Congress to probe Pentagon's tale of Tillman's friendly-fire death

[babylonsister]

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/04/20/BAGGTPBO0D237.DTL&hw=coile&sn=001&sc=1000

Congress to probe Pentagon's tale of Tillman's friendly-fire death

Zachary Coile, Chronicle Washington Bureau

(04-20) 17:30 PDT WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Congress will open its first inquiry into the death of former football star Pat Tillman with a hearing next week to probe why the Pentagon spun a tale of his death by "enemy forces" in Afghanistan, even though Army officials knew almost immediately he was killed by friendly fire.

The Defense Department turned over four boxes of uncensored documents to Congress Friday -- a victory for Tillman's family who have complained that the heavily redacted Army reports on his death have made it difficult to find out who was responsible for the false story.

But even the redacted records from three Army investigations and an inspector general's report provide clues that Congress will use to determine whether a cover-up took place, including:

-- deliberate destruction of evidence;

-- testimony from soldiers who claim they were told to keep quiet about key details of Tillman's death;

-- false or distorted information in casualty reports, the field hospital report and press releases about Tillman's death;

-- a grossly inaccurate depiction of Tillman's battlefield actions in his citation for the Silver Star award, including fabrications in eye witness statements;

-- evidence that Army officials discussed a public relations strategy on how to handle his death;

-- allowing a nationally televised memorial to proceed with false information.

Lawmakers will hear testimony Tuesday from Tillman's family, who believe the San Jose native's death was first covered up to save the Army from a scandal and then glorified to stir patriotism at a time that support for the Iraq war was flagging.

"We just want to find out what really happened," said his mother, Mary Tillman, who will be a key witness. "We don't want any more cover-ups. People need to be held accountable."

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[ThomWV]

1. We Have Time For This But Not Impeachment?

Congress needs to have its priorities reset - are you listening Nancy?

[SpiralHawk]

2. "Bring it on." - Americas honest and patriotic veterans

"We have had enough lies and coverup from the chickenhawk republicon war profiteers. Get us the truth about one of our honorable soldiers, and how he was shamelessly used by Commander AWOL and the republicon chickenhawks."

- Honest and Patriotic Americans Everywhere

[Rageneau]

3. I wonder if Pat Tillman would be pro-impeachment.

Something tells me he'd be marching at the front of the parade.