A Silver Star, Bronze Star and three Purple Hearts for service in Vietnam is quite a resume. So to offer John Kerry some perspective on what it took to earn those awards, I'd recommend the book Acceptable Loss, by Kregg Jorgenson. 

Of course Mr. Jorgenson's narrative is somewhat different than Mr. Kerry's. He "spoke truth to power" (his senator, a Democrat) and as punishment was sent back to the front to finish his one year tour with staples holding together the muscles in his leg, after receiving his third Purple Heart. And when he finally returned stateside, he was advised to carry his medal citations to be able to prove he had earned them, because of all the imposters. 

Mr. Jorgenson was drafted to serve during the administration of Lyndon Johnson, a politician with a Silver Star that CNN called "one of the most undeserved Silver Stars in history."

Perhaps the Swift Vets would consider this network—centric way to challenge Mr. Kerry. Simply encourage people to buy Mr. Jorgenson's book (only $6.99) and give it to Kerry supporters. Let them read about a real hero, and in the process support a deserving veteran through increased book royalties! Imagine if Mr. Jorgenson's book rose to number 1 on Amazon! Do you think John Kerry would get the message?
 
Bruce Thompson   6 01 06