SBV who back Kerry?

I'm debating a Republican and, of course, he turned the conversation to Vietnam. He says:

1) The Gunnery Sergent on Kerry's boat insists that Kerry lied about his purple heart and bronze star. Also, the doctor who treated Kerry for his wounds, and his own commanding officer, say that Kerry was lying. Furthermore, Max Cleland didn't get a purple heart, because they are only supposed to be rewarded when one is injured from enemy fire.

2) Jim Rassman's rescue didn't come under fire--there were no bullet holes on the boats, and no one was shot.


3) Kerry's anti-war activities were criminal because he was still officially on duty, and his statements gave aid and comfort to the enemies. Also, none of Kerry's "war crimes" statements have been proven true.

Unfortunately (or fortunately), I didn't pay that much attention to the entire SBV controversy. Could someone give me some facts or, better yet, point me to some testimony of people who were in his boat and support him?

check out this site. You will be up to date.

http://swiftvets.eriposte.com/

BTW...don't spend too much time arguing with these guys. It's a waste of time.

Better to spend your time talking to friends and neighbors who have an open mind about why they should vote for Kerry.

Great site. I have some reading to do. :)

Nice one.

<http://www.johnkerry.com/rapidresponse/080504_truth.html>

It has his records.
I read in Time Magazine that some one in the military can receive a purple heart for ANY injury requiring medical attention if that injury was obtained during combat with the enemy. It doesn't have to be a "serious" injury.

Does it matter why or how Cleland was injured? Isn't it enough he was over in Vietnam risking his life (supposedly) for his country? I don't know the details of how Cleland was injured.

One of the SBV (I think Thurlow) received a bronze star for the same action Kerry received his. His report also said there was hostile fire on the river.

We cannot allow ourselves to get into this business of blaming the messenger. Does he think the soldier who shared the pictures of Abu Ghraib prison is a criminal? Certainly this scandal could be seen as giving "aid and comfort" to the enemy, as could every crticism of the war. It is part of living in a free society. As for none of the statements being proven true - I believe Kerry admits some of them were over the top, perhaps the voice of anger and disillusionment.

FINALLY -
What would his reaction have been in 1996 if Democrats had questioned Bob Dole's war record?
Let's talk about some more current issues.

also Toledo Blade 4 part Pulitzer prize series 2003 on 7 months of Tiger Force atrocities

Hoffman (SBV vs Kerry .... someone has recently come out reporting how he tried to get swift boat crew to gun down fishermen

2-Rood at Chi Trib was swb commander in same operation...editorial supports Kerry, slams swb vets vs Kerry

1-dr with sbv NOT the one who treated Kerry; papers signed by someone else

WHERE WAS GEORGE W?????????????????????