The Wall Street Journal

Conduct Unbecoming

Kerry doesn’t deserve Vietnam vets’ support

Service in Vietnam is an important credential to me. Many felt that such service was beneath them, and removed themselves from the manpower pool. That Mr. Kerry served at all is a reason for a bond with fellow veterans; that his service earned him a Bronze Star for Valor (“for personal bravery”) and a Silver Star (“for gallantry”) is even more compelling. Unfortunately, Mr. Kerry came home to Massachusetts, the one state George McGovern carried in 1972. He joined the Vietnam Veterans Against the War and emceed the Winter Soldier Investigation (both financed by Jane Fonda). Many veterans believe these protests led to more American deaths, and to the enslavement of the people on whose behalf the protests were ostensibly being undertaken. But being a take-charge kind of guy, Mr. Kerry became a leader in the VVAW and even testified before Congress on the findings of the Investigation, which he accepted at face value.

In his book “Stolen Valor,” B.G. Burkett points out that Mr. Kerry liberally used phony veterans to testify to atrocities they could not possibly have committed. Mr. Kerry later threw what he represented as his awards at the Capitol in protest. But as the war diminished as a political issue, he left the VVAW, which was a bit too radical for his political future, and was ultimately elected to the Senate. After his awards were seen framed on his office wall, he claimed to have thrown away someone else’s medals—so now he can reclaim his gallantry in Vietnam.

Mr. Kerry hasn’t given me any reason to trust his judgment. As co-chairman of the Senate investigating committee, he quashed a revealing inquiry into the POW/MIA issue, and he supports trade initiatives with the Socialist Republic of Vietnam while blocking any legislation requiring Hanoi to adhere to basic human rights. I’m not surprised that there are veterans who support a VVAW activist, if only because there are so few fellow veterans in politics. Ideally, there’d be many more. If you are going to vote on military appropriations, it would be nice if you didn’t disrespect the soldiers. Congress hasn’t had the courage to declare war in more than 60 years, despite numerous instances in which we have sent our military in harm’s way. Of all the “lessons of Vietnam,” surely one is that America needs a leader capable of demonstrating in himself, and encouraging in others, the resolve to finish what they have collectively started.

But the bond between veterans has to be tempered in light of the individual’s record. Just as Mr. Kerry threw away medals only to claim them back again, Sen. Kerry voted to take action against Iraq, but claims to take that vote back by voting against funding the result. So I can understand my former comrade-in-arms hugging the man who saved his life, but not the act of choosing him for president out of gratitude. And I would hate to see anyone giving Mr. Kerry a sympathy vote for president just because being a Vietnam veteran is “back in style.”

Mr. Sherman was a first lieutenant with the U.S. Army Fifth Special Forces Group (Airborne) in Vietnam, 1967-68.

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AVOC COMMENT:  John Kerry had an interesting existence after returning from Vietnam.  He used his leadership talents to lead aggressive demonstrations against the War.  He pretended to throw his medals away but now has them on his wall.  He likes to talk about being a Veteran and his combat experience.  "His Silver Star" was awarded to the crew.

 

However, to many Vietnam veterans, he is a symbol of disgust.  A website has been established to show his history that his campaign just wants to gloss over.

 

It is yet another example of Kerry waffling and wanting it “both ways’!

 

Wendell Dawson, Editor

 

 

 

VIETNAM VETERANS AGAINST JOHN KERRY

 

http://www.usvetdsp.com/jf_kerry.htm

 

PHOTOS: 

 

 

During Memorial Day weekend, he joined a throng of antiwar protesters on the green in Lexington, Mass., where he and hundreds of others were arrested.

 

Kerry run for election to the U.S. House in 1972 during which he found it necessary to suppress reproduction of the cover picture appearing on his own book, The New Soldier. His political opponent pointed out that it depicted several unkempt youths crudely handling an American flag to mock the famous photo of the U.S. Marines at Iwo Jima.

 

 

Sen. John Kerry in Hanoi seated under a bust of Communist Vietnam's deceased leader, Ho Chi Minh

 

 

Kerry and crew stand together in An Thoi, Vietnam, on February 28, 1969, after a medal presentation for Silver Star action. From left: Del Sandusky, John Kerry, Gene Thorson, Thomas Belodeau. Kneeling from left, Mike Medeiros, Fred Short.