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06/29/2004: "Hats Off and Thank You to True American Patriots"
An important part of the U.S. Army report on Iraqi prisoner abuse prepared by Maj. Gen. Antonio M. Taguba that I feel has been overlooked by the media as a whole is a section down at the bottom, in the "OTHER FINDINGS/OBSERVATIONS" section. (copied from MSNBC's republishing, emphasis added)
3. (U) Throughout the investigation, we observed many individual Soldiers and some subordinate units under the 800th MP Brigade that overcame significant obstacles, persevered in extremely poor conditions, and upheld the Army Values. We discovered numerous examples of Soldiers and Sailors taking the initiative in the absence of leadership and accomplishing their assigned tasks.
a. (U) The 744th MP Battalion, commanded by LTC Dennis McGlone, efficiently operated the HVD Detention Facility at Camp Cropper and met mission requirements with little to no guidance from the 800th MP Brigade. The unit was disciplined, proficient, and appeared to understand their basic tasks.
b. (U) The 530th MP Battalion, commanded by LTC Stephen J. Novotny, effectively maintained the MEK Detention Facility at Camp Ashraf. His Soldiers were proficient in their individual tasks and adapted well to this highly unique and non-doctrinal operation.
c. (U) The 165th MI Battalion excelled in providing perimeter security and force protection at Abu Ghraib (BCCF). LTC Robert P. Walters, Jr., demanded standards be enforced and worked endlessly to improve discipline throughout the FOB.
4. (U) The individual Soldiers and Sailors that we observed and believe should be favorably noted include:
a. (U) Master-at-Arms First Class William J. Kimbro, US Navy Dog Handler, knew his duties and refused to participate in improper interrogations despite significant pressure from the MI personnel at Abu Ghraib.
b. (U) SPC Joseph M. Darby, 372nd MP Company discovered evidence of abuse and turned it over to military law enforcement.
c. (U) 1LT David O. Sutton, 229th MP Company, took immediate action and stopped an abuse, then reported the incident to the chain of command.
These individuals, units, and battalions should be commended for upholding the true values of the United States. Sadly, their names and actions won't ever receive the same noteriety as the names and actions of those who did what was wrong.
We, as American Citizens, owe these folks and the rest of the Armed Forces (active and retired), a big thank you for doing their jobs, submitting themselves to protect the rest of us, and in many cases, standing in the presence of that which is wrong and choosing to do that which is right.
Those who have died or been wounded in service to our country (not just in Iraq, but throughout our nation's history) deserve much more than a big thank you. They more than deserve our respect, admiration, and remembrance.
