Iraq Soldier Discusses His "Kills" (VIDEO)

In the spring of 2007, a conference was held on the outskirts of Washington, DC. Entitled Winter Soldier: Iraq and Afghanistan, it hearkened back to the Winter Soldier testimonies held three decades ago during the Vietnam War. Of the testimonies we filmed, this one, by Iraq War vet Jon Michael Turner, was the most compelling and intense.

Watch the video below:

Find more stories and video from the American News Project here.

Comments

[Maila]

MagisterLudi sees “terrorism” as the war of cowards and fanatics and I suppose narrowly defines “terrorism” so as to fit the description of war he disapproves of. What is invading a sovereign nation and slaughtering thousands of people with promises of “shock and awe” but terrorism?

[markusmarkus]

"What difference does it make to the dead, the orphans, and the homeless, whether the mad destruction is brought under the name of totalitarianism or the holy name of liberty and democracy?" - Mahatma Gandhi

[McLaren]

Maybe Gandhi is getting the answer from Washington, Jefferson, Madison, and millions of liberated humans from throughout history.

[wolfgangmo]

Ummmmm. You don't know the difference here, do you? Here is a short lesson about the differences in why Washington, Jefferson, and Madison are having coffee with Ghandi right now and nodding their heads in unison.

US revolution, internally run and organized against an occupying force. Sometimes aided by the french with weapons and naval power.

Iraq invasion. Preemptive strike on an unaware population to remove a bad man who had done NONE of the things the aggressor said he did.

[RezidentBivrip]

This soldier and any who are guilty of these war crimes should be punished accordingly. I come from a military family, know plenty of soldiers, and I have a nephew, a cousin and a good friend serving in Iraq right now. And the thought that their good names and reputations are being compromised not only to American citizens... but also to the Iraqi people they are trying to help disgusts me.

Vietnam was a draft war, there's somewhat of an excuse for their actions as being ignorant murderers... These are enlisted men. People who don't deserve to hold the title "American Soldier"

If you want to kill innocent civilians and get away with it... Join Blackwater, don't join our armed forces.

[amanda85]

"If you want to kill innocent civilians and get away with it... Join Blackwater, don't join our armed forces."

Reality check: the murderers in your armed forces have never been punished with more than a slap on the wrist, just like the Blackwater thugs. Time to stop idolizing these thugs and apply the same standard used at the Nuremberg Trials, where "I was just obeying orders" was deemed a BS excuse. Unless, of course, you think that a second standard applies to American soldiers, just because your country is the king of hypocrisy...

[fedupwithpolitics]

A soldier almost by definition is a trained killer, and most people killed during war are civilians--women and children. We have to stop deluding ourselves that the military is "defending our rights." The last few wars, started by unscrupulous administrations, demonstrate that the military has become the means by which the rich and powerful grab world power and resources. We were sold a bill of goods on Vietnam, and despite all the evidence to the contrary, we invaded Iraq for no security reason whatsoever. If we next attack Iran we will have become the most morally debased nation in history. The people who join the military set themselves up to obey war criminal administrations--but they must assume responsibility for their actions. Nuremberg taught us that much. Just say NO!

[wyldthings]

this marine should be reactivated into the Corps and be charged with war crimes. To target and wound a civilian and then kill him is against all rules of engagement and a violation of the Geneva Convention. I for one will write to the Commandant of the Maine Corps and demand that this former Marine be charged with war crimes. He admitted to murdering 2 civilians on purpose. I'm a former Marine myself combat wounded in Viet-Nam at no time would an order be given to kill civilians directly.

[jimmyjones22]

WTF is wrong with you? they aren't thugs, they are average citizens thrown into situations that you can't even imagine. this isn't the streets of London, this is a war zone. Every single person, no matter how benign they appear, is dangerous until oven otherwise.

God I wish people like you could walk a mile in another persons shoes. You seem to think that morality is completely objective and never have really stopped to think what that means.

[wolfgangmo]

And yet for those enlisted men and women who go into the armed services with honorable intentions the are met with a command structure that is without honor at this time. I believe that any ranking officers of honor have already left the military or been forced out.

And our enlisted soldiers are left with very few options, obey orders and live or stand up for honor and die.

Let's bring them home before it is too late. Let's give them the medical care and other benefits the have EARNED, and let's ship any bastard who is found to have issued any order or policy directive that led to this off to the war crimes tribunal. Let's reclaim our honor.

[GayGrandpa]

Part 2

"I saw hacked bodies still alive

I saw bodies dead and bloated

I saw bodies with their head, arms, and legs cut off and tied to bamboo as a human scarecrow

I saw friends’ body parts that couldn’t be put in any body bag

I saw into the eyes of children as I killed them

I saw a friend blown from his truck as it hit a mine

I saw day turn to night as the world around me exploded

I saw my blood and that of another on my clothing

I saw the inside of a mash unit from an operating table..."

[amanda85]

All of the above also applies to the nazi soldiers who committed war crimes in WWII.
Would you excuse them?
Should a second standard apply to American soldiers just because...well...just because they are American and therefore unaccountable to anyone? (The US is not a signatory of the World Court.)

[GayGrandpa]

Part 1

So many responses on here make me sick, like the one above! No one knows what it is like unless you are there...how can anyone make these comparisons or judgments? How dare you suggest you are going to punish soldiers, how can you do that honestly and fairly...do you think they all will be as honest and forthcoming as this one? Eighteen vets a day commit suicide and we want to punish soldiers more but leave the President the VP intact with honor? We do not want to fund their education but we are eager to throw then into jail.

War is a brutal attack on families and children and soldiers! Soldiers are young naive boys mostly are they are thrown into a hell they were never prepared for nor ever could be prepared for. They are taught to kill kill kill without remorse feeling or responsibility and you wish to hold them and not our leaders and ourselves responsible and how do you know what your family is doing there? What bull! How do you know?! Is there an embedded news person with him or her all the time...you know nothing! I have five brothers who served, two in Nam, here is only part of what one (a purple heart and bronze star recipient) wrote:

[amanda85]

"No one knows what it is like unless you are there...how can anyone make these comparisons or judgments?"

Ever heard of the Nuremberg Trials? Would you excuse the German soldiers who committed war crimes because --poor things-- they were under stress and exhausted? Or should a second standard apply to good ol' American boys when they murder innocent civilians?

[mi]

This young man has a soul, apparantly those who feel this was
all "okay" are lost.

[danielmcvicar]

My prayers are with this young man, and for all those that have been injured by our involvement in Iraq. This misguided destructive war continues in a world with a terrible disconnect. I hope we can find our way back, and out. It will take courage and honesty.

[Pacorzine]

Give me a break! I'm so tired of hearing these "confessions" from soldiers who have done horrible things, and then--lo and behold--they realize after they come home and been discharged that what they did was wrong! Then, all of a sudden, THEY are the victims of morally bankrupt officers.
This is hogwash! They knew what they were doing when they were doing it. There's no excuse, no "fog of war," no "trained to kill," no "in a rage of revenge" that excuses them. They are NOT victims.

[freeheeler]

I agree and disagree with you Pacorzine. These soldiers knew the rules of war yet committed war crimes and crimes against humanity. As such they should be punished to the full extent of the law.

But, the punishment of the soldiers should be small in proportion to that levied against those at the top who lied us into this unjust and illegal war.

Bush, Rove, McClellan, Cheney, Rummy, etc. put our troops into a position where it was inevitable that our soldiers would commit crimes. As such, the justice brought against these people should be terrible indeed.

[deb3mscapecod]

I watched a Memorial Day special about a soldier in Vietnam who carried tremendous guilt after he killed a young VC soldier and later found a photo of he and his daughter in the dead soldiers pocket. Bottom line it was concluded by experts in the Military that soldiers with PTSD are more likely to have killed someone than not. Also. the killing (close contact) was the primary cause of the stress.

[researcher]

well we had a good old protest today in phx and the news media gave it about 20 seconds of coverage.

few college students mostly older people over 50. left over vietnam protestors.

americans most are out and out war mongers and dont have a clue.

most that drove by where on their cell phones coming home from work i would guess and felt inconvenienced that they had to wait for all of us to walk across the street.

not a proud america. as i heard one person yell kill them over there so we dont have to kill them over here. american mentality ie imperialists.

[Berettasskeeter]

I invite you all to watch the Military Channel this week. They are featuring "The Battle for Fallujah". In it, you will see our young Marines, in action and in their own words. Not the poor young man featured in this hit piece.
Semper fi

[CaseyBabes]

Marine.....you're on the wrong posting site if you think someone here will believe anything good about you guys.
Tip of my wings to you.

[Berettasskeeter]

I'm in the right site. I believe that one must know one's opposition in order to better understand them. I normally disagree with most of what I read here, but not always. Nonetheless, I'll keep commenting. It's fun!
Semper fi

[wolfgangmo]

We all have our own reality. Yours seems tied to the belief that the marines can do no wrong.

I will try to watch the piece you suggest although I do not own a tv. I support the marines and I work with several of your colleagues when they are not deployed, but the political operatives who advise your "commander in chief" do not hold your honor or your lives as valuable.

I am tired of the military being treated this way. I hope you are as well. You deserve better.

[McLaren]

As opposed to most on this board who believe they can do no right?
I'll take a veteran for my neighbor any day over the typical slack-jawed "citizen."

[Berettasskeeter]

People can do wrong, as the young man highlighted shows. The Corps is an institution that answers to the Administration and Congress. Mistakes are more of a policy nature. I always hope that my fellow Marines and GI's will be treated well. Usually, I am gratified to find that they are.
Semper fi

[separatingwheatfromchaff]

Revealing what some of the causes of PTSD could be and being brave enough to expose the truth without knowing the consequences of his actions says a lot about this soldiers character.I hope this brings him some peace.Now let's get our troops home asap.

[awcbuddy8]

A) he was a marine, not a soldier

B)if he wanted peace, then he shouldn't have joined the marine corps

[Jess27]

Not all Marines want war. There are a lot of us that want peace.

[wolfgangmo]

So why did you join the marines?

Also, to most civilians all military personnel are soldiers. I don't think it is meant as an insult but rather as a general term. Ease up there AWC.

[ideasmatter]

I am sickened, completely nauseated. I didn't expect it to be that bad in Iraq. What I'd like to know is how prevalent this is, what percentage of our troops behaves like this? Why is this not all over the mainstream media? Why is there no Congressional investigation?

The reaction of the right-wing commentators perplexes me: one is not supporting the troops if one objects to this? Then one asks: what's the point? The point is that this behavior flies in the face of everything we claim this nation stands for: human rights, rule of law, common decency, freedom. If this is allowed, how are we different from Al Qaeda? And then the lamest cop-out: this happens in every war. Yes, it probably does, but that doesn't mean we have to condone or even accept it. It also underscores that war should only be the last resort, not some impulse from a lazy and incompetent leader. I want my country to be better than this!

Then, in response to those that are exasperated ("The public would rather watch American Idol"): if this were really out there in the media, people would react, initially in disbelief probably, but in the end they would demand an end to it. The real disgrace is that this is not all over the mainstream media.

[Jess27]

This type of behavior is not in every unit. The unit I was with never allowed anyone to shoot unless you were being shot at. There are a lot of units that follow the rules of engagement very strictly. I don't know how wide spread this is, but it is probably limited to a few of the infantry units. I also think that stories like these are limited to the beginning of the war. I find it hard to believe after Hathida, commanders would dare to encourage killing innocent people.

[CitizenLegislatorCC]

Again, I highly recommend this hearing from May 15th this year, if you want more details from other veterans who served long after the beginning of the occupation (three hours of testimony from a couple of panels):

http://www.c-spanarchives.org/library/index.php?main_page=product_video_info&products_id=205390-1

The overarching problem seems to be the rules of engagement - and how they were or were not enforced, if clearly defined (which apparently was not a given). This obviously speaks to the chain of command and its attitude toward the average Iraqi citizen, who's dressed the same way as the "enemy" we're trying to find/create/attack.

And yes, 'ideasmatter' - why, indeed, is there no Congressional investigation? Every Member of Congress should be forced to answer that question (despite the fact that the "media" of course WON'T be asking it - their self-assigned role now is to obscure, not to reveal).

[mike53]

Soldiers are to trained to kill. Its what they do. This is a nonstory.

[amanda85]

Soldiers aren't trained to kill **INNOCENT CIVILIANS.** That's what the S S were doing in W W II and what your guys are doing now.

[walk0nwalls]

Sorry lass, but it goes back to then too. Lest we forget Dresden.

[robXdion]

You just told another poster to 'grow up'. You could use some growing too. Ever served in an infantry unit? I have. What these men did is "murder", not some soldierly attack or defensive maneuver. This is a "war crime".

[Berettasskeeter]

Does anyone have any proof that he did what he claimed? If so, not turning it over to the authorities is, in itself, a crime.
Semper fi

[Berettasskeeter]

What makes it a story is that its probably a lie!
Semper fi

[VOTER]

Here is where you show just how little you do know when you accuse

this man of being a liar.

Your "Semper fi" postings are meaningless.

[freeheeler]

Berrett, the words "semper fi" have been tarnished forever by the lies of this administration and by the refusal of people like you to stand up and demand justice against those who told these lies.

Until you who were lied into war demand that Bush, Cheney, Rummy, et al. face justice for their lies and crimes against humanity, semper fi will mean the same as semper lie.

[StaggerLee]

Trained to kill innocent people, really? Just to take out there aggression, you think that's right? You must believe Iraqi's aren't worthy of being treated humanely.

[deb3mscapecod]

I have found that those who glorify killing have never experienced close contact killing, and those who did and felt it was something to brag about did so because they could not live with themselves if they could not justify it. I met a guy once who admitted in a fit of anger that he threw a VC out of a helicoptor. Funny thing is he is on all kinds of meds now and still thinks the Vietnam War was a good thing. Actually it seems to be a macho thing. Glorifying killing that is.... I know guys I work with that pushed their kids in the Marines when they never served themselves. They think the war is the coolest thing ever.....stupid

[Tommygun264]

Soldiers are trained to fight other soldiers and to defend themselves when attacked, not to massacre innocent civilians. This is not a video game where everyone is a target and the lives of people with dark skin who practice different religions are no less valuable than our own. Your indifference to human suffering is not only sickening and immoral, it is un-American. Shame on you.

[nonconformist2]

WOW! Finally some soldiers, knowing that they will face relentless criticism, choose to tell the truth. It reminds me so much of the scenes of vietnam veterans telling the truth about the horrors of war and what they were encouraged to do. Remember the famous picture of the vietnamese child running down the street with his/her skin burned off from Napalm? It's a hard truth that every American needs to listen to. For way too long, this war has been scrubbed and sanitized for the viewing public. We, as Americans, I feel have been "protected" from the reality of war for too long. These types of experiences are WHY so many soldiers have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. War makes humans behave in ways that are so inhuman, it is difficult to live with. I am awed by this young man's courage to tell the truth.

[researcher]

amen to our words

[researcher]

sorry meant amen to your words. freudian slip maybe???????

[nyckingpin]

Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld are war criminals.

[wolfgangmo]

They are just the sliver of ice from the top of the iceberg.

[Samnite]

Oh give me a break. Most Americans are happy to see Muslims killed. They quite simply do not understand the difference between an Iraqi, an Iranian or someone from Saudi Arabia because they're all too stupid and ignorant about the world beyond their sitcoms.

We've all come across them almost on a daily basis. For the most part they're just like that idiot in the WH.

Yes, it's terrible that we've turned our soldiers into killing machines under the guise of defending their country while the real objective is to increase the influence and profit of a few. It is pure hypocrisy!

[necromancer]

yeah! I agree with U Samnite.

A typical example of this type of negative stereo casting is 'Dunkindoughnut' pulling an advert by some actress sporting a SCARF that looks to much like an Arab head dress.
Christ! your society is bankrupt.
Please change for the better, it is possible.

[walk0nwalls]

Once the conservatives leave and this lingering spectre of 1930s "White America" vanishes then we can move forward. Until then i look forward to dismantleing our military.

[parkjung]

No wonder the young troops all support Barack Obama. They know this war needs to end.

War is hell, but a pre-emptive war...how do you reconcile that one?

[nonconformist2]

I think this is the only time in the history of our country we engaged in "preemptive" war. What's next? Preemptive nuclear annilation of Iran (just in case they one day acquire a bomb)?

[mike53]

THey do noy support Obama..few clear headed people do.

[nellie]

You haven't been reading the news. They do support Obama. And if you don't know this and you're pretending to support the troops, you need to get current with the facts.

[Jess27]

I support Obama. I am not an active duty Marine any more, but I am in the IRR.

[mike53]

Troops support Obama? Ours or thiers?

[nellie]

Ours, wise guy.

[Berettasskeeter]

Just what IS the big deal about pre-emptive war? Does one have to be attacked before responding is legitimate? Why? Who says?
As for "war of choice", which you did not mention, but which I've seen many times on HuffPo, all wars are wars of choice. The defending party always has a choice. They can fight, or they can surrender! Fighting is a choice!
Semper fi

[Bjarni]

Would like to see how you'd view it if it were the chineese attacking the US due to "Claims of possible hostile action"
The big deal is that the reason for the US to attack a country for reasons that 5 years later aren't even justified.
1) The US sold Saddam WMD's
2) They haven't found any in Iraq or atleast not willing to release that information if they did.
And now the talking point is that they overthrew a dictator and are establishing a democracy. Kinda dumb to establish Democracy (Majority rules / two wolfs and a sheep deciding what's for dinner) in a country that doesn't want it when the US isn't even a democracy, the US is a Republic (Rule of Law)
The US has to date killed many times more people in Iraq, directly or indirectly by destabilizing the country, in 5 years than Saddam's regime killed in 20 years.
Additionally the US is not the defending party, so your little example is giving more merit for the Iraqis to keep resisting.

[timmcveighjr]

what war? this is an invasion/occupation. they are fighting from friggin donkey carts. (and i don't get your syntax. "does one have to be attacked before 'responding'.............." how can you "respond" to something that doesn't exist? that goes against the very definition. we INVADED thier country under totally false pretense.

[McLaren]

Well, first of all, it isn't a "pre-emptive" war. It is a continuation of the first Gulf War. Iraq signed a cease-fire agreement. Iraq violated that agreement. Hostilities resumed. Saddam is gone.
Now 25 million Muslims (who we Americans supposedly want to kill) have been liberated.