Interesting that they would approve Kerry’s Silver Star with Combat V.

Unless, of course, their paperwork says something different than the docs released by Kerry, and they haven’t actually seen Kerry’s version of the docs…

Posted by: CERDIP at September 18, 2004 09:02 AM

Documentation is in order.

They ducked whether the actions are worthy. Why does Lehman say he never signed anything?

The Navy doesn’t want to get involved.

Posted by: jones at September 18, 2004 10:08 AM

““Our examination found that existing documentation regarding the Silver Star, Bronze Star and Purple Heart medals indicates the awards approval process was properly followed,” Route wrote in the memo sent Friday to Navy Secretary Gordon England.”

What a carefully worded memo with words and phrases like the Navy’s “existing documentation” shows that their “awards approval process was properly followed.”

1) The reference to “existing documentation” makes one wonder if at one time there might have been other documentation in the file(s) concerning Kerry’s actions and awards.

2) It also makes the inquiry sound like someone was questioning the “approval process” rather than requesting a search for back up information to support the medals being displayed.

The following statements sound like they come from some proforma letter.

“…the senior officers who awarded the medals were properly delegated authority to do so.”

and

“…we found that they correctly followed the procedures in place at the time for approving these awards.”

Maybe this is all the Navy would ever say, but it’s not exactly a ringing endorsement of Kerry, nor does it provide any answers to the questions that have been raised about the purple hearts. The statement also does not address any of the controversy raised about what Kerry has displayed on his office wall (i.e., Silver Star with Combat V).

The sentences that address Kerry’s actions after he returned home are the most interesting of all with phrases like “…conducting a review…would not be productive,” and “…reconstruction of the facts…would not allow…information gathered to be considered in the context of the time,” thus skirting the issue altogether. They do leave the impression, however, that had a review been conducted at the time, Kerry’s actions could or should have merited some sort of comment at least.

The last paragraph is the most puzzling because it’s two sentences seem to be unrelated.

“Our review also considered the fact that Senator Kerry’s post-active duty activities were public and that military and civilian officials were aware of his actions at the time. and….?

followed by this non-sequitur

For these reasons, I have determined that Senator Kerry’s awards were properly approved…”

To me this sounds like military speak for “we don’t want to get involved in this 30 year old mess, so go away.”

Posted by: Jim at September 18, 2004 10:14 AM

On the other hand, this is a nice time to sign Form 180.

Nothing to hide and all that.

Posted by: jones at September 18, 2004 10:14 AM

On the other hand, this is a nice time to sign Form 180.

Nothing to hide and all that.

Posted by: jones at September 18, 2004 10:14 AM

Or maybe he could hold a press conference and actually answer some questions. This is a big opportunity for Senator Windsock to turn the whole Swift Boat thing around.

I’m betting he blows it. Badly.

Posted by: TL at September 18, 2004 12:14 PM

I think the Navy could NOT have found anything differently in the campaign days or the charge of Bush using the Navy for his campaign would be out there. Truthfully,the Navy should not have done anything at all about this at this time.

We just cannot afford to have any of our military to be seen as partisan guys,we need volunteers from 100% of the nation,not just the Republican side.
Navy made the right move by brushing over this,but never should have gotten involved during a campaign,IMO.

Posted by: FireballXL5 at September 18, 2004 12:36 PM

Anyone with half a brain can see this confirmation of the process is no answer at all about the circumstances that started the “process.”

Actually, I’m relieved. I figured this could really backfire on GW if the Navy started an investigation into the medals and already desperate Dems would start howling White House interference/direction.

Of course, the usual …well… lefties?…are saying this report is “proof the Swiftboat Vets are liars!”

Um…no. No one has disproved their testimony. Navy just said the paperwork was followed according to regulation and they don’t want to rehash what happened.

Posted by: Darleen at September 18, 2004 03:58 PM

:-0 (yawn).

Posted by: j at September 18, 2004 09:04 PM

I, for one, am willing to believe that the Silver Star with Combat V could be simple clerical error. I never believed in medals anyway - heroes are never recognized.

Posted by: Connolly at September 18, 2004 10:35 PM

I wonder if most of the folks commenting on this were ever members of the Navy. The internal memo is says what is means to say - the proper procedure was used to award the medals.
The Navy has no control over what a person says or the actions of said person after they are discharged.

Posted by: colddog at September 19, 2004 08:34 AM

CD,

I am NOT a veteran,so I have no knowledge at all. My son is currently in the Navy,but he wouldn’t have a clue about the procedures of this,etc.

I just think during an election campaign,it is wise if all the military branches remain clearly NON PARTISAN for obvious recruitment reasons.

I myself see Kerry as a ridiculous clown,parroting his heroic service when we all know he tried to avoid the war like Bush,requesting a deferment to study in gay Paris and getting turned down,then joining the Navy.

Heros don’t make Hollywood productions of it as we all know. Plus,we all know by John’s own actions he vociferously felt America was wrong to be there,so WHY would he have volunteered as he claims?

He did the least he could get away with as he saw it,maybe if he was a little wiser he could have done as Clinton did and still been elected,but John is not nearly as wily as Bush or Clinton.

Posted by: FireballXL5 at September 19, 2004 01:18 PM