Viet Vets Group Attacks Kerry

A group of Vietnam veterans who served on swiftboats alongside John Kerry's naval craft reportedly accuse the Democratic presidential nominee of lying about his military record in a television ad set to air Thursday in three competitive states.

The group, Swiftboat Veterans for Truth, says it is spending $500,000 - a modest amount - to run the 60-second ad in Ohio, West Virginia and Wisconsin for a week.

The ad shows footage of Kerry in Vietnam while 13 veterans question Kerry's account of his service that led to a Bronze Star, Silver Star and three Purple Hearts. The men criticizing Kerry served on swiftboats but not on Kerry's boat.

Veteran Jack Chenoweth says, "His account of what happened and what actually happened are the difference between night and day." Adds retired Adm. Roy Hoffman: "John Kerry has not been honest," before another veteran, Adrian Lonsdale, finishes the thought, saying: "And, he lacks the capacity to lead."

Kerry frequently stresses his wartime service and members of his swiftboat crew offered testimonials at last week's Democratic National Convention. Several also appeared on stage with the candidate.

Kerry's campaign hastily set up a conference call Wednesday in which members of Kerry's crew countered the ad's claims.

"I don't know how these guys can stretch the truth like this," said Del Sandusky, who was on Kerry's swiftboat.