SwiftVets.com

[Beldar]

Another self-described eyewitness to the Bay Hap River action has appeared, one Jim Russell, in a letter to the editor published today in a Colorado newspaper.

My blogpost on the subject is at http://www.beldar.org/beldarblog/2004/08/the_new_jim_rus.html ....

As always, I'd be grateful for comments and reactions from the knowledgeable readers here -- preferably by email (beldar*at*beldar.org) or via the comments on my blog.

[thorrell]

I can't find him on www.swiftboats.net

Also, why would a PsyOps officer be on that mission? Weren't they ferrying an Assualt group?

[SF]

Since the letter was published today (Sunday 8/22), the same pub date as Rood's account, it seems doubtful that Rood's account fed Russell's recollection. Other than that, I think you've dissected the letter pretty well. The inconsistencies are pretty notable.
What is a psychological operation officer?
I wish there were timelines on all these boats so actually crews could be known. I'd assume that O'Neill et al have already scoured for all possible crew in gathering up the SBVT, so that would mean SBVT knows the names of the ones who didn't join them. it might help to know from where else these stories might come from.

[Beldar]

Rood's piece was all over the net by about noon yesterday. I dunno when the Telluride paper went to press, or when it's online version appeared. Good point, though, thanks SF.

[You GottaBeKidding]

Would PsyOps be a swiftee? My guess is not.

[Slednfool]

Mr. Russell says

[NavyChief]

I'm not buying it. PCF-43 was the one that took all the wounded to the Coast Guard Cutter after the situation was stabilized. PCF-43 also was behind Kerry - my understanding is the area immediately around the Fishing Weir is were the Vietcong mined, not further up river. Also, wheeling to port would have been stupid since that is where the mine went off.

Unless this guy can prove who he says he is, ain't buying it. Of course, if he is real then I have to reevaluate and may owe him an apology.

I hate being wishy-washy

- instigator
_________________
Working with Senator Kerry four years in the POW/MIA Office left me thinking -- when did the man ever do any work?

[baldeagl]

I left a comment on your blog. I don't find his account credible. Canals didn't have beaches, they had banks. Furthermore, the boats were described as "about 25 feet apart (Kerry's and PCF 3). Imagine "turning to the left" (not port?) when you already beside the bank of the canal (if you were on the port side of the canal or turning to the left into the fishing weir.

I'd tell him to try again after learning a little bit more about what went on that day.
_________________
antimedia
USN OST-6 68-74
http://antimedia.blogspot.com/

[Polaris]

Beldar,

Left a comment on your blog. It doesn't wash. Anyone that has handled an assault rifle can tell you that the stories of enemy fire are simply untrue. The physical evidence simply doesn't support it.
_________________
-Polaris

Truth is Beauty

[Navy_Navy_Navy]

GAWWWD, I JUST LOVE THIS BOARD!!!!



Can ya tell I'm happy? You guys are right ON it when something like this comes up!

All of you are so much appreciated!
_________________
~ Echo Juliet ~
Altering course to starboard - On Fire, Keep Clear
Navy woman, Navy wife, Navy mother

[NavyChief]

[Beldar]

WaPo's picked up Russell's letter to the editor:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A24891-2004Aug22.html

[7rrfs]

[gkdechow]

Didn't Mr. Rood sort of imply that Kerry was leader of the "Silver Star' mission which was with he and Don Droz and that Kerry came up with the new "attack" tactic.

[Polaris]

Jesus H. Christ...don't the MSM outlets bother to do any research before picking up a story?
_________________
-Polaris

Truth is Beauty