Kerry's war record
This is what I found on Kerry's war record so far. It's pretty impressive. The following incident is the one that keeps coming up; the version below is the one from Kerry?s own campaign web page since it included the most details of the incident. I have edited it for brevity.

Former Lieutenant John Kerry was reunited today with fellow Vietnam veteran Jim Rassmann, who says Kerry saved his life during combat. On March 13, 1969, Rassmann, a Green Beret, was traveling down the Bay Hap river in a boat behind Kerry?s when both were ambushed by exploding land mines and enemy fire coming from the shore. Kerry was hit in the arm, while a mine blew Rassmann?s boat out of the water. With enemy fire coming from both sides of the river and swift boats evacuating from the area, Kerry?s crew chose to turn their boat toward the ambush to save Rassmann.

?We were still under fire, and he was wounded at the time?,? recalled Rassmann. And with his boat?s gunners providing suppressing fire, Kerry extended his wounded arm into the water and the two lieutenants locked arms.

For Kerry?s bravery, Rassmann recommended that he be recognized, and Kerry was awarded the Bronze Star with Combat V. The citation that followed the award read as follows:

?The man was receiving sniper fire from both banks. Lt. Kerry directed his gunners to provide suppressing fire, while from an exposed position on the bow, his arm bleeding and in pain, with disregard for his personal safety, he pulled the man aboard.

Lt. Kerry then directed his boat to return and assist the other damaged craft and towed the boat to safety. Lt. Kerry's calmness, professionalism and great personal courage under fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the US Naval Service.?