Operation Desert Storm: Investigation of a U.S. Army Fratricide Incident

The 3rd Squadron Commander had received a Bronze Star for services during Operation Desert Storm. Following investigation into circumstances surrounding the fratricide incident, revocation of the award was approved by the Secretary of the Army. The Commander, Military District of Washington, issued an administrative letter of reprimand in July 1995 for providing false information in an award recommendation for a subordinate involved in the friendly fire incident. That letter was filed in the commander's official military performance file in August 1995. A promotion review board convened in November 1995 and recommended that the commander's name be removed from the 1993 Colonel, Army promotion list. The Secretary of the Army approved the board's recommendation in January 1996. Following this decision, the commander's application for retirement was approved, effective January 31, 1996. Based on the foregoing, the Army has determined that no further reexamination is necessary.

The U.S. Total Army Personnel Command was tasked with several actions in regard to the recommendation. First, an Army-wide awards policy and clarification message was dispatched. This information will be incorporated in the next printed update to Army Regulation 600-8-22, "Military Awards." Second, the review action was completed for the soldiers--named in the Department of the Army Inspector General report--whose valorous awards were revoked by direction of the Secretary of the Army. Some of the award recommendations were reconstructed and service/achievement awards, when appropriate, were issued. Third, an extensive review of the 11 friendly fire incidents during Operation Desert Storm was completed. A decision memorandum outlining each incident, identifying all subsequent awards issued, and providing recommended actions was submitted to the Secretary of the Army. As of April 24, 1997, all recommendations will be implemented by the U.S. Total Army Personnel Command.