Here's what I found this is the link to the whole story
http://mensnewsdaily.com/archive/p/p...wlik021104.htm
"During his first intense experience in a combat situation on December 2, 1968, Kerry suffered a slight arm wound. He was awarded his first Purple Heart. On February 20, 1969, Kerry experienced a small shrapnel wound in his left thigh, earning his second Purple Heart. Eight days later, on February 28, 1969, Kerry beached his boat in the center of enemy territory after receiving a B-40 rocket shot. As an enemy sprang up and fled, a machine gunner shot him. Kerry “leaped from the boat and dashed in to administer a ‘coup de grace’ to the wounded Viet Cong,” and returned with the B-40 rocket and launcher. He was awarded the Silver Star for this. On March 13, 1969, a mine detonated near Kerry’s boat, slightly wounding him in the arm. He was awarded his third Purple Heart."
"Conveniently, Naval rules allowed a soldier wounded three times to return to the United States. After two weeks of receiving his third wound, on March 27, 1969, Kerry’s request to leave duty early was granted."