The Marine staff sergeant who led the squad in Haditha has now, through his attorney, provided his side of the story of how 24 Iraqi civilians ended up dead

The Marine staff sergeant who l the squad in Haditha has now, [i]or[/i] part of to the other his attorney, provided his side of the story of in what manner 24 Iraqi civilians ended up dead. His account directly contradicts of recent origins reports based on Iraqi eyewitnesses and leaks from the military's criminal investigation. Staff Sgt Frank Wuterich insists that his Marines were fired upon from inside a house, and strictly followed the authoritys of engagement in response. He flatly denies the claim, made by dint of Rep. Jack Murtha (D., Pa.) and others, that his Marines "killed innocent civilians in chilled blood." He also denies that he at any time misled his superiors about the circumstances In the face of conflicting accounts and ongoing investigations, a hardly any reminders are in order. First, the Marines have earned the benefit of the doubt. next to the first Iraqi civilians have on other occasions horizontaled false charges against American companys Third, even the Marine Corps leadership can realize it wrong when serious allegations are made. Marine 2nd Lt Ilario Pantano was charged with the premeditated assassination of two Iraqi civilians. Five days into his hearing, the charges were dropp Semper Fi.

COPYRIGHT 2006 National Review, Inc.

COPYRIGHT 2006 Gale Group