Posted on 06/11/2010 6:59:08 AM PDT by spacejunkie2001
~SNIP~
My name is Ilario Pantano, and I'm a combat veteran of two wars that has succeeded in small business and authored a best-selling book. I'm a constitutional conservative and I'm running for Congress (NC DIST.7. I'm confident that I can win this race if I have your support behind me. But before I tell you why, I want to share with you my story.
I enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at 17. I fought in the first Persian Gulf War and I became a Marine Sniper and trained with militaries around the world. I left the Marines as a sergeant, and went to college and built a career. I was living the American dream. Then September 11th happened.
I immediately re-enlisted with the Marine Corps, graduated from Officer Candidate School, and deployed to Iraq. And it wasn't long after that I experienced an event that would forever change the way I look at life. During one of the bloodiest phases of the war, I was forced to open fire and kill two insurgents. I received the praise of my commanders, and I never once doubted that I had done the right thing. But a few months later I learned that a man from my platoon, whom I had demoted, falsely reported the incident.
I was accused of the premeditated murder of two terrorists and faced a death sentence, if convicted. The national media immediately portrayed me to be a trigger-happy rogue Marine, and they never once suggested that my actions could have been justified. But I always believed the truth would prevail, and after a thorough investigation, it did. I was cleared of all charges and am proud to have served my country honorably.
~SNIP~
(Excerpt) Read more at patriotupdate.com ...
Searched for Pantano in the search box and bupkus. Any direct link?
>Read the guy’s story and donate
*****
Did it..but the original story I read many years ago: in Soldier of Fortune. They should make a movie of his life.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.