There are new developments in the case of the massacre at Haditha: documents have been released showing the Marine in charge of the unit accused of slaying 24 Iraqis was subsequently recommended for a medal. The Marine, Staff Sgt. Frank Wuterich, is among the troops under investigation for deliberately killing civilians. In a memo written weeks after the massacre obtained by the Washington Post, Sgt. Wuterich’s commander calls him “an outstanding squad leader” deserving of a medal for his actions at Haditha. The Marines initially claimed that 15 civilians died in a roadside blast caused by insurgents there. Months later, reports emerged the civilians were killed when marines burst into their homes and shot them dead in their nightclothes.