I suspect none of us, even those of you who have experienced similar circumstances, can put ourselves in the boots of the young man who fired the shot. I expect, under those circumstances, each situation is different.

This enemy does not fight by the same rules, however, that those of you who are so critical of the young Marine, expect from the coalition forces. Yes, Mick, it is well and good to lecture us "do not knows because we haven't been there" guys, but I hazard a guess that even you couldn't predict what you would do under similar circumstances. This is an enemy that plants booby traps on the dead and wounded. Perhaps that young Marine thought the wounded man was a threat ...had a grenade or other type weapon hidden from view.

I think we have to wait until we know the facts. The Marines will not whitewash the incident, I'm sure. The press won't allow that. If the young man is in the wrong, he should be punished. However, the circumstances of the situation must be taken into account.

DougR