Reply #69: From the articles that was true - when he started there, [View All]

[karynnj]

He was also one of only a few Catholics. This showed in fact that he succeeded even in a hostile environment. A kid, without major musical ability, does not get asked into a band if he is an outcast.

The naval records include many comments of the unusual loyalty and commitment his men showed him. Those comments were from various superiors, in both the large ship and the swiftboats. So, though he was quiet and thoughtful, he was able to reach out. The Tour of Duty book spoke of Kerry being given two addition assignments that were beyond the job he had. One was to read the stories he was writing and telling his men of the naval history of the spots they were going through to the entire ship, the other that in itself answers so many RW characterizations was that he was asked to informally act as someone to talk to by troubled sailors needing to speak to someone, but not wanting to speak to a doctor or chaplain.