West Point superintendent takes responsibility for bloody pillow fight

WEST POINT, N.Y., Sept. 6 (UPI) -- The superintendent of West Point Military Academy took credit for the fallout of an annual pillow fight that turned bloody, injuring 30 students in the process.

Lt. Gen. Robert Caslen issued a statement that military police are investigating the Aug. 20 pillow fight, which resulted in 24 concussions, a broken nose, dislocated shoulder, fractured cheekbone and possibly a broken leg.

"Previous plebe classes have done similar events over the years," Caslen said in the statement. "A military police investigation that began the night of the incident is ongoing. I assure you that the chain of command will take appropriate action when the investigation is complete."

Caslen said that most cadets stayed within the playful spirit of the event, meant to blow off steam and build additional fellowship and loyalty among freshmen after their first summer at the academy, which was said to be particularly brutal this year.

The injuries are thought to have been caused by cadets putting helmets or other hard objects into their pillow cases before venturing out for the friendly battle.

"Although the vast majority of the class appears to have maintained the spirit of the event; it is apparent that a few did not," Caslen said. "We remain committed to the development of leaders of character. We will continue our investigation, ensure accountability, and reinforce with the Corps that we must all take care of our teammates."