Pilot reader Robert Tilley of Vass states that "the Swift Boat veterans have more than earned the right to have their voices heard." And, of course, they did during the last presidential campaign. He suggests that "if you would like to look up facts before you put pen to paper," I might learn something about Kerry's medals.

Well, I did just that. As you know, Judicial Watch asked the Navy Department to investigate Kerry's medals. In September 2004 the Navy released its findings. Vice-Adm. Ronald A. Route, the Navy Inspector General completed a comprehensive review of John Kerry's combat medals.

In a memo to Gordon England, Secretary of the Navy, Admiral Route found "existing documentation regarding Silver Star, Bronze Star and Purple Hearts indicates the awards process was properly followed they corrrectly followed procedures in place at the time for approving these awards a further review regarding these events that took place over 30 years ago would not be productive.

"The passage of time would make reconstruction of the facts and circumstances unreliable and would not allow the information gathered to be considered in the context of the time in which the events took place. I have concluded ... Kerry's awards were properly approved."

Kerry's crew, the men who were actually on his ship, support Kerry's awards, as does the soldier he personally rescued from the water when they were under enemy fire.

The advertisements for the Swift Boaters were mostly funded by one Texas GOP contributor to the Bush and Delay campaigns.

The public can believe the GOP salts who weren't on the boat, or the impartial Navy Department. As a former gob, I'll take the Navy's word for it any day.

Paul R. Dunn

Pinehurst