Ten months in 'Nam

To the editor,

It takes a lot of nerve to question the war record of John Kerry.

Kerry-bashing by those of the far right, brazenly, preposterously and sanctimoniously attacking a man who not only served but who served his country valiantly. The letters also seemingly discredit those who were awarded these honors over years past.

Time Magazine in its May 10 issue reports that Kerry is one of the Senate's most decorated veterans, and his record is impressive for an officer who spent just 10 months in Vietnam. Kerry was first awarded the Silver Star of Gallantry in action. The award was for leading three Swift boats up a canal on Feb. 28, 1969, and ordering a daring attack on Viet Cong positions. When his boat took rocket fire, Kerry directed his crew to head straight for the beach, taking the guerrilla with the rocket launcher by surprise. He then jumped ashore and killed him.

Kerry was awarded the Bronze Star for heroic and meritorious service on the Bay Hap River on March 13, 1969, when a mine exploded under his boat, driving shrapnel into his arm and knocking Green Beret Jim Rassmann overboard. Despite heavy fire, Kerry turned the boat around and pulled Rassmann back on board with his good arm.

Kerry earned three Purple Hearts, all for shrapnel wounds received when his boat came under heavy enemy fire on different occasions. He also received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. In addition, he received the Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon and the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon.

Speaking as a former Marine who served during the Korean campaign, I'd say that this guy is one gung-ho individual who served his country well.

William A. Fairhurst

Three Folks