Army to open criminal probe of Tillman death

CNN Online ^ | 03/04/2006 | Barbara Starr

[Americanexpat]

No, if true, he should be hung on a gallows at Leavenworth. But I doubt if either will happen. pretty bad though that so many are already convinced this was a homicide and not an accidental death by friendly fire.

I have been under friendly fire from artillery, mortars, small arms and helicopter gunships. During combat things like that can happen and has happened in almost every war we have fought as a nation.

I am all for the criminal investigation so that this can be cleared up and people can get the truth one way or the other.

[highball]

I really feel that you think Tillman's death is more tragic, because it's someone you knew, in a sense. Maybe you weren't fishing buddies with him, but you knew who he was, knew he existed, before he became another statistic in the GWOT.

I hate to break it to you, but I've lost friends and family members. Not this war, unless you count the dozen friends (including a roommate) I lost on 9/11 when the Towers came down. So I'm familiar with causalties. I'm familiar with the tragedy.

I don't think you're really reading my posts. Surely you have to recognize that the loss of a high-profile solider in combat is bad PR for the Army, and bad PR for the WOT as a whole.

Like it or not, PR is part of the game. The Administration has to keep selling this war, and rehashing the loss of soldiers like Pat Tillman makes that harder, which is why the DOD must have a very good reason for doing so.

[leadpenny]

They had better food than we did.

We delivered double c-rats to ROK units in the field.

I liked working with the Tiger Division troops, very tough guys.

Very tough. Once, while the huey was about to touch down on the re-supply pad, a ROK NCO flew off the aircraft before the skids touched the ground. He dove headfirst into an underling who he decided was not approaching the chopper fast enough to off load supplies. The next time we came in the poor guy moved a little faster. He was also sporting a patched up head wound the sergeant had inflicted on him.

[Dante3]

What makes you think that deaths of other servicemen are not a loss? I certainly have never said that. I have written about Jason Dunham, Neil Roberts, and others. I feel a great sadness every time I hear of our soldiers being killed. There are many true heroes among them. I just know more about Pat Tillman and what a great role model he makes (at a time when too many role models are negative ones - silly celebrities or egotistical athletes) - unfortunately many who deserve to be remembered are already forgotten. While President Bush might be okay with all those men dying or receiving severe injuries, I am not.

Furthermore, I find offensive the amount of our tax money approved for the wealthy survivors of 9/11 as compared to the survivors of our soldiers killed in action.

[onedoug]

No such idea but to encourage more millionaires to serve their country.

[rbmillerjr]

I'm not buyin.

The investigation is for NEGLIGENCE, not homicide. Investigating a friendly fire death for negligence is absolutely reprehensible.

This is the 4th investigation I believe I've read. This is the Pentagon cowtowing to the parents of Tillman. Repugnant.

[Americanexpat]

No such idea but to encouage more millionaires to serve their country.

________

Rotsa ruck with that one.

[Admin Moderator]

Enough, adios.

[Marine_Uncle]

"However, without a doubt and completely being aware and understanding of not only the FOW but also Mr. Murphy.....the reality is Rgr. Tillman died giving 110% of himself while fellow Rangers acted with complete recklessness (which lead to his death)."
Tis late in the tread. Need not respond, but that is why we shall stand at attention and salute his honorable service. He served with honor.

[WLR]

GIs die...One thing is certain when they do.... there dead, thats what happens when you mix guns, tanks, planes, helicopters, artillery, mines, mortars, nachineguns boobytraps and humans and all manner of places and conditions.

Tilman family and friends.

Being a GI is not like being a Peace Officer, a Football Player or a Movie Star so show some respect and Shutup!!.... he is dead...it doesn't matter how, he showed up took his chances like all the rest and deserves the same respect... nothing less, nothing more. I read your sorry selves better than you do. You want Tillman and or his death to somehow be special.. He is not nor was his death. I cannot stand your implications that one of the guys who nobody knows suffocating under an overturned APC in Yakima or with his guts blown out in Korea is less meaningful that Tillman. Quite frankly if he were anything close to kind of solder you would have us believe he was (and I am not saying he was not) he would be ashamed of all of you and your endless searching for ... What?
A higher meaning?

Whatever the heck that means...


Let it go...

W

Having a bunch of legal scum and whiners trying to hang his death on some other equally scared, tired and confused GI is pure unadulterated garbage.

[StarCMC]

Jones' report said the soldiers reasoned "they knew in their heart of hearts what had happened, and we were not going to lie about it. So we weren't thinking about proof or anything."

*snip*

The investigation process will not necessarily result in any charges against U.S. soldiers.

Two very important bits. Guilty men are the ones who are worried about their alibis. These soldiers didn't feel they needed one because they weren't hiding anything. As for whyt he family wasn't told immediately, I'd like to think it's because the Army was hoping to make Tillman into an even greater hero somehow. I don't know. In any case, he WAS a hero and I am grateful to and for him.

[Roccus]

I could be wrong, but I believe this investigation is more about what went on after he was killed. More like putting some light on any CYA actions by those in charge. If this is what is really happening, I think it a good thing.

[leadpenny]

When you say, "the Army" it means someone, probably at a high level (four-star or civilian appointee), had to make a decision to go that route. If the investigation reveals something like that, it could be very ugly.

[AxelPaulsenJr]

Seems like a ranking officer in your command should have had the balls to put a stop to that once and for all.

You remind me of the story of General Patton receving a speeding ticket during the Louisian Maneuvers. Patton refused the ticket until the commanding officer of the Maneuvers forced him to accept the ticket.

[kinghorse]

You must be unfamiliar with ROTC guys getting shot in the back in Vietnam as well? Take off the rose colored.

[kinghorse]

classy.

[Marine_Uncle]

He did not have to sign on the line. But he like endless numbers of fine men and women who have once done so either by draft or on their own accord, then served their countries needs, I will repeat, my earlier comment:
"...but that is why we shall stand at attention and salute his honorable service. He served with honor."
That was the extent of my input on this thread. If you do not feel the same, then so be it. My comment did not single out this Ranger above anyone else. It was all inclusive. They serve with honor and commitment for the most part.

[Dante3]

You sure seemed to have a problem with Tillman. Every child is special to his/her family. And yes, normal people usually do want to know how a close member of their family died. Your attacks on the family are arrogant, cruel, and phony.

[jpl]

This could get even worse. Pat's brother was in the SAME PLATOON as he was when he was killed.

Didn't it used to be military policy until somewhat recently that close relatives couldn't serve in the same unit?

If so, I don't think they should have changed that policy.

[dsc]

"What is it with the military persecuting their own troops?"

Oh, I'm sure I'll be pilloried for this, but the problem is women in uniform. It is their presence that creates the culture that leads to this.