Kerry isn't the first elected official to run afoul of his "history" vs. the facts. After every conflict, people crawl out of the woodwork making claims about what they did. Kerry, being an officer, was allowed some latitude in his "awards", as most of the up-and-comers were punching their tickets in a War Zone. Adding a couple of "weakly described" awards was something that's been done since the Civil War.
Trying to make his awards a campaign point is another thing entirely. Especially after his disavowal of them, and his vaguely described witnessing of "American atrocities".
Swift Boats were larger than PBRs, didn't have jet-drive, and drew too much water to operate in many of the VN river's channels. The PBR had been deployed by the time J. Kerry was performing. Swift's spent most of their career intercepting Water-borne Logistics Vehicles in the larger waterways, and coastlines. They also operated at all times with at LEAST two boats.
I don't know John Kerry, but I do know about PBR ops. Also, in 1966-68, the majority of Navy operators were still carrying the M14 rifle. While there may have been some M16s on the Swifts, the majority still carried the 7.62 rifles. This was the period of time where the M16, and it's ammo, were a cause of serious concerns. The ability to appropriate ammo, mags, and parts would also have been of some concern to any Swift Boat operators.
It's been 36 years aince I left Vietnam, and my memory isn't as sharp for details as it used to be. You are willing to accept the memory of one man, who agreed with John Kerry, but doubt the memories of all the others? Talk about not wanting your idea cluttered up with facts.
What Mr. Kerry was, or wasn't, in the Vietnam War isn't as important as how he has used his experience. To me, his twisting of information to fit the current political winds, and his ability to ignore his past statements, is far more telling than some debate from the distant past. Swift Boat Vets for the Truth are no better or worse than any group of people reaching back that long ago to try to apply memories to today's PC statements.
My personal opinion of a man who would use his crew to "document" via film the scenario of his awards, for future use, isn't high. As was all too obvious to those who actually served, there were zero safe areas along the rivers. Kerry placed a crew in danger with his antics. That alone calls into doubt his intentions, his veracity, and his "command abilities".
Aside from some trolls here who love to stir up trouble, it's over for now. Rebar, you'll never get a straight answer.
