Democratic politicians who have gone to war

[ginnyinWI]

A special thanks this Memorial Day to those who served:

Gen.Wes Clark, Vietnam
Sen.Max Cleland, Vietnam
Gov.Gray Davis, Vietnam
Sen.John Glenn, WWII and Korea
Vice-President Al Gore, Vietnam
Sen.Fritz Hollings, WWII
Sen.Daniel Inouye, WWII
Sen.Bob Kerrey, Vietnam
Sen. John Kerry, Vietnam
Rep. Charlie Rangel, Korea

I'm sure I missed some; please feel free to add them.

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[mikehiggins]

1. Okay, how about listing the NeoCon vets?

Sorry. I forgot. They had other priorities at the time.

[Midnight Rambler]

4. Poppy Bush

WWII, but he's about the only one.

[JohnKleeb]

2. Heres some directly linked from awolbush

* Representative Richard Gephardt, former House Minority Leader - Missouri Air National Guard, 1965-71. (1, 2)
* Representative David Bonior - Staff Sgt., United States Air Force 1968-72 (1, 2)
* Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle - 1st Lt., U.S. Air Force SAC 1969-72 (1, 2)
* Former Vice President Al Gore - enlisted August 1969; sent to Vietnam January 1971 as an army journalist, assigned to the 20th Engineer Brigade headquartered at Bien Hoa, an airbase twenty miles northeast of Saigon. More facts about Gore's Service

* Former Senator Bob Kerrey... Democrat... Lt. j.g., U.S. Navy 1966-69; Medal of Honor, Vietnam (1, 2)
* Senator Daniel Inouye, US Army 1943-'47; Medal of Honor, World War Two (1, 2)
* Senator John Kerry, Lt., U.S. Navy 1966-70; Silver Star, Bronze Star with Combat V, and three awards of the Purple Heart for his service in combat (1)
* Representative Charles Rangel, Staff Sgt., U.S. Army 1948-52; Bronze Star, Korea (1, 2)
* Former Senator Max Cleland, Captain, U.S. Army 1965-68; Silver Star & Bronze Star, Vietnam (1, 2)

* Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA) - U.S. Army, 1951-1953. (1)
* Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) - Lt., U.S. Navy, 1962-67; Naval Reserve, 1968-74. (1, 2)
* Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) - U.S. Army Ranger, 1971-1979; Captain, Army Reserve 1979-91 (1)
* Senator Fritz Hollings (D-SC) - served as a U.S. Army officer in World War II, receiving the Bronze Star and seven campaign ribbons. (1)

* Representative Leonard Boswell (D-IA) - Lt. Col., U.S. Army 1956-76; two tours in Vietnam, two Distinguished Flying Crosses as a helicopter pilot, two Bronze Stars, and the Soldier's Medal. (1, 2)
* Former Representative "Pete" Peterson, Air Force Captain, POW, Ambassador to Viet Nam, and recipient of the Purple Heart, the Silver Star and the Legion of Merit. (1, 2)
* Rep. Mike Thompson, D-CA: Staff sergeant/platoon leader with the 173rd Airborne Brigade, U.S. Army; was wounded and received a Purple Heart. (1, 2)
* Bill McBride, Democratic Candidate for Florida Governor - volunteered and served as a U.S. Marine in Vietnam; awarded Bronze Star with a combat "V." (1)
* Gray Davis, former California Governor, Army Captain in Vietnam; received Bronze Star. (1)
* Pete Stark, D-CA, served in the Air Force 1955-57
* Wesley Clark, Democratic Presidential Candidate - lengthy military career.

[rwenos]

3. George McGovern

Flew B-17's over Germany in WW2 -- like over 30 missions. I never could figure out why he wouldn't use his war record in 1972. Oddly, Nixon was honest about his record. He served as a Navy officer in the Pacific, but rear-echelon, no major combat.

Jimmy Carter was a Cold War veteran, served in nuclear sub's in the 1950's and early 60's. Annapolis graduate.

[ken-in-seattle]

6. I knew hundreds of guys growing up at Ft Bragg

Who would no more mention their wartime experiences than run naked down main street. It was not an issue to some and some could not bring themselves to relive the memories or the loss of close friends.

Two could never stay in a room with anyone of oriental apperance after experiences as POW's

It was a different time and many people did whatever was necessary to cope with the war.

[rwenos]

7. The "Oriental" Part Makes No Sense

In view of the fact that Filipinos, Koreans, and Chinese were ALLIES in World War 2. Not to mention the 442nd, Japanese-Americans who served with distinction -- and many battle decorations -- in the Italian campaign.

But yes, I know what you mean. McGovern chose not to make a big deal out of it.

[punpirate]

5. Dukakis, as well...

... Army, 55-57. Walter Mondale, Army, 51-53. Jim McDermott, Navy 68-70. Others.

[Freddie Stubbs]

8. Congressman John Murtha, Vietnam