Army Memo re: Tigris River Incident Reprimand for Obstruction of Justice. A Lieutenant Colonel is reprimanded for wrongfully endeavoring to impede an investigation into the drowning death of an Iraqi civilian. The LTC ordered others to deny that the men were not pushed into the Tigris River, and to say that they were dropped off at the side of the road, on January 3, 2004. General Odierno stated "our conduct was wrongful, criminal and will not be tolerated."
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
4TH INFANTRY DIVISION (MECHANIZED)
TIKRIT, IRAQ
APO AE 09323-2628
REPLY TO
ATTENTION OF:
AFYB-CG
MEMORANDUM FOR LTC1nraMiltfCommander, 1 st Battalion, 8 th
()(6 ) --(-
Infantry Regiment, 3 rd Brigade Combat Team, 4_antry Division (Mechanized)
SUBJECT: Reprimand for Obstruction of Justice
1.
You are hereby reprimanded for wrongfully endeavoring to impede an investigation into the drowning death of an Iraqi civilian by members of your command. On 7 January 2004, you were briefed by the A Company commander, CPT _that soldiers of 1 st platoon pushed two Iraqi men into the Tigris River causing one o em to drown. You Ordered them to deny that the men were pushed into the river and to say that they were dropped off at the side of the road. Your conduct was wrongful, criminal and will not be tolerated.
2.
Good order and discipline requires leaders to live and enforce standards of conduct we expect from our subordinates. Your conduct is a poor example for other soldiers to follow. As a commissioned officer, I expect much more from you. Your actions have brought discredit upon you, 1-8 th Infantry, 4 th Infantry Division, and the United States Army. Your violation of the Uniform Code of Justice (UCMJ) casts severe doubt on your suitability for leadership in the U.S. Army.
3.
This reprimand is imposed IAW Article 15, UCMJ and will be filed in conjunction with DA Foul' 2627.
RAYMOND T. OD I HRNO
Major General, USA
Commanding
020480
DOD-043560