While it is not uncommon for politicians to spin the facts and associated records to achieve their personal ends, seldom are interpretations of events so diametrically opposed as they are in the case of John Kerry's military service in Vietnam. If you are to believe Kerry, he is a highly decorated war hero who fought valiantly for his country during one of its most controversial periods of history. If you believe the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth, Kerry was a liar, coward, opportunist and borderline traitor. Which version of the facts do you believe is most accurate, and what evidence is there to support your belief?

The Swift Boat Veterans for Truth claim their motive in writing the Open Letter to John Kerry that appears as an appendix to Unfit for Command—and indeed, the authors' motives for writing the book—was to prevent...