If you have ever wondered what Murtha's peers (fellow Marine Reserve Colonels) think of him, here's an e-mail from a Colonel who knew him. I have removed his name not just to hide his identity, but because I don't have his permission to pass it on an open net.
Please let me say it once more. Then Major Murtha and I served in the 2nd Marines at approximately the same time. My tour was from July 66 to July 67; he arrived in country (I believe) in August 1966, and spent the remainder of my tour (His entire tour?) as the regimental S-2.
In late Jan or early Feb, Lt Col XXXX called me in from a letter company to become the battalion S-2. Within a day or two, I asked who this Major Murtha was. Everybody, and I mean including the troops standing the radios in the COC bunker, said words very nearly like this. "Oh, he owns a car wash business back in Pennsylvania. He is here to establish a war record so he can run for congress."
Within a very short period of time, the major told me what he wanted me to do. I answered back (rather firmly, in fact) that only Colonel XXXX told me what to do, but that I would pass the major's recommendations on to the colonel. Still being a 2nd lieutenant, I wasn't sure how my "backtalking" to the major might set. Going to Col XXXX's hootch after evening chow, I "fessed up." Col XXXX laughed and said, "you a--hole, why do you think I gave you that job? Now, go on and keep doing it."
The same troops were later commentating on a purple heart awarded to the major. In the middle of a quiet night watch several discussed how they'd like to get that kind of a PH, and a couple more like it. Obviously, the "troop talk" reflected their opinion that it was no big deal. The only reason this PH verbiage is included is because I am sick and tired of hearing him described as a hero. Colonel XXXX was a hero, Major Murtha was a staff officer. If he ever left the regimental AO on a combat operation,it would be news to me indeed.
Further, last year I attempted (three times!!!) to get him to "restore politeness" up in Pennsylvania when their lieutenant governor showed up uninvited at a Marine's funeral, and profaned the loss of that Marine's
life. He ignored all three efforts.
USMC 1956-87
More evidence of Murtha's lack of character.
Major Murtha was a staff officer. If he ever left the regimental AO on a combat operation,it would be news to me indeed.
Thanks for sharing! Anyway you might be able to obtain the Colonal's permission to use this and hook him up with the vets working against Murthawi?
Add another reason to the "why I hate Murtha" list. Crazy Katherine Baker Knoll, our senile "dementiated" Lt. Gov. was stalking funerals, handing out her business card to relatives, and telling people the (Fast Eddie Rendell) administration was against the war.
How any serviceperson could ever think this traitorous POS supports them is beyond my comprehension.