Quote:
Originally Posted by John Sabato
If the guy was an enemy non-commissioned officer as indicated, he probably had value as an intelligence source no matter how badly he was wounded. He was given the easy way out of revealing what he knew.  Not to mention that the guy who gave him a loaded pistol placed himself and the guy with him in mortal danger!
That is THIS old soldier's viewpoint. I would have done every thing I could to keep him alive until he could be interrogated by someone who could communicate with him. |
Your sentiments are well founded, but taken in context I think this act is easier to understand (if not condoned):
At this point in the battle, there were already too many Chinese prisoners to be managed. Fox Company (down to <100 "effectives") was surrounded on three sides and outnumbered on the order of 7-10 to one. The only intelligence to be gained was perhaps more Chinese were coming. Fox was holding their position and keeping the pass open at all costs, that is what makes their feat so remarkable.
In addition, scattered among the hundreds of Chinese dead (many inside the perimeter) were wounded communists playing dead and taking out Marines as their last act. The aforementioned "coup de grace" became the order of the day and many wounded were dispatched.
I was not there, will not judge, but my gut says I would have little problem with it. All I can say is may God bless all souls, those who were delivered and those who punched the tickets.
Jack