Posted on 11/06/2003 4:44:20 AM PST by Jeff Head
The following is Lt. Col. Allen B. West's own candid comment regarding the situation he faced in Iraq, as reported by the Washington Dispatch on November 5, 2003:
"I have never denied what happened and have always been brutally honest," said Col. West. "I accept responsibility for the episode, but my intent was to scare this individual and keep my soldiers out of a potential ambush. There were no further attacks from that town. We ... apprehended two other conspirators (a third fled town) and found out one of the conspirators was the father of a man we had detained for his Saddam Fedeyeen affiliation. "Colonel West takes personal responsibility for his actions. He makes no bones about it, he threatened this Iraqi spy bodliy harm to get information from him. And that is what he was, a spy working within the Iraqi Police Force that has been established and supported by the coalition authority. As a spy, under the so-called rules of war, I believe he could have shot the man. Perhaps that is an angle that should be explored.
In either case, Colonel West's actions no doubt saved the lives of Americans...the lives he is principally responsible for...and that was his motivation.
He understood that while he may have violated the rules (and he admits to and takes responsibility for this as well)...he also understood he was going to do what had to be done, in a war zone, to save the lives of the men under his command.
The rules were written by men and women sitting in safe seats far away from combat and the brutal reality of the moment. For the most part they are good rules and should not be violated. But there are times when the SHTF that you have to do what you must to save the lives of those you are responsible for, American lives, and accomplish the mission. Colonel West knew his greater responsibility and he performed it, regardless of personal cost. The trait of a true leader in my book.
President Truman incinerated tens of thousands of Japanese to save hundreds of thousands of Americans...and in so doing he also saved millions of Japanese. In today's world and PC nomenclature this might be considered a war crime...a violation of the "rules". But back then it was heralded by the soldiers as a God-send...and by Americans back home as what had to be done to end the war. People who had seen for themsleves the cold reality of four years of World War.
That generation is dying out and it seems we have forgottent their experiences and the lessons.
The reality is, that by scaring this man in the fashion he did...West not only saved American lives...he saved the lives of Iraqis as well.
God bless you Colonel West...you've got my back any time!
Charlie Mike.
Colonel West continues in the best tradition of American fighting men and combat leaders. He needs to be recognized as such IMHO.
Everyone needs to put this man and his family in their prayers!!!
Amen to that...please pass the links to both of these threads on to your friends and relatives and ask them to pray, email, fax, phone and let their representatves and others know.
Tell me it isn;t so.
They are bringing them up on charges for THAT?
They must have done some serious kickin' and punchin'...but what are they supposed to do when prisoners are escaping? Particularly if they are enemy combatant prisoners who would like nothing more than to get to a weapon and kill you?
If each of us calls the White House, our Senators, and Representative, it would help. If they get enough calls they will apply lots of pressure to the Pentagon.
Be most certainly advised that in my Army, accomplishing the mission, despite what may be a terrible cost, while striving to the utmost to preserve the lives of those under the unit leadership even at the cost of their own lives...or careers.
If the army is becoming something else wherein blind obedience to political dictates takes priority, I think I'd prefer to continue my soldiering with your Corps. But in any event, there won't be a United States Army or United States of America much longer if that's the case. It won't be worth preserving, protecting or defending. And count on the same Quislings to attempt to subvert or abolish your Corps as well, sir.
-archy-/-
No. That is given for valorous conduct at great personal risk under the fire of the enemy, not for actions such as LTC West's against an unarmed prisoner, but one still a threat to the lives of the colonel's men by virtue of his knowledge.
The decoration for which LTC West should be nominated is the Soldiers Medal, given for attempts to save the lives of others, often at risk to one's own.
-archy-/-
Fregards.
LT West saw this article and responded to it. I will PING you to that thread because his own words are worth reading.
Fregards.
Amen good brother, amen.
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