[Steve_Seattle]

"But the Army waited until a formal investigation was finished before telling the family — which was weeks after a nationally televised memorial service that honored Tillman on May 3, 2004."

What were they supposed to do, keep him on ice until the investigation was finished? Does his death by friendly fire somehow diminish his courage and dedication?

[Mo1]

No and No

My heart goes out to his parents for the loss of their son

But to basically call Tilman's fellow troops that served along side of him murders, as his father did .. well that is going over the line

[aQ_code_initiate]

Does his death by friendly fire somehow diminish his courage and dedication?

Being blown away by his own side doesn't affect his character at all. But the Army's lying about the circumstances of his death for PR purposes speaks volumes for the lapse of honor and integrity on the part of the Army. It also cheapens the value of the combat decoration the Army bestowed, because it was awarded to create a false impression rather than to honor a specific act of heroism.