www.nationalreview.com/york/york200405041626.asp

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May 04, 2004, 4:26 p.m.
Kerry Purple Heart Doc Speaks Out
The medical description of his first wound.

By Byron York

Some critics of Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry have questioned the circumstances surrounding the first of three Purple Hearts Kerry won in Vietnam. Those critics, among them some of Kerry's fellow veterans, have suggested that a wound suffered by Kerry in December 1968 may have made him technically eligible for a Purple Heart but was not severe enough to warrant serious consideration, even for a decoration that was handed out by the thousands. Whatever the case, Kerry was awarded the Purple Heart, and, along with two others he won later, it allowed him to request to leave Vietnam before his tour of duty was finished.

Kerry was treated for the wound at a medical facility in Cam Ranh Bay. The doctor who treated Kerry, Louis Letson, is today a retired general practitioner in Alabama. Letson says he remembers his brief encounter with Kerry 35 years ago because "some of his crewmen related that Lt. Kerry had told them that he would be the next JFK from Massachusetts." Letson says that last year, as the Democratic campaign began to heat up, he told friends that he remembered treating one of the candidates many years ago. In response to their questions, Letson says, he wrote down his recollections of the time. (Letson says he has had no contacts with anyone from the Bush campaign or the Republican party.) What follows is Letson's memory, as he wrote it.

I have a very clear memory of an incident which occurred while I was the Medical Officer at Naval Support Facility, Cam Ranh Bay.
John Kerry was a (jg), the OinC or skipper of a Swift boat, newly arrived in Vietnam. On the night of December 2, he was on patrol north of Cam Ranh, up near Nha Trang area. The next day he came to sick bay, the medical facility, for treatment of a wound that had occurred that night.

The story he told was different from what his crewmen had to say about that night. According to Kerry, they had been engaged in a fire fight, receiving small arms fire from on shore. He said that his injury resulted from this enemy action.

Some of his crew confided that they did not receive any fire from shore, but that Kerry had fired a mortar round at close range to some rocks on shore. The crewman thought that the injury was caused by a fragment ricocheting from that mortar round when it struck the rocks.

That seemed to fit the injury which I treated.

What I saw was a small piece of metal sticking very superficially in the skin of Kerry's arm. The metal fragment measured about 1 cm. in length and was about 2 or 3 mm in diameter. It certainly did not look like a round from a rifle.

I simply removed the piece of metal by lifting it out of the skin with forceps. I doubt that it penetrated more than 3 or 4 mm. It did not require probing to find it, did not require any anesthesia to remove it, and did not require any sutures to close the wound.

The wound was covered with a bandaid.

Not [sic] other injuries were reported and I do not recall that there was any reported damage to the boat.

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Good stuff. I fucking HATE him!

figures, if the outcome of this election weren't so important this would be hilarious.

You can almost see kerry dropping a round in the tube...thinking...boy! if this is close enough...I can get hurt...

Damn...nothing...OH WAIT!!!...I have a scratch......

I've had foot splinters bigger than that shit.

How would you have liked to be a part of that Swift boat's crew with Kerry as IIC (Idiot-In-Charge) ??




5sub

Dupe topic, but it needs to be 'duped every friggin day until November

IBTL

Geez guys just look at all that dedication.  After all he left that boo boo in his arm so he could get a purple heart.

Tj

Quoted: Geez guys just look at all that dedication.  After all he left that boo boo in his arm so he could get a purple heart. Tj

The real sin is the commander who ok'd the citation.

Quoted: Quoted: Geez guys just look at all that dedication.  After all he left that boo boo in his arm so he could get a purple heart. Tj The real sin is the commander who ok'd the citation.

if what others have told me is true, a purple heart is the only "award" that does not need a commanders approval to recieve one. all is needed is a visit to an a qualified med. but i could be wrong

I'd be embarassed to receive an award for that. Unmanly. Craven. Opportunistic. Weaselly. Hmmmm.....sounds like a Democrat.

Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Geez guys just look at all that dedication.  After all he left that boo boo in his arm so he could get a purple heart. Tj The real sin is the commander who ok'd the citation. if what others have told me is true, a purple heart is the only "award" that does not need a commanders approval to recieve one. all is needed is a visit to an a qualified med. but i could be wrong

Your most likely right
but with men coming home from there without body parts
I would have hoped someone would have kabooshed it.


Purple Heart
Paragraph 2-8, Army Regulation 600-8-22 (Military Awards)
25 February 1995

The Purple Heart was established by General George Washington at Newburgh, New York, on 7 August 1782, during the Revolutionary War. It was reestablished by the President of the United States per War Department General Orders 3, 1932 and is currently awarded pursuant to Executive Order 11016, 25 April 1962, Executive Order 12464, 23 February 1984 and Public Law 98-525, 19 October 1984.

a. The Purple Heart is awarded in the name of the President of the United States to any member of an Armed Force or any civilian national of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the U.S. Armed Services after 5 April 1917, has been wounded or killed, or who has died or may hereafter die after being wounded-

(1) In any action against an enemy of the United States.

(2) In any action with an opposing armed force of a foreign country in which the Armed Forces of the United States are or have been engaged.

(3) While serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.

(4) As a result of an act of any such enemy of opposing armed forces.

(5) As the result of an act of any hostile foreign force

(6) After 28 March 1973, as a result of an international terrorist attack against the United States or a foreign nation friendly to the United States, recognized as such an attack by the Secretary of the Army, or jointly by the Secretaries of the separate armed services concerned if persons from more than one service are wounded in the attack.

(7) After 28 March 1973, as a result of military operations while serving outside the territory of the United States as part of a peacekeeping force.

b. While clearly an individual decoration, the Purple Heart differs from all other decorations in that an individual is not "recommended" for the decoration; rather he or she is entitled to it upon meeting specific criteria.

(1) A Purple Heart is authorized for the first wound suffered under conditions indicated above, but for each subsequent award an Oak Leaf Cluster will be awarded to be worn on the medal or ribbon. Not more than one award will be made for more than one wound or injury received at the same instant or from the same missile, force, explosion, or agent.

(2) A wound is defined as an injury to any part of the body from an outside force or agent sustained under one or more of the conditions listed above. A physical lesion is not required, however, the wound for which the award is made must have required treatment by a medical officer and records of medical treatment for wounds or injuries received in action must have been made a matter of official record.

(3) When contemplating an award of this decoration, the key issue that commanders must take into consideration is the degree to which the enemy caused the injury. The fact that the proposed recipient was participating in direct or indirect combat operations is a necessary prerequisite, but is not sole justification for award.

(4) Examples of enemy-related injuries which clearly justify award of the Purple Heart are as follows:

(a) Injury caused by enemy bullet, shrapnel, or other projectile created by enemy action.

(b) Injury caused by enemy placed mine or trap.

(c) Injury caused by enemy released chemical, biological, or nuclear agent.

(d) Injury caused by vehicle or aircraft accident resulting from enemy fire.

(e) Concussion injuries caused as a result of enemy generated explosions.

(5) Examples of injuries or wounds which clearly do not qualify for award of the Purple Heart are as follows:

(a) Frostbite or trench foot injuries.

(b) Heat stroke.

(c) Food poisoning not caused by enemy agents.

(d) Chemical, biological, or nuclear agents not released by the enemy.

(e) Battle fatigue.

(f) Disease not directly caused by enemy agents.

(g) Accidents, to include explosive, aircraft, vehicular, and other accidental wounding not related to or caused by enemy action.

(h) Self-inflicted wounds, except when in the heat of battle, and not involving gross negligence.

(i) Post traumatic stressdisorders.

(j) Jump injuries not caused by enemy action.

(6) It is not intended that such a strict interpretation of the requirement for the wound or injury to be caused by direct result of hostile action be taken that it would preclude the award being made to deserving personnel. Commanders must also take into consideration the circumstances surrounding an injury, even if it appears to meet the criteria. Note the following examples:

(a) In a case such as an individual injured while making a parachute landing from an aircraft that had been brought down by enemy fire; or, an individual injured as a result of a vehicle accident caused by enemy fire, the decision will be made in favor of the individual and the award will be made.

(b) Individuals wounded or killed as a result of "friendly fire" in the "heat of battle" will be awarded the Purple Heart as long as the "friendly" projectile or agent was released with the full intent of inflicting damage or destroying enemy troops or equipment.

(c) Individuals injured as a result of their own negligence; for example, driving or walking through an unauthorized area known to have been mined or placed off limits or searching for or picking up unexploded munitions as war souvenirs, will not be awarded the Purple Heart as they clearly were not injured as a result of enemy action, but rather by their own negligence.

c. A Purple Heart will be issued to the next of kin of each person entitled to a posthumous award. Issue will be made automatically by the Commanding General, PERSCOM, upon receiving a report of death indicating entitlement.

d. Upon written application to Commander, ARPERCEN, ATTN: DARP-VSE-A, 9700 Page Boulevard. St. Louis, MO 63132-5200, award may be made to any member of the Army, who during World War I, was awarded a Meritorious Service Citation Certificate signed by the Commander in Chief, American Expeditionary Forces, or who was authorized to wear wound chevrons. Posthumous awards to personnel who were killed or died of wounds after 5 April 1917 will be made to the appropriate next of kin upon application to the Commanding General, PERSCOM.

e. Any member of the Army who was awarded the Purple Heart for meritorious achievement or service, as opposed to wounds received in action, between 7 December 1941 and 22 September 1943, may apply for award of an appropriate decoration instead of the Purple Heart.

f. For those who became Prisoners of War after 25 April 1962, the Purple Heart will be awarded to individuals wounded while prisoners of foreign forces, upon submission by the individual to the Department of the U.S. Army of an affidavit that is supported by a statement from a witness, if this is possible. Documentation and inquiries should be directed to Commander, PERSCOM, ATTN: TAPC-PDA, Alexandria, VA 22332-0471.

g. Any member of the U.S. Army who believes that he or she is eligible for the Purple Heart, but through unusual circumstances no award was made, may submit an application through military channels, to Commander, PERSCOM, ATTN: TAPC PDA, Alexandria, VA 22332-0471. Application will include complete documentation, to include evidence of medical treatment, pertaining to the wound.

h. As noted in a above, the Purple Heart may be awarded to civilian nationals of the United States. These individuals must be serving under competent authority with the Army when wounded. Serving under competent authority with the Army will include those eligible persons who are employees of the U.S. Government in a duty (pay or official travel) status when wounds are sustained. Examples of eligible individuals are as follows:

(1) Any Army employee who is traveling outside of the continental limits of the United States on PCS or temporary duty (TDY) aboard a commercial aircraft and wounded by international terrorists in an attempted or actual hijacking incident.

(2) An Army employee in an Army office building performing his or her job who is wounded by an explosive device detonated by international terrorists.

(3) A civil or foreign service employee from a U.S. Government Agency or Department attached to an Army element performing intelligence, counter-terrorist, or other duties with the Army wounded by international terrorists.

(4) An Army employee wounded in an international terrorist incident in which a soldier or soldiers are also wounded.

What pisses me off is we still have Vietnam Vets that have not received their purple hearts...30+ years later!!!  Kerry received 3 and a Bronze Star and was only in country for 4 months!!!  

He was just a ticket-puncher.

i have always felt that any WOUND which allows you to walk to sick bay the day AFTER recieving it should NEVER qualify as a battle injury. That article is a DIRECT INSULT and slap in the face to the men who served with honor and were injured.

FUCK KERRY!

Quoted: i have always felt that any WOUND which allows you to walk to sick bay the day AFTER recieving it should NEVER qualify as a battle injury. That article is a DIRECT INSULT and slap in the face to the men who served with honor and were injured. FUCK KERRY!

ditto...

by the way..what did he "supposedly" get his bronze star for?

Quoted: What pisses me off is we still have Vietnam Vets that have not received their purple hearts...30+ years later!!!  Kerry received 3 and a Bronze Star and was only in country for 4 months!!!   He was just a ticket-puncher.

Heck, my Dad just applied to get his medals from fighting in the South Pacific in WWII.  Sounds like he was too busy getting wounded and put back into the line to receive the actual decorations.  He never talked about them (or the war) much, but my Mom made him apply a few months ago so he could leave them to me and my son.  Apparently he has a chestful of ribbons in the mail.  

Guys like my Dad and Uncles are heroes.  Guys like Kerry...

I am no fan of Kerry but I think all this squawking about his Viet Nam duty is senseless. A non-issue.  He served honorably in combat and was wounded several times. So what if one was a little scratch? Harping on it is about as petty as you can get.

Quoted: I am no fan of Kerry but I think all this squawking about his Viet Nam duty is senseless. A non-issue.  He served honorably in combat and was wounded several times. So what if one was a little scratch? Harping on it is about as petty as you can get.

Except that comparing the doctor's statements to Kerry's reveals his tendency to lie about everything in his life. Talking about it as much as possible may in some small way help us avoid being stuck with a pathelogical liar/traitor/socialist/gold digger/piece of shit in the White House (again).

Quoted: Quoted: What pisses me off is we still have Vietnam Vets that have not received their purple hearts...30+ years later!!!  Kerry received 3 and a Bronze Star and was only in country for 4 months!!!   He was just a ticket-puncher. Heck, my Dad just applied to get his medals from fighting in the South Pacific in WWII.  Sounds like he was too busy getting wounded and put back into the line to receive the actual decorations.  He never talked about them (or the war) much, but my Mom made him apply a few months ago so he could leave them to me and my son.  Apparently he has a chestful of ribbons in the mail.   Guys like my Dad and Uncles are heroes.  Guys like Kerry...

Yep, this is exactly what I'm talking about.  We have vets that served in WWII, Korea, Vietnam, GWI and now GW2 that still haven't received their medals and some may never get them.  However, Kerry received 3 purple hearts and a Bronze Star while only being in country for 4 months.  The true heros are the guys that have never believed they were/are heros.

Quoted: I am no fan of Kerry but I think all this squawking about his Viet Nam duty is senseless. A non-issue.  He served honorably in combat and was wounded several times. So what if one was a little scratch? Harping on it is about as petty as you can get.

He's making it the issue-he made issue of W's service, now he is facing a similar scrutiny. I like seeing the press eat their own, as they do it so rarely.

Quoted: I am no fan of Kerry but I think all this squawking about his Viet Nam duty is senseless. A non-issue.  He served honorably in combat and was wounded several times. So what if one was a little scratch? Harping on it is about as petty as you can get.

He's the one that is always bringing it up.  Every time he gets in front of a crowd or a camera we have to hear about his "distinguished" service.  My point is we have hundreds of thousands of Vets that served “honorably”, why should this ticket puncher think he’s special?  Every Vet deserves recognition and there are men and women that performed feats far greater than Kerry that have not received it yet…that’s an insult to those men and women!

Quoted: I am no fan of Kerry but I think all this squawking about his Viet Nam duty is senseless. A non-issue.  He served honorably in combat and was wounded several times. So what if one was a little scratch? Harping on it is about as petty as you can get.

 What you said might as well be true...But these past incidents reveal a pattern and attitude of a person.  Some people change over time, some don't....And Kerry doesn't change.