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jrsdad · Lt.Jg. Joined: 20 Aug 2004 Posts: 118

This may be completely out in left field (I visit there a lot), but when I was looking at the B&W picture of Al Hubbard & Kerry in UFC I got to thinking - obviously "Cap'n Al" wore ribbons he didn't earn.

Did Kerry?

I looked briefly for a color picture to reference and couldn't find a good one.

I just wonder whether Kerry added some campaign ribbons and awards.

I'm sure you vets can't tell from a B&W, but it just tickled my little brain...

Bob_P · Posted: Mon Sep 06, 2004 2:01 pm Post subject: Ribbons

I too noticed that, in the picture you referenced, Kerry & Hubbard on 'Meet the Press', Kerry is wearing 11 ribbons. His DD-214, on his web site, list 7 medals but also says "See attached sheet". Also wondering if he is wearing more than he was awarded?
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RivPatFlotV, Binh Thuy, RVN, '69 - '70

jrsdad · Lt.Jg. Joined: 20 Aug 2004 Posts: 118

stylin19 · Lt.Jg. Joined: 08 Aug 2004 Posts: 122

The RVN Service Medal is one ribbon. The 4 campaigns will be represented with stars on the ribbon. The same is true for the PH.
Sen. Kerry also had 2 unit citations.

Silver
Bronze
PH
National Defense
RVN Service Medal
RVN Campaign Medal
NPUC Task Force 115
Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon ( ?????? )
CAR (Combat Action Ribbon)

What others he may be allowed to have, i haven't a clue.
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U.S.M.C. - 1969-1971
RVN- 1970-1971

ASPB · Posted: Tue Sep 07, 2004 4:06 am Post subject:

I haven't researched it but probably:

1 NUC (Navy Unit Citation) TF115
1 NMUC (Navy Meritorious Unit Citation) TF115
1 Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry (Unit) TF115

Beyond the personal stuff he's entitled to a VSM for four campaigns and a VN Campaign for two campaigns.

so, without research

1 SSM
1 BSM w/ Combat V
1 PH with 2 "Gold Star" Devices
1 Presidential Unit Citatation
1 Naval Unit Citation
1 Naval Meritorious Unit Citation
1 VSM with 3 Campaign stars
1 Vietnam Campaign with 1 star (in country only)
1 Combat Action Medal
1 Vietamese Cross of Gallantry (Unit)
1 National Service Medal

11 total ribbons

In a single left breast ribbon bar thats 2 over 3 rows of 3 which is how they were worn back then.

These days the foreign (Vietnamese) awards would be worn on the the right brest. e.g. Vietnam Campaign with 1 star and Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry (Unit)
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On Sale! Order in lots of 100 now at velero@rcn.com Free for the cost of shipping All profits (if any, especially now) go to Swiftvets. The author of "Sink Kerry Swiftly" ---ASPB

jrsdad · Lt.Jg. Joined: 20 Aug 2004 Posts: 118

Thanks to all!

stylin19 · Lt.Jg. Joined: 08 Aug 2004 Posts: 122

FYI...There is no medal associated with the Combat Action Ribbon.

From Sen. Kerry's web site ( if it can be believed):

Lt. Kerry was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star with V, three awards of the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal.
_________________
U.S.M.C. - 1969-1971
RVN- 1970-1971

Sweeney · Posted: Tue Sep 07, 2004 9:30 pm Post subject:

That Al Hubbard wasn't the officer he claimed to be is old news. He thought they'd only listen to a black man if he was also an officer.

jrsdad · Lt.Jg. Joined: 20 Aug 2004 Posts: 118