Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

The Haditha Marines-The Squad Leader-A Final Chapter (SSgt Wuterich-Master Thread)
1-2-2012

Posted on 01/02/2012 10:28:48 AM PST by smoothsailing

January 2, 2012

The Haditha Marines-The Squad Leader-A Final Chapter

It certainly seems appropriate that the last defendant in the Haditha case is the squad leader, SSgt Frank Wuterich. Leaders take responsibility, and SSgt Wuterich has taken full responsibility for the actions of his squad in Haditha. His stance from the outset has remained clear:

"My Marines responded to the threats they faced in the manner that we all had been trained", he has steadfastly maintained. "I will bear the memory of the events of that day forever, and will always mourn the unfortunate deaths of the innocent Iraqis who were killed during our response to the attack."

As the last Marine originally charged in the deaths of Iraqis in Haditha, Iraq in 2005, SSgt Wuterich will be seated at the defense table in his general court-martial two days from now, Wednesday, January 4th. Barring last minute motions or outright dismissal of charges, jury selection will begin Wednesday or Thursday. SSgt. Wuterich will be tried by a jury of combat-experienced Marines, and the panel will include at least two Marines from the enlisted ranks.

Much has been written over the last six years about Haditha, and links to some of the most recent news articles and commentaries are included at the bottom of this post to help bring readers up to date. For older Free Republic postings, please use this link or enter the keyword Haditha in the Free Republic search engine.

The purpose of this Free Republic thread is to serve as a "Master Post" where trial news and updates can be brought together in one place for easy reference by those interested in following the proceedings as they unfold.

Freepers Smoothsailing, Red Rover, and Jazusamo will monitor the thread, post updates, and attempt to answer questions or direct readers to information sources. Jazusamo maintains the Haditha Marine Ping List. Please ask Jazusamo to be added to the ping list if you wish to be alerted to updates.

Recent News and Commentary:

MILITARY TIMES-Haditha Marine Faces Trial

Count Down to the Last Haditha Trial

MILITARY: Two high-profile cases set for Pendleton courtrooms

Remember SSgt Frank D. Wuterich: The last Haditha Marine goes on trial

Don’t rewrite Murtha’s legacy (Haditha Marines)


TOPICS: Activism/Chapters; Extended News; Free Republic; News/Current Events; Your Opinion/Questions
KEYWORDS: defendourmarines; haditha; wuterich
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-20 ... 61-8081-100101-120 ... 621-638 next last
By Tony Perry, Los Angeles Times January 6, 2012-Court-martial to begin for Camp Pendleton Marine in Iraqi killings

The hearing officer, while recommending that Wuterich be sent to court-martial, doubted that he would be convicted. The case against Wuterich, the hearing officer wrote, is riddled with the same problems that led to cases against the others being dropped: contradictory evidence, untrustworthy witnesses and poor forensics.

81 posted on 01/05/2012 8:45:45 PM PST by smoothsailing
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 73 | View Replies]

The pool of potential jurors questioned by attorneys on Thursday included a colonel, two lieutenant colonels, a major, a captain and six enlisted men.

Wuterich has demanded that at least one-third of his jury include troops from the enlisted ranks, a right granted him under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

All the potential jurors served at least one combat tour in Iraq. Several served multiple tours, including stints during the height of the war in 2005 and 2006.

Nearly all of the potential jurors also took part in house-clearing operations such as the one Wuterich led during their combat assignments.

During group and individual questioning, all the potential jurors said they had some awareness of the so-called “Haditha massacre” and that the episode had resulted in a tightening of the rules of engagement in Iraq.

But all said they believed that despite what they already know about Haditha, they could serve as impartial jurors.

Read more: http://www.nctimes.com/news/local/military/military-experienced-war-veterans-to-decide-haditha-defendant-s-fate/article_9e04efe6-5d09-58c4-a540-0458e11ab6b1.html#ixzz1ieMHfPr8


82 posted on 01/05/2012 8:52:43 PM PST by smoothsailing
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 81 | View Replies]

To: smoothsailing; jazusamo
Just up on Defend Our Marines: The Trial of SSgt Wuterich: Day One: Chessani Will Not Testify.
83 posted on 01/05/2012 8:58:56 PM PST by RedRover (DefendOurMarines.com)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 82 | View Replies]

To: smoothsailing

Thanks for the further feedback.


84 posted on 01/05/2012 9:02:06 PM PST by Marine_Uncle (Honor must be earned.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 63 | View Replies]

To: Lancey Howard

lol. Thanks, Lancey.


85 posted on 01/05/2012 9:19:30 PM PST by Girlene (Guess who's back)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 80 | View Replies]

To: RedRover; jazusamo
That's a very good piece by Nat!

Want to do it as a freestanding thread, Red?

If so, would you do the honors?

86 posted on 01/05/2012 9:20:30 PM PST by smoothsailing
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 83 | View Replies]

To: smoothsailing; jazusamo

I think I’ll post it first thing in the morning (unless jaz wants to do it tonight). I’m just about to call it a day and I hate to post a thread and run!


87 posted on 01/05/2012 9:24:16 PM PST by RedRover (DefendOurMarines.com)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 86 | View Replies]

To: smoothsailing; RedRover

Good piece, just finished reading it.

It might be better to post in the morning because of the late hour in the East.

What you two think?


88 posted on 01/05/2012 9:28:27 PM PST by jazusamo (If you don't like growing older, don't worry. You may not be growing older much longer: T. Sowell)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 86 | View Replies]

To: RedRover; jazusamo
Morning sounds better, should be a greater impact. Do you have the ping list?

Photobucket

:o)

89 posted on 01/05/2012 9:29:44 PM PST by smoothsailing
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 87 | View Replies]

To: smoothsailing; jazusamo

Got it from jaz! Tomorrow morning it is! Night, guys!


90 posted on 01/05/2012 9:30:49 PM PST by RedRover (DefendOurMarines.com)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 89 | View Replies]

To: RedRover; jazusamo

G’Night Red!


91 posted on 01/05/2012 9:36:41 PM PST by smoothsailing
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 90 | View Replies]

To: RedRover
I see that LtCol Sean Sullivan is still helping out. From Nat's article,

The government is represented by veteran prosecutors Maj. Nicholas Gannon assisted by LtCol. Sean Sullivan, well known during the early pre-trial investigations for his fiery temper and forceful court room manner.

......should read ......for LOSING in the Haditha cases.
92 posted on 01/05/2012 9:38:16 PM PST by Girlene (you will lose again, Sean)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 83 | View Replies]

To: RedRover; smoothsailing

Night all, I’m hittin’ it too.


93 posted on 01/05/2012 9:39:15 PM PST by jazusamo (If you don't like growing older, don't worry. You may not be growing older much longer: T. Sowell)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 90 | View Replies]

To: jazusamo

G’Night, Jaz!


94 posted on 01/05/2012 9:41:29 PM PST by smoothsailing
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 93 | View Replies]

To: Girlene

I just never get tired of that!!!


95 posted on 01/05/2012 11:36:05 PM PST by lilycicero (MARSHALLLLLLL)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 70 | View Replies]

To: smoothsailing

Love the Ping Swing Pic!


96 posted on 01/05/2012 11:38:12 PM PST by lilycicero (Jazz hands!!!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 89 | View Replies]

To: Lancey Howard

The guy that initiated the charges on these honorable men should be facing court marshal.


97 posted on 01/06/2012 4:28:06 AM PST by dila813
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 3 | View Replies]

To: smoothsailing; jazusamo; All
Day One thread posted here: Chessani Will Not Testify.
98 posted on 01/06/2012 4:30:31 AM PST by RedRover (DefendOurMarines.com)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 97 | View Replies]

To: RedRover; jazusamo
Photobucket
99 posted on 01/06/2012 11:34:05 AM PST by smoothsailing (DefendOurMarines.com)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 98 | View Replies]

Comment #100 Removed by Moderator


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-20 ... 61-8081-100101-120 ... 621-638 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson