The case, which stirred deep and conflicting emotions across Canada, is thought to have been the first in which United States Air Force pilots faced criminal charges for what the military calls "friendly fire." The four soldiers were the first Canadians killed in a combat zone since the Korean war.
The F-16 pilots, Maj. Harry Schmidt, 37, and Maj. William Umbach, 44, of the Illinois Air National Guard were charged by the Air Force with involuntary manslaughter, aggravated assault and dereliction of duty. If convicted at a court-martial, they could have received up to 64 years in prison.
Lt. Gen. Bruce Carlson, who as Eighth Air Force commander has final authority on whether to prosecute such cases, concluded after reviewing the case that both pilots should be subject to nonjudicial punishment, as opposed to criminal prosecution, Pentagon officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity. The general's decision is expected to be announced this afternoon.
The decision is not entirely surprising, since an Air force hearing officer recommended in March that the criminal charges be dismissed. |
