outrageous slur regarding Max Cleland's military record

[grasswire]

The following is being passed around after yesterday's statement by Max Cleland criticizing Bush's military record. I've seen it three times. Here's one from freerepublic:

The story I got re: Maxey, wounds was that his unit had returned to base after a mission, cracked open the Jim Beam to celebrate, and started playing "catch" with a hand grenade. Seems Maxey caught it by the pin... I've heard this from a couple of sources - can anyone confirm it?

10 posted on 01/31/2004 6:59:26 PM PST by Morgan's Raider
< Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies >

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1069295/posts

Here's the real record of Cleland's service:

Army General Order 4361, dated June 9, 1968, states that the Silver Star was awarded to U.S. Army Capt. Max Cleland "for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in Vietnam." In 1968, then Capt. Cleland was in action at the battle of Khe Sanh. Below is the language contained in his Silver Star Order:

"Awarded: Silver Star; Date Action: 4 April 1968; Theater: Republic of Vietnam

"Action: For gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Cleland distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 4 April 1968, while serving as communications officer of the 2nd Battalion, 12th Calvary during an enemy attack near Khe Sanh, Republic of Vietnam.

"When the battalion command post came under a heavy enemy rocket and mortar attack, Capt. Cleland, disregarding his own safety, exposed himself to the rocket barrage as he left his covered position to administer first aid to his wounded comrades. He then assisted in moving the injured personnel to covered positions. Continuing to expose himself, Capt. Cleland organized his men into a work party to repair the battalion communications equipment which had been damaged by enemy fire. His gallant action is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

"Authority: By direction of the President, under the provisions of the Act of Congress, approved 9 July 1968."

The action cited occurred on April 4, 1968, four days before the grenade explosion that cost Sen. Cleland both legs and an arm.

As has been widely reported in the Atlanta Constitution beginning in 1968, then-Capt. Cleland, an Army Signal Officer, volunteered for infantry service to relieve the stranded Marines and members of the Army's 1st Cavalry at the battle of Khe Sanh.

While disembarking from a transport helicopter, Capt. Cleland reached for a grenade he believed had become dislodged from his web gear. Later it was discovered that the grenade belonged to a young soldier new to the theater. That soldier had improperly prepared the grenade pin for easy detonation and had dropped it while coming off the helicopter. The grenade exploded and severely injured Capt. Cleland.

The Silver Star is the third-highest valor decoration of the United States. Sen. Cleland also was awarded a Soldier's Medal, Bronze Star, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device (1960), Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Parachutist Badge.

[Jack Rabbit]

1. Thanks for posting the real record

If the Freepers are the only ones willing to believe lies this time, we'll be in better shape than in 2002. We will be ready for what Rove throws at us and the people at large will be wiser.

[Dookus]

2. just disgusting

three limbs left on the battlefield, and because he's a Democrat, they attack him with shit like this. I sure hope Karma is real.

[girl gone mad]

4. They are..

only making themselves look bad.

[loudsue]

3. There's a place in hell for the people at FR

Life is a boomerang. Ya gotta be careful what you throw out there, 'cause sooner or later, it's gonna come right back at'cha.

O8) May they all reap, in great abundance, what they have sown. O8)

:kick:

[Yupster]

5. In every war, there are

many deaths and injuries due to accidents since there is so much ordinance around. That doesn't take away from the bravery during battle.

I've been surprised at the number of non-battle wounds and deaths in Iraq too.

[Badger1]

6. we won't foreget

the man that was at Max's side is now running for WI state represenative, for the second time. Beat last time by Repug Mark Pettis. His name is Charlie Wolden, a good man, got the Cleland treatment from the rupugs two years ago, he's running again this year and we will open a can of woop ass and win, not only state wide but nationally. Pack your bags boys, and don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out!

[Jackpine Radical]

15. I've met Charlie, but never knew about the Cleland connection.

Charlie is a psychotherapist in NW WI, and very well respected by other members of the mental health provider community.

[OneBlueSky]

7. what the Repubs did to Max to defeat his was disgraceful . . .

now it's time for a little payback . . . hope he keeps repeating the Bush info over and over again right through to November . . . he should also avoid flying on small planes, however . . .

[grasswire]

8. one for the day crowd

In honor of Cleland.

[MrPrax]

9. Disgust people

I am not surprised that their isn't a group of injuried Vets that can go and have a little chichat personally with some of these 'creeps', and that would include the shadowy group of neo-cons that slither about in the background consciously writing this stuff.

[K8-EEE]

10. The Lowest, Sleaziest People On The Planet

COMPLETELY DISGUSTING!

[alfredo]

11. I took this info, made it into an e-mail to my veterans group

I told them that a rumor about Cleland may be hitting their inbox. I showed the rumor, then the bit from the Atlanta Constitution.

I then reminded them about the slights to vets and to active soldiers. I said regardless of politics, Max Cleland is a hero and deserves our support. I gave them instructions to dispel this rumor whenever they see or hear it.

[Jack Rabbit]

14. Very good

Bush has no respect for those who served in the military. The rumors that Rove spread about Senator McCain during the South Carolina primary four years ago were outrageous. Among the rumors spread was one that when a POW McCain served as an informant to the North Vietnamese against other Prinsonrs.

At least Bush bi-partisan in his disrespect for those who served and gave more than they bargained for.

[alfredo]

19. I don't think he will do

very well with the veterans.

[Dr Fate]

12. You wont hear theses same "patriots" admit the truth about Max's rival...

Saxby "Badknees" Chambliss (R-GA). He called Max "unpatriotic", but was teaching girls basketball while Max was fighting in jungle combat.

Saxby got a deferment for "bad knees"- yet lists "jogging" as his hobby on his campaign 2002 web-site!!!

[snippy]

13. How very republican.

[mike1963]

16. Shrub stuck a firecracker up a frog's butt, threw away the match & held

onto the frog. That's what blew his brains out.


:eyes:

[Norbert]

17. I wish there was some way Max could find the identity

of the person(s) spreading this grenade toss story. I'd like to see the perpretrator(s) get the shit sued out of them. This is inexcusable, :mad: and this is the type of stuff that always sticks in the dimwitted minds.

[Jack Rabbit]

18. He might have some problems suing these creeps

As a former senator, Cleland could be ruled a public personality. In that case, he would have to not only prove that the allegation is false (something he could probably do easily), but also prove that those publishing it knew it was false (which would be very difficult).

[RainDog]

20. disgusting

there are sooo many things the candidates can bring up to slam the repukes.

This rumor stinks of Karl Rove.

I wish that Cleland would confront Rove and ask if, like the slur against McCain, Rove was again trying to smear a respected veteran...

....and ask Rove what he did for his nation during this time.

Obviously Rove would deny this, but again, along with the Plame outing, it seems like a typical Rove smear.

I hope Rove, like his guru Atwater, gets his brain eaten alive and suffers great pain before an early death...this, in my opinion, would only be karmic justice for such a horrible man.

And for all those on Free Republic who are spreading these rumors...

have you no shame?

[rasputin1952]

21. Actually, McCain was offered preferred treatment...

and a release for certain 'favors' like signing papers that he deliberately bombed civilians; because his father was an Admiral at the time. McCain, much to his credit refused, and therefore spent 7 years in captivity, virtually all of it in solitary confinement.

I can't stand the GOP, but I have the utmost respect for John McCain.

O8)

[RainDog]

25. I was referring to Rove's "whisper campaign" against McCain

in South Carolina during the republican primaries...when McCain supposedly had a "bi-racial" (ohmygod) child...when his child is adopted.

My post was not a slur on McCain, but about the way Rove abused yet another vet.

What I do not understand is, given the sleaze the Rovers heaped on McCain, and knowing that he was the worthier candidate, how McCain can in any way support Bush.

If I were McCain, I would declare myself an independent to remove myself from the stench of the Bushshit.

[saoirse]

22. Lower than low

This points out one of the differences between us and them - we have no problem acknowledging the patriotism of people on the other side of the political fence, like John McCain or Colin Powell. We realize that patriotism isn't limited to only one party.

But these creeps, whose heroes are chickenhawks like Bush and Cheney, can't stand the fact that there seem to be more war heroes on our side. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that we're the party of self-sacrifice rather than self-interest ("Ask not what your country can do for you").

To slander a genuine hero like Max Cleland is beyond pathetic - I can't think of words to express how vile it is. I sure wouldn't want the karma of whoever posted that.

[banana republican]

23. Where was b* on April 4, 1968

Did b* try to help Cleland;

did b* try to help any of his fallen comrads.

did b* fall on a grenade????

I wish.

[flaminbats]

24. these rats treat workers and vets in the same way..

In their eyes, serving your country isn't about sacrifice...after all neocons have always mocked sacrifice. It isn't about defending freedom and democracy, most neocons claim the United States is not a democracy. And to them it isn't about bravery or courage, but stupidity and survival of the fittest. The ultimate objective of the neocon movement is to break the hearts of our vets, to shatter the dreams of our workers, and to destroy our faith in democracy.

Our objective is to keep the faith in democracy, in the future, and in sacrifice for a greater good.

[thingfish]

26. If the Orcs of Mordor had an online message board, it would be like FR.

Exactly like FR.