Blumenthal: 'I Have Misspoken About My Service'

New York, NY —

Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, a Democratic candidate for the Senate, says he has "misspoken" in claiming he served in Vietnam.

"On a few occasions, I have misspoken about my service, and I regret that, and I take full responsibility," Blumenthal said. "But I will not allow anyone to take a few misplaced words and impugn my record of service to our country."

At a news conference at a VFW Post in West Hartford, Blumenthal told the veterans in the room he meant to say he served during Vietnam instead of "in Vietnam." He says it was a matter of "a few misplaced words" that were "totally unintentional."

"A few misplaced words," Blumenthal said from a podium where he was flanked by military veterans. "'In' instead of 'during.' Totally unintentional."

A New York Times report found Blumenthal has distorted his military record, and has failed to correct news accounts over the years that said he was a Vietnam vet.

The newspaper reviewed Blumenthal's military records and found he received five student and job-related deferments during the Vietnam War era. In 1970, he got a spot in the Marine Corps Reserve, and was never deployed overseas.

Blumenthal still defended his military record and his commitment to veterans.

Blumenthal is running to succeed the retiring Sen. Chris Dodd.