TMLC: A Victory for Marine LtCol Chessani

Chessani Case - Chessani Head Shot - Final ANN ARBOR, MI – Late this morning, the Navy-Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals sitting in Washington DC, released their unanimous decision upholding the dismissal of charges against Marine Lt. Col Jeffrey Chessani on the grounds of apparent Unlawful Command Influence. But the case may not be over yet.

For the last four years, LtCol Chessani has been investigated and prosecuted for his involvement in the so called “Haditha Massacre” – a massacre that never happened. A 22-year veteran, Chessani has served three tours of duty in Iraq. He served in the First Persian Gulf War and in Panama. At the time of the November 19, 2005 Haditha incident, he was the Battalion Commander of 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines (“The Thundering Third”) – one of the most decorated units in the history of the Marine Corps.

Richard Thompson, President and Chief Counsel of the Thomas More Law Center, observed, “LtCol Chessani, one of the most effective combat commanders we had in Iraq, was a made political scapegoat by the civilians in the Pentagon to appease the antiwar politicians and a liberal media. In fact, we now know that the story of the ‘massacre’ that prompted the Haditha prosecutions was a headline in a Time news article instigated by insurgent propaganda operatives.”

“We are convinced the Government failed to meet its burden of demonstrating, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the proceedings were untainted by the appearance of UCI (Unlawful Command Influence). We are similarly convinced that an objective, disinterested observer, fully informed of all the facts and circumstances, would harbor significant doubt about the fairness of this proceeding.”

I hope the CYA-based continued prosecution has finally lost steam.

Thanks for the ping jazusamo.

Congressman Murtha was recently presented with the Department of the Navy Distinguished Public Service Award.
The award, granted by the Secretary of the Navy, is the highest form of public service recognition bestowed by the Department of the Navy for a non-employee.
It consists of a gold medal, miniature medal, lapel bar, rosette, and a certificate signed by the Secretary.
According to the Department, “nominations for this award will be limited to those extraordinary cases where individuals have demonstrated exceptionally outstanding service of substantial and long term benefit to the Navy, Marine Corps, or as Department of the Navy as a whole.”
Murtha was presented with the award in appreciation of his distinguished public service to the Department of the Navy.
“I’m proud of the service and sacrifices our troops are making, and I’m honored to receive this distinguished award from the Navy,” said Murtha.

WTF???

Yes, I read that piece of dung.

Winter was deeply involved in the defense industry prior to becoming SECNAV. It is strongly suspected he and Murtha had close ties prior to him becoming secretary.

Thanks for posting, Gene. This is heartening news.

If the government prosecutors appeal this decision, it will be only to further delay Chesanni’s ultimate full vindication.

I hope they don’t stoop that low.

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