How the Army Lies

By now, nearly everyone knows that Pat Tillman was shot to death by his own platoon in Afghanistan. After his death, his family and the public were told of Pat's heroism under 'enemy fire.' Tillman was awarded a Silver Star.

Months later, the Army confessed to distorting all the details of Pat Tillman's murder.

Tillman was killed by his fellow platoon members.

Now we are learning, nearly 4 years later, how far the Army went with the lies and the coverage, burning Tillman's uniform, cutting phone lines, and giving 'orders' to withhold information from Tillman's brother.

The lies and cover up started with fellow Ranger, Russell Baer.

Ranger Spc. Russell Baer had witnessed Rangers shooting at Rangers. Afterward, he was directed to travel from Afghanistan to the United States with his friend Kevin Tillman. But he was ordered not to tell Pat Tillman's brother and fellow Ranger that friendly fire was the likely cause of the former football player's death.

Non-commissioned officers knew the truth.

Two other sergeants who examined Tillman's vest noticed the bullet holes appeared to be from 5.56-caliber bullets — signature American ammunition. An awful realization dawned on the sergeants, whose names, like those of others who testified in the investigation, were deleted from the recently released testimony.

"At this time was when I had realized Tillman may have been killed by friendly fire," one of them said.

Material evidence was burned and destroyed.

Nearby on the same base, a staff sergeant was in his tent when a captain walked in and told him to burn Tillman's bloody clothing. . . Then he left the staff sergeant to his work: placing Tillman's uniform, socks, gloves and body armor into a 55-gallon drum and burning them.

Guards were posted to keep the wounded from talking.

Spc. Jade Lane lay in a hospital bed in Afghanistan, recovering from gunshot wounds inflicted by the same fellow Rangers who had shot at Tillman. Amid his shock and grief, Lane noticed guards were posted on him.

"I thought it was strange," Lane recalled. Later, he said, he learned the reason for their presence: The news media were sniffing around, and Lane's superiors "did not want anyone talking to us," he said.

...and who shall guard the Guardians? Who shall make sure the Guardians make no mistakes?