"-=jd=-" wrote:

I don't think anyone ever doubted the
process that the USN follows to award
medals after the "after-action" report
has been filed. I think what's been
doubted, with ample reason to do so,
is the actual circumstances surround
the events, in addition to whomever
wrote the reports that the awards were
based on. (snip)


The awards process includes an investigation or review of the facts and
circumstances to justify an award. The Admiral made that very clear when he
said an "additional review" today would not be productive. He also made it
very clear in that same paragraph that any review included the "facts and
circumstances" of the events. Those who did review the "facts and
circumstances" thirty years ago found that Kerry did deserve those medals.
That should be more than enough to satisfy all but the most fanatical.

Stewart