Posted on 02/16/2005 12:18:26 PM PST by rightalien
The Marine Corps has issued what seems to be conflicting statements on the legal status of an officer who fatally shot two Iraqis, leading his attorney to contend commanders are split on the decision to charge him with premeditated murder in the combat deaths. Last week, the Corps initially announced that 2nd Lt. Ilario Pantano faced unspecified charges in the shooting deaths. Lt. Pantano's civilian attorney, Charles Gittins, told reporters his client faced two murder charges. But later, spokesman Maj. Matt Morgan, at Camp Lejeune, N.C., where Lt. Pantano is based, said the officer had not been charged. This came as a surprise to Mr. Gittins, who said he has a copy of the official charge sheet signed by a prosecuting judge advocate that was handed to his client Feb. 1. On the sheet, it clearly states the Marine Corps has charged the 33-year-old officer with two counts of murder. The Corps stands by how it has handled public relations in the criminal case of Lt. Pantano. "I think it is because they are embarrassed by the fact they have charged him with premeditated murder," Mr. Gittins said yesterday. "They are looking for a way out."
(Excerpt) Read more at insider.washingtontimes.com ...
Then give him a medal and send him back to his unit.
Well help them find it, maroon, and keep your mouth shut.
Defend the Defenders.com
http://www.defendthedefenders.com
Lt. Pantano's mother set up this sight.
My squad and me shot fleeing Iraqis in the back after they faked a surrender and wounded one of my men in Desert Storm. I guess this would have warranted charges in this current climate.
Be careful you don't kill any peaceful Muslims.
SEMPER FI BROTHER and may God bless you in every way.
It takes a lot of gall to second guess a split second combat situation. Someone should lose their career over this and it shouldn't be the Lt.
If the JAG team screwed up they need to honor Lt. Pantano and own up to it and be disciplined heavily for it, imho. Lt. Pantano is deserving of honor and right standing among his fellow Marines and this great country. His excellent record/name needs to be restored.
Shoot the "snitch" first, and then give this hero a medal and then send him back to his unit to continue his honorable work his has done for this Great Country.
God Bless everyone American Soldier, past, present and future!
The Marine Corps is looking for a few good men.
Our JAG corps needs somebody to persecute.
"It takes a lot of gall to second guess a split second combat situation."
It also takes a lot of gall to second guess a Marine's reaction in combat, and we Americans sitting in our comfy little chairs with our feet propped up watching the MSM in our warm homes with the aroma of good cooking and the promise of a relaxing bath in clean water and a safe, goodnight's sleep have no business judging this Marine's actions.
He did the best he could in a dangerous situation most of us will never experience. He should be rewarded.
They should keep the JAG guys out of the field and let the warriors be warriors.
Perhaps they would care to release the name of the person bringing charges????
How can we be heard? Anyone got a email address or website we can communicate with to voice our opinions as friends and fellow Americans to this soldier?
If I was on the court martial, I think I would give him a commendation.
Tough call, but I think a soldiers medal would be about right. Bronze star seems a bit low, silver star a bit high.
Your mileage may vary.
Why don't the military brain dead lawyers just JAG OFF?
Something isn't right here!
I get this tingle up and down my spine. I am not sure which
side of this coin is dirty but one thing is sure, one side
is dirty.
To many holes in this story. Why the charging after being
ruled on? Did facts come to light that weren't presented at
the time? Is there someone out to get the LT.? I don't see
it or any reason for it. Just too many questions that are
not being addressed by either side.
Post number4 may help.
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