Gen. Stanley McChrystal Warned Bush On Tillman One Week After His Death - The Orange Mane

Bronco_Beerslug · 03-31-2007, 10:45 AM

It now appears the highest levels of government knew what happened to Pat Tillman but still decided to carry out their Silver Star charade anyway. What a disgrace to Tillman's family, friends, the military and all of America really.

------------------------------------------------------------
General tried to warn Bush about Tillman
By SCOTT LINDLAW, Associated Press Writer

SAN JOSE, Calif. - For weeks after his death, the Pentagon maintained that Pat Tillman was killed in an enemy ambush, even after a top general tried to warn President Bush that the NFL star-turned-soldier likely died by friendly fire, according to a memo obtained by The Associated Press.

Cpl. Pat Tillman is seen in a this 2003 file photo provided by Photography Plus. Just seven days after Pat Tillman's death, a top general warned there were strong indications that it was friendly fire and President Bush might embarrass himself if he said the NFL star-turned-soldier died in an ambush, according to a memo obtained by The Associated Press. (AP Photo/Photography Plus via Williamson Stealth Media Solutions, FILE)

In the memo sent to a superior officer seven days after Tillman's death, Lt. Gen. Stanley McChrystal warned that the evidence strongly pointed to friendly fire and the nation's leaders risked embarrassing themselves if they publicly said otherwise.

"I felt that it was essential that you received this information as soon as we detected it in order to preclude any unknowing statements by our country's leaders which might cause public embarrassment if the circumstances of Cpl. Tillman's death become public," McChrystal wrote.

The April 29, 2004, memo, was addressed to Gen. John Abizaid, head of Central Command, and was intended as a warning to Bush and acting Army Secretary Les Brownlee.

It is not clear whether Bush or Brownlee received the warning, but it raises new questions on how high up the chain of command the misinformation campaign extended. In speeches following the memo, Bush avoided any reference to the circumstances of Tillman's death.

The family was not told until May 29, 2004, what really happened. In the intervening weeks, the military continued to say Tillman died under enemy fire, and even awarded him the Silver Star, which is given for heroic battlefield action.

White House spokesman Blain Rethmeier said Friday that a review of records turned up no indication that the president had received McChrystal's warning. Rethmeier emphasized that the president often pays tribute to fallen soldiers without mentioning the exact circumstances of their deaths.

The Tillman family has charged that the military and the Bush administration deliberately deceived his relatives and the nation to avoid turning public opinion against the war.

CONT.

------------------------------------------------------------------
A Death Embellished
Published: March 28, 2007

The Pentagon’s investigation of the “friendly fire” death of Pat Tillman, the Army Ranger who became an administration icon for its war on terror, has left the corporal’s family doubtful that the truth has really come out. Even as the Army reaffirmed its belief that Corporal Tillman deserved a Silver Star for valor, the family denounced the award as “part of a cynical design to conceal the real events from the family and the public, while exploiting the death of our beloved Pat as a recruitment poster.”

The circumstances of this byzantine case cry out for Congressional hearings to get an independent evaluation of just who pulled the strings to sugar-coat a terrible battlefield accident as an instance of heroism under hostile fire.

Corporal Tillman, a clean-cut, strapping young man, walked away from a multimillion-dollar professional football contract to enlist in the Army after the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. He was killed in Afghanistan on April 22, 2004, in a hail of fire from fellow Rangers who mistakenly thought his small group was an enemy force.

Military officers suspected the very next day that he was probably killed by friendly fire, but incredibly, his company commander started work on a recommendation that he receive a Bronze Star for valor. That morphed into a Silver Star as it proceeded up the chain of command.

Corporal Tillman ultimately received a posthumous Silver Star based on a citation that implied he died from enemy fire and two witness statements that were attributed to platoon members but were actually drafted by others and contained inaccuracies. Even so, the Army is letting the award stand because, officials say, Corporal Tillman died heroically trying to help the unit that shot him.

The question not yet satisfactorily answered is just who is most responsible for changing the story line from a “friendly fire” tragedy to a tale of heroism. The Pentagon’s investigators recommended that nine officers, including four generals, be disciplined for failing to follow various regulations and failing to notify the family until a well-publicized memorial service was safely past. The investigators found no evidence of an orchestrated cover-up. But the family believes the Pentagon public relations machine is behind the distortions and wants a Congressional inquiry. Congress should provide it.

defenseman · 03-31-2007, 10:56 AM

I could care less about this anymore. It's been hashed and re-hashed anything to make our own government look bad. Stow it...dman

Paladin · 03-31-2007, 11:15 AM

The people don't have to do anything for this administration to "look bad". They do a good job of it all by themselves. Bush and his cronies are an absolute embarrassment to himself and this country.

Pat Tillman was just trying to do the right thing in Afghanistan.

He "knew the risks" when he volunteered, right?

Fricking incompetents~

Bronco_Beerslug · 03-31-2007, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by defenseman

I could care less about this anymore. It's been hashed and re-hashed anything to make our own government look bad. Stow it...dman

So that's why you had to post "you could care less" because you don't care? And when has this news of General McChrystal warning the highest levels of government of Tillman's friendly fire death been "re-hashed" before?

watermock · 03-31-2007, 11:49 AM

It WAS an enemy ambush that resulted in some armchair General ordering the troops to split up. Rather than drag that stupid Humvee thru an obvious ambush zone they should of tossed a couple grenades in it. The Rangers strenuously objected to splitting the troops but were overruled. I've explained this repeatedly. It didn't help that Tillman with a friendly Afgahn fighter. He doubled back in a truly heroic act...why there wasn't better communication is a direct result of idiotic orders above.

It absolutely infuriates me that they attempted to gag the troops and lied. To his family, to the Army, and to the nation. I have thoroughly looked into this as best I can and Tillman had doubled back to lend assistance, apparently without the second convoy being aware of it. Naturally, people want to blame Bush. It was some weasle General that was covering up his poor tactical judgment. It was a ****ing Humvee. Open the hood and toss a grenade in there and get out of that obvious trap.

GonzoLays · 03-31-2007, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by defenseman

I could care less about this anymore. It's been hashed and re-hashed anything to make our own government look bad. Stow it...dman

Boy, you sure love your government don't you? You are like the head sheep.

TailgateNut · 03-31-2007, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GonzoLays

Boy, you sure love your government don't you? You are like the head sheep.

A couple of decades of " Don't question authority" will do that to a person. It will most often create a "robotic response" to any issue.

-Slap- · 03-31-2007, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bronco_Beerslug

So that's why you had to post "you could care less" because you don't care? And when has this news of General McChrystal warning the highest levels of government of Tillman's friendly fire death been "re-hashed" before?

Why do you keep calling it the highest levels of government? George Bush quit snorting cocaine almost ten years ago.

Atlas · 03-31-2007, 12:46 PM

This shouldn't surprise anyone. I'm just sick of all this.

Florida_Bronco · 03-31-2007, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by watermock

It WAS an enemy ambush that resulted in some armchair General ordering the troops to split up. Rather than drag that stupid Humvee thru an obvious ambush zone they should of tossed a couple grenades in it. The Rangers strenuously objected to splitting the troops but were overruled. I've explained this repeatedly. It didn't help that Tillman with a friendly Afgahn fighter. He doubled back in a truly heroic act...why there wasn't better communication is a direct result of idiotic orders above.

You don't have a clue as to what the **** actually happened out there. Don't disgrace our troops by acting like you do.

GonzoLays · 03-31-2007, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Florida_Bronco

You don't have a clue as to what the **** actually happened out there. Don't disgrace our troops by acting like you do.

And another sheep chimes in.

Florida_Bronco · 03-31-2007, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GonzoLays

And another sheep chimes in.

I'm not even playing your game.

Quote:

Loser Number 7: GonzoLays -

Why he sucks: Fancies himself a provocative iconoclast, but he's really just a race baiting attention whore. Besmirches the memory of the great Richard Pryor by attaching his avatar image to one crappy take after another.

Defining moment: Trolls too consistently to narrow down one particular thread or post.

Good points: Shows flashes of rudimentary sports knowledge when he forgets his schtick is to be an annoying asshat 24/7.

Potential for redemption: Unlikely. Too fascinated by his own immaturity.

watermock · 03-31-2007, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Florida_Bronco

You don't have a clue as to what the **** actually happened out there. Don't disgrace our troops by acting like you do.

I guess hearing eyewitness fellow rangers accounts doesn't count. You don't know ****. I bet you couldn't find the History channel to save your life.

I never claimed to know everything, like why Tillman didn't radio his position or if he did, there was chaos. I KNOW the basic facts and circumstance. STFU. They didn't reckognize him and took him for the enemy. OKay?

Florida_Bronco · 03-31-2007, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by watermock

I guess hearing eyewitness fellow rangers accounts doesn't count. You don't know ****. I bet you couldn't find the History channel to save your life.

I never claimed to know everything, like why Tillman didn't radio his position or if he did, there was chaos. I KNOW the basic facts and circumstance. STFU. They didn't reckognize him and took him for the enemy. OKay?

I saw that exact same special on History Channel (which is channel 64 on my TV, for the record) and you have several of the "facts" from it wrong. Go watch it again and pay attention this time.

And don't assume that everything on that show was true. Just like other news sources, the facts can be easily distorted.

watermock · 03-31-2007, 02:36 PM

Nice specifics dillweed.

jossjeff · 03-31-2007, 02:39 PM

Shakes head

Florida_Bronco · 03-31-2007, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by watermock

Nice specifics dillweed.

It's not my job to draw things out for you in crayon. If you truly have any interest in the matter, watch the special the next time it's on the History Channel and pay better attention. Maybe record and re-watch it a few times so you absorb all the facts.

rugbythug · 03-31-2007, 03:01 PM

Funny How you can brand anybody a sheep just by their not following your specific opinion. As you march along to the drum beats of George Clooney and Sorros.

GonzoLays · 03-31-2007, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rugbythug

Funny How you can brand anybody a sheep just by their not following your specific opinion. As you march along to the drum beats of George Clooney and Sorros.

Los Broncos · 03-31-2007, 04:08 PM

Hes family wants justice and an answer.

Dudeskey · 03-31-2007, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lynchmob72

Hes family wants justice and an answer.

Well, there was no criminal wrongdoing technically, but I think the Pentagon owes Tillman's folks a huge apology

Los Broncos · 03-31-2007, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Urinal_Cake

Well, there was no criminal wrongdoing technically, but I think the Pentagon owes Tillman's folks a huge apology

Yep, i heard his mother on epsn radio the other day saying she wants an answer for closure. And i heard Jim Rome talking about Pat, saying how they asked him to be the MOC, Rome said after the ceremony a officer came up to him and said they found the person who did this and shot him in the face. Rome said that wasnt true at all but he sold it well to him and he believed him.

Florida_Bronco · 03-31-2007, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rugbythug

Funny How you can brand anybody a sheep just by their not following your specific opinion. As you march along to the drum beats of George Clooney and Sorros.

Gonzo doesn't even know why he's calling people sheep, he's just an attention whore and he thought it was a chance to stir up some ****.

watermock · 03-31-2007, 05:31 PM

I'm curious...what facts do I have wrong again? You came up with nothing, nada, zilch. Nothing but "watch it more carefully next time". First, that show isn't the definitive source, good one, but you tell me smartass...what do I have mixed up?

Florida_Bronco · 03-31-2007, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by watermock

I'm curious...what facts do I have wrong again? You came up with nothing, nada, zilch. Nothing but "watch it more carefully next time". First, that show isn't the definitive source, good one, but you tell me smartass...what do I have mixed up?

See post #17.

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03-31-2007, 10:45 AM	#1
Bronco_Beerslug Angling in the Deep Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Texas Riviera, Southern Mountains Posts: 24,281	Gen. Stanley McChrystal Warned Bush On Tillman One Week After His Death It now appears the highest levels of government knew what happened to Pat Tillman but still decided to carry out their Silver Star charade anyway. What a disgrace to Tillman's family, friends, the military and all of America really. ------------------------------------------------------------ General tried to warn Bush about Tillman By SCOTT LINDLAW, Associated Press Writer SAN JOSE, Calif. - For weeks after his death, the Pentagon maintained that Pat Tillman was killed in an enemy ambush, even after a top general tried to warn President Bush that the NFL star-turned-soldier likely died by friendly fire, according to a memo obtained by The Associated Press. Cpl. Pat Tillman is seen in a this 2003 file photo provided by Photography Plus. Just seven days after Pat Tillman's death, a top general warned there were strong indications that it was friendly fire and President Bush might embarrass himself if he said the NFL star-turned-soldier died in an ambush, according to a memo obtained by The Associated Press. (AP Photo/Photography Plus via Williamson Stealth Media Solutions, FILE) In the memo sent to a superior officer seven days after Tillman's death, Lt. Gen. Stanley McChrystal warned that the evidence strongly pointed to friendly fire and the nation's leaders risked embarrassing themselves if they publicly said otherwise. "I felt that it was essential that you received this information as soon as we detected it in order to preclude any unknowing statements by our country's leaders which might cause public embarrassment if the circumstances of Cpl. Tillman's death become public," McChrystal wrote. The April 29, 2004, memo, was addressed to Gen. John Abizaid, head of Central Command, and was intended as a warning to Bush and acting Army Secretary Les Brownlee. It is not clear whether Bush or Brownlee received the warning, but it raises new questions on how high up the chain of command the misinformation campaign extended. In speeches following the memo, Bush avoided any reference to the circumstances of Tillman's death. The family was not told until May 29, 2004, what really happened. In the intervening weeks, the military continued to say Tillman died under enemy fire, and even awarded him the Silver Star, which is given for heroic battlefield action. White House spokesman Blain Rethmeier said Friday that a review of records turned up no indication that the president had received McChrystal's warning. Rethmeier emphasized that the president often pays tribute to fallen soldiers without mentioning the exact circumstances of their deaths. The Tillman family has charged that the military and the Bush administration deliberately deceived his relatives and the nation to avoid turning public opinion against the war. CONT. ------------------------------------------------------------------ A Death Embellished Published: March 28, 2007 The Pentagon’s investigation of the “friendly fire” death of Pat Tillman, the Army Ranger who became an administration icon for its war on terror, has left the corporal’s family doubtful that the truth has really come out. Even as the Army reaffirmed its belief that Corporal Tillman deserved a Silver Star for valor, the family denounced the award as “part of a cynical design to conceal the real events from the family and the public, while exploiting the death of our beloved Pat as a recruitment poster.” The circumstances of this byzantine case cry out for Congressional hearings to get an independent evaluation of just who pulled the strings to sugar-coat a terrible battlefield accident as an instance of heroism under hostile fire. Corporal Tillman, a clean-cut, strapping young man, walked away from a multimillion-dollar professional football contract to enlist in the Army after the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. He was killed in Afghanistan on April 22, 2004, in a hail of fire from fellow Rangers who mistakenly thought his small group was an enemy force. Military officers suspected the very next day that he was probably killed by friendly fire, but incredibly, his company commander started work on a recommendation that he receive a Bronze Star for valor. That morphed into a Silver Star as it proceeded up the chain of command. Corporal Tillman ultimately received a posthumous Silver Star based on a citation that implied he died from enemy fire and two witness statements that were attributed to platoon members but were actually drafted by others and contained inaccuracies. Even so, the Army is letting the award stand because, officials say, Corporal Tillman died heroically trying to help the unit that shot him. The question not yet satisfactorily answered is just who is most responsible for changing the story line from a “friendly fire” tragedy to a tale of heroism. The Pentagon’s investigators recommended that nine officers, including four generals, be disciplined for failing to follow various regulations and failing to notify the family until a well-publicized memorial service was safely past. The investigators found no evidence of an orchestrated cover-up. But the family believes the Pentagon public relations machine is behind the distortions and wants a Congressional inquiry. Congress should provide it.

03-31-2007, 10:56 AM	#2
defenseman Ring of Famer 2007 record pred. (7-9) Join Date: Apr 2001 Posts: 9,232	I could care less about this anymore. It's been hashed and re-hashed anything to make our own government look bad. Stow it...dman

03-31-2007, 11:15 AM	#3
Paladin Ring of Famer Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 9,150	The people don't have to do anything for this administration to "look bad". They do a good job of it all by themselves. Bush and his cronies are an absolute embarrassment to himself and this country. Pat Tillman was just trying to do the right thing in Afghanistan. He "knew the risks" when he volunteered, right? Fricking incompetents~

03-31-2007, 11:49 AM	#5
watermock "Hoodie Jr" "Hug me!" Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Hot Springs, Ouachitah Posts: 77,090	It WAS an enemy ambush that resulted in some armchair General ordering the troops to split up. Rather than drag that stupid Humvee thru an obvious ambush zone they should of tossed a couple grenades in it. The Rangers strenuously objected to splitting the troops but were overruled. I've explained this repeatedly. It didn't help that Tillman with a friendly Afgahn fighter. He doubled back in a truly heroic act...why there wasn't better communication is a direct result of idiotic orders above. It absolutely infuriates me that they attempted to gag the troops and lied. To his family, to the Army, and to the nation. I have thoroughly looked into this as best I can and Tillman had doubled back to lend assistance, apparently without the second convoy being aware of it. Naturally, people want to blame Bush. It was some weasle General that was covering up his poor tactical judgment. It was a ****ing Humvee. Open the hood and toss a grenade in there and get out of that obvious trap.

03-31-2007, 12:46 PM	#9
Atlas Draft Defense Early&Often Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 18,526	This shouldn't surprise anyone. I'm just sick of all this.

03-31-2007, 02:36 PM	#15
watermock "Hoodie Jr" "Hug me!" Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Hot Springs, Ouachitah Posts: 77,090	Nice specifics dillweed.

03-31-2007, 02:39 PM	#16
jossjeff Pro Bowler Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: RaiderNation Posts: 721	Shakes head

03-31-2007, 03:01 PM	#18
rugbythug Church Eyes. Salty Dog Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 3,787 Adopt-a-Bronco: Mr. Miller	Funny How you can brand anybody a sheep just by their not following your specific opinion. As you march along to the drum beats of George Clooney and Sorros.

03-31-2007, 04:08 PM	#20
Los Broncos Ring of farmers Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Anaheim Hills, Santa Ana Mountains CA Posts: 18,766 Adopt-a-Bronco: Ryan Clady	Hes family wants justice and an answer.

03-31-2007, 05:31 PM	#24
watermock "Hoodie Jr" "Hug me!" Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Hot Springs, Ouachitah Posts: 77,090	I'm curious...what facts do I have wrong again? You came up with nothing, nada, zilch. Nothing but "watch it more carefully next time". First, that show isn't the definitive source, good one, but you tell me smartass...what do I have mixed up?