Veteran saved by John Kerry speaks for him in Struthers

The Oregon man says John Kerry saved his life.
By DAVID SKOLNICK
VINDICATOR POLITICS WRITER
STRUTHERS -- Jim Rassmann never envisioned getting involved in politics.
But the lifelong Republican felt compelled to enter the political arena to help the presidential candidacy of John Kerry, a Democrat he credits with saving his life 35 years ago during the Vietnam War.
Rassmann spoke about Kerry and that fateful day in 1969 to a crowd of about 100 people today at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3538 in Struthers.
Rassmann said he called the Kerry campaign in January, when it was struggling and it appeared as though former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean was going to run away with the Democratic presidential nomination. Rassmann said he was at a bookstore when he saw a copy of Kerry's book, "Tour of Duty."
Rassmann said he got choked up when he saw the book, and decided to get involved in the campaign.
"I owe the guy," he said.
Gained momentum
Several political observers say Rassmann's decision to come forward and support Kerry, someone he hadn't seen in almost 35 years, gave the U.S. senator from Massachusetts much needed momentum during the Iowa caucus. That victory was the first of many for Kerry on his way to being the Democratic presidential nominee.
Rassmann said he just wanted to help Kerry in his home state of Oregon, but campaign officials were so excited by his interest that they had him get heavily involved in stumping for the candidate.
Also, Rassmann was among the dozen members of Kerry's swift boat crew to stand onstage with him during his acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention in July. He also addressed the crowd.
"I've always felt if I had to shake hands with a politician, I'd have to wear rubber gloves," Rassmann said today.
"I don't feel that way anymore. There are some good politicians, and John Kerry is one of them."
What happened in Vietnam
Rassmann today told the story of March 13, 1969, to the audience, largely consisting of military veterans.
Rassmann said an explosion blew him off a swift boat.
Kerry believes it was a mine; Rassmann disagrees, but doesn't know what caused the explosion.
"I went 10 to 15 feet down to the bottom of river, and when I resurfaced, I heard gunfire, so I went back down again," he said.
"I expected if I didn't get shot, I'd be captured. It didn't look good. I came up another time, and swift boats came back for me."
The first boat was Kerry's, and Rassmann couldn't pull himself onto the boat.
While under fire, Kerry, who Rassmann called "long jaw," dropped down to his hands and knees and pulled him back up.
"John Kerry wasn't afraid to get his hands dirty," Rassmann said.
Rassmann talked about the Swift Boat Veterans for Bush, an organization that ran television and radio ads in about eight media markets including Youngstown, claiming Kerry lied about his Vietnam record and what happened on March 13, 1969. The group, consisting of men in nearby swift boats, is largely financed by Republicans.
"All of these swift boat guys, no matter what they are saying now, all served admirably," Rassmann said.
"They risked their lives. It's a shame they're talking about John Kerry this way. I think it's politically motivated."
Received medals
Kerry received a Bronze Star for valor and a Purple Heart for what he did that day.
Rassmann, who asked that Kerry receive a Silver Star for his actions, earned a Purple Heart, a citation awarded for being wounded in action.
Rassmann said he's supporting Kerry not only because of what he did during the Vietnam War, but because the candidate is an activist for veterans.
Bush campaign officials say Kerry's war record isn't an issue. Instead, they say, Kerry's record in the U.S. Senate regarding his lack of support for the military is the problem.
Also, the possibility that President Bush or a prominent Bush surrogate will stop this weekend in the Mahoning Valley isn't going to happen, local Republican campaign officials say.
skolnick@vindy.com