Recently
released military documents from both camps highlight the differences
between the two men. George Bush, then in the National Guard, checked
a box "do not volunteer for overseas."1 Then
he failed to show up for a required physical, was grounded from flying,
and didn't show up for several months before leaving eight months early
for Harvard Business School.2
In
contrast, in a letter to his Navy personnel officer, Kerry wrote "I
request duty in Vietnam."3 Over the course of
that service, for "brave action, bold initiative and unwavering
devotion to duty,"4 he was awarded the Bronze
Star and Silver Star medals. He also earned not one but three Purple
Hearts, for being injured in service to our country.5
As
the Associated Press reported, "Throughout his four years of active
duty, Kerry's superiors gave him glowing evaluations . . . narrative
comments from his commanding officers said he was diplomatic, charismatic,
decisive and well-liked by his men. . . He was recommended for early
promotion, and when he left the Navy in 1970 to run for Congress, his
commanding officer said it was the Navy's loss."6
George
Bush, Dick Cheney, and Karl Rove have a long history of attacking their
opponents' military service -- even though Bush left early, Cheney said
he had "other priorities" than serving, and Rove didn't serve
at all.7
1.
Bush
military service records
2.
"Bush's Guard
actions required an inquiry," by Walter V. Robinson and Francie
Latour (2/13/04)
3.
Kerry
military service records
4.
"Editorial:
Galling Smears," Minnesota Star Tribune (4/24/04)
5.
Kerry
military service records
6.
"Records
show high praise for officer Kerry," Nedra Pickler (4/22/04)
7.
The
Chickenhawk Database