Democrats Rage as GOP Convention Mocks Kerry's War Wounds

Republican delegates at the New York convention distributed novelty bandages styled after Purple Hearts, ridiculing Democratic nominee John Kerry's Vietnam combat decorations. The gimmick referenced claims by certain veterans that Kerry's three Purple Hearts were undeserved.

The Democratic National Committee traced the stunt to veteran Republican operative Morton Blackwell, a figure linked to White House strategist Karl Rove. A disabled Vietnam veteran and Purple Heart organization commander condemned the display as an insult to everyone who earned the medal in combat. Convention communications director Mark Pfeifle said he had no knowledge of the incident.

Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this AFP wire report, first published in August 2004, in its own words.