War files praise Kerry

Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry's military records, released yesterday after critics questioned one of his medals, show he was a highly praised commander credited with killing at least 20 enemy soldiers.

The records, posted on the campaign's website, include effusive evaluations of Kerry's service and previously released citations for the Silver Star, Bronze Star and three Purple Hearts he earned in Vietnam.

The records were released under pressure from Republicans after one of Kerry's former commanders questioned his first Purple Heart and the severity of the shrapnel wound to Kerry's arm. Navy records showed Kerry had shrapnel removed from his arm.