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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. What television show did Kerry refuse to debate O'Neill on?

2. What do the Swiftees say that Kerry's actual nickname was in Vietnam?

3. What was the normal length of one tour of duty in Vietnam?

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

5. What were the charges Kerry leveled against the army during his testimony?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the significance of O'Neill's suggestion that the readers of the book view the video of the debate between him and Kerry?

2. What was the conversation between Kerry and the Captain of an LST en route to An Thoi, and why do the authors dispute it?

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

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

5. What was the content of Kerry's testimony before the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, and why did it anger O'Neill so much?

6. What were the circumstances around the award of Kerry's second Purple Heart, and how does it parallel the first?

7. What happened in the infamous sampan incident, where a mother and her child were found, and how did Kerry respond?

8. How was Kerry awarded the third Purple Heart, and why was it significant?

9. How did the debate between O'Neill and Kerry begin, and what was the outcome?

10. How was Kerry awarded the Silver Star?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

What was the open letter from the Swift Boat Veterans to John Kerry? Why was it announced, and what was its purpose? How did Kerry respond to the letter? Why was it significant that the letter was issued in 2004 and by Rear Admiral Hoffman? What is the importance of the number of signatures on the letter and who participated or endorsed it?

Essay Topic 3

What events caused Kerry to be awarded the Silver Star? What was the purpose for Kerry's assignment? How did he and his fellow officers carry out their orders? What was the end result and why did the officers think it was comical? How did Kerry use the situation to get the medal? In what ways does the Silver Star award continue the pattern of behavior that Kerry followed during his tour?

(see the answer keys)

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