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Investigators Look Into Haditha Deaths; CBS News Crew Hit: Two Dead, One Injured; Hospitals Packed with Indonesian Earthquake Survivors; Father Remembers Downed Helicopter Pilot; Ceremony at Vietnam War Memorial Honors Slain Soldiers

Aired May 29, 2006 - 13:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

KYRA PHILLIPS, HOST: Hello, everyone I'm Kyra Phillips at the CNN world headquarters in Atlanta.
Unspeakable misery in Indonesia. First the tsunami, now a deadly quake. The death toll climbs past 5,000, and now a volcano could blow. CNN is in the heart of the recovery area.

In Iraq, journalists mourn the death of colleagues. A CBS crew comes face to face with a bomb. The network's reporter is fighting for her life.

And our fallen heroes. For the first three hours, LIVE FROM remembers the men and women who fought for our freedom. It's Memorial Day 2006.

LIVE FROM starts right now.

This hour we're remembering the fallen in Vietnam. A ceremony in their honor at the wall in Washington. Four more names etched into history. We're going to bring it to you live as soon as it happens.

Now the risks of reporting from the battle zone. A U.S. convoy accompanied by a CBS News crew was hit by a bomb today as it moved through central Baghdad. Two of the journalists were killed, along with an U.S. soldier and an Iraqi translator. CBS correspondent Kimberly Dozier and six soldiers are hurt. Let's go -- talk to our Ryan Chilcote, who's covering that story for the very latest in just a few minutes.

Now what happened in Haditha? The U.S. military is investigating allegations that U.S. Marines killed Iraqi civilians in cold blood. Now Congress is getting involved.

Senior Pentagon correspondent, Jamie McIntyre, joins me with an update.

Jamie, what will be the difference between these two investigations, and what is their status at this point?

JAMIE MCINTYRE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, the -- well of course, what Congress is doing saying that it will hold hearings to try to get a full explanation of what happened in Haditha.

The two investigations are both being done by the military. One is a criminal investigation to determine whether or not innocent Iraqi civilians were, in fact, murdered by U.S. Marines or whether there was a justification for their shooting death in Haditha in November 19 of last year.

The second investigation is whether or not the circumstances surrounding these deaths was covered up both by the Marines who were involved in the incident and perhaps even by higher ups who might have known what the real circumstances were.

What we can tell you is that sources close to the investigation have determined that the initial account put out by the Marines at the scene has -- does not hold up, has not been substantiated, and in fact, there's a lot of evidence to indicate that these civilians may have been killed without provocation -- Kyra.

PHILLIPS: Now Jamie, some are coming forward and saying this is worse than Abu Ghraib.

MCINTYRE: Well, that's because, I guess, you know, the number of deaths involved -- I mean, if it turns out that 24 Iraqi civilians were essentially murdered by U.S. Marines, that would be an atrocity that would surpass Abu Ghraib in the number of civilian deaths. Nobody -- none of the mistreated prisoners at Abu Ghraib died.

However, there's a difference in these two scandals in that one is, again, assuming the allegations are correct, one would be an atrocity. The criticism in the Abu Ghraib case, though, was that the climate that allowed the prisoner abuse, some of the policies that might have encouraged it, some would argue, condoned it could traced back to the Pentagon, even the White House in terms of procedures and that sort of thing. That's why that controversy resonated so much.

This is not a case where it's believed that any policy from the Pentagon might have given the wrong impression to Marines in the field. Everyone knows that you're not supposed to be shooting innocent civilians. So while it may be more of an atrocity if it turns out to be the case, it may not have the same sort of overall debate or overarching debate that followed the Abu Ghraib scandal.

PHILLIPS: Jamie McIntyre, live from the Pentagon, thanks, Jamie.

Now the risks of reporting from a battle zone. As we told you, a U.S. convoy accompanied by a CBS News crew was hit by a bomb today as it moved through central Baghdad. Two of the journalists were killed with a U.S. soldier and an Iraqi translator. CBS correspondent Kimberly Dozier and six soldiers are hurt.

Let's get straight now to our Ryan Chilcote for the very latest -- Ryan.

RYAN CHILCOTE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hey, Kyra, it was a car bomb that hit that U.S. military patrol. CBS News had a team embedded with that unit from the U.S. Army's 4th Infantry Division when the attack took place. CBS News now saying that two members of their three- member crew that was out on that patrol were killed there. They are cameraman Paul Douglas and sound technician James Brolan. The third member of CBS News' crew, CBS News correspondent Kimberly Dozier, was injured in that attack. She is now being treated at one of the U.S. military's combat hospitals here in the Iraqi capital.

The military says that one U.S. soldier was killed in the attack, one Iraqi contractor. They're also saying that at least six U.S. soldiers were wounded -- Kyra.

PHILLIPS: Ryan, this is the second high profile attack involving a major network news operation. I mean, for you, give us an idea how you continue to report there on a daily basis and what you're doing to protect yourself and our crews.

CHILCOTE: Well, one thing that's worth pointing out is that this attack took place in what is called the Red Zone. Everything in Baghdad outside of the heavily fortified Green Zone is known as the Red Zone. It is a place that journalists, when they go into that area, do not take lightly.

A lot of times we rely on very brave and courageous Iraqis who are willing to go to those places or rely or we rely on the news agencies to gather the news.

As you can see, in this case, a CBS News crew decided to go out there on their own with the U.S. military. It is a strategy that many of the news organizations use. They prefer to go out with the U.S. military, Iraqi security forces because up until now, at least, it has been perceived that that is a safer way to approach it.

But as you can see, it's not always that way. We really have to choose and make the difficult decisions about what about we're going to cover even before we go out. Usually when we go out, obviously, there's serious consideration given with to the security precautions that we're going to take. And if you do go anywhere you go very quickly -- Kyra.

PHILLIPS: Ryan, is Kimberly Dozier being cared for right there in Baghdad, in Baghdad's hospital?

CHILCOTE: That's right. Kimberly Dozier is being treated at what's known as the 10th CASH or the U.S. Army's 10th combat hospital. She is receiving some of the finest care that is imaginable in Iraq. I spent a lot of time at that hospital. I can assure you that the doctors that work there are first rate.

It is interesting that it is the very same place where -- that ABC News' Bob Woodruff and cameraman Doug Vogt were taken to after they were hit when they were embedded with Iraqi security forces back in January.

The way that this would normally play out is they would get the best possible care there. Then they will be transferred out of the country, most likely to a place like Germany, where they can get even more extensive medical attention -- Kyra.

PHILLIPS: Ryan Chilcote, we'll keep checking in with you. Thanks so much.

Meanwhile, anger and chaos in Afghanistan's capital. The U.S. military is caught in the middle. Riots broke out after what the U.S. calls a tragic accident. A military truck lost the brakes and crashed into a crowd. Thousands of people took to the streets.

The U.S. military's headquarters in Kabul is locked down, and that's where we find Pentagon correspondent, Barbara Starr.

Barbara, we're hearing reports of U.S. military vehicle fired in the direction of Afghans after that crash. What can you tell us about it?

All right. We apologize. We need to get connected once again with our Barbara Starr. Having some issues, obviously, from here to Afghanistan. We'll get back to her in just a second.

Meanwhile, another western journalist was on the streets of Kabul when the rioting broke out. Sam Dealey of "GQ" magazine talked to CNN's Jim Clancy last hour about what he saw.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SAM DEALEY, "GQ" MAGAZINE: The police force had deployed. They pulled back from the actual accident site and were manning the squares, I think in a way to just contain what was clearly starting to boil over.

A number of police cars and police huts and other things set on fire. Large, black plumes that were coming from several spots in the city. The rioters started moving more towards the city along the lines. And then gathered strength. The cell phone networks were almost all down. They were just so jammed with calls. And pretty soon, you know, it was a very sizable riot going on in the streets of Kabul.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

PHILLIPS: Dealey says that there's been a notable increase in insurgent attacks the past few weeks and the rioting took a lot of people by surprise.

More than 5,000 people are dead, more than 6,000 seriously hurt. At least 100,000 are left homeless. Even as rescue workers in Indonesia count and treat the victims of Saturday's earthquake, another potential calamity looms. The quake triggered a spike in activity at the volcano that's been rumbling for weeks.

CNN's Dan Rivers has more on urgent efforts to respond to one disaster before another strikes.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DAN RIVERS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): In the chaotic aftermath of this earthquake, the local hospital is a living hell. Every single piece of floor is occupied by injured survivors waiting for treatment. Corridors and walkways, choked with hundreds of patients, many of whom have not seen a doctor yet. Some are now being evacuated to other Indonesian provinces, ferried past those who had been waiting for days.

"We were sleeping when the house collapsed, and I managed to protect my wife from the falling debris," says 35-year-old man Hatandu (ph). He has a nasty leg fracture. There are no painkillers. And he's been waiting out here for two days.

Thirty-five-year-old Junican (ph) has just arrived with a broken hip. She's gently lifted on to a makeshift bed in a parking lot, the vehicles cleared out to make room for patients, each parking bay marked by an intravenous drip.

She's fed by her 14-year-old son. There aren't enough nurses for even the most basic care. She says the roof of her house collapsed on her, and she's been too scared of aftershocks to come to hospital.

(on camera) This hospital is at breaking point. There are only enough beds for 750 patients. But yet, there are 1,700 people spilling out into walkways like this, awaiting treatment. Five hundred people need urgent operations, and there are critical shortages of basic drugs.

What will happen if they don't get those supplies?

SUSAN TREADWELL, AID WORKER: Well, I think people will die but I don't think any of us are expecting that. I mean, certainly there are many humanitarian aid organizations here on the ground and there's also a very strong response from Indonesians.

RIVERS (voice-over): Help is on the way. But for those writhing in agony, enduring operations without anesthetics, it can't come soon enough.

Dan Rivers, CNN, Jakarta, Indonesia.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

PHILLIPS: Log on to CNN.com for up to the minute information on the Indonesian quake and find out how you can help the victims of this tragedy.

Remembering our fallen heroes in this Memorial Day. We honor the men and women who have died fighting for our freedom. You're watching CNN, the most trusted name in news.

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(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: A few moments ago I placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns. I was honored to do so on behalf of the American people as a sign of our solemn gratitude and our deep respect. The names of those buried there are known only to God. Yet their souls have entered into the spirit of America. And they will never be forgotten by our nation.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

PHILLIPS: That's President Bush today, carrying out the duties as commander in chief. Mr. Bush laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns to honor those Americans who have lost their lives in battle. Mr. Bush said the country has to preserve -- persevere, rather, in war -- in this war on terror for the sake of those who already have died in that cause.

Memorial Day, a time to remember fallen heroes. He was a star soccer player at West Point and had just been accepted to Harvard Business School when he went off to war. Army Captain Adam James Adamouski said it was in the fourth grade that he knew he wanted to go to West Point. He flew more than a thousand hours in a Black Hawk helicopter.

He had fears about the war but tremendous confidence in his men and women. Adamouski was married for seven months when he died in a helicopter crash in central Iraq. Today we honor Army Captain James Adamouski, a fallen hero.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

FRANK ADAMOUSKI, JIMMY'S FATHER: Well, it'll take a while to talk about Jimmy, because he was one of those ideal children. When he was young, he was the one who always went to bed on time, always took his bath before he went to bed. When he got into school, he always did his homework after he came home to school before he went out to play.

Jimmy was also a planner. I once asked him, "When was it, Jim, that you decided you wanted to go to West Point?"

He said, "Well dad, I think I was in the fourth grade."

He just did so many really neat things. When he was stationed in Germany there was some avalanches in Austria and Switzerland, and he flew his helicopter in avalanche rescue down there. So proud of him for that.

He just never seemed to do anything wrong. He was always right. I get kind of emotional when I talk about him because he really was such a great kid.

He could talk to the pope or he could talk to a bum in the street and be equally at ease. Jimmy was the type of individual that would have made a great politician. And his goal was to become an U.S. senator, and nobody in this family or anybody who knew him ever doubted that he would be able to do that.

In Jimmy's case, did he believe in what he was doing? Certainly. He was totally convinced that taking a suppressive regime out of the world order was the right thing to do. I had two individuals call me on the telephone and to say, "Sir, you don't know me, but I knew your son in Germany. He inspired me to go back do college." And, both of them said, "I'm graduating this month. And, I owe it to your son."

And, so there were -- there were things like that that went on that were so emotional, really. To find out that he made such a difference in the lives of so many people during a very short life of only 29 years. And I think he did more in his 29 years than a lot of people do in 100. And we love him for that.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

PHILLIPS: Our tributes continue. We're going to take you live to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Stay with CNN, the most trusted name in news.

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PHILLIPS: Want to take you live now to the Vietnam Memorial. A highlight of the ceremony today is the reading of four names that were added to the wall just last week. We want to listen to William Frank, a Vietnam veteran, who's speaking at today's ceremony.

WILLIAM FRANK, VIETNAM WAR VETERAN: Let me conclude with a few remarks about the current generation of our military.

I am in absolute awe of this generation. They are all serving willingly because they believe in this great country. One tenth of one percent of the United States population is serving in the United States military.

This generation of men and women in uniform are as dedicated as any prior generation and much better trained. They are not summer soldiers or sunshine patriots who, in crisis, shrink from the service of their country. They still believe that the military is the noblest of callings. They are, again, doing what this country asks. They are, again, willing to sacrifice for this country. And, yes, they are again sacrificing.

May I recommend to you when you see a man or a woman in uniform, you say hello and thank them. Whatever your politics or views, there should be no confusion between those who serve and those who ask them to serve.

Remember, after September 11, the patriotic fever that went through America, people thanking military people all over. Let's not let that fever stop.

My own son right after 9/11, when he was in the Marine Corps and before he went to Iraq, was offered drinks by almost every American he came across. Free drinks, by people even his own age.

And General Coleman, being a Marine, the only time he declined a drink was when he misunderstood the question. Today, we salute all those who service this country, men and women, African-Americans, white, Asians, Native Americans, and, yes, Arab Americans. We should take pride in them all and should not forget them.

Of course, I take pride as any family member, any father would in his son being in the Marine Corps. As you know, no mother raises her son to be a soldier, much less a Marine. But I'm sure if he were here, he would express his pride in his Marines, and he does not forget them.

Let me conclude where I began. In establishing Decoration Day, General Logan from the headquarters of the Grand Army of the Republic wrote in his general order following -- wrote the following: "Let no wanton food -- foot tread rudely on such hallowed ground. Let no ravages of time testify to the present or to the coming generation that we have forgotten as people the cost of the free republic. If other eyes grow dull, others' hands slack, and other hearts cold in the solemn trust, ours shall keep it well as long as the light and warmth of life remain to us."

God bless these souls, God bless our troops, and God bless America.

PHILLIPS: William Frank served as a captain in the U.S. Army in the Vietnam War from 1967 to '68. Continuing the family tradition, his son recently served with the Marine Corps in Iraq.

We're listening to a number of speakers at this special live event at the Vietnam Wall. A highlight of the proceeding will be the reading of four names added to the wall just last week. As soon as those names -- as soon as we hear the speaker announce those four names, we will take that live.

Stay with us as we continue to pay tribute to the members of the American armed forces that made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam and in all conflicts.

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