Marine Under Investigation in Shooting of Iraqi Soldier

Fort Worth(less) Startlegram ^ | 4/27/03 | AP Story

[harpu]

Military officials are investigating a Marine who says he shot an Iraqi soldier twice in the back of the head following a grenade attack on his comrades.

The Marine Forces Reserve announced the preliminary inquiry of Gunnery Sgt. Gus Covarrubias on Friday, the day the Las Vegas Review-Journal ran a story in which he described the killing.

Covarrubias, 38, of Las Vegas, said that during an intense battle in Baghdad on April 8, he pursued a member of the Iraqi Republican Guard who had fired a rocket-propelled grenade at his unit. Covarrubias said he received a concussion in the attack and several other Marines also were injured.

Covarrubias, a 20-year Marine veteran, said he found the soldier inside a nearby house with the grenade launcher by his side. Covarrubias said he ordered the man to stop and forced him to turn around.

"I went behind him and shot him in the back of the head. Twice," Covarrubias told the Review-Journal.

He said he also shot the man's partner, who tried to escape. He showed what he said were the men's ID cards.

"I'm not vindictive, and I might get in trouble for telling you this, but I take it very personally when you do that to my family," Covarrubias said. "The Marines are my family."

The Marine Forces Reserve said the preliminary inquiry by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service will determine whether Covarrubias "met the established rules of engagement and complied with the law of war," and whether a formal investigation is warranted.

Calls to Covarrubias' home and knocks at the door went unanswered.

Marine reservist Sgt. Michael Dunn, who fought alongside Covarrubias and was injured in the battle, said he stands by him "100 percent."

"If he wouldn't have done it, those guys probably would've come back and killed or severely injured other Marines," Dunn said. "He did the right thing."

[harpu]

The ONLY investigation that should be made is whether or not this GOOD MARINE should get a Bronze Star or a Silver Star for taking care of an Iraqi soldier/terrorist (who killed coalition forces) the way they all should be taken care of.

[Mister Baredog]

AMEN to that.

[IncPen]

Yes, string him up for killing an enemy who had just attacked our men.

Everything you need to know about this story is contained in this line:

Calls to Covarrubias' home and knocks at the door went unanswered.

I wouldn't blame the guy if he took out a couple of reporters, too.

[Restorer]

Only question is whether these men had surrendered or not.

He was probably wrong to kill the first man. We have to apply the same rules to ourselves as we do to the enemy, or rules of war are meaningless.

The second man, who was trying to escape, was probably a good kill.

[Central_Floridian]

If the Iraqi soldier was cooperating and was shot twice in the back I think it was certainly a war crime. If we do this to enemy soldiers can we complain when they do the same to us?
I understand that the Marine was very angry, I would be too but I don't think that justifies shooting the Iraqi in the back if he had given up.

[kellynla]

This is total unadulterated BS! You shoot at a Marine you are dead meat! Mess with the best, die like the rest! Semper Fi

[kellynla]

If Saddam Hussein was running away would you shoot him? I thought so. I rest my case.

[steplock]

"He was probably wrong to kill the first man. We have to apply the same rules to ourselves as we do to the enemy, or rules of war are meaningless."

Ok - Innocent due to temporary insanity.

Ever been in a ferocious firefight and seen you buddies blown to pieces by an RPG? and then have to carry the little parts of bone and flesh back to a chopper pad to send home for a proper burial?

Yeah - you tend to over-react once in a while. Yes, it was technically wrong, understandable and forgivable!

Unfortunately, people who share this writer's opinion REQUIRE the sacrificial lamb to slaughter at the altar of political correctness. And if you go back through the history of warfare, there has always been the ONE major publicized ENLISTED man who gets shafted for the "righteous".

[Walnut]

My sentiments exactly. thank you for your great service !!!!we are proud of you.

[MEG33]

You know this is going to be trouble..I hate it.. but he said he executed the man.Why did he tell??

[Van Jenerette]

I agree. As Americans we are supposed to at least aspire to be on the moral high ground...and recognize the difference between killing in combat and the murder of a surrendering enemy...

[jonatron]

Sounds like he deserves a promotion - If we start punishing good soldiers, we're in big trouble.

[kellynla]

Not going to be any trouble. Do you have any idea how many Iraqis were killed by airstrikes trying to get the hell out of Kuwait. This is war. This is no PC game. If the enemy shoots at you, you shoot back to kill! And unless they stop and throw up their hands they are fair game to come back another day to kill you and your fellow GI's. Period. End of conversation. Semper Fi

[Iscool]

Likely more to the story...What if the Iraqi started to run?

Some Iraqi tries to kill you and your friends...You have a terrific headache because you were very close to being dead...The coward runs and when you catch him he says, "I give"...He gave...And good job Mmarine...

[MEG33]

My heart and understanding is with the Marine..I'm worried about the legal thing.I am in the dark..just worried.

[OldFriend]

Agree. GIVE THAT MARINE A MEDAL!!!!

We need to make our opinion known before irreparable harm is done to the morale of those who put their lives on the line and deserve nothing buy honor for their sacrifice.

[Chad Fairbanks]

He deserves to be charged for stupidity - you do that, you shut the hell up about it...

[OldFriend]

How east to surrender after you've tried to kill American soldiers. What did he say......oops, sorry?

[SC Swamp Fox]

Covarrubias, a 20-year Marine veteran, said he found the soldier inside a nearby house with the grenade launcher by his side. Covarrubias said he ordered the man to stop and forced him to turn around.

"I went behind him and shot him in the back of the head. Twice," Covarrubias told the Review-Journal.

He just described the execution of a POW.
I would expect a 20 year Marine Corps GYSGT to know better.

It sounds like he is the only witness (still above room temperature). If he shuts up, he'll probably get away with it.