The Atlantic

War-Crime Pardons Dishonor Fallen Heroes

After three decades in the Marine Corps, I know how important it is to hold service members accountable.
Source: Kevin Lamarque / Reuters

President Donald Trump is reportedly planning to mark Memorial Day by pardoning several American military members accused or convicted of war crimes. If he does so, it would undermine our military-justice system, weaken good order and discipline in the ranks, erode trust with our allies and partners, and sanction the worst inclinations of our adversaries.

During my three decades in the Marine Corps, as an enlisted marine and officer, on active duty and in the Reserves, I received endless training. Some was devised to instill discipline

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