‘Friendly Fire’ Reprimands Reported

Three Army officers involved in a “friendly fire” incident that resulted in the death of a U.S. soldier during the Persian Gulf War have received letters of reprimand, a Pentagon source said Wednesday.

Sgt. Douglas (Lance) Fielder, a combat engineer from Nashville, Tenn., was killed when 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment troops mistook him and three comrades for Iraqi soldiers and fired at them.

The letters were ordered six weeks ago by Gen. Edwin H. Burba Jr., commander of the Forces Command, said the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Burba’s action overruled four previous military investigations that had recommended exoneration of the officers, the Washington Post reported in today’s editions.

Reprimands can damage the promotion chances of career officers. Two of the officers have already left or announced plans to leave the Army. The third now finds his career in the balance.