CHARLOTTE, N.C., Nov. 18 (UPI) -- A U.S. Army sergeant whose arm was mauled by a tiger at the Baghdad Zoo has had his rank restored, but soon faces a discharge, the Wall Street Journal said.
Sgt. Keith Mitchell, 33, was mauled Sept. 18, 2003, drawing international media scorn for abusive behavior by allegedly drunken soldiers, one of whom shot and killed the male Bengal tiger.
Mitchell, a 14-year veteran admitted to drinking one beer the night of the unit's barbecue.
Since December, the Army has conducted two separate investigations to determine whether Mitchell's injury was "in the line of duty" or the result of his own recklessness. A finding that he was drunk would have diminished his medical and disability benefits.
After being demoted for breaking the no-alcohol order, Mitchell won back his rank in July -- on the condition his record remain spotless for three months. He remains on active duty but spends most of his time in occupational therapy and in surgery. He said Army officials told him they were starting a process to discharge him for medical reasons.
The Army would not discuss his case.
