G.I. Sentenced in Drowning Case

An Army platoon sergeant who ordered his soldiers to throw Iraqis into the Tigris River was sentenced Saturday to six months in military prison, but would not be discharged.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Tracy Perkins was convicted Friday of two counts of aggravated assault, one count of assault consummated by battery and one count of obstruction of justice. He was acquitted of involuntary manslaughter and making a false statement.

He did not testify during his trial, but before he was sentenced Saturday he told the jury of Army officers and enlisted members that his actions were wrong -- although he did not apologize to the Iraqis. He said he still loved the military and did not want to lose his job.

“If I had to go back, I would definitely do something different on those days,” Perkins said, wiping away tears.

Perkins, 33, and another soldier were accused of ordering soldiers to push two Iraqis into the river near Samarra, Iraq, in January 2004. Prosecutors say Zaidoun Fadel Hassoun, 19, drowned and his cousin, Marwan Fadel Hassoun, climbed out the river.

Defense attorneys contended Zaidoun may still be alive, but said if he was dead it was not at the hands of U.S. soldiers.

The six-person military jury -- which decided against the manslaughter conviction -- also reduced Perkins’ rank by one grade to staff sergeant, which reduces his pay and responsibilities.

Jurors considered a sentencing range of no punishment to a dishonorable discharge, rank reduction and 11 1/2 years in prison. Prosecutors had recommended five years in prison and a dishonorable or bad-conduct discharge.

Prosecutors and defense attorneys declined to comment after the sentencing.