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George W. Bush Wore a Ribbon He Did Not Earn

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Walt Starr (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 07:50 PM
Original message
George W. Bush Wore a Ribbon He Did Not Earn
Edited on Thu Aug-26-04 08:03 PM by Walt Starr


This is a photograph published on the Presidential Library site of George H.W. Bush. We can clearly see that in this photograph, George W. Bush is wearing an Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (AFOUA) and a Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon (SAEMR) just below his pilot wings, however, on line 24 of his NGB22 National Guard discharge form dated October 1, 1973, George W. Bush has no awards listed:



The photograph above was also included in the information released by the Bush administration:



He is listed as a second lieutenant in this photograph, and we know for a fact he earned the wings as he graduated from Undergraduate Pilot Training according to the record. As far as the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon is concerned, he obviously earned that ribbon while he was an Airman prior to his commission as evidenced by line 24 of the NGB22 filed when he was discharged as an Airman:



The Bush administration has also provided a military biography:




The awards listed here are the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon and the National Defense Service Medal, but no mention is made of the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. It also lists his dates of service with units. Other than his time training, he was assigned to the 111th Fighter Intercept Squadron and it’s parent organization, the 147th Fighter Intercept Group. His discharge date from the Texas National Guard was October 1, 1973.

The above photograph had to have been taken some time between his qualifying as a pilot in 1969 and his promotion to First Lieutenant on November 7, 1970.

So what about the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award? In the United States Army, unit awards can be worn on a temporary basis. If you are transferred into the unit that has received an award, you wear that award until you transfer out of that unit. I contacted the Air Force Personnel Center and asked whether the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award was ever authorized for temporary wear. This was their answer:

IAW AF Instruction 36-2803, THE AIR FORCE AWARDS AND DECORATIONS PROGRAM

All assigned or attached people who served with a unit during a period for which a unit award was awarded are authorized the appropriate ribbon if they directly contributed to the mission and accomplishments of the unit.

Additionally, there isn't a "temporary" wear of AF Outstanding Unit Awards for AF personnel.


So to finally solve the mystery of the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, I contacted the Air Force History support Organization. I requested all dates of all awards of the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award received by the 147th Fighter Intercept Group and the 111th Fighter Intercept Squadron. The answer I received was shocking. This unit had received this award only once. The dates of the award are as follows quoting directly from the source at the AFHSO:

147th Fighter Interceptor Group AFOUA 1 Oct 73-30 Sep 75 DAFSO GB 164/77

111 Fighter Interceptor Squadron AFOUA 1 Oct 73-30 Sep 75 DAFSO GB 164/77


This states explicitly that the units received the Air force Outstanding Unit Award for the time period from October 1, 1973 to September 30, 1975. George W. Bush’s discharge date from the 111th FIS and the 147th FIG was October 1, 1973. Clearly, these units did not receive an award of the AFOUA until after George W. Bush had been discharged, and well after the date the photograph in question was taken.

This means, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that George W. Bush was photographed wearing a ribbon he clearly did not earn.

Webliography:

Source of the photograph: bushlibrary.tamu.edu/photos/photos.php?file=HS502.jpg
Air Force Personnel Center: http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil /
Air force History Support Office: http://www.airforcehistory.hq.af.mil /
USA Today source of documents used in this report: http://www.usatoday.com/news/2004-02-14-bush-docs.htm
Source for ARG22: http://www.usatoday.com/news/bushdocs/2-Discharge.pdf
Source for NGB22: http://www.usatoday.com/news/bushdocs/11-2_2004_Personn...
Source for copy of photograph: http://www.usatoday.com/news/bushdocs/11-2_2004_Personn...
Source for "military biography": http://www.usatoday.com/news/bushdocs/11-1_2004_Personn...
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   Replies to this thread
   Original Air Force Personnel Center Email w/headers  Walt Starr   Aug-26-04 07:51 PM   #1 
   first  trumad   Aug-26-04 07:51 PM   #2 
   Haha! Trumad, you sound like those yahoos on Yahoo that  cat_girl25   Aug-26-04 08:00 PM   #18 
      Well, they do it on atrios too...  gristy   Aug-26-04 08:29 PM   #56 
      I learned it from Atrios...  trumad   Aug-26-04 08:35 PM   #65 
         I think it came from slashdot  Must_B_Free   Aug-26-04 10:49 PM   #120 
   Kick kick kick!  plastic_turkeys   Aug-26-04 07:52 PM   #5 
   Who in the media has this been sent to?  mzmolly   Aug-26-04 07:52 PM   #3 
   What network or cable do you believe will broadcast this?  wurzel   Aug-26-04 07:57 PM   #11 
   Provided the documentation is legit, most.  mzmolly   Aug-26-04 09:01 PM   #84 
      They love money more than ratings. n/t  wurzel   Aug-26-04 10:21 PM   #101 
         Ratings bring $$  mzmolly   Aug-26-04 11:53 PM   #167 
            Advertisements bring $$$  wurzel   Aug-27-04 08:39 AM   #208 
               Ratings = Advertising = $$$$$  Walt Starr   Aug-27-04 09:23 AM   #213 
               Sponsorship = Advertising = $$$$  wurzel   Aug-27-04 11:37 AM   #225 
               Not to enable, but  Pot Kettle Black   Aug-27-04 09:26 AM   #214 
               Kerry should support the elimination of regulation of broadcasting?  wurzel   Aug-27-04 11:41 AM   #227 
               Ratings bring in advertisements and $$$  mzmolly   Aug-27-04 11:52 AM   #233 
   Print outlets are good choices  Karla in Ohio   Aug-27-04 12:39 AM   #187 
   Original Air Force History Support Organization Email w/headers  Walt Starr   Aug-26-04 07:52 PM   #4 
   great work  Ducks In A Row   Aug-26-04 07:56 PM   #8 
   Great work, Walt!  mgdecombe   Aug-26-04 07:54 PM   #6 
   go for it Walt,  stellanoir   Aug-26-04 07:55 PM   #7 
   This was a 100% Internet based Story  Walt Starr   Aug-26-04 07:56 PM   #9 
   No, Walt, you and you alone  PDittie   Aug-26-04 10:50 PM   #121 
   Walt---been lurking mostly along with you guys since your first  RevRussel   Aug-27-04 12:44 AM   #190 
   Walt Starr - shining brightly!  merh   Aug-26-04 07:57 PM   #10 
   sent to hardball and countdown  Ducks In A Row   Aug-26-04 07:57 PM   #12 
   What would be the PENALTY for doing this??? n/m  Rosco T.   Aug-26-04 07:58 PM   #13 
   Not meaning to be a wet sponge here. . .  SotarrTheWizard   Aug-26-04 10:49 PM   #119 
      Then you could provide documentation you served in that unit  Walt Starr   Aug-26-04 10:54 PM   #124 
      It doesn't matter  Moonbeam_Starlight   Aug-26-04 11:15 PM   #135 
   Which cable news network will break this story?  cat_girl25   Aug-26-04 07:58 PM   #14 
   One tiny thing, and please prove me wrong here . . .  Chichiri   Aug-26-04 07:58 PM   #15 
   The award would not have been given out until after September 30, 1975  Walt Starr   Aug-26-04 08:00 PM   #20 
   Thank you.  Chichiri   Aug-26-04 08:02 PM   #21 
      The picture itself predates the legitimate award anyway  Tansy_Gold   Aug-26-04 08:25 PM   #52 
         How do you know that?  Bleachers7   Aug-26-04 10:15 PM   #98 
   GW was nowhere near his unit on 1 October 1973...  Willy Mugobeer   Aug-26-04 08:26 PM   #53 
   The Chicago Tribune is aware of this  Walt Starr   Aug-26-04 07:58 PM   #16 
   Great work, Walt.  DesertDem   Aug-26-04 08:03 PM   #24 
      They are vetting it  Walt Starr   Aug-26-04 08:05 PM   #27 
         Keeping fingers crossed.  DesertDem   Aug-26-04 08:07 PM   #30 
         oh yeah, NOW they're being ethical and vetting a story  Ducks In A Row   Aug-26-04 08:17 PM   #40 
         Woo-hoo!  senseandsensibility   Aug-26-04 08:23 PM   #47 
   GO WALT!  Feanorcurufinwe   Aug-26-04 08:00 PM   #17 
   I don't understand part of this  cally   Aug-26-04 08:00 PM   #19 
   The picture is posted on his father's presidential library website.  Walt Starr   Aug-26-04 08:02 PM   #22 
   Thanks, I understand now  cally   Aug-26-04 08:42 PM   #72 
   HW was mentioned just because his library has the picture  nyhuskyfan   Aug-26-04 08:02 PM   #23 
   Picture of W that was in Daddy's Presidential library...  GloriaSmith   Aug-26-04 08:05 PM   #26 
   Kicked  sub.theory   Aug-26-04 08:03 PM   #25 
   Hey walt...  imax2268   Aug-26-04 08:08 PM   #33 
   I think you really need to know the exact date of the photo...  hexola   Aug-26-04 08:06 PM   #28 
   He is a second lieutenant in that picture  nyhuskyfan   Aug-26-04 08:07 PM   #29 
   The award came after September 30, 1975  Walt Starr   Aug-26-04 08:07 PM   #31 
   I maintain that the lack of a clear date is a weakness...  hexola   Aug-26-04 08:21 PM   #45 
      Does the haircut tell anyting about the photo date?  hexola   Aug-26-04 08:36 PM   #66 
         He is identified as a 2nd Lt in the photo  Tansy_Gold   Aug-26-04 08:41 PM   #70 
            What identifies him as 2nd L?  hexola   Aug-26-04 09:00 PM   #83 
            Um, I'm not clear here  Tansy_Gold   Aug-26-04 11:33 PM   #145 
               You trust Bush ehhh?  hexola   Aug-27-04 08:33 AM   #206 
                  The date of the photo is mostly irrelevant.  TacticalPeak   Aug-27-04 08:55 AM   #209 
                  At NO time during bush's time of service was he eligible to....  Spazito   Aug-27-04 09:16 AM   #211 
            Thanks for the help.  Bleachers7   Aug-26-04 10:22 PM   #102 
               Yes, 1LT is a higher rank than 2LT n/t  Walt Starr   Aug-26-04 10:27 PM   #108 
   I nominated this thread, Walt.  cat_girl25   Aug-26-04 08:08 PM   #32 
   good idea. Me too n/t  GloriaSmith   Aug-26-04 08:10 PM   #35 
   My hope is that this will spur the media to pressure Bush into releasing  GloriaSmith   Aug-26-04 08:10 PM   #34 
   Mine too!  Walt Starr   Aug-26-04 08:14 PM   #37 
   Media question for you....  GloriaSmith   Aug-26-04 08:18 PM   #41 
   Send it to media people you know  Walt Starr   Aug-26-04 08:20 PM   #43 
      sounds great...I'll do what I can!  GloriaSmith   Aug-26-04 08:24 PM   #49 
      When the media doesn't pick this up...  Paul_H   Aug-26-04 10:40 PM   #114 
         And if the media DOES pick it up, will you retract your statement?  GloriaSmith   Aug-26-04 10:43 PM   #115 
         If the media picks it up,  Paul_H   Aug-26-04 11:03 PM   #128 
         You could be right. You could be wrong. Only time will tell  Walt Starr   Aug-26-04 10:48 PM   #118 
         Why does the Air Force hate America?  TacticalPeak   Aug-26-04 11:00 PM   #127 
         Fair enough.  Paul_H   Aug-26-04 11:14 PM   #134 
         Well, there you go Walt. Paul_H says "So what"?  unfrigginreal   Aug-26-04 10:50 PM   #122 
         Here's why it's important  Moonbeam_Starlight   Aug-26-04 11:30 PM   #142 
            Yeah, but 30 years and many regulation changes later,  Paul_H   Aug-26-04 11:34 PM   #147 
               I don't think so  Moonbeam_Starlight   Aug-26-04 11:47 PM   #159 
                  And I've talked to a few vets here in Texas,  Paul_H   Aug-26-04 11:56 PM   #169 
                     I'm in Texas, as well  Moonbeam_Starlight   Aug-27-04 12:10 AM   #173 
   Great work Walt!  Carni   Aug-26-04 08:24 PM   #48 
   That's what I hope as well  sub.theory   Aug-26-04 08:17 PM   #39 
   Kick!  Connie_Corleone   Aug-26-04 08:14 PM   #36 
   Congrats Walt......  Joanne98   Aug-26-04 08:17 PM   #38 
   You have done our country Proud Walt Star!  AmerDem   Aug-26-04 08:19 PM   #42 
   Walt Starr rocks.  Mad As Hell   Aug-26-04 08:25 PM   #51 
      Go Max!  AmerDem   Aug-26-04 08:39 PM   #69 
      You must be Jazzed! Max is such a  zidzi   Aug-26-04 08:41 PM   #71 
   Thank you, thank you, thank you. Will take the cable stations a  DURHAM D   Aug-26-04 08:21 PM   #44 
   This is great.  tandot   Aug-26-04 08:23 PM   #46 
   Sounds like a job for the new Media Blaster!  EarlGAdmin   Aug-26-04 08:25 PM   #50 
   I just tried to use it and my e-mail got stuck in send  Joanne98   Aug-26-04 09:07 PM   #87 
   Great job Walt!  RetroLounge   Aug-26-04 08:27 PM   #54 
   Folks, my wife has put up with me doing research every night all week  Walt Starr   Aug-26-04 08:27 PM   #55 
   Get used to it, Walt...  Willy Mugobeer   Aug-26-04 08:30 PM   #61 
   Oh great! You had to be married! The good ones are always taken.  cat_girl25   Aug-26-04 09:06 PM   #86 
   Has anyone toyed with this idea: Bush's discharge paperwork is phoney...  Junkdrawer   Aug-26-04 08:30 PM   #57 
   Yes  Carni   Aug-26-04 08:46 PM   #75 
   He went AWOL as a First Lt. in 1972.  Junkdrawer   Aug-26-04 08:53 PM   #82 
      Walt: I posted a fuller version of the theory here:  Junkdrawer   Aug-26-04 10:30 PM   #109 
   Yes  Carni   Aug-26-04 08:46 PM   #76 
   Yep  floridapatriots   Aug-26-04 09:32 PM   #90 
   Congragulations on a wonderful job!!  Leilani   Aug-26-04 08:30 PM   #58 
   Awesome work. The White House probably will warn the media  snippy   Aug-26-04 08:30 PM   #59 
   Great work, Walt!  tishaLA   Aug-26-04 08:30 PM   #60 
   Walt, you rock with the best of 'em!  Tansy_Gold   Aug-26-04 08:33 PM   #62 
   Great investigative work, Walt!  Paradise   Aug-26-04 08:34 PM   #63 
   Is Pitt in the house??? Certainly he could write up a good article  GloriaSmith   Aug-26-04 08:34 PM   #64 
   I think Walt can write his own  Tansy_Gold   Aug-26-04 08:42 PM   #73 
      Indeed  WilliamPitt   Aug-27-04 12:31 AM   #184 
   Great job Walt  PA Democrat   Aug-26-04 08:37 PM   #67 
   Great Job Walt!  Beetwasher   Aug-26-04 08:39 PM   #68 
   Awesome work. Nommed for the homepage.  Zhade   Aug-26-04 08:44 PM   #74 
   Just used the dU Media Blaster  eleny   Aug-26-04 08:48 PM   #77 
   Me too  Bleachers7   Aug-27-04 12:09 AM   #172 
   i wonder why he's not wearing national defense ribbon?  GreatCaesarsGhost   Aug-26-04 08:48 PM   #78 
   i wonder why he's not wearing the Chimperer's Gawd Ribbon?  Joanne98   Aug-26-04 08:52 PM   #81 
   According to the discussion in Walt's original thread  Tansy_Gold   Aug-26-04 09:01 PM   #85 
      i got mine in boot camp in 1969  GreatCaesarsGhost   Aug-26-04 09:26 PM   #89 
      According to the docs Walt posted at the beginning of this thread  Tansy_Gold   Aug-26-04 09:46 PM   #93 
      National Defense Service Medal  PegDAC   Aug-27-04 03:59 PM   #247 
   I did MSNBC shows and Margaret Cho  Joanne98   Aug-26-04 08:49 PM   #79 
   Why should this surprise us?  yellowdawg   Aug-26-04 08:51 PM   #80 
   BTW: Great job Walt...  Junkdrawer   Aug-26-04 09:21 PM   #88 
   Thank You, Walt!  cynatnite   Aug-26-04 09:44 PM   #91 
   Kick  Spazito   Aug-26-04 09:46 PM   #92 
   2  TacticalPeak   Aug-26-04 09:49 PM   #94 
   Excellent work, Walt!  in_cog_ni_to   Aug-26-04 09:50 PM   #95 
   SEND IT TO OBERMAN  HuskerDem   Aug-26-04 10:03 PM   #96 
   what about NYT???  MelissaforKerry2004   Aug-26-04 10:04 PM   #97 
   Great Job Walt  rob-ok-vin   Aug-26-04 10:17 PM   #99 
   Tonight's Cowboy Movie: "HE WORE A YELLOW RIBBON"  PurityOfEssence   Aug-26-04 10:21 PM   #100 
   kick!  wicket   Aug-26-04 10:22 PM   #103 
   what happened to that unibrow?  Doosh   Aug-26-04 10:23 PM   #104 
   Hey Walt...  imax2268   Aug-26-04 10:23 PM   #105 
   Kudos and Salutations from a DU Newbie...  jefferson_dem   Aug-26-04 10:25 PM   #106 
   Bill Maher? -- show's on Friday night  Bozita   Aug-26-04 10:27 PM   #107 
   Bill Maher....great idea n/t  GloriaSmith   Aug-26-04 10:31 PM   #111 
   So when will all the one hit wonders show up in this thread???  GloriaSmith   Aug-26-04 10:30 PM   #110 
   clearly we are all communists who hate America  Doosh   Aug-26-04 10:33 PM   #112 
   I saw some earlier in the day.  Bleachers7   Aug-26-04 10:39 PM   #113 
   I saw them too! Pretty funny stuff.  GloriaSmith   Aug-26-04 10:45 PM   #116 
   Okay, I'm a one-hit wonder (a newbie, anyway)...  Paul_H   Aug-26-04 10:47 PM   #117 
      This does two things....  Spazito   Aug-26-04 10:54 PM   #123 
      Is it in Kerry's best interest....  Paul_H   Aug-26-04 11:11 PM   #132 
         Ahh, but this is not Kerry, this is a private citizen that has done an...  Spazito   Aug-26-04 11:18 PM   #137 
         Ahhhh....  Paul_H   Aug-26-04 11:36 PM   #151 
            LOL but you and I and 56% of the American public know different...  Spazito   Aug-26-04 11:47 PM   #160 
         This isn't about the swifties. It's about Bush's sorry ass.  cat_girl25   Aug-26-04 11:34 PM   #146 
         As long as the Smear Boaters commercials run  rocknation   Aug-26-04 11:35 PM   #148 
      It's a matter of honor and honesty  cynatnite   Aug-26-04 10:56 PM   #125 
      When has Bush ever been about Honor and Integrity (TM)?  Paul_H   Aug-26-04 11:31 PM   #143 
         But his image to his faithful is "Mr. Honor and Integrity"  JHB   Aug-27-04 09:45 AM   #215 
      It is all in the timing  Texas_Dem   Aug-26-04 10:56 PM   #126 
      Fine, that's your take...  sub.theory   Aug-26-04 11:06 PM   #129 
      Yes, I've had my say....  Paul_H   Aug-27-04 12:12 AM   #175 
         I think you're missing the point  sub.theory   Aug-27-04 01:14 AM   #197 
            No, I don't think I'm just being a contrarian.  Paul_H   Aug-27-04 05:19 PM   #251 
      You could always test the theory that this is no big deal  Walt Starr   Aug-26-04 11:07 PM   #130 
      Issue your own press release(?)  npincus   Aug-26-04 11:45 PM   #157 
      You can get pecked to death by ducks, too  eleny   Aug-26-04 11:07 PM   #131 
      Molehiles become mountains depending on the weather  molly   Aug-26-04 11:16 PM   #136 
      It's another piece of the character mosaic.  Buzzz   Aug-26-04 11:23 PM   #139 
      Depends on whether Bush is asked about it.  gulliver   Aug-26-04 11:26 PM   #141 
      For those who may not be familiar with Admiral Boorda:  TacticalPeak   Aug-26-04 11:45 PM   #158 
      I actually thought about that too...  Paul_H   Aug-26-04 11:48 PM   #161 
      I agreee  bigskydem   Aug-26-04 11:37 PM   #152 
   Good JOB!!  molly   Aug-26-04 11:14 PM   #133 
   My Questions: If yer gonna wear a fake ribbon, why an AFOUA, and where'd  markses   Aug-26-04 11:20 PM   #138 
   You can get any ribbon or medal you want  Walt Starr   Aug-26-04 11:24 PM   #140 
   Deleted message  Name removed   Aug-26-04 11:33 PM   #144 
   I was jeeest about to say that  Moonbeam_Starlight   Aug-26-04 11:35 PM   #149 
   "I hafta go take a picture: Gimme another ribbon..."  Beetwasher   Aug-26-04 11:38 PM   #154 
   Hmmmm  Moonbeam_Starlight   Aug-26-04 11:49 PM   #163 
   My thinking is..  girl gone mad   Aug-27-04 12:03 AM   #170 
   Perhaps to fool his father, who had gone to a lot of trouble  juajen   Aug-27-04 01:08 AM   #194 
   LOL! Get a load of this response from a bushie:  cat_girl25   Aug-26-04 11:36 PM   #150 
   Where did you see this?  Bleachers7   Aug-26-04 11:37 PM   #153 
   the freakrepublic website.  cat_girl25   Aug-26-04 11:42 PM   #155 
      Those losers have picked up on this?  Bleachers7   Aug-26-04 11:49 PM   #162 
         Yes, they lurk here all the time and admit it.  cat_girl25   Aug-26-04 11:52 PM   #166 
   Here is the freakrepublik thread  Bleachers7   Aug-26-04 11:55 PM   #168 
      Oh, you found it.  cat_girl25   Aug-27-04 12:03 AM   #171 
      You know what's great about reading that thread?  Moonbeam_Starlight   Aug-27-04 12:14 AM   #176 
   I'm wondering about  Moonbeam_Starlight   Aug-26-04 11:44 PM   #156 
   Also  Moonbeam_Starlight   Aug-26-04 11:50 PM   #164 
   the list of poppy's medals is easily found...  grasswire   Aug-27-04 12:12 AM   #174 
   So what does it say?????  Paul_H   Aug-27-04 12:18 AM   #178 
   No  Moonbeam_Starlight   Aug-27-04 12:26 AM   #181 
   Oh, now I get your drift...  Paul_H   Aug-27-04 01:14 AM   #196 
   Maybe no penatly, but definitely no honor.  DesertDem   Aug-27-04 12:42 AM   #188 
   From the evidence I've seen  Career Prole   Aug-27-04 03:07 PM   #244 
   Great job!  brainshrub   Aug-26-04 11:52 PM   #165 
   AF Instruction 36-2803 NOT APPLICABLE  JonathanS   Aug-27-04 12:17 AM   #177 
   Deleted message  Name removed   Aug-27-04 12:20 AM   #179 
   Deleted message  Name removed   Aug-27-04 12:28 AM   #182 
   So... you're saying  Paul_H   Aug-27-04 12:20 AM   #180 
   This unit award wasn't given until 1975, though  Moonbeam_Starlight   Aug-27-04 12:30 AM   #183 
   That's the kicker  Bleachers7   Aug-27-04 12:32 AM   #185 
      Picture  JonathanS   Aug-27-04 12:43 AM   #189 
         How do you know that?  Bleachers7   Aug-27-04 12:48 AM   #191 
         Uh, no  Moonbeam_Starlight   Aug-27-04 01:02 AM   #192 
         Really?  TacticalPeak   Aug-27-04 01:08 AM   #193 
         How do we know this is a picture his "bosses" would even  Tansy_Gold   Aug-27-04 01:28 AM   #199 
   You live in Ft. Worth, huh?  Moonbeam_Starlight   Aug-27-04 12:34 AM   #186 
      Don't take it personally, but  Paul_H   Aug-27-04 01:12 AM   #195 
   Do you have any proof that..  girl gone mad   Aug-27-04 01:23 AM   #198 
   This Air Force Publication..  girl gone mad   Aug-27-04 01:39 AM   #200 
   When in doubt, ask the AFPC. Here's their answer  Walt Starr   Aug-27-04 10:55 AM   #217 
      And now, with headers  Walt Starr   Aug-27-04 10:56 AM   #218 
   check your private mail, Walt (eom)  grasswire   Aug-27-04 01:48 AM   #201 
   First of all Walt, I'm glad you're on our side, what a tenacious  FoeOfBush   Aug-27-04 02:39 AM   #202 
   Those were anecdotal from web sites  Walt Starr   Aug-27-04 07:08 AM   #204 
   I guess I'm the only one who thinks this is dumb?  Must_B_Free   Aug-27-04 03:06 AM   #203 
   Not the only one...  hexola   Aug-27-04 08:29 AM   #205 
   That photograph would have been taken on September 4, 1968  Walt Starr   Aug-27-04 09:19 AM   #212 
   And you know this how?  hexola   Aug-27-04 11:22 AM   #220 
      JEEZ! Look at what's going on in the damn thing!  Walt Starr   Aug-27-04 11:36 AM   #223 
   Could he have continued to wear his pilot wings even after  inchhigh   Aug-27-04 09:59 AM   #216 
   What a shock...helola and Must-B-Free posting in the same thread  John_H   Aug-27-04 11:20 AM   #219 
      Here they come - the FreepU'ers  hexola   Aug-27-04 11:24 AM   #221 
      I'm trying to increase the varacity of Walt's claims...  hexola   Aug-27-04 11:26 AM   #222 
         It seems to me that Walt has provided very good evidence of...  Spazito   Aug-27-04 11:36 AM   #224 
         Is there anything on his uniform that identifies his rank?  hexola   Aug-27-04 11:41 AM   #228 
         The photograph was taken between November 26, 1969 and November 7, 1970  Walt Starr   Aug-27-04 11:38 AM   #226 
         Any clues to the origins of the photo...beyond the internet...?  hexola   Aug-27-04 11:43 AM   #229 
            See post 230  Walt Starr   Aug-27-04 11:48 AM   #231 
         The origin of the photograph is the George H.W. Bush presidential library  Walt Starr   Aug-27-04 11:44 AM   #230 
         Yes I know that -  hexola   Aug-27-04 11:50 AM   #232 
            Given that bush reached the level of 1st lieutenant....  Spazito   Aug-27-04 11:56 AM   #235 
               When was that "2nd Lt" put on the photo/fax - ?  hexola   Aug-27-04 12:00 PM   #236 
               Seeing as the photo with tag came from a release by the bush...  Spazito   Aug-27-04 12:02 PM   #238 
               Bush released it in a packet in April of this year  Walt Starr   Aug-27-04 12:05 PM   #241 
               For the sake of argument, let's assume Bush was willing to do that  Walt Starr   Aug-27-04 12:03 PM   #239 
         It's  Tansy_Gold   Aug-27-04 04:44 PM   #249 
   It's not the plan, it's the man.  TacticalPeak   Aug-27-04 08:38 AM   #207 
   Well, I think it is a great story, if only because  Kadie   Aug-27-04 11:55 AM   #234 
   Perhaps this is the campaign commercial  Pot Kettle Black   Aug-27-04 09:15 AM   #210 
   With all the questions and alternate theories put out....  Spazito   Aug-27-04 12:00 PM   #237 
   Good pictures of medals here:  TheRovingGourmet   Aug-27-04 12:03 PM   #240 
   good work and a little help  whalerider55   Aug-27-04 12:10 PM   #242 
   Keep it simple...  Memekiller   Aug-27-04 02:40 PM   #243 
   Great work, Walt. How about a DU Press Release?  mccormack98   Aug-27-04 03:11 PM   #245 
   DoJ fighting release fo further Guard Records:  Julian English   Aug-27-04 03:18 PM   #246 
   I've seen some questioning of what exactly the ribbons are on other sites  Walt Starr   Aug-27-04 04:26 PM   #248 
   Did you check them against the site I posted?  TheRovingGourmet   Aug-27-04 04:48 PM   #250 
   ??? yer kiddin me... he claimes NDSM  troubleinwinter   Aug-27-04 05:34 PM   #252 
      I get the AFOUA, but don't get the Nat'l Defense Award?  troubleinwinter   Aug-27-04 07:28 PM   #254 
   Hi Walt--First, congrats on your great research. I read the original...  American liberal   Aug-27-04 06:42 PM   #253 
   Daily Show  JohnDoe1   Aug-27-04 07:42 PM   #255 
   ** BUSH MEDAL STORY FLYER **  KleverKittie   Aug-27-04 08:25 PM   #256 
   I have to object to the flyer  American liberal   Aug-27-04 08:57 PM   #257 
      I agree with A L. A really good looking start, for sure...  troubleinwinter   Aug-27-04 09:06 PM   #258 
   UPDATE with additional information here:  Walt Starr   Aug-27-04 09:26 PM   #259 
 
Walt Starr (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 07:51 PM
Response to Original message
1. Original Air Force Personnel Center Email w/headers
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To: "'waltstarr@yahoo.com'" <waltstarr@yahoo.com >
Subject: AFPC Contact Center Ticket # 040824-000022 (CIVILIAN CALL CENTER ISSUES) has been closed
Date: Tue, 24 Aug 2004 14:50:07 -0500
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Walter Starr, below is your initial request, and resolution. If the resolution is not sufficient please e-mail us at mailto:contact.center@randolph.af.mil or the POC below. Include your ticket number. You can also submit an update to your original request by logging into https://webcolab.afpc.randolph.af.mil/Scripts/rightnowd...

Problem : A couple of questions about the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
Problem Details : Hi, I have a couple of questions about the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award.

1) Has the AFOUA ever been authorized for temporary wear? The Army has many Unit Awards that, when you transfer into a unit, the award is worn temporarily, and then removed upon leaving said unit. Is this a practice of the Air Force or has it ever been a practice of the Air Force?


2) I have no access to the Air Force Pamphlet 900-2. I have found that the 147th FIG (now the 147th FIW) received a first award of the AFOUA in 1966 and a third, I believe, in 1982. Could you give me the dates of all AFOUA awards the 147th Fighter Intercept Wing has been awarded in its illustrious history?


Thank you so much!
Resolution : Mr. Starr,
IAW AF Instruction 36-2803, THE AIR FORCE AWARDS AND DECORATIONS PROGRAM

All assigned or attached people who served with a unit during a period for which a unit award was awarded are authorized the appropriate ribbon if they directly contributed to the mission and accomplishments of the unit.


Additionally, there isn't a "temporary" wear of AF Outstanding Unit Awards for AF personel. Unfortunately, we do not have access to 900-2 however, if you request verification of entitlement of award of the AFOUA while assigned to a specific unit from the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, they can research the data for you. Please send your request to the below address and include a copy of your DD Fm 214 showing proof of service. They'll be able to provide a one time issue of the award upon verification.



Resolution Details : The address:

NPRC
Military Personnel Records
9700 Page Ave
ST. Louis MO 63132-5100

PH#: Toll-free 1-866-272-6272
Fax number: 314-538-4175

Hours - Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. (Closed weekends and Federal holidays)

website address:
http://www.archives.gov/research_room/vetrecs/index.htm... on line request

Contact Center Agent: : Mr Aaron Murphy
Agents Email Address: : mailto:aaron.murphy@randolph.af.mil
Agents Phone Number: : Toll Free 1-800-616-3775; or DSN 665-5000

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trumad Donating Member (1000+ posts)  Journal Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 07:51 PM
Response to Reply #1
2. first
Edited on Thu Aug-26-04 07:52 PM by trumad
on edit:
second
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Catherine Vincent Donating Member (1000+ posts)  Journal Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Donate to DU! Thu Aug-26-04 08:00 PM
Response to Reply #2
18. Haha! Trumad, you sound like those yahoos on Yahoo that
Edited on Thu Aug-26-04 08:02 PM by cat_girl25
race to the boards just to be first post on a breaking story. :-)

p.s. I'm not calling you a yahoo.
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gristy (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 08:29 PM
Response to Reply #18
56. Well, they do it on atrios too...
and that is a really cool site: http://atrios.blogspot.com/
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trumad Donating Member (1000+ posts)  Journal Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 08:35 PM
Response to Reply #18
65. I learned it from Atrios...
except they say "Frist"...LOL
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Must_B_Free (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 10:49 PM
Response to Reply #65
120. I think it came from slashdot
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Bluebear Donating Member (1000+ posts)  Journal Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 07:52 PM
Response to Reply #1
5. Kick kick kick!
What great work, Walt!
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mzmolly Donating Member (1000+ posts)  Journal Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Donate to DU! Thu Aug-26-04 07:52 PM
Response to Original message
3. Who in the media has this been sent to?Updated at 5:42 PM
:shrug:
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wurzel (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 07:57 PM
Response to Reply #3
11. What network or cable do you believe will broadcast this?
n/t
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mzmolly Donating Member (1000+ posts)  Journal Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Donate to DU! Thu Aug-26-04 09:01 PM
Response to Reply #11
84. Provided the documentation is legit, most.Updated at 5:42 PM
:hi:

They love ratings more then Bush.
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wurzel (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 10:21 PM
Response to Reply #84
101. They love money more than ratings. n/t
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mzmolly Donating Member (1000+ posts)  Journal Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Donate to DU! Thu Aug-26-04 11:53 PM
Response to Reply #101
167. Ratings bring $$Updated at 5:42 PM
:hi:
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wurzel (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Fri Aug-27-04 08:39 AM
Response to Reply #167
208. Advertisements bring $$$
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Walt Starr (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Fri Aug-27-04 09:23 AM
Response to Reply #208
213. Ratings = Advertising = $$$$$
:evilgrin:
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wurzel (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Fri Aug-27-04 11:37 AM
Response to Reply #213
225. Sponsorship = Advertising = $$$$
It is clear from the many rightwing programs with continued sponsorship, that ratings are secondary to the message. Why does Carlson have program on NPR? That twit Buckley had sponsors by the dozen for a program very few watched. Hannity and O'Reily have lower ratings than Moyers. I only wish what you were saying is true.
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Pot Kettle Black (7 posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Fri Aug-27-04 09:26 AM
Response to Reply #208
214. Not to enable, but
ratings and projected ratings determine ad rates, ad rates determine if someone will place the ad, and ad placement becomes ad revenue.

You're both right. They love ratings because they are money, because they are better ad rates, caused by bigger audiences, which makes someone want to place an ad, and pay for it.

But, the media companies love Bush more than they love money, because the two are not all that different.

TV was a heavily regulated industry. It's a lot less regulated, but there are still some vestiges of media ownership regulation left in the world. Bush will remove those, allowing a company to own and operate more than 33 stations.

A bump for an interesting story will get a company maybe a million extra in revenue, if it's a very large bump (Bush crossdresses, Kerry secretly in love with Cheney's Lesbian daughter, or something else similarly huge and shocking). Weigh that against the prospect of owning 100 TV stations, rather than just 33, each one earning ad revenue and diffusing production costs across a broader spectrum of business units.

No TV company in acting in its own interest (rather than the public's) will air this, because it's a case of cutting off your nose to spite your face.

If Kerry wants fair media coverage, he should support the elimination of regulation on the broadcast industry. That ain't gonna happen, and will drive some to Nader, so this story stays online, until it gets too big to ignore.
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wurzel (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Fri Aug-27-04 11:41 AM
Response to Reply #214
227. Kerry should support the elimination of regulation of broadcasting?
Do you mean this?
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mzmolly Donating Member (1000+ posts)  Journal Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Donate to DU! Fri Aug-27-04 11:52 AM
Response to Reply #208
233. Ratings bring in advertisements and $$$Updated at 5:42 PM
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Karla in Ohio (7 posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Fri Aug-27-04 12:39 AM
Response to Reply #3
187. Print outlets are good choices
for disseminating this story. A big paper like the Houston Chronicle (right in Bush Country) might run with it, which would result in the story getting picked up by the national media.

I sent a link to the HC; we'll see if they bite. Bill Maher was an inspired choice, though. And it needs to go to Air America, which is where I'll be going after I send this message to y'all.

Thanks Walt...it IS a story. I hope it gets picked up.
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Walt Starr (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 07:52 PM
Response to Original message
4. Original Air Force History Support Organization Email w/headers
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Dear Mr Starr:

147th Fighter Interceptor Group AFOUA 1 Oct 73-30 Sep 75 DAFSO GB 164/77

111 Fighter Interceptor Squadron AFOUA 1 Oct 73-30 Sep 75 DAFSO GB 164/77




-----Original Message-----
From: Walter Starr <mailto:waltstarr@yahoo.com >
Sent: Wednesday, August 25, 2004 4:29 PM
To: AFHSO Research
Subject: Looking for some information


Hello,

I am trying to determine dates for all awards of the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award to the 147th Fighter Intercept Wing (formerly the 147th Fighter Intercept Group) and the 111th fighter Intecept Squadron. These organizations are part of the Texas National Guard.

Is there any way I can get this informaiton from you?

Walter E. Starr
XXXXXXXXX, XX
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Ducks In A Row (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 07:56 PM
Response to Reply #4
8. great work
sent to drudge, not that he'll report it. ha ha ha ha ha
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gardenista Donating Member (1000+ posts)  Journal Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 07:54 PM
Response to Original message
6. Great work, Walt!
Do you think he stole it from Poppy's dresser drawer? We all know how he likes to play dress-up.
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stellanoir Donating Member (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Donate to DU! Thu Aug-26-04 07:55 PM
Response to Original message
7. go for it Walt,
I think you're on to something here.

Fight back we must.

You have the temerity for details that many of us so severely lack.

Will pass this on.
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Walt Starr (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 07:56 PM
Response to Original message
9. This was a 100% Internet based Story
The story behind this story is quite interesting. It all started on Saturday, August 21 when I began trying to compare Kerry's military awards to Bush's. When looking into Bush's I quickly found that something didn't add up.

Over the course of less than a week, it developed into a scandalous report of a president (famous for smearing Vietnam Veterans) who while serving in the Texas Natinal Guard wore an award he did not earn.

Every last bit of information came via the internet. I found using the telephone was simply not quick enough.

This is the new media, folks. The means of quickly researching this sort of story exists and is open to everybody. Participatory journalism will be the wave of the future.

Pat yourselves on the back, DUers, you kept me honest with this and forced me to dot my "i's" and cross my "t's".
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PDittie (1000+ posts)  Journal Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 10:50 PM
Response to Reply #9
121. No, Walt, you and you aloneUpdated at 8:01 AM
are the man.

:headbang:
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EST (1000+ posts)  Journal Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Fri Aug-27-04 12:44 AM
Response to Reply #9
190. Walt---been lurking mostly along with you guys since your first
post on this. You are the hero of a lot of us. Yeah, we thought about and critiqued, but you did it. I think we should nominate Mr. Starr for internet investigting news god of 2004, or some such. Congrats and heartfelt thanks!
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merh Donating Member (1000+ posts)  Journal Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 07:57 PM
Response to Original message
10. Walt Starr - shining brightly!
thank you for all of your hard work and determination. :thumbsup:
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Ducks In A Row (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 07:57 PM
Response to Original message
12. sent to hardball and countdown
the more of us who email them, the more likely they'll air it.
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Rosco T. Donating Member (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 07:58 PM
Response to Original message
13. What would be the PENALTY for doing this??? n/m
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SotarrTheWizard (129 posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 10:49 PM
Response to Reply #13
119. Not meaning to be a wet sponge here. . .
. . . but I served in a unit that got the Outstanding Unit Award. . . and it did NOT show up on MY DD-214. . . I think it only lists INDIVIDUAL decorations, not unit ones, but I've been out of the USAF for 15 years. . . personally, I think linkage between Bush and the not-so-swifties is far more damning. . .

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Walt Starr (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 10:54 PM
Response to Reply #119
124. Then you could provide documentation you served in that unit
and the Air Force History Support Organization could verify your unit received the award while you were assigned to the unit.

Unfortunately for Bush, his unit didn't.
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Moonbeam_Starlight (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 11:15 PM
Response to Reply #119
135. It doesn't matter
the picture is taken at the wrong time for him to have it and that unit didn't even EARN that award until 1973. In other words, there's no way he could have been wearing it legit in that picture.
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Catherine Vincent Donating Member (1000+ posts)  Journal Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Donate to DU! Thu Aug-26-04 07:58 PM
Response to Original message
14. Which cable news network will break this story?
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Chichiri Donating Member (1000+ posts)  Journal Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 07:58 PM
Response to Original message
15. One tiny thing, and please prove me wrong here . . .
Bush was discharged on 1 October 1973, the same date that the time period of the AFOUA began. Does that mean that Bush's service and the AFOUA time period overlapped by one day? If so, couldn't Bush have received the AFOUA for that one day of service?
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Walt Starr (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 08:00 PM
Response to Reply #15
20. The award would not have been given out until after September 30, 1975
So he could never have legitimately worn the award while in uniform.
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Chichiri Donating Member (1000+ posts)  Journal Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 08:02 PM
Response to Reply #20
21. Thank you.
I will contact my local media immediately.
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Tansy_Gold Donating Member (1000+ posts)  Journal Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Donate to DU! Thu Aug-26-04 08:25 PM
Response to Reply #21
52. The picture itself predates the legitimate award anyway
Even if boosh had been authorized to wear it for the one day overlap in 1973, the photo was taken 1969-1970.

The unit hadn't won the award then.

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Renew Deal Donating Member (1000+ posts)  Journal Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 10:15 PM
Response to Reply #52
98. How do you know that?
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Willy Mugobeer (29 posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 08:26 PM
Response to Reply #15
53. GW was nowhere near his unit on 1 October 1973...
Edited on Thu Aug-26-04 08:27 PM by Willy Mugobeer

here it is: http://www.awolbush.com/deserter.html

Bush asked for discharge from the TANG on 9/5/73 and then headed for Harvard Biz school. He didn't hang around long enough to receive word that his request had been accepted, in other words ... "after tender of his resignation and before notice of its acceptance, his post or proper duties without leave and with intent to remain away permanently..."

which makes him GUILTY of desertion according to the Texas Code of Military Justice, Section 432.130. (Yeah, I know the links are broken...I'll fix them ASAP...)

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Walt Starr (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 07:58 PM
Response to Original message
16. The Chicago Tribune is aware of this
It's been sent to Salon as well.

Get the word out. Blast the media. The people need to know that a president who sinks to the low of questioning documented awards of our veterans did not conduct himself as an officer and a gentleman while he served in the Texas Air National Guard.
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City Lights Donating Member (1000+ posts)  Journal Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 08:03 PM
Response to Reply #16
24. Great work, Walt.
What do you think the Tribune is going to do with it?
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Walt Starr (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 08:05 PM
Response to Reply #24
27. They are vetting it
It could be published this weekend.
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City Lights Donating Member (1000+ posts)  Journal Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 08:07 PM
Response to Reply #27
30. Keeping fingers crossed.
Thanks for the info.
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Ducks In A Row (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 08:17 PM
Response to Reply #27
40. oh yeah, NOW they're being ethical and vetting a story
I so hope they get scooped.
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senseandsensibility Donating Member (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 08:23 PM
Response to Reply #27
47. Woo-hoo!
I'm proud of you! :toast:
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Feanorcurufinwe (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 08:00 PM
Response to Original message
17. GO WALT!
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cally Donating Member (1000+ posts)  Journal Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 08:00 PM
Response to Original message
19. I don't understand part of this
Aren't these pictures both of W. You mention George HW Bush and then W. :shrug:
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Walt Starr (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 08:02 PM
Response to Reply #19
22. The picture is posted on his father's presidential library website.
:evilgrin:
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cally Donating Member (1000+ posts)  Journal Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 08:42 PM
Response to Reply #22
72. Thanks, I understand now
:dunce:

Thanks all for the explanations.
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nyhuskyfan Donating Member (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Donate to DU! Thu Aug-26-04 08:02 PM
Response to Reply #19
23. HW was mentioned just because his library has the picture
He has only a bit role in this story.
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Fleshdancer (1000+ posts)  Journal Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 08:05 PM
Response to Reply #19
26. Picture of W that was in Daddy's Presidential library...
Citing the location of where the photo came from helps to shut up the naysayers who think the photo must be doctored because their perfect leader would never do such a dishonest thing.
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sub.theory (290 posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 08:03 PM
Response to Original message
25. Kicked
Nice work Walt!

Kicked
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imax2268 (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 08:08 PM
Response to Reply #25
33. Hey walt...
I heard on Mike Malloy's show that when BushCo was running for congress that he had a section that stated he was "in the Air Force"...did you hear about that one...?

anyway...great work...great work...I'm sending it out to a few places here in AZ...
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hexola (1000+ posts)  Journal Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 08:06 PM
Response to Original message
28. I think you really need to know the exact date of the photo...
The above photograph had to have been taken some time between his qualifying as a pilot in 1969 and his promotion to First Lieutenant on November 7, 1970.

What is this based on...?

Here's what they will say...

"The picture was taken Oct 1, 1973. Bush was discharged that same day the unit received the award..."

But that still stinks because it looks like the award was given to the Unit just so Bush - who was about to leave - could look good in a photo op...(and presumably on down the line) And have something to make it look like he did something in TANG...

Now - who - just who - might have that kind of influence...???
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nyhuskyfan Donating Member (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Donate to DU! Thu Aug-26-04 08:07 PM
Response to Reply #28
29. He is a second lieutenant in that picture
And the award wouldn't have been issued until 1975.
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Walt Starr (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 08:07 PM
Response to Reply #28
31. The award came after September 30, 1975
There is absolutely no way he could have legitimately worn the award while in uniform. The award is never given until after the last date of the time period covered by the award, usually several months later.

This is part of the reason why John Kerry was issued a DD215. It added several unit awards and corrected another.
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hexola (1000+ posts)  Journal Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 08:21 PM
Response to Reply #28
45. I maintain that the lack of a clear date is a weakness...
...not trying to cut up your fine work...but I think we really need to know...
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hexola (1000+ posts)  Journal Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 08:36 PM
Response to Reply #45
66. Does the haircut tell anyting about the photo date?
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Tansy_Gold Donating Member (1000+ posts)  Journal Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Donate to DU! Thu Aug-26-04 08:41 PM
Response to Reply #66
70. He is identified as a 2nd Lt in the photo
He was promoted to 1st Lt. in Nov 1970.

Why would someone have a photo taken of himself at a lower rank than he was at the time and wear a ribbon he couldn't have earned until after he was at the higher rank?

Ergo, he fucking lied.


TG
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hexola (1000+ posts)  Journal Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 09:00 PM
Response to Reply #70
83. What identifies him as 2nd L?
I need more than that scribble on the corner of the one pic...
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Tansy_Gold Donating Member (1000+ posts)  Journal Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Donate to DU! Thu Aug-26-04 11:33 PM
Response to Reply #83
145. Um, I'm not clear here
You want to know if anything about the HAIRCUT can definitively date the photograph, but the date written on it as posted by the Bush administration in their document dump isn't good enough?

:eyes:
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hexola (1000+ posts)  Journal Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Fri Aug-27-04 08:33 AM
Response to Reply #145
206. You trust Bush ehhh?
Yes - the HAIRCUT - their are probably regulations about haircuts...

Sorry - something scribbled in the corner of a FAX doesn't cut it...that could have been scribbled on there in the past year.

What is the conclusive proof of the photo date?
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TacticalPeek (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Fri Aug-27-04 08:55 AM
Response to Reply #206
209. The date of the photo is mostly irrelevant.
Edited on Fri Aug-27-04 09:29 AM by TacticalPeak
If I'm following this right, at NO TIME during aWol's term of service was he authorized to wear this ribbon.

Never ever.

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Spazito Donating Member (1000+ posts)  Journal Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Donate to DU! Fri Aug-27-04 09:16 AM
Response to Reply #206
211. At NO time during bush's time of service was he eligible to....
Edited on Fri Aug-27-04 09:17 AM by Spazito
wear that second ribbon. bush was discharged in 73, BEFORE the ribbon was given to the unit which would have been in 75. Here is the reason, taken from Walt's initial post:

IAW AF Instruction 36-2803, THE AIR FORCE AWARDS AND DECORATIONS PROGRAM

All assigned or attached people who served with a unit during a period for which a unit award was awarded are authorized the appropriate ribbon ****if they directly contributed to the mission and accomplishments of the unit.****

Additionally, there isn't a "temporary" wear of AF Outstanding Unit Awards for AF personnel.

So to finally solve the mystery of the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, I contacted the Air Force History support Organization. I requested all dates of all awards of the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award received by the 147th Fighter Intercept Group and the 111th Fighter Intercept Squadron. The answer I received was shocking. This unit had received this award only once. The dates of the award are as follows quoting directly from the source at the AFHSO:

147th Fighter Interceptor Group AFOUA 1 Oct 73-30 Sep 75 DAFSO GB 164/77

111 Fighter Interceptor Squadron AFOUA 1 Oct 73-30 Sep 75 DAFSO GB 164/77

This states explicitly that the units received the Air force Outstanding Unit Award for the time period from October 1, 1973 to September 30, 1975. George W. Bush’s discharge date from the 111th FIS and the 147th FIG was October 1, 1973. Clearly, these units did not receive an award of the AFOUA until after George W. Bush had been discharged, and well after the date the photograph in question was taken.

(**** added by me for emphasis)
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Renew Deal Donating Member (1000+ posts)  Journal Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 10:22 PM
Response to Reply #70
102. Thanks for the help.
I have been wondering the same exact thing. The 1st Lt. is a higher rank than the 2nd right?
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Walt Starr (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 10:27 PM
Response to Reply #102
108. Yes, 1LT is a higher rank than 2LT n/t
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Catherine Vincent Donating Member (1000+ posts)  Journal Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Donate to DU! Thu Aug-26-04 08:08 PM
Response to Original message
32. I nominated this thread, Walt.
Love ya!
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Fleshdancer (1000+ posts)  Journal Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 08:10 PM
Response to Reply #32
35. good idea. Me too n/t
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Fleshdancer (1000+ posts)  Journal Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 08:10 PM
Response to Original message
34. My hope is that this will spur the media to pressure Bush into releasing
all his military records. :evilgrin:
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Walt Starr (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 08:14 PM
Response to Reply #34
37. Mine too!
Believe me, mine too!
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Fleshdancer (1000+ posts)  Journal Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 08:18 PM
Response to Reply #37
41. Media question for you....
Are we just all sending this out to random media sources or is there some sort of method to the madness?
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Walt Starr (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 08:20 PM
Response to Reply #41
43. Send it to media people you know
Edited on Thu Aug-26-04 08:21 PM by Walt Starr
Send it to media people you don't know.

It needs to get out there. The more that read it the more likely it'll get picked up.

The facts are all there. Heck, if you look at the headers on the Air Force History Support Organization, you'll notice that email flowed to me through Pentagon servers!
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Fleshdancer (1000+ posts)  Journal Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 08:24 PM
Response to Reply #43
49. sounds great...I'll do what I can!
I'm very happy you did all this Walt. :hug:
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Doohickie (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 10:40 PM
Response to Reply #43
114. When the media doesn't pick this up...
...don't blame it on a right-wing conspiracy or censorship enforced by the administration. The reason it won't get picked up is this: it's really not that impressive.

Walt, I've been nay-saying this story since I found it. I'm not saying that your research is in any way incorrect or inaccurate. Rather, I just don't think it is that big of a deal.

I live in Texas, in Bush territory. Now, if I felt I could show someone this thread to my Bush-backer coworkers and make them swallow real hard and mutter, "Uh-oh...." then I think you would have something. But I really don't think this discovery of yours is going to turn anyone away from Bush.

The Bush-backers will stick with their man, and the undecideds are more worried about issues than past military records (which is why the Swift Boat thing isn't very damaging either).

If I had to sum up my reaction to this discovery in two words, it would be:

So what?


It reconfirms our opinion of him: Bush is a dweeb and a loser. But to be important, it has to be strong enough to turn people away from Bush, and it just plain isn't.

Sorry to burst your bubble, Walt, but this isn't earth shattering stuff.
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Fleshdancer (1000+ posts)  Journal Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 10:43 PM
Response to Reply #114
115. And if the media DOES pick it up, will you retract your statement?
On a new thread?
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Doohickie (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 11:03 PM
Response to Reply #115
128. If the media picks it up,
I will gladly eat crow on a new thread.

I will even admit that Walt is right.

But for the record, I'm thinking major daily or network, not a minor web news service. Is that fair?
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Walt Starr (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 10:48 PM
Response to Reply #114
118. You could be right. You could be wrong. Only time will tell
The facts have been laid out. We'll see.

:shrug:
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TacticalPeek (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 11:00 PM
Response to Reply #118
127. Why does the Air Force hate America?
:)

I pity the misunderestimators. Super congratulations!

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Doohickie (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 11:14 PM
Response to Reply #118
134. Fair enough.
We'll see.

Even if I doubt how much it will impact the race, it is a good piece of work.
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unfrigginreal (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 10:50 PM
Response to Reply #114
122. Well, there you go Walt. Paul_H says "So what"?
Obviously you're wasting your time and should stop this nonsense immediately. :eyes:
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Moonbeam_Starlight (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 11:30 PM
Response to Reply #114
142. Here's why it's important
if the smearies weren't telling lies about Kerry and his medals, you would probably be right, bush supporters would just shrug and say "well, you know, he was young, but he's found JESUS now!"

Etc etc.

BUT. In light of the BIG deal that has been made out of KERRY'S service, this is now a germane topic, is it not?

AND the biggest audience this will hit with is veterans. My husband is a veteran and I asked him what it means to a veteran to know of a fellow service member wearing a ribbon they didn't earn.

He told me of a buddy of his who "decided" to wear Ranger tabs on his uniform (Army). He narrowly escaped a court martial over it and lost all his buddies. He was shunned, so to speak.

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Doohickie (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 11:34 PM
Response to Reply #142
147. Yeah, but 30 years and many regulation changes later,
there can be enough of a doubt as to whether Bush thought he was doing the right thing that his backers will not be fazed.
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Moonbeam_Starlight (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 11:47 PM
Response to Reply #147
159. I don't think so
Edited on Thu Aug-26-04 11:48 PM by Moonbeam_Starlight
I mean, yes, of course, there are plenty of people out there who would vote for boosh if he were standing on the White House lawn wearing only dress socks and a pink tutu, eating toddler fingers and singing "How Dry I Am". Of course.

BUT....this case, as far as I can see, is airtight. I've even been checking out all the links in his webliography, etc. I've been talking to vets about it, double-checking. And now I'm trying to find out what the repurcussions are for doing something like this so we can get an idea of how major it is/was.

Do you know any veterans? They take this stuff VERY seriously and this isn't just some guys saying they were kinda sorta in the same country at the same time and heard some things, this is hard evidence.

Not only that, this could very well make SOME journalists get nosey about the rest of his records....being punked by a guy who isn't even a journalist and all.....
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Doohickie (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 11:56 PM
Response to Reply #159
169. And I've talked to a few vets here in Texas,
....one of which claimed he saw the AF reg on temporary wearing of ribbons back in the 70's. Condidering the AF is an off-shoot of the Army, could it be possible that they were still adhering, officially, to Army regs in the 70's?

Then it just becomes a case of whether the unit won the award prior to Bush's time there. According to Walt, it didn't, but there was anectdotal evidence from a unit web page or something like that that said they won it in '66. Are the records kept well enough, and are all the units (and their histories) documented well enough to establish for sure that there is no rational explanation for Bush's wearing of the medal?

I know Walt has done a lot of digging, but the significance of his findings could be debunked if others in his unit during the same time frame were also wearing the ribbon.
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Moonbeam_Starlight (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Fri Aug-27-04 12:10 AM
Response to Reply #169
173. I'm in Texas, as well
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Carni (1000+ posts)  Journal Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 08:24 PM
Response to Reply #37
48. Great work Walt!
I am sending to Helen Thomas!

(I don't know her but have her email addy)
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sub.theory (290 posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 08:17 PM
Response to Reply #34
39. That's what I hope as well
There are more than a few unanswered questions about Bush's time in the National Guard. There is no way they can hope to ignore or bury this after the smear they just tried on John Kerry. Where's your records George?! Prove you earned that medal!
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Connie_Corleone Donating Member (1000+ posts)  Journal Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 08:14 PM
Response to Original message
36. Kick!
:kick:
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Joanne98 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 08:17 PM
Response to Original message
38. Congrats Walt......
Now to get it out there. It's too bad our national media blaster isn't ready yet. I forgot how to do google prison.....
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AmerDem (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 08:19 PM
Response to Original message
42. You have done our country Proud Walt Star!
I wish there were an award we could put you in for! Long live Democracy!

:toast: :yourock:
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Mad As Hell (203 posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 08:25 PM
Response to Reply #42
51. Walt Starr rocks.
:yourock: Guess who I saw crossing the street in DC today? MAX CLELAND! We gave each other the thumbs up and then I got to shake his hand and thank him for what he was doing for our country. He looks ready for anything. Healthy as could be. Max Cleland rocks too.
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AmerDem (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 08:39 PM
Response to Reply #51
69. Go Max!
:toast:
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Cha Donating Member (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Donate to DU! Thu Aug-26-04 08:41 PM
Response to Reply #51
71. You must be Jazzed! Max is such a
Hero.. who got tarnished and is coming back Stronger!

I can't wait to see what Kerry has in mind for him in his Admin.
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DURHAM D (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 08:21 PM
Response to Original message
44. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Will take the cable stations a
little while to run this - they will have to get their lying talking heads in-studio and all "liared up".
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tandot Donating Member (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 08:23 PM
Response to Original message
46. This is great.
:yourock:

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EarlG ADMIN Donating Member (1000+ posts)  Journal Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 08:25 PM
Response to Original message
50. Sounds like a job for the new Media Blaster!
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Joanne98 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 09:07 PM
Response to Reply #50
87. I just tried to use it and my e-mail got stuck in send
I didn't have bcc so I put it in to:
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RetroLounge (1000+ posts)  Journal Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 08:27 PM
Response to Original message
54. Great job Walt!
I can see your own web site. The Starr Report! :D

Hope the media picks up on this.

We should send it to TDS also...

RL
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Walt Starr (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 08:27 PM
Response to Original message
55. Folks, my wife has put up with me doing research every night all week
Edited on Thu Aug-26-04 08:29 PM by Walt Starr
I'm now leaving the house and taking her out to dinner. We'll make sure we eat something with Heinz Ketchup on it.

I'll catch up on this thread later tonight.
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Willy Mugobeer (29 posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 08:30 PM
Response to Reply #55
61. Get used to it, Walt...
Edited on Thu Aug-26-04 08:31 PM by Willy Mugobeer
...once you sink your teeth in this story, there's no letting go... :yourock:
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Catherine Vincent Donating Member (1000+ posts)  Journal Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Donate to DU! Thu Aug-26-04 09:06 PM
Response to Reply #55
86. Oh great! You had to be married! The good ones are always taken.
:-)
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Junkdrawer Donating Member (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 08:30 PM
Response to Original message
57. Has anyone toyed with this idea: Bush's discharge paperwork is phoney...
Edited on Thu Aug-26-04 08:31 PM by Junkdrawer
and backdated.

I've always thought the Alabama story was a ruse. My bet is Dubya's discharge was repaired in good ole Texas. Alabama is just to throw us off the real trail.
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Carni (1000+ posts)  Journal Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 08:46 PM
Response to Reply #57
75. Yes
I personally think someone else's old papers were used and altered later before he ran for Gov of Texas (which would explain the weird boxes like marital staus that were censored on his discharge papers)

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Junkdrawer Donating Member (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 08:53 PM
Response to Reply #75
82. He went AWOL as a First Lt. in 1972.
He's photographed as a Second Lt. wearing an award that was issued in 1975.

And the certain conclusion is that he was photographed in 1969-1970 wearing a phony ribbon to inflate his importance?

That's the most charitable way of looking at it.
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Junkdrawer Donating Member (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 10:30 PM
Response to Reply #82
109. Walt: I posted a fuller version of the theory here:
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Carni (1000+ posts)  Journal Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 08:46 PM
Response to Reply #57
76. Yes
I personally think someone else's old papers were used and altered later before he ran for Gov of Texas (which would explain the weird boxes like marital staus that were censored on his discharge papers)

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ezekiel333 (507 posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 09:32 PM
Response to Reply #57
90. Yep
Lots of weird stuff in his military paperwork that just doesn't add up, of course the same could be said for his DMV record, and indeed his life in general. Lots of fuzzy areas with simplistic explanations, again like the man himself.
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Leilani (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 08:30 PM
Response to Original message
58. Congragulations on a wonderful job!!
{Don t get mad, get even} is a great saying!

And you put your energy to work in a terrific way!!
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snippy (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 08:30 PM
Response to Original message
59. Awesome work. The White House probably will warn the media
not to go with this story, but the documentation is persuasive. I hope it at least generates another series of Bush lies. It would be hilarious to hear Bush himself try to explain this.

This reminds me of the question of Bush wearing Naval Aviator's wings when he attended the Carrier Costume Party. Does anyone know whether that was determined to be appropriate?
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tishaLA Donating Member (1000+ posts)  Journal Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 08:30 PM
Response to Original message
60. Great work, Walt!
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Tansy_Gold Donating Member (1000+ posts)  Journal Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Donate to DU! Thu Aug-26-04 08:33 PM
Response to Original message
62. Walt, you rock with the best of 'em!
:yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock:




This is just so kewl!

The best part is that I am reading this thread and writing this reply while listening to John Kerry's 1971 Foreign Relations Committee testimony on C-SPAN.




Tansy Gold, proud to "know" Walt Starr
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Paradise (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Aug-26-04 08:34 PM
Response to Original message
63. Great investigative work, Walt!
Glad you're with 'Democratic Underground Citizens For Truth'!
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Fleshdancer (1000+ posts)  Journal