Bob Herbert’s gushing profile of conscientious objector Aidan Delgado has many astute observers asking questions.

OTB, Juliette Ochieng, and Rich Lowry take a closer look.

Lorie Byrd is investigating and is asking anyone who might have served with Delgado–especially those in the 320th MP Company, St. Petersburg, Fla.–to contact her. Blackfive has also put out a call. So, too, Mudville Gazette.

Stay tuned.

Update: Via Blackfive’s Matt, here is an account from a military blogger who says he was at the riot Delgado talked about and casts doubt on Delgado’s claims:

It was only when the riot became a danger of a serious breakout attempt and less than lethal force(rubber shot from M203 and rubber point munitions from 12 GA shotguns) had been applied to no effect was the request for deadly force made. When permission was granted, two soldiers fired on the ring leaders. 3 were killed outright, ending the riot immediately. One more died later and 12 more were wounded. I know both of the soldiers who fired; they are good people and only did what they had to do to keep others from further harm. Given that one of the soldiers was using a M249, it could have been a bloodbath. Both soldiers showed remarkable restraint in picking their targets and only using necesarry force. There was a AR 15-6 investigation and CID also investigated. The shootings were found to be justified and both soldiers were decorated for their actions.

This Delgado guy was a mechanic; he was no where near those compounds. I also highly doubt he “confronted” the SGT who fired; he wouldn’t have even known who he was. Different unit, not working anywhere near the compounds.

Will Bob Herbert follow up?

(Herbert’s email address: bobherb@nytimes.com)

Update: John Hinderaker at Power Line has e-mailed Herbert.

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