us archives + vietnam war + who received bronze navy stars

The criteria for the Purple Heart call for its award for any injury received during combat requiring treatment by a medical officer the military makes no distinction regarding the severity of the injury. Allegations and evidence Purple Heart – general criteria Many political observers saw this as reflecting the 'true reason behind the Swift Boat campaign.' All of the allegations referencing Kerry's Vietnam service and awards were made during Kerry's 2004 presidential campaign while Kerry's post-Vietnam anti-war activity had long been a subject of controversy.ĭefenders of John Kerry's service record, including nearly all of his former crewmates, have stated that SBVT's allegations are false.

In addition to questioning the merit of many of Kerry's service awards, SBVT decried his post-Vietnam anti-war activity and disputed the truthfulness of his subsequent testimony about the conduct of the American military as demonstrated in that war. No SBVT member participated in events related to the award of Kerry's second Purple Heart. Larry Clayton Lee was the sole SBVT member to participate in the event for which Kerry was awarded the Silver Star. Louis Letson, was the physician who claims to have treated Kerry for his first Purple Heart wound. A number of Kerry's SBVT critics were present on accompanying Swift Boats at one of the combat events for which Kerry was decorated with the Bronze Star Medal and a third Purple Heart. Several members of Swift Boat Veterans for Truth (SBVT) served in the same unit as Kerry, although Gardner was the only one to serve on Kerry's boat. Kerry crew members have disputed some of SBVT's various allegations, calling them 'totally false' (Drew Whitlow), 'garbage' (Gene Thorson), and 'a pack of lies' (Del Sandusky). All other living members of Kerry's crew supported his presidential bid, and some frequently campaigned with him as his self-described 'band of brothers'. Gardner appeared in two of the group's television advertisements. He was not present on any of the occasions when Kerry earned his medals, including his Purple Hearts. Of those who served in Kerry's boat crew, only Stephen Gardner joined SBVT. Of the approximately 3,600 Swift boat sailors who served in Vietnam, the names of some 200 appeared on the group's statement against Kerry most did not serve at the same time or in the same place as Kerry. Main article: Swift Vets and POWs for Truth

Us archives + vietnam war + who received bronze navy stars