THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, May 26, 1996 TAG: 9605230015
SECTION: COMMENTARY PAGE: J4 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 27 lines
The admirals' protctive society is now in full operation as evidenced by the flak being thrown up by retired Admirals Shanahan, Zumwalt and others.
The facts are simple. If the ``combat V'' is authorized to be worn on the medal and ribbon, the citation so states. Adm. Jeremy Boorda's citations do not authorize the combat V. A man of Boorda's position and experience would most certainly understand these regulations. Yet he chose to enhance his achievements in this petty manner and was caught.
I am incensed that Shanahan would choose to defend Admiral Boorda's decision to wear these unauthorized pins by denigrating those rightfully wearing the combat V. That Shanahan would say that in Vietnam medals were being handed out more freely than at any other time in modern military history, even ``for getting across the street, almost,'' is despicable.
Distortions by the admirals' protective society are self-serving and only extend the pain being felt throughout the Navy. It's long past time for these hyperpolitical people to quit trying to run the Navy and find a good golf course.
MICHAEL L. ARTHERHOLT
Virginia Beach, May 18, 1996 by CNB