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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. How did Kerry distort shooting himself in the buttocks in order to receive his third purple heart?

2. After the villagers fled the Song Bo Do river village in 1969, what did Kerry order his crew to destroy while he lit fires with a Zippo?

3. What does Kerry claim about his request to enter the military that is not supported by any military records?

4. How does William Franke, who served with Kerry, describe his attitude about serving?

5. What is the second sub-section of Part 1 of the book titled?

Short Essay Questions

1. How was Kerry awarded the Silver Star?

2. What is an example of the report that Kerry lacked the nerves for combat and often would overreact to situations?

3. How did one of Kerry's suggestions affect the Swiftees when they were ordered to employ Psychological Operations against the enemy?

4. What question did Lt. Ted Peck ask of Kerry shortly after he returned home, and why is Kerry's response revealing?

5. What did O'Neill first do to challenge Kerry on his testimony, and how did Kerry respond?

6. How did O'Neill finally have the chance to debate Kerry in 1971?

7. Why is it important to understand when the problems between O'Neill and Kerry began?

8. What was the length of a normal tour of duty, how did Kerry's time in the war compare to it, and how did the other officers regard his actions?

9. How did the assignment of the Swift Boats change, what was Kerry's response, and why did the other officers consider him to be a problem?

10. How did Kerry initially try to avoid serving in the war?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain the purpose for Kerry's earlier book, The New Soldier. What did the language in the book display or reiterate about Kerry's dislike for the military? Describe the picture in The New Soldier that was offensive. Why was the book banished and what does Kerry do to prevent people from reading it? What are Kerry's motivations?

Essay Topic 2

The Vietnam Veterans Against the War was a big part of Kerry's anti-war agenda and the start of his political ambitions.

1) How did the VVAW begin and why was Kerry chosen to be the leader?

2) Who were the primary members of the VVAW and why did their identities prevent their claims from being taken seriously?

3) Describe 3 events involving the VVAW that illustrate their motives and unethical actions.

Essay Topic 3

Kerry's testimony before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations is the catalyst for much of the book's objection to his ability to be the Commander in Chief.

1) Detail the statements made by Kerry, how they were perceived at the time, and why O'Neill and the other veterans objected to them so fiercely. Which ones were the most offensive or damaging? Why?

2) Who was the Committee made up of, and why was that important in their purpose and receptiveness to Kerry's testimony?

3) Who was responsible for writing Kerry's speech and how do Kerry's claims about it demonstrate his dishonesty?

(see the answer keys)

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