Letter: Kerry’s war record honorable

Friday, Aug. 27, 2004 | 4:24 a.m.

WEEKEND EDITION

August 28 - 29, 2004

Republicans continue to attack and distort John Kerry's Vietnam War record by trotting out like-minded supporters making unsubstantiated claims.

Now, however, William Rood, a writer for the Chicago Tribune and one of the three officers (one was killed in action), including Kerry, in the Swift boat combat group, has broken his silence after 35 years.

Mr. Rood has clearly and unequivocally stated that John Kerry, the leader of his Swift boat group, did indeed deserve his medals. Rood was there with Kerry.

We all know what combat group George Bush served in while Kerry was in Vietnam. The National Guard is a necessary and honorable military organization, but let's not get Kerry's military record confused with that of George Bush's.

RICHARD RYCHTARIK

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