Air Force pilot doesn't like his bosses releasing information that documents mistakes he made in a bombing that killed several soldiers.
Pilot in bomb error sues Air Force for defamation
Associated Press Published April 10, 2006
SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS -- A decorated pilot involved in a 2002 friendly fire bombing in Afghanistan that killed four Canadian soldiers is suing the Air Force, accusing it of ruining his reputation.
Illinois National Guard Maj. Harry Schmidt says military officials should not have released to the public the scathing letter of reprimand he was given for the bombing.
His lawsuit, filed Friday in federal court in Springfield, alleges the military violated privacy laws. It seeks unspecified damages.
The disclosure in July 2004 also violated a settlement agreement that spared Schmidt from being court-martialed for the 2002 bombing that killed four Canadian soldiers and injured eight others, said his lawyer, Charles Gittins.
Pilot Schmidt sues air force Apr. 10, 2006. 01:00 AM
SPRINGFIELD, ILL.A U.S. pilot involved in the bombing that killed four Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan on April 18, 2002, is suing the U.S. Air Force, accusing it of ruining his reputation.
National Guard Maj. Harry Schmidt says military officials should not have released to the public a scathing letter of reprimand he got for the bombing that killed Cpl. Ainsworth Dyer, Sgt. Marc Lger, Pte. Richard Green and Pte. Nathan Smith and hurt eight other Canadians engaged in a live fire exercise near Kandahar airport.
His lawsuit, filed Friday in federal court, alleges the military violated privacy laws and a settlement agreement that spared Schmidt from court-martial. It seeks unspecified damages.