Ex-Football Star Likely 'Friendly Fire' Victim
author: Jim Wolf
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"While there was no one specific finding of fault, the investigation results indicate that Cpl. Tillman died as a probable result of friendly fire while his unit was engaged in combat with enemy forces"
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WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Cpl. Patrick Tillman, who spurned a $3.6 million football contract to join the U.S. war on terror, probably was killed by "friendly fire" while trying to protect his unit during a clash in Afghanistan last month, the military said on Saturday.
An investigation of the April 22 death of Tillman, 27, an ex-safety for the Arizona Cardinals whom the military had earlier said was killed by enemy fire, did not blame any individual by name, the U.S. Central Command said in a statement.
"While there was no one specific finding of fault, the investigation results indicate that Cpl. Tillman died as a probable result of friendly fire while his unit was engaged in combat with enemy forces," it said.
Tillman's elite Army Ranger platoon was ambushed by 10 to 12 enemy combatants firing small arms and mortars at about 7:30 p.m. near Khost, in southeastern Afghanistan, Lt. Gen. Philip Kennsinger, commander of the U.S. Army Special Operations Command, added in a statement at his headquarters in Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
The enemy struck from "multiple locations over approximately one kilometer in very severe and constricted terrain with impaired light conditions," Kennsinger said in a statement he read to reporters without taking questions.
Tillman climbed out of a combat vehicle and, "in support of his unit, moved into position to suppress enemy fire," the statement said.
The investigation's findings "in no way diminish the bravery and sacrifice displayed by Cpl. Tillman," the command said. The term 'friendly fire" applies to accidental or mistaken victims from their comrades or allies.
Tillman had been responding to enemy fire without regard for his own safety, the statement said.
"He focused his efforts on the elimination of enemy forces and the protection of his team members," it added.
'INHERENT DANGER OF CONFUSION'
"There is an inherent degree of confusion in any firefight, particularly when a unit is ambushed, and especially under difficult light and terrain conditions which produces an environment that increases the likelihood of fratricide," the military said.
Tillman turned down a three-year, $3.6 million National Football League contract to join the Army Rangers along with his brother, Kevin, a year after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the United States. His Army annual salary was $18,000.
Kevin Tillman, a former minor league second baseman with the Cleveland Indians, served in the same Fort Lewis, Washington-based Company A, 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger regiment as his brother.
Both Tillmans took part in the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq during their first tour of duty before being deployed to Afghanistan.
In April, the Army said Tillman had been promoted posthumously to corporal from specialist, and he was posthumously awarded the Silver Star for combat valor.
At the time, it said Tillman's platoon had been split into sections during a combat patrol. Describing Tillman as a team leader, the Army's Special Operations command said on April 30 he had led his team up a hill to fire back at insurgents.
As a result of his combat leadership and his troops' efforts, the platoon's rear maneuvered out of harm's way without taking any casualties, the command said at the time.
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A lot of soldiers gave their lives for what they either believed in or what they were faced with, when sent into war. There are those who are more willing to cite those who died in World War 2 as opposed to Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, whatever. But one fact remains. This soldier stuck to his convictions. He couldn't be bought with money (not even millions of dollars - how many of us can say THAT). His actions quite possibly saved some lives who may do some good (or maybe their children or grandchildren, in the future, who can say). So, this once, I'm going to put aside my political thoughts (just for a moment, mind you) - and reflect on Memorial Day and, in particular, this one soldier. I thinks he deserves that...