The Killings In Haditha

Marine Tells 60 Minutes He's Sorry Iraqi Civilians Were Killed, But Insists He Made Right Decision

(CBS)  Up ahead, a white car was stopped by the side of the road. Five Iraqi men ranging in age from 19 to 29 were ordered out.

"So my immediate thought is okay, maybe this was a car bomb. Okay, maybe these guys had something to do with this IED," Wuterich says.

He says Sgt. Sanick Dela Cruz, who was also charged with murder, yelled at the men to drop to the ground.

"Normally, the Iraqis know the drill when you’re over there. They know if something happens, they know exactly what they need to do. Get down, hands up, and completely cooperate. These individuals were doing none of that. They got out of the car [and] as they were going around they started to take off, so I shot at them," he tells Pelley.

As the men ran from Wuterich, he says he shot them in the back.

"How does these men running away from the scene, as you describe it, square with hostile action or hostile intent?" asks Pelley.

"Because hostile action, if they were the triggermen, would have blown up the IED. Which would also constitute hostile intent. But also at the same time, there were military-aged males that were inside that car. The only vehicle, the only thing that was out, that was Iraqi, was them. They were 100 meters away from that IED. Those are the things that went through my mind before I pulled the trigger. That was positive identification," Wuterich tells Pelley.

Other witnesses, including Marines, dispute that the men were running. Wuterich was charged with lying that day to the platoon sergeant, saying the Iraqi men fired on the convoy.

When the vehicle was searched, what was found?

"I believe nothing. I don’t remember partaking in the search," he said. "But, as far as I know, there wasn’t anything found."

And the men were not armed.

"How much time has passed from the moment of the explosion to the time that you killed these five men?" Pelley asks.

"I would say within about two minutes," Wuterich says.

Next, Wuterich went to his fallen Marines in the bombed Humvee. Lance Cpl. Miguel Terrazas, 20, from El Paso, Texas, was the driver.

Wuterich describes what he saw. "Basically a pile of flesh, in essence. That may be a sight I'll never forget. He was missing one of his arms. His legs were completely severed from his body, but they were still attached because for some reason his Cami's didn't rip completely."

In two minutes, one Marine and five Iraqis were dead, but the killing had just begun. Next, Frank Wuterich would lead his men to kill 19 more Iraqi civilians.

[dottymckee2]

I think it''s terrible that Staff Sgt. Wuterich and his men were even charged with murder. Sgt. Wuterich was doing what WE sent him there for and trained him to do. He was looking out for his men as he was trained to do. How many civillians do you think died in the earlier wars? That''s when it was "all fair"? So I don''t believe we should send our trained officers over to Iraq and to have in the back of their minds that after they do their "jobs" they may be accused of murder. What the heck is up with that!!!

[sheridad]

Its a sad commentary when an American journalist makes every effort to destroy the reputation of one of our soldiers. I tend to believe the story wouldn''t lean so far to the left had it been broadcast on FOX.

I have to wonder what would have been said about our soldiers in WWI and WWII had to media been so rampantly disrespectful of what our soldiers had to do, to stay alive back in those days. Ever wonder what you would do in a similar situation? Bet it wouldn''t be the reaction you''d hope for.

A very judgemental episode. First time I''ve ever been ashamed of 60 Minutes in the 30+ years I''ve been watching.

[thr2-2009]

As the father of a son who spent 2005 with the Army in Baghdad and Fallujah my sympathy is with Sgt Wuterich. What do we expect our military to do? Die? They just lost a fellow soldier who was killed and were taking more fire. Put yourself is his position. He did what he was susposed to do, protect the soldiers under his leadership. It''s war and that''s what happens.
If justice demands someone pay for these deaths, and it should, then it demands the Bush administration stand trial for leading us to Iraq with what is now known to be nothing but a pack of lies.

[b01411]

I am a Canadian. The politics of war is the mindless part of war that insults us all. How dare people who have not experienced the fear and horror of war comment on a soldier making a critical decision. We teach them to hate, to kill, and then expect them to make rational, reasoned decisions under unimaginable conditions, and then have the arrogance to think you can judge them. If someone is trying to kill you, I hope you take a reasonable, calm approach, thinking only of the other person,not yourself. That''s what you expected Sgt. Wuterich to do. Think of the enemy, instead of his men and himself. I thought Americans thought more of their young men and had learned from Vietnam about not disrespecting their military men.

[jmckee38]

I think it is terrible that 60 Minutes interviewed Staff Sgt Wuterich like a criminal. How dare you challenge him and his men as to their approach and handling of a vicious enviorment. Are you hurting so bad for ratings that you will do anything for news? I turned it off. 60 Minutes has lost its appeal for good news and programing.

[redd1971]

On 8/24/08 I watched, for a second time, Scott Pelley''s interview with Staff Sgt. Frank Wuterich. I feel it is inappropriate for Scott Pelly to have inferred or passed judgement on someone who was in combat when I seriously doubt if Scott Pelley has ever been in combat himself or had to deal with the ramifications of such. If Scott Pelly and 60 Minutes wants to infer or pass judgement on someone let it be President George W. Bush and his administration for their shortsightedness.

[wmhnov]

I just saw a segement of 60 minutes that made me more angry with the media and the uninformed civilians who have never been in harms way.
The Marine (Sgt Wuterich) did exactly as I would have done under the same circumstances. I am a Viet Nam veteran ( 9 years enlisted and 15 years as an officer) who told my Marines in Viet Nam if they saw anything that looked suspicous, shoot it. We will check later. There are many Mothers and Wives who will agree with that concept because their son/husband came home alive. I am so tired of all the non-combatents who make moral judgements on our combat men and women. Split second decisions must be made by our front line leaders (mostly enlisted Non-commistioned officers). Under no circunstances can a person who has never been in harms way judge who is to live and who is to die, including local civilians who are hostile toward our troops. Rules of engagement have cost Military lives. I have witnessed women, children and old people that would kill you if given the chance. My job is not to play God- my job is to make sure my Marines and I stay alive.
Semper Fi
William Hemlepp Sr
Major USMC (Ret)

[wgilcoine]

War is a horrific nightmare! How many people were killed by the cluster bombs sent by the President? Why isn%u2019t the President held accountable? Why are we crucifying ground soldier that only want to return home to their families?! Is the Air Force exempt from their collateral damage while ground soldiers are not? In the past Navy battle ships have shot guns that have a rage of 20 miles yet the sailors are not responsible for the damage! Hand to hand combat should be decorated not prosecuted. Those that do not agree should volunteer and take the point in battle. Until you live the battle you cannot understand. Suit up and go volunteer for the marines. If you cannot join because you are not acceptable then visit a maimed soldier! Thank goodness for those who can and do!

[book173]

Scott Pelly and 60 Minutes displayed the worst of modern media exploitation in the interview with Staff Sgt. Wuterich. The histeronics displayed by Pelley only served to demonstrate his insensitivity to the realities of war and the men who are thrust into making life or death decisions to protect themselves and their comrades. The interview was not impartial journalism but rather a stage for Pelley to display his acting ability in an effort to win more awards for his reporting. This is war and the Marines have every duty to protect themselves in hostile territory.

[rebloom]

Scott Pelley is the worst bleeding heart liberalist i have seen in years. He scowled at Frank wuterich thru the intire interview. H created courtroom, not an interview. Frank is paying a high price already.
disgusted in MT.

[lb551]

This is one of the most disgusting interviews I have ever seen. What ever happen to journalists being neutral to the subject of their interview? This Scott Pelley showed exactly what kind of junior reporter he is. He is obviously never to be taken seriously about anything he reports on because he is incapable of being unbiased while reporting on a subject. I wonder how many battles he has been in? We as a nation put these young people in this position, we should support them. I will make every effort to avoid watching CBS and 60 Minutes again. It is very clear to me that this network has a political agenda and this is the caliber of repoters they employee.

[jph70710]

I am proud of that marine who is accused of murder. What do you think war is? Should we ask if we can kill you before we do it? I do not know the name of the reporter but I would like to put him in the same situation. How would he react? Maybe he is one of those folks who beleives he is too good to carry a gun or serve in the military. If this marine is convicted of any crime it will show just how crooked our justice system really is. He is to be honored.

[mrdcdd]

I have to agree with the majority of comments here regarding CBS/60 Minutes handling of this interview and the entire incident. The way the questions were worded, SGT Wuterich was already guilty, nevermind the premise that you are innocent until proven guilty. It is quite obvious to me, retired Army, that this article was decidedly slanted against the US Military, and the Marines in particular. Mr Pelley constantly referred to "killing everyone in the house" even when the MArine CPT indicicated that that is NOT the standard.

[tomread2]

I just watched the 60 Minutes segment covering Staff Sgt. Frank Wuterich and his actions in Haditha. I was very disappointed and angry with Scott Pelley and CBS''s position in this matter. Has this young man not been through enough already? Why would you sit and critise his actions and decisions? Have you ever been in that position Mr. Pelley? He did what he was trained to do. Back off or go get your gear on and do it yourself!!!!!

[jsr5736]

I watched. I listened. Scott Pelley should be ashamed by the way he interviewed Sgt Wuterich. The media is surly taken with its self the way it presents one sided stories for the sake of ratings. The american news media is quickly going down the toilet. Thats all media not just CBS.

[usrgbt]

These young Marines are heroes who were exposed to terrifying and dangerous situations in the pursuit of the mission given to them by their country. They deserve the admiration and respect of everyone. The 60 Minute correspondent obviously had his mind made up as to what happened, and his judgemental questions and tone was despicable and deserves to be condemned. Several of the Marines have been cleared of all charges, and Sgt. Wuterich has not been found guilty of anything. 60 Minutes needs to do better than this story and Mr. Pelley should find a new line of work.

[duger4]

I just watched the piece Scott Pelley did on the Marines and Frank Wuterich in Haditha, Iraq and I came away from it pissed off at Pelley for his accusations and pompous attitude. Until you have been in combat and faced a life and death situation where if you do not neutralize the immediate problem you and everyone around you could wind up dead, you are not in a position to criticize. Mistakes are made in combat, but most are not malicious. Actions that are taken are frequently automatic reactions that the training has drilled into your head.

[tami_foreman]

This marine shouldn''t have to explain himself, his commrades, or anything he did that day. He''s a MARINE! HELLO! We sent him over there, we have no right to question. What happened is sad, no doubt, but so are the senseless deaths of thousands of American men and women. I don''t question, I say Thank You and May God Bless.

[cwc303]

I think Mr. Scott Pelly should be shipped over and be in charge of clearing all homes that are thought to be hostile. Since he thinks it would be simple to know the hostile homes from the not so hostile.
I am 35 years old and have no military experience. But I do understand that it is kill or be killed when you are at war. You do not have time to second guess your decisions. I believe that the US has not been allowed to win a war since WWII. With all the media coverage that sets back and makes judgements after something happens. Anyone can do that. Put them on the line and see if they make the right choice everytime. War is War and people are going to get hurt or killed. War is not a Hollywood movie where only the bad guys get shot.

[lb551]

Are you kidding me!!!! Pelley is no journalist, journalists remain neutral when reporting on stories, this is not an editorial. It is very clear what this reporters fellings are towards his subject. How many battles has he been in? I will no longer watch CBS or any of it''s subsidiaries. They have shown me that they do not support our country or our military personnel.

[imacbain-2009]

I am a Canadian veteran of WW2 and wonder why you would you give someone as unqualified as Scott Pelley an opportunity to interview a young man laying his life on the line in Iraq. How many wars has the sanctimonious Pelley fought in? He has absolutely no experience that would qualify him to conduct a fair interview, and many of his ludicrous questions attest to that. His lack of understanding of war situations should be a source of great embarassment to CBS

[sagoni]

If there is a merciful God surely American has incurred a grievous debt for all she had unjustly perpetrated against God''s children of color. You see American has a reputation for killing and stealing from poor nation of people of color. American claims to be a Christian nation yet she uses her military might for evil,by poor people of color and stealing their resources. Do you not think that your God is keeping score and that your evil doing will one day come to a end? You live by the sword and so shall you parish.

[stinkbugs]

I was deeply offended by your treatment of a guy who put his life on the line so you could have the freedom to sit in your cushy chair and pass judgment on him and grill him over his actions. That''s typical of a liberal media which has no respect for our military. I''d be glad to see you sign up so we could shift your butt to some god-forsaken place and see what you would do. I know I''d hate to be in your unit and depend upon you to keep me alive!

[jdkucher]

What happened to your unbiased reporting, This wasn''t a fair and balanced story, as many other people have commented it''s terrible that these soldiers were charged. Staff Sgt. Wuterich explained his version of the story and the quality of questions asked were very poor and one sided. In a city where everyone and anyone can kill you, I would say it''s not the soldiers that are to blame, it''s the administration that sent them there. How could they be expected to do any hold down a city where anyone could be the enemy. As your story stated, some of the casualties were in fact enemies.

[tomf471]

About "Killings in Haditha". I was appalled by the sanctimonious attitude your reporter took with the young Marine he was interviewing. His outrage was so transparent.
Nobody in their right mind wants to see innocent people killed and from this young Marine''s body language I am sure he did not want to kill innocent people. But he had been attacked. His comrads had been blown up. The area he was operating in was highly volatile. I don''t know why your reporter was so surprised at this Marine''s reaction. His reaction may well have been wrong. I don''t know what I would have done and I am sure your sanctimonious reporter can be absolutely sure what he would have done.
There is an erie similarity between his invasion of these Iraqi houses and President Bush''s invasion of Iraq. Bush believed Iraq had weapons of mass destruction, while Sgt Wuterich believed the Iraqis in the houses had weapons of destruction just as deadly to him and his men as those WMD''s Pres. Bush believed in.
I believe that Pres. Bush''s belief in WMDs was a little more of a stretch than that of Sgt. Wuterich.
How can you hold him to a hirer standard than The Pres.

[carp1958]

I happened to watch the episode of 60 Minutes that had Scott Pelley outright accusing Sgt. Wuterich of murder. This is an article that should anger all Americans, Democrat or Republican. This man is the same as myself and as Scot Pelley, except he choose to be a soldier. If Scott thinks the Sgt. should feel sorry for what he did, then maybe Scott and the rest of the press covering this "conflict" should go into these areas and idenify the enemies so the soldiers dont make mistakes. The problem is we dont go to war any more, we enter into conflicts. Inocent people die in wars, thats a terrible tragedy. Dont judge these mens intentions or challenge their reactions unless you are willing to put down your microphones, pick up a weapon, and defend our freedoms. Your and my forefathers would be ashamed of you.

[frankoharry]

Scott Pelley''s sanctimony in that interview sickened me. Unfortunately, Wuterich and young Americans like him have split-second choices to make with deep and far-reaching consequences under the extreme duress of combat. War has and will always be like this. Pelley''s most difficult decision of the day must have been whether to wear his red or blue tie during the interview, while no doubt getting paid many times more than Wuterich. Pelley came off as some sort of pious fraud -- pretty standard fare from CBS News.

[jack-a-2009]

Scott Pelley ought to be ashamed of this story. Here we have soldiers fighting terrorists that do not wear uniforms, are not in the open, and INCLUDE women and children as suicide murderers, and this sanctimonious "journalist" can sit in the confy of his American office and judge these soldiers. I was never in the service, but what these soldiers have to go through to protect their well being gives me the chills. Scott, show us how brave you really are, lead these men into these houses, and let them know if occupied by terrorists or citizens. If terrorists, our brave soldiers can do their jobs. If citizens, Scott, you will have saved many "innocent" lives. How easy it is to judge after the fact.

[jayfl11]

You should have kept the part of the interview where Scott Pelley volunteered himself, family members and friends to enter buildings in a war zone to make sure the soldiers were going to face danger or not. Then we wouldn''t have such a biased report on how one should react when serving the country and living with danger around every corner. Oh, that''s right, Mr. Pelley doesn''t have the courage to volunteer for a mission where he may die.

[frankoharry]

Scott Pelley''s sanctimony in that interview sickened me. Unfortunately, Wuterich and young Americans like him have split-second choices to make with deep and far-reaching consequences under the extreme duress of combat. War has and will always be like this. Pelley''s most difficult decision of the day must have been whether to wear his red or blue tie during the interview, while no doubt getting paid many times more than Wuterich. Pelley came off as some sort of pious fraud -- pretty standard fare from CBS News.

[boerne08]

Once again the liberal media is undertaking the role of self-righteous judge, jury and executioner. How dare you question the details of this courageous and selfless protector of freedom. The President has the authority to send him to Irag. There is no question that he is in a wartime situation. You can debate the choice the President has made, but not the fact that this young man is serving to the best of his ability to carry out that mission. You should go to Irag and be so brave. Innocent people die in war. I''m sure the marine corps try to avoid it but when it happens it is nothing more than a fact of war. It would be nice if we just told all of the bad guys to put their guns down and quit fighting. I''m sure that''s 60 minutes other preferred method of dealing with the problems of the world. There is a time to set a higher standard of performance that each of has to do. 60 minutes, you failed this time, again!

[Rockyhound]

As a father with two sons that have seen action in the Iraq war, your reporter would get them killed. The fighters in Iraq don''t wear uniforms and I''ll bet that if I had a small house close to the road where and ied was buried, I would know about it or have helped bury it. Everyone in the area is a target. A car full of men in the immediate area that doesn''t comply is not let go because they are fleeing. If you open a door and look to see if anyone has a weapon, you will be the dead one. The family didn''t waarn the Americans about the bomb in the road, they are guilty by association. It is a war zone, not the house next door to the reporter, and I appologize to reporters everywhere for calling this guy one. The enemy doesn''t care who he kills and if he catchews you alive will make a spectical of torturing and killing you. The brave boys who fight over there should be given the benefit of the doubt.

[northstar62]

I was taught that when you are ambushed you attack into the ambushers and you continue in the attack until you are reasonably sure that you have moved through the ambush site. As a squad leader you are responsible for accomplishing your mission and bringing you men home healthy. The Sergeant was not on the upper east side of NYC He was in a combat zone. He had already lost men he was moving through the ambush site as quickly as possible trying not to lose additional men. As far as he and his men were concerned a grenade could just as easily rolled out the door as in.

Pelley is typical of most of the news (entertainers) on the air today. They have never had the responsibilities that the sgt. had on his shoulders that night and have absolutely no understanding of combat. They are armchair commando''s who sit in judgement on our troops with the advantage of knowledge that the sgt. had no way of knowing at the time. For him to speak so condesendingly to combat Marines is disgusting. Of course he is sorry for any innocent victims in this case however hindsite is only available to survivors and those who weren''t there.

Murtha should know better. In my opinion he has moved from ''former'' to ''ex''.

Semper Fi

[claudethurst]

This CBS reporter really ticked me off with the way he conducted that interview with the US Marine. First hhe should never be allowed to interview any US Marine or Soldier re combat tactics. North Africa, March 1943, Tenes, Algeria, North Africa walking guard duty at night:US Navy Amphibious Training base, our orders were shoot & ask questions later for any attempt to violate our perimeter.The enemy was recognizable. Where we are now, difficult if not impossible to tell the enemy from the normal citizens. Tradgedies will happen, regrettable. That''s war.

[kmarple]

Has Scott Pelley ever served in the military? If he had, I can''t imagine he would have asked those same accusatory questions. The questions he asked of Sgt. Wuterich were disgraceful and he should be ashamed of himself!

[nucklhead13]

As far as this Marine''s actions go we must understand all the combat training Marines go through. That and how combat was fought in Vietnam, Korea and World War Two. No one should forget how many of those young men were killed by people who did not wear a uniform and how the military from Japan never sorendered.

[nucklhead13]

IN this case remember combat training and the history of how many young Marines have given their lives against Vietnam Korea, and Japan. In my caes once a Marine allways a Marine applies.

[tomac6]

Unbelievable, unbelievable!
We are going to as the United States of America justify and blame our Marines for doing their job.
Staff Sgt. Frank Wuterich by the way who was 25 years of age had a family, but is now divorced because of his duty to his country.
Scott Pelley questioned Sgt. Wuterich as if he was the enemy as he sat in his 60 minutes chair in his suit. Was Mr. Pelley ever in combat? This is an outrage. I am not an individual who believes in this war, but I am an individual who believes in our servicemen 110%.
I don%u2019t recall Iraq apologizing to anyone in this war or 911.
Hello America, this is ridiculous. One has to believe that when we go to war we need our service men to spend time with the enemy families instead being in combat. It is devastating when anyone is killed. We all suffer for these families.
The majority of Americans, I believe, are compassionate and are devastated about violence and the war but to put one of our servicemen on a network for the whole world to identify and target is a travesty. So now the enemy can say how horrible Americans truly are and they would be justified in another attack on the US.
I do not believe in murder but this surely wasn%u2019t as we sit in our comfortable chair and judge actions thousands of miles away during time of war. I think judgment is in the eye of the beholder.
This was war!

[marig0107]

Maybe next time when a situation like that presents itself, a CBS news anchor should be sent into a house to find out if there are hostiles or friendlies in there. When the anchor goes down, then the Marines will know it''s okay to shoot.

[goodgod4-2009]

the soldier needs to show some balls and let this
silver-spooned civilian know that he is serving his country, so that Pelly can sit there like the smug, accusational, prima donna he is and conduct this interview. shame on the marines for allowing this
soldier to fight a battle he''s not trained for. i''d like to see that self-righteous son of a *** Pelly bully a soldier with some brass on his shoulder, he''d be crucified! Buck Fush!!!! A real president would have ended this fiasco long ago, now he''s going to pass the buck to the next political sucker.

What a joke!

[jenjac79]

Scott Pelley, you are pathetic. First, I am and have always been against this war, however your interview with Sgt. Wuterich was typical for CBS and so called journalism today! You do not report on the facts, you sensationalize and throw in your obvious bias. This man and his fellow Marines were under attack. What do you expect to happen in war? Your obvious dislike of Sgt. Wuterich was horribly evident. Again I have never supported this war, but I support Sgt. Wuterich and all of his Marines and think there is something seriously wrong with this country when we send our troops into harms way and then don''t like what happens when they do the job our leaders have asked them to do....

[seerawf]

Scott Pelley should be fired, that is if CBS has any morals left whatsoever. Apparently asking a soldier to apologize for doing his or her job is right up CBS''s alley, I felt physically sick when I saw this story and the way OUR military persons can be cornered and belittled by these hack reporters. How dare you question someone about making a split second decision over a human life... It''s a horrible situation to be in, no one wants to be a part of it. Shame on you CBS, perhaps we should try to support our military rather than make them question their loyalty and commitment. Absolutely absurd

[amadamia]

How dare you 60min!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Have you been through Marine boot camp? We are taught to shoot first as questions later. Once I was in the Marines, the title I am greatly proud of.
These Marines are doing their job, this what we have been trained to do.

To me it seems as we are repeating the story here. We have Border Patrol agents put in jail for doing their job, Mexican Government telling our government what to do, now this with the Marines. Our nation can''t afford to be PC. During WWII nothing like this happend. Where is the back bone of our goverment? Who''s getting paid off What special interest groups are involved?

60 Min. You have vets who are reporters. This doesn''t anger you? It pains me to see other Marines questioned for their duty to country. 60 min, perhaps you need to have your sons and daughters enlist, have them kill people in the name of freedom, and them lets see how you feel when you see your flesh and blood questioned on national T.V.

I SUPPORT THE MARINES 100%
SEMPER FI

[amadamia]

How dare you 60min!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Have you been through Marine boot camp? We are taught to shoot first as questions later. Once I was in the Marines, the title I am greatly proud of.
These Marines are doing their job, this what we have been trained to do.

To me it seems as we are repeating the story here. We have Border Patrol agents put in jail for doing their job, Mexican Government telling our government what to do, now this with the Marines. Our nation can''t afford to be PC. During WWII nothing like this happend. Where is the back bone of our goverment? Who''s getting paid off What special interest groups are involved?

60 Min. You have vets who are reporters. This doesn''t anger you? It pains me to see other Marines questioned for their duty to country. 60 min, perhaps you need to have your sons and daughters enlist, have them kill people in the name of freedom, and them lets see how you feel when you see your flesh and blood questioned on national T.V.

I SUPPORT THE MARINES 100%
SEMPER FI

[amadamia]

How dare you 60min!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Have you been through Marine boot camp? We are taught to shoot first as questions later. Once I was in the Marines, the title I am greatly proud of.
These Marines are doing their job, this what we have been trained to do.

To me it seems as we are repeating the story here. We have Border Patrol agents put in jail for doing their job, Mexican Government telling our government what to do, now this with the Marines. Our nation can''t afford to be PC. During WWII nothing like this happend. Where is the back bone of our goverment? Who''s getting paid off What special interest groups are involved?

60 Min. You have vets who are reporters. This doesn''t anger you? It pains me to see other Marines questioned for their duty to country. 60 min, perhaps you need to have your sons and daughters enlist, have them kill people in the name of freedom, and them lets see how you feel when you see your flesh and blood questioned on national T.V.

I SUPPORT THE MARINES 100%
SEMPER FI

[seerawf]

Scott Pelley should be fired, that is if CBS has any morals left whatsoever. Apparently asking a soldier to apologize for doing his or her job is right up CBS''s alley, I felt physically sick when I saw this story and the way OUR military persons can be cornered and belittled by these hack reporters. How dare you question someone about making a split second decision over a human life... It''s a horrible situation to be in, no one wants to be a part of it. Shame on you CBS, perhaps we should try to support our military rather than make them question their loyalty and commitment. Absolutely absurd

[cdw1943]

Scott Pelley''s hit piece on Sgt. Wuterich was despicable and in keeping with the same *** that facilitated our defeat in Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh once stated, that their struggle would be won or lost in the streets of America...Here we go again!!

[uscitizen4]

In more than 40 YEARS of watching 60 minutes I have never been so offended by your show as Scot Pelly''s interview of that marine. I dont give a *** what that marine thought and did in that combat zone, it is and will forever be as tragic as war is, that innocent people will die with the enemy. Mr Pelly, I hope I never see your face in public, cause I will spit on you as the traitor to your country that you are. Questions are one thing, but you sharpened your tongue on both sides in trying to indict and convict that marine, second guessing his right to kill or be killed. You not only have not earned that right, but he and his fellow marines paid with the destruction of their families and their very lives, so you can live in peace, Mr Pelly, may you die alone and rot in hell for your treason.
Shawn Quinlivan

[goodgod4-2009]

Well-said Brigdgeway2.
Amen.

[srpratt58]

I have a 22 year grandson who is a Marine and his 17 year old brother currently in Marine bootcamp. The 22 year earned a Purple Heart while in Iraq after an hitting a landmine with a 5 ton truck and being ambushed by an IED. He is looking at having to go back again in March. I began watching 60 Minutes this evening with Scott Pelley doing the interview of Sgt. Wuterich. I had to leave the room! Nobody asked the people who set the landmine or fired the IED at my Grandson and his group of people if they were the enemy. Nor did they ask the innocent Iraqis who were killed by another landmine not far away. CBS lists their Rules of Engagement to post here. I think they should have Rules of Engagement for their reporters! The military also has Rules of Engagement in Irag which I believe put our military personnel at serious risk. One way to solve this war and issues regarding irresponsible reporting and grand standing is to require ALL REPORTERS and ALL POLITICIANS to go through military traing and serve one year in a war zone. Let them see their best friend blown apart or the innocent Iraqis who have been killed by other Iraqis. Lets see what we get involved in then and also how it''s reported. My grandsons are very proud to be American and take serving our country very seriously. I am tired of the press blaming our military for doing what they are trained to do and what they stepped up to plate to do...serve our country.