Major Controversies Surrounding Pat Tillman: A Detailed Timeline

Public opinion and media debates around Pat Tillman—discover key moments of controversy.

Pat Tillman was an NFL player for the Arizona Cardinals who left his professional football career to enlist in the U.S. Army Special Operations following the September 11 attacks. He served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Tillman's death garnered significant media attention, particularly after it was revealed that he was killed by friendly fire. His decision to leave a lucrative sports career for military service and the circumstances surrounding his death made him a notable figure.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

April 28, 2004: Silver Star Citation Approved

On April 28, 2004, Lieutenant General Stanley McChrystal approved the Silver Star citation for Pat Tillman, detailing his death as occurring "in the line of devastating enemy fire."

May 28, 2004: Pentagon Notifies Tillman Family of Friendly Fire

On May 28, 2004, the Pentagon notified the Tillman family that Pat Tillman was killed by friendly fire in Afghanistan, contradicting the initial reports of enemy fire.

2004: Kauzlarich conducted second investigation into Tillman's death

In 2004, Kauzlarich conducted the second investigation into Tillman's death, lasting from May 8 to 15.

May 4, 2005: Washington Post Report on Tillman's Death

On May 4, 2005, The Washington Post described a report prepared by Brigadier General Gary M. Jones for the Tillman family, revealing that Army investigators knew Pat Tillman was killed by friendly fire soon after his death, but senior commanders still approved the awarding of the Silver Star and Purple Heart.

September 25, 2005: Tillman's critical views of the Iraq War reported

On September 25, 2005, the San Francisco Chronicle reported that Tillman held views critical of the Iraq War.

March 4, 2006: Criminal Investigation Opened

On March 4, 2006, the U.S. Defense Department Inspector General directed the Army to open a criminal investigation of Pat Tillman's death to determine if it was the result of negligent homicide.

October 19, 2006: Kevin Tillman's essay published on Truthdig

On October 19, 2006, Kevin Tillman's 660-word essay criticizing the Iraq War was published on Truthdig.

November 2006: Autopsy Report Investigation

In November 2006, an investigation of the autopsy report and photographs by two forensic pathologists concluded that Pat Tillman was most likely killed by fire from an M249 light machine gun.

March 19, 2007: CID Report Summary on Tillman's Death

The CID Report summary, dated March 19, 2007, concluded that Pat Tillman and an Afghan militia soldier were killed by friendly fire due to confusion within his platoon after gunfire was mistaken for enemy combatants.

March 26, 2007: Pentagon Releases Report

On March 26, 2007, the Pentagon released their report on the events surrounding Pat Tillman's death and the subsequent coverup.

April 24, 2007: Testimony Before House Committee

On April 24, 2007, Specialist Bryan O'Neal testified before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform that he was warned not to divulge information about Tillman's death, and Kevin Tillman testified that the military tried to spin his brother's death.

July 13, 2007: Congress Denied Document Release

On July 13, 2007, Henry Waxman and Tom Davis revealed that the Bush administration and the Pentagon withheld key documents relating to Tillman's death and denied any new document release request from Congress.

July 26, 2007: Chris Matthews Reports on Tillman's Death

On July 26, 2007, Chris Matthews reported on Hardball that Pat Tillman's death may have been a case of deliberate murder by fellow soldiers based on a report from doctors who examined Tillman's body.

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2007: Pentagon Releases Report Ruling Death Accidental

In 2007, the Pentagon released a report ruling Pat Tillman's death as accidental, following initial reports and later investigations that revealed he was killed by friendly fire.

July 14, 2008: House Committee Releases Report

On July 14, 2008, the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform released a proposed report titled "Misleading Information from the Battlefield: The Tillman and Lynch Episodes", stating that their investigation was frustrated by a near universal lack of recall among senior officials.