Posted on 02/08/2003 10:11:24 AM PST by Clive
A Canadian sniper up for the Bronze Star medal for his combat role in Afghanistan has been cleared of allegations he desecrated the body of a dead al-Qaeda fighter, the Defence Department said yesterday.
Military investigators lacked evidence for charges against Master Corporal Arron Perry and another Canadian, following allegations soldiers cut the finger off an enemy combatant and staged a "trophy" photo of the body.
The investigation also examined claims a soldier defecated on a second body. Master Cpl. Perry had been suspended pending the outcome of the probe, but was returned to duty yesterday in Edmonton.
"After a thorough investigation by the National Investigation Service, the evidence wasn't sufficient to support charges in that case," said Captain Mark Giles, a Department of National Defence public affairs officer.
Master Cpl. Perry, a member of Edmonton's 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, said he was relieved the investigation had concluded.
"I'm glad finally it's done," he said.
The sniper was part of a small group of Canadian soldiers who directly engaged the Taliban and al-Qaeda during a tour in Afghanistan. He has been credited with helping save soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division pinned down by enemy fire in Shah-i-Kot Valley.
The Canadians' sharp-shooting on al-Qaeda machine-gun nests and mortar positions were chronicled in Soldier of Fortune magazine. U.S. commanders have since recommended the snipers for Bronze Stars recognizing heroic or meritorious service.
But a few weeks after that triumph, Master Cpl. Perry was sent home under a cloud of suspicion. Allegations surfaced in mid-March that he had interfered with a body and there were reports of a photograph showing a dead enemy fighter with a cigarette in his mouth and a small sign on his chest reading "f--k terrorism."
But the investigation centred on claims a soldier had taken a finger from the body.
"The photos, while being perhaps inappropriate, that was not the main focus of the investigation. The main focus was the allegations of interfering with the dead body," Cpt. Giles said. "It's as much moral as it is legal. We always want dead bodies, whether they be enemy or friendly, to be treated with dignity."
Military investigators dug up the corpse and searched tents at the Canadian military base, seizing a knife. DNA tests were conducted to see if the knife could be tied to the body, but no link was established.
The law calls for a fine, I think the death penalty for speeding is a bit harsh, don't you?
"Ya, right..."
Brilliant answer, but it doesn't change the fact that it happens all the time.
"...in accordance with the current mood. Let's keep it in proper perspective."
No, in accordance to the current latitudes allowed by the law.
"Ummmmm....well, basically, I do not see our "Famed" republicans doing a bangup job in rolling back all the damage the Clinton Administration did to our "Laws". Infact, I do not know of one thing the republican majority has done to restore proper law to the system???"
Well, a little meat and potatoes finally.
Throw something a little more concrete up in the air, and let's talk about it.
And since you are applying moral relativism to this case, I get to do the same.
OK?
"No. If you see someone sellin' dope to a highschool kid, shoot first and ask questions later IMHO. But, if someone is selling dope to an adult, go after the Cartel. Perry, did not cut the finger off of a highschool kid."
Moral relativism again?
You would do that of course, because you know that the code of honor of that drug dealer would never allow him to sell to minors...right?
BTW, if there were no drug users in the US, would there be cartels in Colombia?
"You're right here... I think our fight for perfection should be found elsewhere..."
I only live here.
What he may done and what he actually did NOT do are two different issues.
What does the law say?
Case dismissed MCpl Perry.
Brilliant answer, but it doesn't change the fact that it happens all the time.
I disagree. It happens with freedom of speech issues with the homos and the femmies. Can't say that any recent second amendment issues stick out of the crowd.
Throw something a little more concrete up in the air, and let's talk about it.
Short of starting a new thread for this Luis, you can honestly say the Republicans measure up to all ...ummm, most of our expectations?
Aside...
I only live here
...this does not sound like you.
If you respond, I'll catch it in the AM. Hittin' the rack...
SR
When picking oranges, do not discard the ones that happen to fall into your hands.
"It happens with freedom of speech issues with the homos and the femmies."
Doesn't seem that anyone is restricting your speech here.
"Short of starting a new thread for this Luis, you can honestly say the Republicans measure up to all ...ummm, most of our expectations?"
I have realistic expectations s-r.
"...this does not sound like you."
Meaning that this is the only place where I live, and the only place that I concern myself with.
Goodnight.
Your analysis is flawed. Nothing was overlooked as there was never any trangression on the part of MCpl Perry to begin with. His using foul language in earshot of a Chaplain (which was not directed at him) was insensitive, but is certainly not uncommon when soldiers are venting or hanging out with their buddies.
Furthernore, the Chaplain was well aware that infantrymen often use foul language and engage in behavior normally associated with being in the army. His failure to take this into consideration set in motion the intervening events that led to the investigation and absurd allegations. Thus it is the Chaplain who should rightly bear responsibility and be reprimanded for his calousness and clear lack of compassion directed toward MCpl Perry from the outset.
So what you're saying is, this guy, no matter that he saved many American lives, should be put in prison for cutting off a finger of a dead enemy soldier? Is this what you are saying Luis?
446 posted on 02/11/2003 10:29 PM EST by sit-rep
It's a bit of a stretch and slightly off topic. I fail to see any moral relevance between a dead digit and smearing a Solider home from a far away land.
Thats what this comes down to and the Canuk Leftists will have a field day with this guy.
Not Guilty!
Now just hang on a minute Marshmallow.
Since when is it 'self-righteous' to say something is wrong, by an independent code? I'm not saying, 'I'm perfect', but I know Perry isn't, either. All your talk about relativity, and how it's small on the scale of evil doesn't detract from the fact that interfering with corpses is WRONG.
'Conduct unbecoming' is not nonsense.
This is the heart of the problem. Everyone thinks the rules are for someone else.
No.
Our side did it too, especially the ARVNs.
That's exactly my thoughts about the way you're conducting yourself on this one.
Are you going to give a free pass to American soldiers, who run around cutting off fingers and posing Iraqi dead for pictures, in the coming war? Do you want the US Army to become known for that, or do you want to come down hard on the Perrys *now*, so that the message gets out? And I won't even touch on your repulsive and completely unnecessary blasphemy, which is doing enormous damage to your hitherto positive reputation here.
Neither did Perry, so let's stick to the facts.
I never made that statement, Mosby.
You will hear every view in the spectrum, from patriot and sacrificial lamb, to war criminal. My view, he was a good poet, and horseman. But I find it indicative of your desperation that you have to go back to the Boer War to find an Australian serviceman to slander, Mosby.
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