.

89 posted on 01/15/2006 6:20:51 PM PST by ARealMothersSonForever
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To: armydawg1
No one would be going after Murtha if he wasnt going after our troops and aiding our enemies.

It doesn't seem to me that going after an old senile guy accomplishes much and in fact is a waste of ammunition.

90 posted on 01/15/2006 6:22:45 PM PST by palmer (Money problems do not come from a lack of money, but from living an excessive, unrealistic lifestyle)
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To: 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub
Now who else do we "know" who has refused to release ALL of his military records?

The French guy, Hanoi John.Still no medical records and the SF180 was a limited release.

Murtha won't release anything, other than another whining attack.But there's nothing wrong with putting him in that position.

91 posted on 01/15/2006 6:30:00 PM PST by smoothsailing
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To: JRochelle

'---a lot of vets who received purple hearts will tell you what they did wasn't bbetter than others did who didn't receive purple hearts--'

Very true--however, it seems that Murthas awards were "requested"??---by whom??---if Murtha did it it he pulled the same stuff Kerry did to make sure it was a military record for posterity---whey not get the answer to that?


92 posted on 01/15/2006 6:31:50 PM PST by cmotormac44
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To: 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub

Did the Swift Vets have any members that understood legal?

Why can't we file citizen complaints with criminal charges against these people? Our elected officials certainly aren't doing their job. Maybe we don't need elected officials.


93 posted on 01/15/2006 6:32:32 PM PST by Calpernia (Breederville.com)
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To: palmer
It doesn't seem to me that going after an old senile guy accomplishes much and in fact is a waste of ammunition.

You obviously did not have any family harmed by this useless POS. I did. May he get, and his family get, everything deserved. He brought it upon himself. Bill Casey was NOT the bad man.

94 posted on 01/15/2006 6:32:57 PM PST by ARealMothersSonForever
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To: MikeinIraq

What will be gained is that he will be prevented from speaking as the sole source of expertise in the field of military endevour as well as The expert on the moral of our troops there.

That is afterall how he is being portrayed in the press, The lone voice of reason as well as the expert on everything.

Based upon a sole Marine Reservist's tour in Viet Nam, better braver men then him are being ignored and we are being told to do nothing, to say nothing, to relax and wait for what might happen or for his fifteen minutes of fame to evaporate.

If his awards are bogus, then his entire congressional career has been based upon a fraud unchallenged until now and if it remains unchallenged then he will be re-elected yet again and free to continue his lies about the war.


95 posted on 01/15/2006 6:35:52 PM PST by usmcobra (Liberal=progressive...Conservative="Retro?" That's way cooler than being just a Neo-con!)
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To: AZRepublican

lol, great display of Kerry purple heart bandaids.

In all seriousness, Murtha's raging dementia is fed and encouraged by the media that currently adores him.

Where were his adoring followers in Code Pink and the media when he was making all of his hospital visits before he spoke out for our enemies?

Murtha is a classic example of every day having to say more and more outlandish things to stay in the media spotlight. Eventually they will tire of him as they have Cindy Mediawhore Sheehan.


96 posted on 01/15/2006 6:37:34 PM PST by armydawg1 (" America must win this war..." PVT Martin Treptow, KIA, WW1)
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To: Calpernia
Did the Swift Vets have any members that understood legal?

John O'Neil is a lawyer in Houston.

97 posted on 01/15/2006 6:38:25 PM PST by Just A Nobody (I - LOVE - my attitude problem! WBB lives on. Beware the Enemedia.)
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To: usmcobra

God bless you.


98 posted on 01/15/2006 6:38:36 PM PST by ARealMothersSonForever
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To: palmer

Murtha's treason can not go unanswered.


99 posted on 01/15/2006 6:40:24 PM PST by armydawg1 (" America must win this war..." PVT Martin Treptow, KIA, WW1)
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To: usmcobra

Well said Marine.


100 posted on 01/15/2006 6:41:46 PM PST by armydawg1 (" America must win this war..." PVT Martin Treptow, KIA, WW1)
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