Soldier Says CO Sent Him Back for Ear

[unhappycamper]

Soldier Says CO Sent Him Back for Ear
February 24, 2009
Fayetteville Observer

The Fort Bragg soldier accused of killing and mutilating an unarmed Afghan said his commander jokingly asked if he had gotten the man's ear after reporting the incident.

Master Sgt. Joseph Newell, 39, of Tecumseh, Mich., testified Monday that before he went back to the Afghan's body the first time, Capt. James Walters jokingly said, "Hey, did you get the ear?"

Newell said the comment, followed by laughter, made him perturbed.

Newell, who was a team sergeant with the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group, said that when he returned with the unidentified man's ear, Walters said, "OK, that's better."

Newell's testimony came during the third day of his court-martial on Fort Bragg. If convicted, he could face life in prison.


Rest of article at: http://www.military.com/news/article/February-2009/soldier-says-co-sent-him-back-for-ear.html?col=1186032310810