WASHINGTON, Aug 5 (AFP) - A group of Vietnam War veterans on Thursday launched hard-hitting advertisements attacking Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry's war record.
"Not only did he outright lie about his acts in Vietnam, he has betrayed the trust of all those who served in Vietnam and those who were left behind," retired rear admiral Roy Hoffman said in a statement.
The group, Swift Boat Veterans for Truth, said in a statement, "Kerry grossly exaggerated acts of personal 'heroism.'"
The advertisement is to play in several US states populated with voters so far undecided about whether to return President George W. Bush for a second, four-year term or replace him with Kerry, the Democratic nominee.
The ad features 13 Vietnam veterans, one of whom says "Kerry is lying about his first Purple Heart." Another veteran says "Kerry lied to get his bronze star."
In quick succession, veterans in the group say: "John Kerry has not been honest."
"And he lacks the capacity to lead."
"He betrayed all his shipmates. ... He lied before the Senate."
The group calls itself a non-partisan, non-political organization and claims to represent 300 swift boat veterans.