WASHINGTON, Dec. 22 (UPI) -- Another call has been made for President George Bush to pardon six U.S. Army reservists court-martialed for scavenging vehicle parts in Kuwait.
Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., said in a letter to Bush the six reservists, including two veteran officers who had received Bronze Stars should not have been treated as felons as their unit made its way to Iraq.
"The punishment is completely out of step with the violation," Durbin wrote. "Yes, they made a mistake, but it was not so someone could get rich -- these soldiers were trying to protect their unit and accomplish their mission."
The Cox News Service said the men were convicted of commandeering two tractors and two trailers left in Kuwait by other U.S. units that had already moved into Iraq and for stripping a third vehicle for parts they needed to repair their trucks.
Bush has also been petitioned for clemency for the Springfield, Ohio-based unit's men by Sen. Mike DeWine, R-Ohio.
