Three Marine Corps personnel were officially disciplined for their role in the death of 24 Iraqi civilians during a raid in the town of Haditha in 2005. Maj. Gen. Richard A. Huck, the former commanding general of the 2nd Marine Division, was given a letter of censure for the “actions he took and failed to take” in the Haditha raid. Cols. Stephen W. Davis and Robert G. Sokoloski were also given letters of censure for failure to respond to the killings and unsatisfactory performance respectively. In a statement, Gen. James T. Conway, commandant for the Marine Corps, said that “accountability and responsibility are the foundation fo all we do as Marines.”
Letters of censure impede future promotions and may result in a demotion in rank when considering future compensation and retirement benefits. There is no appeal for letters of censure, though the officers can submit rebuttals to be entered into their official records.
Staff Sft. Frank Wuterich testified in military court yesterday in a preliminary hearing for his Article 32 tribunal – the military equivalent of a grand jury. Wuterich testified that he was operating according to military rules of engagement when he lead the Marines of Kilo Company in a house-to-house raid in response to an IED attack on their convoy that killed Lance Corporal Miguel Terrazas. The raid resulted in the deaths of Iraqi civilians, including woman and children.
Wuterich stated that he “advised the team something like shoot first and ask questions later or don't hesitate to shoot.” Captain Alfonso Capers, Wuterich's reporting officer, stated that “shoot first, ask questions later means everyone's expendable. You can't do that.” Wuterich has admitted to killing five Iraqi's he claims were fleeing from a white vehicle shortly after the IED attack. Wutherich claims that the men “were not complying and, in fact, they were starting to run.” Sgt. Sanick Dela Cruz, who was granted immunity in exchange for his testimony, stated that the Iraqi men were in custody and had their arms raised when Wuterich shot them.
Wuterich responded that “based on the information I had at the time, based on the situation, I made the best decision I could have at the time.”
Four Marines have been charged with murder for the events in Haditha, and four were charged with dereliction of duty. Charges against three others were dropped. Wuterich faces a life sentence if convicted on all charges.
