For the next several days, I am going to wade into some lies and/or conspiracies that were spread to discredit, dishonor and destroy some upstanding people. My intention is to publish one of these stories each day. I am not sure why more information never came out or at least why I was not more aware of the lies concerning these people. It seems the mainstream media did nothing to help dispel the vicious slander and lies that were spread about these men and women. Even today, the for-profit media does nothing to discredit the numerous lies and conspiracy theories spread by the current administration. The following is a another man who was targeted for such lies.
John F. Kerry served with distinction when he was in Vietnam in 1966. Many people say his war record was faked, and that he did not deserve his medals. Was he a hero or a fake?
The allegations against John Kerry regarding his service in Vietnam have been the subject of significant political controversy, particularly during his 2004 presidential campaign. To answer the question—Was John Kerry a hero or a fake?—we need to separate verified facts from politically motivated accusations.
Documented Facts About Kerry’s Vietnam Service
Military Record:
- Kerry served in the U.S. Navy from 1966 to 1970.
- He commanded a Swift Boat (PCF-94) in the Mekong Delta in 1968–69.
- He received five medals:
- Silver Star (for gallantry)
- Bronze Star
- Three Purple Hearts (for wounds in combat)
After the War:
Kerry became a prominent anti-war activist, testifying before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in 1971, and criticizing U.S. actions in Vietnam.
His speeches included claims that some U.S. troops had committed war crimes—statements that drew strong reactions both then and decades later.
The 2004 “Swift Boat” Allegations
- During his 2004 campaign, a group called Swift Boat Veterans for Truth (SBVT) launched a media campaign accusing Kerry of:
- Exaggerating or fabricating his military service
- Not deserving some of his medals
- Lying about his actions during combat
Analysis of the Allegations:
The SBVT claims were refuted by official Navy records and many of Kerry’s fellow crewmates, who supported his version of events.
Multiple independent fact-checkers (FactCheck.org, the Washington Post, and others) concluded that the SBVT campaign was misleading or false.
The campaign is now widely seen as an early and powerful example of a politically motivated smear, giving rise to the term “swift boating” as a synonym for dishonest political attacks.
Bottom Line: Hero or Fake?
Hero: According to military records, eyewitness accounts, and official commendations, John Kerry served with distinction, was wounded in action, and showed bravery.
Not a Fake: The allegations of fraud or exaggeration have been widely discredited and were part of a partisan effort to undermine his credibility in a political campaign.
Controversial: Kerry’s anti-war activism, including his Senate testimony, was divisive and remains controversial—but that does not negate his military service. Even today when I attend some activities at Veteran Centers throughout Pinal County, I find veterans who suggest that we should have won the Vietnam War but we were “stabbed” in the back by hippies, liberals and war protestors. Of course, then as now most war protestors are labeled as communist sympathizers or simply cowards.
Aging Capriciously 