[Poohbah]

The stories I have read suggest that he did this in case the vehicle was booby trapped. Was this not legitimate action?

No. What if they were suicide bombers?

This violates the most basic elements of handling prisoners (also known as the 6 S's--Search, Secure, Silence, Segregate, Safeguard, and Speed to the rear for interrogation) that every Marine gets drilled into his head in boot camp.

[Archon of the East]

I can't argue with that. Sometimes we here at home feel somewhat helpless when it comes to showing support and becoming involved, so we may jump in a situation where we have no real expertise or inside knowlege. Be assured it is out of nothing but admiration and support of present and past military persons. We all owe them so much. It just seems to me that "murder" charges are a bit ridiculas, although I somewhat understand the dynamics of the allegations and how they must proceed in this fashion.