The Purple Heart

April 15, 2004

Comments

In light of (rather silly) suggestions that John Kerry’s Purple Hearts were unearned, Don Sensing provides historical insights into the award itself. The upshot is that the wounds don’t have to be serious nor does one have to be engaged in heroic acts while receiving the wounds to be eligible.

5 responses to “The Purple Heart”

Donald Sensing

April 15, 2004 at 9:55 am

Thanks for the link! Actually, I think it is only Kerry’s first PH that has been questioned, not all three. Not sure that it matters, I’m just a stickler for detail, I guess.
Paul

April 15, 2004 at 10:11 am

In light of (rather silly) suggestions that John KerryÃ¢Â€Â™s Purple Hearts were unearned,

I’m not sure it is silly… This man has, for the last 2 years, made himself out to be half AudieMurphy / half Rambo.

His weaseling out after only 4 months in country and 3 questionable metals hardly back that up.
Paul

April 15, 2004 at 10:13 am

and lemme be more clear on what I meant to say…

Sine HE has made it the central issue of his campaign, he really can’t complain if it gets looked in to.

(It was him that mentioned his Vietnam service wasn’t it? )
capt joe

April 15, 2004 at 10:21 am

did you know he served in Vietnam?
James Joyner

April 15, 2004 at 10:55 am

Paul: I think the claims that Kerry is a war hero are staked to the Silver Star. The Purple Heart isn’t a medal for gallantry; it’s “awarded” for getting injured in a combat zone.

—