A Veteran's Purple Heart

A BUZZFLASH READER CONTRIBUTION

Hello again to BuzzFlash and to all BuzzFlash readers,

I sent the attached e-mail to GeeDubya at the White House in response to the recent advertisement by the Vietnam Veterans group "Swift Boat Veterans for Truth." I followed up with a letter, and also copied this correspondence to Senators John Kerry and John McCain. I thought that each of them would have an interest in what this citizen thought about smear campaigns, and the impact it has on each of us. I encourage all BuzzFlash readers to do the same.

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Sent: Tuesday, August 10, 2004
To: 'president@whitehouse.gov'

The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500
Attn: President George W. Bush

Subj: A Veteran's Purple Heart

Dear Mr. President,

I am the proud and relieved parent of a soldier who recently returned from over seven months of service in Fallujah, Iraq after a tour of similar duration in Afghanistan. My son was awarded a Purple Heart for an injury sustained in Iraq when two IED's exploded only a few feet from the vehicle in which he and his colleagues were traveling. Fortunately, other IED's that were nearby failed to detonate; otherwise their fates could well have been drastically different. My family, as surely those of the other soldiers who were attacked, shudder at the thought of what could have occurred.

I noticed that while you were shaking the hands of potential voters lined up to meet you at a recent campaign event, you were asked if you would condemn the newly released advertisement by the Vietnam Veterans group "Swift Boat Veterans for Truth," who oppose Senator John Kerry's candidacy for President. Not only did you refuse to do so, you did not even acknowledge the question that was asked of you. You silently continued to smile, to shake hands, and to sign autographs as though the question was never posed.

Mr. President, your refusal to condemn this advertisement is a profound insult to recipients, as well as their families, of the Purple Heart and other related awards of valor. I am particularly offended that you did not even acknowledge the aforementioned question.

I am saddened and outraged see what the members of "Swift Boat Veterans for Truth" are doing to Senator Kerry in that advertisement - smearing him by distorting his military service record, questioning his awards, and misrepresenting the public statements he made upon his return from war in Vietnam. These attacks on Senator Kerry are reminiscent of those that were made on another decorated Vietnam Veteran, Senator John McCain, in the 2000 Republican primary campaign by some of the same people who are responsible for funding and promoting this current advertisement. As the father of a Veteran, I find it a personal affront that, as President of the United States - as my President - you will not show respect to those (such as Senator Kerry and my son) who have sacrificed for this country by echoing the sentiments of Senator McCain, who has once again stepped up for our country to call this type of smear "dishonest and dishonorable."

As you are certainly aware, the video advertisement offers statements alleging that Senator Kerry is not being truthful about his service. Further, this group has made several claims about some of his awards not being deserved, among them a Purple Heart. I find it entirely un-American to question Senator Kerry's service, especially in such a dishonest manner. As the father of an injured soldier, my perspective is that by being dismissive of Senator Kerry's service, they are in turn dismissing my son's service.

As an example, I cite from the "Swiftees" website (swiftvets.com) this statement: "Military regulations state that to qualify for a Purple Heart, an injury must come 'from an outside force or agent,' and treatment for the wound must 'have been made a matter of official record.' It further states: "While John Kerry managed to satisfy the second criterion by insisting that an amused Dr. Letson provide an official Band-Aid, nicking himself with a fragment from his own poorly-aimed grenade fails to meet the first qualification."

This is profoundly degrading and purposefully misleading. What the "Swiftees" have maintained about the criteria for being awarded a Purple Heart is dishonest, as is confirmed in (a) and (b) below (from purpleheart.org):

(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) [unrelated to Kerry]
(4) As a result of an act of any such enemy of opposing armed forces.
(S), (6), & (7) [unrelated to Kerry]

(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 [emphasis mine] to it upon meeting specific criteria.

(1) A Purple Heart is authorized for the first wound suffered under conditions indicated above . . .
(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.

Simple research as displayed above will enable one to understand that Kerry's awards, notably his Purple Heart, are not to be questioned. Clearly, his wounds, as do my son's, though not as severe as many of those who were injured, meet any and all of the criteria that entitled him to have received a Purple Heart. The circumstances of his injuries may not meet the criteria of the "Swiftees," but their criteria are, of course, meaningless and irrelevant. You are indeed aware of this - after all, the Purple Heart is awarded in your name.

For people to disagree with views of our leaders - in this case a candidate for President of the United States - is accepted, understood and expected by all United States citizens. The right to do so is the basis upon which our country was founded, and is precisely what my son has defended in two separate conflicts. Unfortunately, it has become a common theme for some of your supporters to wrap themselves in the American flag and smear the opposition. They did it to Senator John McCain, and they are trying to do the same with Senator John Kerry.

As a truly patriotic American citizen, I am compelled to write to you to demand that you condemn and refute the allegations made in this advertisement. I eagerly anticipate said condemnation from my President as a tribute to those, such as my son, as well as to Senator Kerry, who have fought to defend our country.

It is your sworn duty to do so.

Warmest Regards,

GK, a Fervently Loyal, Devoted and Proud Liberal BuzzFlash Reader

A BUZZFLASH READER CONTRIBUTION