August 2, 2007

General reprimanded in Tillman death

The Army this week censured Gen. Philip Kensinger, a retired three-star general in the case of Army Ranger Pat Tillman’s death by friendly fire.

The censure was due to Kensinger’s “failure of leadership,” according to the Army. It also accused him of lying to those researching the circumstances of Tillman’s death. The Army knew for weeks that his death was caused by friendly fire but told the media and Tillman’s family he had been cut down by the enemy in Afghanistan in 2004.

A review panel of four-star generals will determine if Kensinger’s rank will be reduced. Army Secretary Pete Geren, who insisted that there was no “intentional Pentagon cover-up,” added that seven other officers will receive lesser punishments.

In related news, House Democrats were not placated by the Army move and have added former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld to the list to testify Aug. 1 on who knew what and when about Tillman’s death.

"It is inconceivable that numerous top-ranking generals ... were aware of the true circumstances of Pat's death, but did not inform their civilian superiors—President Bush and then-Secretary Rumsfeld," said Rep. Mike Honda, who represents Almaden Valley, told the Associated Press, promising to "hold these commanders' feet to the fire" at Wednesday's hearing of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.

Other Democrats want to hear from Kensinger. They have issued a subpoena for his testimony, but it hasn’t been delivered because, according to Kensinger’s attorney, the former general is “away on business travel.”

Information for this brief came through wire sources, including the Associated Press.