President Donald Trump has surprised the Americans and defied Pentagon as he pardoned several soldiers who were previously accused of war crimes.
Among the three soldiers the POTUS pardoned was a Navy SEAL Chief Petty Officer Edward Gallagher who came under fire after murdering an ISIS fighter and posing for a picture next to his dead body.
After the 40-year-old was convicted of a lesser charge, his rank was demoted and he had $10,000 cut from his salary.
Thanks to the US President, however, Mr. Gallagher’s rank was reinstated. “There are no words to describe how grateful my family and I are to our President – Donald J Trump for his intervention and decision,” the Navy SEAL said.
Besides Gallagher, Trump has also cleared the name of Clint Lorance and ordered his release. Lorance, who is an ex-army lieutenant, was charged and convicted of murder after ordering his soldiers to shoot three Afghan civilians.
The third soldier whom Trump pardoned was Army Green Beret Major Mathew L. Golsteyn who was set to face trial for murder charges after shooting a Taliban bombmaker.
According to the reports, the president personally called the servicemen to inform them that they have been granted pardons.
All three soldiers are known as heroes among the conservatives and Trump has previously expressed his disagreement with their punishment. “We train our boys to be killing machines, then prosecute them when they kill,” he said.
“The president, as Commander-in-Chief, is ultimately responsible for ensuring that the law is enforced and when appropriate, that mercy is granted,” the White House announced after the decision was taken.
“For more than two hundred years, presidents have used their authority to offer second chances to deserving individuals, including those in uniform who have served our country.
“These actions are in keeping with this long history. As the President has stated, ‘when our soldiers have to fight for our country, I want to give them the confidence to fight.’”
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Replaced!