ANN ARBOR, MI – His official 2006 Combat Fitness Report from Colonel Davis declared Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Chessani “A superb leader, who knows his men, knows the enemy, knows his business,” and recommended him for promotion. The reviewing Major General Huck added, Lieutenant Colonel Chessani has “unlimited potential and value to the Marine Corps,” and also recommended him for promotion.
Although his superiors considered him one of the most effective combat commanders in Iraq, Lieutenant Colonel Chessani is now facing criminal charges arising out of the so-called “Haditha massacre” of November 19, 2005—even though he was not at the scene. He is the highest ranking officer charged. If convicted, this 19 year Marine veteran and the father of 5 young children, who served in the Panama Invasion, the Persian Gulf War, and three tours in Iraq, could be dismissed (dishonorable discharge) from the Marine Corps, lose all his retirement benefits, and possibly serve 3 years in prison. His preliminary hearing (equivalent of a grand jury hearing) on the charges will begin May 30th in Camp Pendleton, California.
The following are excerpts from Lieutenant Colonel Chessani’s Combat Fitness Report (a required annual evaluation of a Marine officer’s performance) prepared by his superiors for the reporting period of September 2005 to February 2006 (This time period includes the date of the incident for which Lieutenant Colonel Chessani is facing criminal charges):
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“Leads Marines from front in every operation. Demonstrates moral courage everyday. Doesn’t hesitate to report bad news fast or contest unrealistic plans/poor concepts. Despite the complexity and size of his AO (area of operations), he always maintains a calm, cool demeanor.”
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“Always seeks advantage over complex, diverse insurgent enemy. Truly one of the finer thinkers in this COIN {counterinsurgency) environment.”
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“One of the top 3 infantry/Cav Bn cmdrs of 13 who have served with RCT –2 (the regiment) during OIF. A superb leader, who knows his men, knows the enemy, knows his business. Doesn’t attract a lot of fanfare; just gets the job done to an exceedingly high standard.”
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“Long ball hitter; recommend selection for promotion to Colonel and TLS [Top Level School].”
The Reviewing Officer, Major General Huck added his comments: “Top notch officer with outstanding potential. Promote and select for TLS (top level school). Post TLS slate for Regimental command and subsequent joint tour. Unlimited potential and value to the Marine Corps. Capable of the most challenging assignments.”
The charges against Lieutenant Colonel Chessani were incited by an inflammatory Time magazine headline accusing Marine enlisted men of “massacring innocent civilians.” The story was planted by a known terrorist propaganda operative—since discredited. Anti-war Congressman John Murtha, with influence over military appropriations, in an unprecedented action, publicly accused Marine officers of a “cover-up” even before the investigation of the incident was completed. The subsequent investigation specifically found no “cover-up” at any level of command.
Nevertheless, Lieutenant Colonel Chessani was charged with failing to investigate and properly report the incident to his superiors. The Thomas More Law Center, a national public interest law firm based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is defending Lieutenant Colonel Chessani against the charges, and believes he is being sacrificed for the sake of placating anti-war critics.
Richard Thompson, President and Chief Counsel of the Thomas More Law Center, commented, “We are eating our own, and the terrorists are laughing in their caves. Because of them one of the most effective Marine combat commanders in Iraq has been eliminated by his own government. The testimony we will elicit at the Article 32 hearing, which begins on May 30th, will show just how ridiculous and politically motivated these charges are.”
The Thomas More Law Center defends and promotes the religious freedom of Christians, time-honored family values, and the sanctity of human life through education, litigation, and related activities. It does not charge for its services. The Law Center is supported by contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations, and is recognized by the IRS as a section 501(c)(3) organization. You may reach the Thomas More Law Center at (734) 827-2001 or visit our website at www.thomasmore.org.