Analyst's note: Here we see the ultimate results of second-guessing our Marines in combat conditions. and political correctness again run amuck. Here is the fascinating report of an experienced military medical examiner who wrote a letter to the accused Marine, telling him how for years he had felt bitterness over how the Marine Corps and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) had rushed to judgement. Political correctness is once again "shot down." Semper Fidelis
[....] Mr. Rodriguez said the investigators left him little time to absorb his findings and write a report after finishing the exam at 2 p.m. They wanted it right away. When it was complete, the report went straight to the Pentagon.
Two days later, Marine Maj. Gen. Richard Huck announced that he was dropping all charges, citing the autopsy report among other evidence.
Science proved Mr. Pantano had been telling the truth. If only the Marine Corps had insisted on an autopsy before bringing charges, the volunteer Marine would have been spared the financial expense and emotional wear.
Mr. Pantano quickly resigned his commission and started a new life in North Carolina with his wife and two sons. He ran for the House of Representatives in 2010 as a Republican and lost to a popular conservative Democrat. He plans to run again in 2012.
A paperback edition of his memoir, “Warlord: Broken by War, Saved by Grace,” was released this week, complete with Mr. Rodriguez’s letter. [....]
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