Changes

==Military Career ==

==Military Career ==

Kerry enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve in February, 1966, and began active service that August as Ensign aboard the USS Gridley, a Guided Missile Frigate deployed in the Gulf of Tonkin.  During his tour of duty, Kerry requested his second tour be in Vietnam, listing his preferred position as commanding a Fast Patrol Craft (PCF) or "Swift Boat."  His request was granted, and on November 17, 1968 he reported to Cam Ranh Bay for a month of training.  The Swift Boats had been considered to be a safe place to be during the war, but during that time their role was changed to become more dangerous and combat oriented. During his service, Kerry allegedly received the [[Silver Star]], the [[Bronze Star]], and a total of three [[Purple Heart]]s during combat operations inside Vietnam, and after his third minor injury was permitted to request reassignment as per Navy instruction 1300.39, Leaving Vietnam on April 2, 1969, less than 5 months after arriving.  Upon returning stateside, he served as personal aide to Rear Admiral Walter Schlech until March 1970 when his active duty obligation had ended.  Kerry continued serving in the Naval Reserves until February 1972.

Kerry enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve in February, 1966, and began active service that August as Ensign aboard the USS Gridley, a Guided Missile Frigate deployed in the Gulf of Tonkin.  During his tour of duty, Kerry requested his second tour be in Vietnam, listing his preferred position as commanding a Fast Patrol Craft (PCF) or "Swift Boat."  His request was granted, and on November 17, 1968 he reported to Cam Ranh Bay for a month of training.  The Swift Boats had been considered to be a safe place to be during the war, but during that time their role was changed to become more dangerous and combat oriented. During his service, Kerry received the [[Silver Star]], the [[Bronze Star]], and a total of three [[Purple Heart]]s during combat operations inside Vietnam, and after his third minor injury was permitted to request reassignment as per Navy instruction 1300.39, Leaving Vietnam on April 2, 1969, less than 5 months after arriving.  Upon returning stateside, he served as personal aide to Rear Admiral Walter Schlech until March 1970 when his active duty obligation had ended.  Kerry continued serving in the Naval Reserves until February 1972.

==Opposition to the Vietnam War==

==Opposition to the Vietnam War==