Wes Clark in Vietnam

Back before the General was a General, he served as a captain in Vietnam. The Big Pundits have decided it's a sin for the General today to even suggest a criticism of our legitimate President Bush for ducking out on a year's worth of Air Guard service in 1972-3.

At the General's Web site, there is a description by one of the soldiers who served with him (who just endorsed him for President) about what Clark was doing a couple of years before Lt. Bush decided to disappear from the Guard for a year:

Michael McClintic, a veteran who now lives in Michigan, describes what happened that day: "In Vietnam, I saw Captain Clark get shot before I was able to push him to the ground and out of the line of enemy fire. Despite his wounds - Clark was shot four times -- Clark remained in command and under his leadership, we quickly overran the enemy positions."

Clark was later awarded the Silver Star for his leadership that day. The award states that, "With complete disregard for his personal safety, Captain Clark remained with his unit until the reactionary force arrived and the situation was well in hand. His courageous initiative and exemplary professionalism significantly contributed to the successful outcome of the engagement. Captain Clark's unquestionable valor in close combat against a hostile force is in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army."

But the Big Pundits have decided that Clark is morally obligated to repudiate any criticism even any of his supporters might make suggesting there might have been something improper about Lt. Bush's conduct in the Guard. The national press corps really is in sad shape.