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 American NFL player for the Arizona Cardinals who left his football career to enlist in the U.S. Army Special Operations after the September 11 attacks in May 2002. He served in Iraq and Afghanistan. His death garnered national attention, primarily because he was killed by friendly fire. Tillman's decision to forgo a lucrative sports career for military service made him a symbol of patriotism and sacrifice, although the circumstances surrounding his death and the initial misleading reports from the military sparked controversy and debate.

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, which described 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 informed the Tillman family that Pat Tillman was killed by friendly fire, a month after his death.

2004: Second investigation into Tillman's death

In 2004, Kauzlarich conducted the second investigation into Tillman's death, which lasted a week from May 8 to 15. Testimony revealed concerns about statements made during the investigation.

2004: Incident in Afghanistan

In 2004, Kevin Tillman was in the convoy behind his brother during the incident in Afghanistan, but did not witness it and later testified about the military's spin on his brother's death.

May 4, 2005: Report on Tillman's Death

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

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

On September 25, 2005, the San Francisco Chronicle reported that Tillman held views critical of the Iraq War and planned to meet with Noam Chomsky after returning from Afghanistan.

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 into Pat Tillman's death to determine if it was the result of negligent homicide.

October 19, 2006: Kevin Tillman breaks silence on brother's death

On October 19, 2006, Kevin Tillman published an essay on Truthdig criticizing the Iraq War and American foreign policy. The 660-word essay gained wide distribution and was cited in The New York Times and Associated Press.

November 2006: Forensic Pathologists Review Autopsy

In November 2006, a forensic pathologist concluded that Tillman was most likely killed as a result of fire from a M249 light machine gun.

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

On March 19, 2007, the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID) report summary stated that Pat Tillman and an Afghan militia soldier were killed by friendly fire due to confusion.

March 26, 2007: Pentagon Report Released

On March 26, 2007, the Pentagon released its 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 that he was warned not to divulge information about Tillman's death, especially to the Tillman family, before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

July 13, 2007: Documents Withheld from Congress

On July 13, 2007, Henry Waxman and Tom Davis revealed that the Bush administration and the Pentagon had withheld key documents related to Tillman's death from Congress.

July 26, 2007: Report on Hardball

On July 26, 2007, Chris Matthews reported on Hardball that Tillman's death may have been deliberate murder.

August 13, 2007: Veterans Request Document Release

On August 13, 2007, VoteVets, representing 20 U.S. military veterans, asked the NFL commissioner, Roger Goodell, to help secure the release of all documents relating to the death of Pat Tillman.

2007: Pentagon Report on Tillman's Death

In 2007, the Pentagon released a report ruling Pat Tillman's death as accidental.

July 14, 2008: Report Released by House Committee

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