Friday, October 15, 2004

17 for the Gallows

AP reports mutiny and cowardice. Thank God the men of the Big Red One and the 101st and the free Polish Armored Brigade didn't put their personal well-being ahead of orders on D-Day. These 17 have brought shame upon the 343rd Quartermaster Company, the United States Army, and the American people.

2 comments:

Matteo said...

The Army appears to be handling this in a "kind and gentle" way:

http://www.nationalreview.com/babbin/babbin200410190835.asp

Also, I'll say a Rosary for the health of your family!

Matt said...

First, thank you for your prayers, especially the Roasary. I still remember the day several years Ago in Menlo Park when you explained it to me.
As for the mutineers I hate to second guess the Army's justice system. The few times I was a witness to its acting (Remember, I served in the 101st Airborne.) I saw justice devivered with all diliberation, speed, and severity.
While I am worried that the statements coming out of the Army are indicating that there will only be a wrist slap, it could also be the case that an Article 32 investigation is being conducted. If so, there will be nothing said about the case until the 32 is completed. It is the Army's equivelent of a grand jury investigation.
But I must say that I am surprised the lieutenant in charge of the platoon didn't have the NCOs force them to carry out their mission at gun point. He or, God help us, she has that authority.
And that brings up something else. Where were the NCOs when this was going on? If those sergeants were any good at being sergeants, they would be more feared than any enemy.