Posted on 01/01/2008 8:07:57 AM PST by RedRover
Springboro High School graduate and Marine 1st Lt. Andrew Grayson will face a court-martial on charges related to the deaths of 24 Iraqi civilians in Haditha in 2005, the Marine Corps announced Monday.
Grayson, 26, will stand trial on charges of making false official statements, obstruction of justice and attempting to fraudulently obtain his discharge last summer.
Grayson was not present during the Nov. 19, 2005 incident in which four Marines allegedly killed 24 Iraqi citizens with grenades and gunfire after a roadside bomb hit a Marine convoy, killing the driver and wounding two other Marines.
Grayson, an intelligence officer, is accused of botching the investigation and ordering the destruction of photographs connected to the case.
The 1999 Springboro graduate and Panthers running back could not be reached for comment, nor could his attorney, San Diego-based Joseph Casas.
In a December 2006 interview, Grayson told the Dayton Daily News he was "sad, taken aback and definitely surprised by the allegations."
David Allender, founder of the Web site DefendOurMarines.com, called the case against Grayson and others "an absolute sham."
"(Grayson) was an officer who had no contact with the accused enlisted men, who was never at the scene, whose work led to the capture of those responsible for the (roadside bomb), and who had nothing to 'cover up,' " Allender said.
Grayson previously had been recommended for the Bronze Star medal because of his actions on the day of the killings, his attorney said last year.
Casas said the nomination praised Grayson for learning of two other roadside bombs from Iraqis he questioned after the attacks. He was also cited for obtaining information that led to the capture of two men who detonated the bomb that sparked the violence.
Four enlisted Marines were initially charged with murder in the case and four officers were charged with failing to investigate the deaths. Charges against several of the men have been dropped and none will face murder charges.
AMEN!!!!!!!
Thanks for the contact info, xzins, and letter, Girl. That's a great idea, and hopefully will yield interest. One thing I've learned is that these cases always go better when they're in the public eye.
Watt Report is an excellent link.
It supports what has come out at trial.
House #2 used SAF against the Marines. That makes it hostile, and it means that this trial of Wuterich is purely and completely an effort to Monday morning quarterback a fire team that was in a life/death situation.
There is no way these young Marines should be accountable for their split-second reactions in combat when their lives were on the line.
It was something constructive to do after the defeat of Diana Irey in '06.
Those were sad days. Hard to believe more than a year has passed. Without your hard work and dedication to the cause, I shudder to think what may have happened to our valient heroes.
A very HAPPY NEW YEAR to the "Defend Our Marines" FReepers!
Great idea! What about the other members of the House Armed Services Committee?
My Congressman is also a member and is certainly accustomed to hearing from me. ;*)
And, of course, Murtha is a member, too.
I take back the remark about Murtha being on the House Armed Services Committee.
I think he’s actually on the Armed Services subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee.
Representative Michael Turner. Haven’t heard of him. Probably because he hasn’t said squat.
He’s probably read the Times’ version and is a believer...
http://www.house.gov/miketurner/news/press.rel/3.8.07.shtml
Sorry if my cynicism escaped.
Don’t know much about Rep. Turner, either. However, he is 1st Lt. Grayson’s congressman and should be interested. If nothing else, your link to his press release requesting the Army Surgeion General to step down, shows Rep. Turner isn’t afraid of calling military leadership to task. (Not saying I agreed with him here.)
Justa had a good idea about other Freepers contacting their congressman about these Marines. The more exposure, and the more they question military higher ups, the better. Shining the light on these proceedings can’t hurt.
There is absolutely no way I could thank all of you for keeping this persecution of the Haditha Marines in the news. You have made it easier for us to get through each day. You have given your support and love unconditionally. You have helped raise much-needed money for their defense. You have delved far into the facts in this case and made sure everyone knew what they were. Quite frankly, I don’t know what I would have done without all of you.
Why discourage people who are actually doing something?
Semper Fi Mom, I’ve been thinking about you after the latest announcements and hoping your spirit remains strong. The government has overreached with Frank’s charges, IMO, and likely will not be able to get their convictions. If you have a congressman that would be appropriate for me to write to, I will do so. It may not do a lot since I am not one of their constituents, but every voice keeps these Marines’ plights from being ignored. Hoping 2008 brings great news for your family.
I must say I could start an entire thread on the link you posted. ;*)
I knew you’d get it. ;*)
I will most certainly be “borrowing heavily” from the letters you two penned. ;*)
Prayers for a much happier 2008 for you and your family.
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