Paul Dunn, I'm not sure how we got to the subject of disputed war medals (Nov. 29). Though I disagree with you, I congratulate you on researching a subject before writing about it.

To get back on track, I disagreed with a letter you wrote suggesting former military officers should remain silent after they have left the service. As private citizens, they have the same rights you and I do.

Furthermore, if the subject is war, I would like to know the opinions of men and women who have spent 30 to 40 years in that business, regardless of their political affiliation. I feel the public gains far more insight than they would otherwise.

I also objected to the way you attempted to portray the Swift Boat veterans. You attempted to mislead The Pilot readers by suggesting that none of them served on the same boat as John Kerry, which is false.

Several members of the organization served on John Kerry's boat, including one of his gunners. I also objected to your attempt to discredit the entire organization by suggesting that the only thing they had in common was that they "wore the same uniform." This is also false, for the organization consists of his entire chain of command.

In your most recent letter, you suggest that they are GOP pawns and that their claims are all about his war medals, which is again false. They are an organization made up of members from both political parties. What they have in common is that they disagree with John Kerry portraying them as war criminals upon his return from Vietnam.

The Swift Boat veterans were founded in 1971 to refute those claims. I think you and I can both agree the GOP isn't that forward- thinking.

Robert Tilley

Vass