Initially charged with murder, CWO Lewis Welshofer Jr. was instead, convicted of negligent homicide and negligent dereliction of duty. He was sentenced to a $6,000.00 fine in pay and restricted to his barracks and workplace for 60 days.

Chief Welshofer apparently was charged in the death of a high ranking Iraqi General. The General was placed inside a sleeping bag while Welshofer sat on his chest, periodically clamping his hand over the General’s mouth. He interrogated him while using this method, but the General died of heart problems, probably from being so scared he was finally captured. So what do the “big shots” do after this American trooper has made his best attempt to get the Iraqi to sing? They charge him with murder – carrying a life sentence – yeah you heard me. Way to back up our boys! Attacks in surrounding areas were reported to have all but ceased after the General was captured and subsequently suffered a heart attack.

It’s WAR folks, people get killed, maimed and POW’s are “roughly” treated during interrogations. The General should have spilled the beans sooner, and been treated well. Instead he kicks the bucket, and prosecutors are calling for somebody to blame – so why not Chief Warrant Officer Lewis Welshofer? No, he’s not the monster that he was alleged to be by the prosecution team, but a trained soldier, instructed in this and many more interrogation techniques, I’m sure.

Thank God that the court rallied behind Welshofer, who had many character witnesses and supporters present. His charges were reduced and he will go free. Justice was served! Now, a reviewing General will read and probably hear the case on tape. This final official has the power to reduce the sentence even further or overturn it completely, but only toward more leniency – now that “is” cool! You probably saved a lot of casualties to our troops due to this incident CWO Welshofer.

So, this one’s dedicated to you! Read CNN Full Coverage of this story!