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President Bush Brags “We’re kicking Ass”—His Secretary of Navy Censures Those Who are Doing the “Kicking”
ANN ARBOR, MI – When President Bush was recently asked about Iraq, he told the Australian Deputy Prime Minister, “We’re kicking ass.” Despite the exoneration of Marines actually involved in the fighting in Haditha on November 19, 2005, three senior Marine officers, MajGen Richard Huck, Col Robert Sokoloski, and Col Stephen Davis have been administratively censured by the Secretary of the Navy for their involvement in the Haditha events. During the time of the incident, MajGen Huck was the Commanding General of the 2d Marine Division, Col Sokoloski was the division’s Chief of Staff, and Col Davis was the Commanding Officer of Regimental Combat Team-2, which was part of the division.
The Thomas More Law Center is defending Marine Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Chessani against charges of dereliction of duty arising out of the Haditha incident. LtCol Chessani was the Commanding Officer of the 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines, one of the subordinate commands under Maj Gen Huck and Col Davis.
Richard Thompson, President and Chief Counsel of the Thomas More Law Center stated, “The Secretary of the Navy has sacrificed three senior, combat-experienced warriors on the altar of political expediency to appease anti-war politicians and the liberal media. These Marines, who have dedicated their lives in defense of our country, deserve better. It’s insanity; it will turn combat commanders into ‘paper pushers’ and will have far-reaching deleterious effect on the fighting spirit of Marines on the ground.”
The Thomas More law Center has received information that these “letters of censure” were delivered to the three senior officers on the same day they were told they would be receiving them. All three officers were surprised by this action from the Secretary of the Navy.
Brian Rooney, an attorney at the Law Center and a former Marine officer commented, “We at the Thomas More Law Center have always said that LtCol Chessani reported to his superior officers what he knew, when he knew it. At the very least, the language of the censorship is an acknowledgment of the fact that LtCol Chessani did report what happened on 19 November 2005. Also, as the government’s own expert witness on the law of war testified at LtCol Chessani’s Article 32 Hearing, it is the responsibility of higher commands to determine if a formal investigation is needed. These men all concluded that a formal investigation was not required. However, it is odd that the Marine Corps has decided to publicly censure these good men who have dedicated their lives to the service of their Corps and country when the recent Article 32 facts are turning out to be what these men on the ground believed them to be—a hard fought battle—not a massacre. The Secretary of the Navy is essentially censuring these men for not investigating a crime that never occurred.”
The decision to launch a criminal investigation of the November 19 incident was made three months after its occurrence as a result of a Time Magazine news lead, which military commanders in the field knew was instigated by terrorist propaganda.
Congressman John Murtha, an outspoken anti-war critic and chairman of the House military appropriations subcommittee, months before the investigation was completed, publicly accused the four Marines of being “cold-blooded murderers” and high-ranking officers of “covering it up.” The censure letters do confirm that there was no “cover-up” by any of the officers involved. The Thomas More Law Center still plans on looking at all of its legal options against Congressman Murtha once LtCol Chessani is exonerated.
Richard Thompson went on to say, “This action is especially inappropriate considering SSgt Wuterich is in the middle of his Article 32 Hearing. We have always said that the Marines acted appropriately on November 19th—within the rules of engagement. LCpl Sharrat has been officially exonerated, LCpl Tatum has basically been as well, and Capt Stone too. The question must be asked: Why, now that the facts are coming out in favor of the Marines, has this action been taken?”
The Thomas More Law Center is awaiting the outcome of the ongoing SSgt Wuterich Article 32 Hearing. Once the Investigating Officer has made a recommendation in that case, the Convening Authority will decide whether to send LtCol Chessani to a general courts-martial or not.
The Thomas More Law Center is still vigorously defending LtCol Chessani. We have just ended our 3 day strategy session with all the lawyers on the defense team in case we are made to go to trial. You can continue to be part of the team by contributing to the LtCol Chessani Defense Fund. With your help, we will prevail. Please forward this message on to your friends. Amicus Semper Fidelis!
The Thomas More Law Center defends and promotes the religious freedom of Christians, time-honored family values, and the sanctity of human life through litigation, education, and related activities. It does not charge for its services. The Law Center is supported by contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations, and is recognized by the IRS as a section 501(c)(3) organization. You may reach the Thomas More Law Center at (734) 827-2001 or visit our website at www.thomasmore.org.
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