Pat Tillman, RIP

Pat Tillman, the former NFL football player, who died in Afghanistan was awarded valor medals after his death. At the time of his death, rumors swirled that Tillman had been killed by friendly fire while under enemy attack.

Various versions of his death have been offered to the public by the military, the President, and the media.

Yesterday, public records revealed that Pvt. Pat Tillman was shot three times in the forehead at a distance of 10 yards, or less, by a US military weapon, most likely an M16.

Tillman was promoted after his death, awarded medals for bravery under enemy fire. President Bush honored Tillman in speeches after his death.

All of these things happened despite the military knowing Tillman was killed by friendly fire. No evidence has ever been found of enemy attack. No soldier was hit by anything other than US weapons and friendly fire. No US vehicles or equipment was damaged or hit by enemy fire.

Details from the AP via the Gainesville Times

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Army medical examiners were suspicious about the close proximity of the three bullet holes in Pat Tillman's forehead and tried without success to get authorities to investigate whether the former NFL player's death amounted to a crime, according to documents obtained by The Associated Press.

"The medical evidence did not match up with the, with the scenario as described," a doctor who examined Tillman's body after he was killed on the battlefield in Afghanistan in 2004 told investigators.

The doctors - whose names were blacked out - said that the bullet holes were so close together that it appeared the Army Ranger was cut down by an M-16 fired from a mere 10 yards or so away.