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U.S. senator and war hero Max Cleland of Georgia

It is simply a fact that Max Cleland was not injured by enemy fire in Vietnam. He was not in combat, he was not — as Al Hunt claimed — on a reconnaissance mission, and he was not in the battle of Khe Sanh, as many others have implied. He picked up an American grenade on a routine noncombat mission and the grenade exploded. In Cleland's own words: "I didn't see any heroism in all that. It wasn't an act of heroism. I didn't know the grenade was live. It was an act of fate." That is why Cleland didn't win a Purple Heart, which is given to those wounded in combat. Liberals are not angry because I "lied"; they're angry because I told the truth.

Here we go again - the liberal press lying again. Max Cleland is not, not, not a "war hero."

I had this very same argument with another Freeper today, and you have correctly stated that Cleland did NOT receive a Purple Heart for what was in reality, a supreme example of poor judgment (picking up a live grenade while under enemy fire).

I do point out however that Cleland WAS awarded a Silver Star and Bronze Star related to his conduct PRIOR to the grenade incident of 8 April 1968:

Silver Star Medal Citation

"Captain Cleland distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 4 April 1968 … during an enemy attack near Khe Sanh. When the battalion command post came under a heavy enemy rocket and mortar attack, Captain Cleland, disregarding his own safety, exposed himself to the rocket barrage as he left his covered position to administer first aid to his wounded comrades. He then assisted in moving the injured personnel to covered positions. Continuing to expose himself, Captain Cleland organized his men into a work party to repair the battalion communications equipment, which had been damaged by enemy fire. His gallant action is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army."

You are correct SkyPilot, and Cleland has already stated that there was nothing heroic about his mishap with a live grenade. But in the interest of fairness, we cannot dismiss his other conduct which qualifies as heroic, and earned him the Silver and Bronze Stars.

Is Max Cleland a hero?

The evidence of 4 April 1968 suggests that he most certainly was.

Max Cleland is not, not, not a "war hero."

If we use the term war hero too loosely it starts to lose it's special meaning. However, if Cleland took enemy fire for this country, I have no problem if one of the terms used to describe him is war hero. Since John Kerry unquestionably took enemy fire on behalf the USA, I consider him a war hero, regardless of whatever else he is.