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Helping Families of the Fallen; CBS News Crew Killed in Iraq; Pat Tillman's Story; Indonesia Reeling From Massive Earthquake; Letters to Iraq

Aired May 29, 2006 - 15:00   ET

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

KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: This hour, we're live from the Vietnam Memorial. LIVE FROM is remembering the men and women who fought for our freedom.
It's Memorial Day 2006. And from the Vietnam wall to the World War II Memorial, families remember their loved ones killed in battle.

The third hour of LIVE FROM begins right now.

Losing their lives while getting the story -- CBS News photographer Paul Douglas and sound tech James Brolan were killed today in Baghdad when a bomb hit the U.S. military convoy they were traveling with. CBS correspondent Kimberly Dozier is in critical condition after surgery at a U.S. military hospital, where doctors say they're cautiously optimistic.

They weren't the only victims. A U.S. soldier and an Iraqi translator died in that blast. Six American soldiers are wounded.

CBS released this statement from news division president Sean McManus: "This is a devastating loss for CBS News. Kimberly, Paul and James were veterans of war coverage who proved their bravery and dedication every single day. They always volunteered for dangerous assignments and were invaluable in our attempt to report the news to the American public."

Well, the horrors of Haditha -- U.S. Marines are suspected of killing innocent Iraqis, women and children, too, after one Marine was killed in a roadside bombing there last fall.

Now the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee says he will hold hearings.

CNN senior Pentagon correspondent Jamie McIntyre is standing by with more -- Jamie.

JAMIE MCINTYRE, CNN SENIOR MILITARY AFFAIRS CORRESPONDENT: Senator John Warner is chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee. he says he's going to treat this incident in Haditha very similar to the way that he treated the Abu Ghraib scandal, that is, have senior Pentagon and military officials come up to the Hill and answer questions to provide a full explanation of what is known of what happened and what is being done to correct the situation.

But he says those hearings will not start until after the completion of the investigation, which sources tell CNN is substantially complete, but not quite ready for release. The Joint Chiefs chairman, General Peter Pace, said on CNN this morning that he thought it would be a couple of more weeks before the results of that investigation were released.

But, meanwhile, members on Capitol Hill have been briefed privately by senior military officials, including the Marine Corps commandant, and told that they should brace for the worst, that the evidence is -- quote, unquote -- "very incriminating" and does not support the Marine's initial story that these civilians died as a result of a roadside bomb and a -- a firefight.

Instead, the evidence is pointing to the possibility that some Marines could be charged with murder -- Kyra.

PHILLIPS: So, what is the status of the Marines involved right now in this incident?

MCINTYRE: Well, they are of the 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment. And they are back in Camp Pendleton, California. And they are awaiting the results of these investigations to see if they are going to be facing charges, and, if so, what kind of charges they will be.

A general in Iraq will be the first one to review the findings of the investigation. He will decide whether there should be -- whether they should be preferred to a possible court-martial or whether there should be some other punishment for the Marines involved. Or he could decide that there's no punishment warranted at all.

PHILLIPS: And, Jamie, you have heard the talk. It's being compared to Abu Ghraib.

MCINTYRE: That's because of the damage that the Abu Ghraib prison scandal did to the United States' reputation, because of the documented cases of abuse there of prisoners. This is seen as potentially being even worse, because if the worst case turns out to be the case, if the allegations are substantiated, this would qualify as a massacre of civilians, a war crime, an atrocity.

And it certainly would be a setback to the United States' reputation, both in Iraq and around the world.

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

A traffic accident, an outraged public, the U.S. military caught in the middle -- thousands of people take to the street in Kabul, angry at the U.S., angry at the Afghan leadership.

Our Pentagon correspondent, Barbara Starr, is in the capital.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BARBARA STARR, CNN PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): In Kabul, a traffic accident turned into a day of rioting across Afghanistan's capital city.

It began when hundreds of Afghans stoned a U.S. military convoy after an Army truck crashed into a dozen civilian vehicles. One Afghan died and several were injured. After offering medical aid, the convoy tried to leave the area, but matters took an even deadlier turn.

This video from the scene shows at least one U.S. soldier manning a .50-caliber machine gun firing his weapon in the direction of the civilians, all of this setting off a day of totally unexpected rioting and gunfire across the city.

At Camp Eggers, the military headquarters, troops had paused on Memorial Day to remember their fallen comrades. Within minutes, they took up defensive firing positions, as gunfire was heard, and protesters marched through the city.

(on camera): We have just heard from our rooftop position here about two to three minutes of gunfire across the city. We believe it was AK-47 gunfire we were hearing. It lasted for some time. You may be able to see. There is smoke now rising from some location out in the city, that we do not know what that location is. The camp here is in lockdown.

(voice-over): Even as the gunfire continued to ring out, the coalition spokesman promised, the U.S. military would investigate the incident.

COL. THOMAS COLLINS, COALITION SPOKESMAN: We will determine the facts regarding the incident and cooperate fully with Afghan authorities. In accordance with appropriate policies, compensation will be paid to those who are entitled.

STARR: Protesters and police continued to clash across Kabul throughout the day. The Afghan Health Ministry says, it is the worst violence in Kabul since the day the Taliban fled.

At least eight civilians were killed and more than 100 injured. Several compounds were attacked. Afghans on the street expressed their fury, this man saying, the American soldiers killed many civilians.

(on camera): Afghan President Hamid Karzai has appealed for calm. But there has been several recent incidents in which Afghan civilians have been inadvertently killed by coalition military forces. And the people in this country clearly are very upset.

Barbara Starr, CNN, Kabul, Afghanistan.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

PHILLIPS: A reporter for "GQ" magazine was on the scene of today's accident. Sean Dealey -- or Sam Dealey, rather, tells CNN the anger escalated quickly in a city that had been relatively safe.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) SAM DEALEY, "GQ": Kabul has really been a success story, as far the reconstruction and the -- the rebuilding of Afghanistan. There hasn't been a whole lot of violence here.

But, of course, the country is changing. And down in the south, particularly in the past two weeks, there has been very violent uptick in the insurgency. And, you know, pressures are mounting. I think there are some folks who are very dissatisfied with President Karzai. There's a feeling that perhaps he's not doing too much, that perhaps he's not really there for the Afghan people.

You know, but this is -- everyone seems to have their opinion. But there really isn't a general sense of anti-Americanism that you can really feel, although there have been stones thrown at cars. That is increasing. But this really did, I think, take a lot of people by surprise.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

PHILLIPS: Today's rioting was the worst in Kabul since the Taliban was ousted.

Congress is still on the fence, but the Minutemen are building one. The volunteer border patrol group went to work this weekend on a 10-mile stretch of private property in Arizona. They are putting up a combination of barbed wire, razor wire and, in some spots, steel rail barriers. Members say that they hope this prompts the U.S. government to do the same on a much bigger scale.

Still no suspects, no known motive in the strangulation of a college student in South Carolina -- police say Clemson junior Tiffany Souers was strangled with part of a bathing suit in her apartment early Friday -- her body found later in the day by a former roommate. The victim's mother recalls their final conversation.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BREN SOUERS, MOTHER OF TIFFANY MARIE SOUERS: She didn't have her plans for the weekend yet. So, we talked about that. And she was fine. It was our normal conversation. And, when we hung up, I said, "I will talk to you tonight or else tomorrow."

It's hard to make reason out of it. You want logic to apply. And it doesn't. I know she was such a good person. I'm sure she's at peace and -- and happy. God must have had more work for her to do up there.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

PHILLIPS: Tiffany Souers was 20 years old.

Nine months after Katrina, the body count climbs in New Orleans. Search crews have found the remains of a man in the Mid-City neighborhood, where floodwaters once were chest high. Authorities will use DNA to try to identify him. More than 200 people are still considered missing after Katrina, almost 1,600 dead in Louisiana alone.

Sometimes, a little encouragement is all it takes to make a soldier's day. Ahead on LIVE FROM, kids give a shout-out to the troops on the front line in their heartwarming and humorous ways.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(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.

(APPLAUSE)

(END VIDEO CLIP)

PHILLIPS: President Bush today carrying out his 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 persevere in the war on terror for the sake of those who already have died in that cause.

Mr. Bush also marked the holiday by signing a bill preventing protesters from interrupting military funerals. It's called the Respect For America's Fallen Heroes Act. Congress passed it mainly in response to this Kansas church group, whose members claim soldiers' deaths arise from God's anger at America's tolerance for homosexuality. Now protesters won't be allowed within 300 feet of a national cemetery. Violators risk $100,000 fines or a year in prison.

Even before the war on terror, every year, hundreds of American families endured a heart-wrenching reality, death in the face of war. Parents, siblings, young spouses, children, even newborns, lose a part of their heart and soul as a result of war.

That's why Bonnie Carroll created TAPS, the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors. TAPS is a support network that does everything it can to help military families survive a traumatic loss.

Bonnie joins us, along with 9-year-old Rebecca Norton. Both of them have a couple of courageous stories to tell us today. They join us live from the Vietnam Memorial in Washington.

Great to see you both.

BONNIE CARROLL, FOUNDER AND CHAIRMAN, TRAGEDY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR SURVIVORS: Thank you. Good to be here.

PHILLIPS: Now, Rebecca, I understand that, just like the president, you got to lay a wreath down at the Tomb of the Unknowns. Tell me what that was like?

REBECCA NORTON, DAUGHTER OF U.S. SOLDIER KILLED IN IRAQ: It was -- it was really cool.

PHILLIPS: Yes? Did you get to meet the president?

NORTON: I got to see him, but I did not meet him.

(LAUGHTER)

PHILLIPS: Oh.

Well, tell me about that handsome man that's on that button on your T-shirt.

NORTON: Well, he -- he died on January 22, 2006, on -- he ran over an underground bomb.

PHILLIPS: We're talking about your daddy, right?

NORTON: Yes.

PHILLIPS: Well, your daddy, Sergeant Jason Norton, was one amazing man. Tell me about what you used to do with your daddy.

NORTON: We used to go to the zoo and have a lot of drinks. And we used to go to my -- my mom's friend's house a lot. And we -- we had fun together.

PHILLIPS: Well, your mom, Cristina, says you were quite the daddy's girl. Is that true?

NORTON: Yes.

(LAUGHTER)

NORTON: It is true.

PHILLIPS: And he loved to wear that cowboy hat, didn't he?

NORTON: Yes, he did.

PHILLIPS: Did you ever try it on a few times?

NORTON: Yes. I have tried it on a few times.

PHILLIPS: Oh.

(LAUGHTER)

PHILLIPS: So, do you get a chance to go and -- and visit your daddy now and then?

NORTON: Sometimes, yes.

PHILLIPS: Yes? NORTON: Yes.

PHILLIPS: And do -- do you talk to him?

NORTON: Yes.

PHILLIPS: What do you tell him?

NORTON: I tell him I really miss him and I love him a lot.

PHILLIPS: Oh. And I bet he was so proud of you today.

Bonnie, I mean, this is what your group does. It not only allows the opportunity for kids like Rebecca to remember their loved ones and get the chance to put a wreath down at the Tomb of the Unknowns, but TAPS does so much more for these families than just allowing those type of activities, right?

CARROLL: Yes. TAPS is a national nonprofit organization for all those who have been affected by the death of a loved one.

PHILLIPS: Well, you experienced that, too. Your husband, Brigadier General Tom Carroll, he was a pretty amazing man.

CARROLL: Yes, he was. He was my inspiration, and he continues to be today.

And I know he would be proud of Rebecca and all the kids. We had over 500 kids together in Washington, D.C., to -- to lean on each other, to learn coping skills, and gain a support network. It was an amazing experience.

PHILLIPS: Well, and -- and it's true. You think about people like your husband, Rebecca's dad. And Tom would have absolutely appreciated what you're doing now.

I know that you have become so much stronger, Bonnie, since you lost him. It was in '92; is that correct?

CARROLL: That's correct.

PHILLIPS: Tell us...

CARROLL: Yes. It was in '92. It was a while ago.

But, you know, we -- we have. We have been blessed. And every one of these families is coming together, is remembering a life and a love that they shared with their -- with their dad.

PHILLIPS: Tell us about the camp that you provide for the kids, and as Rebecca had a chance to go to that camp.

CARROLL: She did. She had a wonderful time over the past four days. She had a mentor who worked with her one on one. She was in her own age group, working with counselors. So, she learned all sorts of new coping skills, made friends who could really understand what she is going through.

And she also got to participate in a lot of the ceremonial activities around Washington, D.C. The kids do that, so they learn that America honors those who have served and sacrificed and remembers their families.

PHILLIPS: Rebecca, you had a chance to go to this camp that TAPS puts on. Has that helped you deal with the loss of your daddy?

NORTON: Yes, it has.

PHILLIPS: Tell me, who has helped you and what has helped you specifically? Can you -- can you think of somebody?

NORTON: I could think of my mentor.

PHILLIPS: Tell me about your mentor, Rebecca.

NORTON: My mentor's name is Erin (ph). And she lives in Alaska. And...

PHILLIPS: Does she write you letters and call you?

NORTON: Yes, she does.

PHILLIPS: And what does she tell you, Rebecca?

NORTON: She tells me that it's OK -- and it's OK to cry.

PHILLIPS: Oh. Do you still cry a lot?

NORTON: Yes.

PHILLIPS: Oh.

NORTON: I do.

PHILLIPS: Well, your daddy is right there with you, no doubt.

So, tell me, what -- what grade are you getting ready to go into after the summer?

NORTON: Fourth.

PHILLIPS: And -- and do you brag about your daddy sometimes in -- in class projects and with your classmates?

NORTON: Yes.

PHILLIPS: Yes?

NORTON: Yes.

PHILLIPS: So, the -- the kids -- the kids understand what you're dealing with, and they are pretty supportive?

NORTON: Yes.

PHILLIPS: What do you want everybody to remember the most about your daddy, Rebecca?

NORTON: That he was a kind man, and he was nice.

PHILLIPS: Oh.

Bonnie, as we wrap up this segment, I know that folks can log on to TAPS.org...

CARROLL: Yes.

PHILLIPS: ... and find out more about your organization.

More than anything else, what do you want members of the military to know about TAPS and what your organization provides, if they are really struggling today, any day, when they have got to go through life dealing with such a loss?

CARROLL: That TAPS is there, the long-term support for the families. They are not going to be alone through this time. TAPS is a national charitable organization. And it's through the generosity of Americans that we exist. So, want to say thank you for that.

PHILLIPS: Bonnie Carroll, thank you so much. Remember your husband, Brigadier General Tom Carroll.

And, Rebecca, we remember your daddy, Sergeant Jason Norton. And we're very proud of him. And we are awfully proud of you. Thank you for talking with us today.

NORTON: You're welcome.

PHILLIPS: All right.

CARROLL: Thank you so much.

PHILLIPS: Thank you, Bonnie.

Well, he's one of the better known troops who died while serving this question, yet questions remain about the killing of football- star-turned-soldier Pat Tillman -- a special report you will see only right here on CNN, the most trusted name in news.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: A lot of chaos in Kabul -- Afghanistan's president blames agitators and urges other Afghans to stand up against them.

The rioting began after a truck in a U.S. convoy lost control and crashed into a crowd of pedestrians. At least one person was killed. More died as the protests grew, with demonstrations, torching cars, ransacking offices, and marching on the U.S. Embassy, all the while chanting "Death to Americans." Memorial Day, that's when we stop to remember the names, the faces and the ultimate sacrifice of Americans who have died in defense of this country. It may seem too easy to hold up the well-known story of one famous soldier, but there's a reason we are talking about Pat Tillman today, a gifted athlete who left fame and easy money to join the Army and fight terrorists.

Pat Tillman died violently in Afghanistan. And you may know a little more of his story up to that point. Today, we know more. And, after this report, so will you. CNN has been investigating what happened to Tillman and what happened when the Army started investigating. The details take some time to tell.

But, as senior Pentagon correspondent Jamie McIntyre reports, those details paint a chilling story.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MCINTYRE (voice-over): At his memorial service two years ago, Pat Tillman was remembered as an inspiration to thousands of Americans. California's first lady, Maria Shriver, was among those supporting the family, recalling how much Tillman gave up to fight for his country in Afghanistan.

MARIA SHRIVER, CALIFORNIA FIRST LADY: Pat had it all, intelligence, movie-star good looks, a loving wife, athletic prowess, fame, a lucrative and promising career. Who among us could walk away from riches and a job we love?

MCINTYRE: But Pat Tillman did just that.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ANNOUNCER: The lateral to Pat Tillman.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MCINTYRE: The former safety for the Arizona Cardinals gave up a multimillion-dollar pro football deal the day after September 11 to enlist as an elite Army Ranger. Tillman explained his decision in a rare interview just before he went into the Army.

PAT TILLMAN, FORMER NFL PLAYER: My great-grandfather was at Pearl Harbor, and a lot of my family has given up -- you know, has gone and fought in wars. And I really haven't done a damn thing, as far as laying myself on the line like that. And, so, I have a great deal of respect for those that have.

MCINTYRE: But Tillman's devotion to duty, honor, country, would end with his death in a desolate section of Afghanistan.

It would be 26 days after the memorial service, more than a month after his death, before the Army would publicly acknowledge what the Rangers who were with him in combat knew almost right away: Tillman's death was from friendly fire. He was hit in the head by three bullets fired by American soldiers, who say they mistook him for the enemy. (on camera): Much, but not all, of the story of what went wrong that April day in 2004 can be found in thousands of Army documents obtained by CNN.

(voice-over): Many details from the Army documents are being televised here for the first time. And while the heavily blacked-out documents provide some answers, they also raise substantial questions that three separate Army investigations have failed to resolve.

Tillman's platoon was on a mission in eastern Afghanistan along the Pakistan border. His platoon was trying to flush out enemy Taliban or al Qaeda fighters. CNN took these Army topographic maps of the location where Pat Tillman was killed and independently created the first detailed television animation of what happened to Tillman and the Army Rangers that day.

The platoon's problems began with a broken-down Humvee, which had to be towed by a local truck and was slowing the platoon. The platoon was split into two groups on orders of a commander at a base far away, according to Army documents.

The split was ordered over the objections of the platoon leader. There was a concern back at the base that the broken Humvee was causing unacceptable delays to the mission.

CNN military analyst retired Brigadier General David Grange has commanded Rangers himself and also lost a soldier to friendly fire.

BRIGADIER GENERAL DAVID GRANGE (RET.), CNN MILITARY ANALYST: Here, you had the senior guy on the ground saying, I don't want to split my force, someone that's not there on the ground, but on a radio in a tactical operations center, saying, split it.

You know, do you take the word of the guy on the ground or not? You know, usually, the guy on the ground knows what's going on.

MCINTYRE: Corporal Tillman was with the first group that pressed on, moving safely through a deep canyon and arriving at a small village. The second group with a Humvee in tow included Tillman's younger brother, Kevin, who also enlisted with Pat after September 11.

That second convoy, led by the truck towing the broken Humvee, followed a different route, but found the terrain too rugged. So, they backtracked and followed the first group deep into the narrow canyon. Though they were just a half-hour back, the first group was unaware the second group was coming up behind them. In the canyon, the second group was ambushed from above by enemy fighters.

GRANGE: There was confusion in the force. People were scared, very restricted terrain. The sun's going down, a lot of shadows. So, the light is not dark enough to use night-vision goggles, but it's in between.

MCINTYRE: To add to the confusion, in the deep canyon, the two groups lost radio contact. But Pat Tillman's group heard the gunfire back in the canyon and turned back to help. Tillman, as described in his Silver Star citation, showed great courage under fire in leading a small rifle team, including an Afghan soldier, to the top of the ridge to engage the enemy.

Down below, a Humvee armed with a .50-caliber machine gun and four soldiers with other weapons pulled out behind the truck and broken Humvee. As they emerged from the canyon, the soldiers in the vehicle were firing with an abandon that one Army investigator would later say demonstrated gross negligence.

The soldiers would later say they thought the enemy was all around them. As they fired in all directions, they began hitting U.S. troops.

Down in the village, the platoon leader was hit in the face, and another soldier shot in the leg. From Tillman's position up on the ridge came anguished cries of alarm. First, the friendly Afghan soldier was shot and killed by the soldiers in the Ranger vehicle. The soldier standing alongside Tillman described what he witnessed in a sworn statement.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: "A vehicle with a .50-cal rolled into our sight and started to unload on top of us. Tillman and I were yelling: 'Stop. Stop. Friendlies. Friendlies. Cease fire." But they couldn't hear us.'"

MCINTYRE: According to another sworn statement obtained by CNN, the driver of the Humvee was initially confused when he saw the Afghan soldier with Tillman on the ridge, then realized others in his Humvee were firing at other Rangers.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: "I yelled twice, 'We have friendlies on top.' The crew must not have heard me, because my vehicle opened fire on them. I screamed no and then yelled repeatedly several times to cease fire. No one heard me."

MCINTYRE: Tillman threw a smoke grenade to signal they were Rangers. And, for a few moments, it appeared to work.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: "We thought the battle was over, so we were relieved, getting up and stretching out and talking with one another, when I heard some rounds coming from the vehicle. They started firing again. That's when I hit the deck and started praying."

MCINTYRE: The soldier hit the deck when the vehicle tired fired on them again, and that's when the soldier said Tillman was hit.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: "I know this because I could hear the pain in his voice when he called out, ceasefire, I'm Pat Tillman, damn it, and he said this over and over again until he stopped."

MCINTYRE: Moments later, a sound caught the attention of the soldier next to Tillman.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: "I heard what sounded like water pouring down. I then looked down to see a river of blood coming down from where he was. I had blood all over my shoulder from him, and when I looked at him, I saw his head was gone."

(END VIDEOTAPE)

PHILLIPS: Pat Tillman's parents have more questions about what happened. That's next in the second part of Jamie McIntyre's investigation. You're watching CNN, the most trusted name in news.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: Well, it's been two years since the former NFL star Pat Tillman was shot to death by his fellow army rangers in Afghanistan. As we've been showing you,there are many unanswered questions about precisely how that happened. Two years later, there's yet another army investigation under way.

CNN senior Pentagon correspondent Jamie McIntyre and CNN senior investigative producer Scott Bronstein have combed through thousands of documents. What they found includes accusations of negligence and deceit. Here, again, is Jamie McIntyre.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MCINTYRE (voice-over): Two years and three investigations have produced a mountain of files. But there is still a long list of unanswered questions about the death of Pat Tillman at the hands of his fellow rangers. Why were Tillman's body armor and uniform burned by his fellow soldiers after he was killed? Why did some soldiers change their testimony from investigation to investigation? And should some rangers have faced courts martial?

COL. JOSEPH G. CURTIN, U.S. ARMY SPOKESMAN: Simply put, the family is not satisfied with the information they are getting, and they've asked for more details, and simply put, we owe the family honest answers.

MCINTYRE: In part because of the family's anger and disillusionment, the Pentagon has launched a fourth investigation. A criminal probe, into whether Tillman's death was negligent homicide as well as a separate review of whether the army engaged in any intentional deception.

(on camera): It's been two years. Is there a -- is there an excuse for this taking that long?

EUGENE R. FIDELL, ATTORNEY, MILITARY LAW PROFESSOR: I can't think of one.

MCINTYRE (voice-over): Eugene Fidell represents military clients in his private practice, and teaches military justice at American University in Washington. He reviewed the Tillman documents at CNN's request, examining the charge made by one investigator that stories changed after his initial probe.

(on camera): Is there anything here that could be considered a smoking gun? FIDELL: I don't know that we have a smoking gun at this point. What we do have is an initial investigator who thought that there should be, let's say, a serious look at criminal negligence. We have people changing their stories. We have somebody given -- being given a grant of immunity.

MCINTYRE (voice-over): In the documents, the army blacked out names and other identifying information. So it's unclear exactly whose testimony changed and when.

But the initial investigation, conducted by an army captain CNN has identified as Richard Scott, contains much harsher judgments than those reached in a later probe by a one-star general. In a sworn deposition given five months after Tillman's death, Scott says ...

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: "The stories have changed. They have changed to, I think, help some individuals."

MCINTYRE: Scott states that in the retelling, some distances have grown longer. Some lighting conditions worse, and even the position of the allied Afghan soldier changed. In his deposition, Captain Scott says of one soldier in the lead vehicle that fired on Tillman ...

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: "I think he demonstrated gross negligence. He recognized the individual, the Afghan soldier, wasn't shooting in his direction. But he shot and killed him anyway."

MCINTYRE (on camera): In this stack right here that we were looking at, this is where one of the first investigators offers his opinion when he's being questioned that there might be gross negligence involved in this. How significant is that?

FIDELL: It's quite significant, because that original investigation was the one closest in time to the events in controversy, by an individual who caught witnesses, presumably when their memories were fresh and expresses the opinion that gross negligence has been committed.

MCINTYRE (voice-over): Captain Scott notes the rangers in the lead vehicle firing on Tillman were not being shot at themselves at the time. And that, quote ...

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: "There were numerous attempts to signal to that lead vehicle that the friendlies were up on that ridge line."

MCINTYRE: The documents show the numerous attempts included soldiers yelling into radios to cease fire, Tillman's smoke grenade, the driver of the vehicle yelling to cease fire, and, finally, Tillman and the soldier next to him, waving their arms frantically over their heads. But the firing continued, with no attempt to properly identify the targets.

It was, in the opinion of Captain Scott, a lack of discipline that should have brought serious punishment. UNIDENTIFIED MALE: "The other difficult thing, though was watching some of these guys getting off with, what I thought, was a lesser of a punishment than what they should have received."

GRANGE: If someone lied under oath on the investigation, to cover themselves or cover someone else, that's inexcusable.

MCINTYRE: The documents show the officer who made the original decision to split the platoon was later granted limited immunity, to change his testimony about who above him knew about his order. He would later explain that it was only a clarification of his original testimony. But both Mr. Fidell and General Grange found the grant of immunity unusual.

GRANGE: The immunity issue does raise a few red flags. Because, I mean, why, unless they had accurate statements, why would you have to give immunity to anyone?

MCINTYRE: And on the issue of Tillman's uniform, which was burned by soldiers after his death? While the army's most recent investigation concludes Tillman's uniform and body armor should have been preserved, it disputes the idea it was burned in an attempt to cover anything up. The soldiers thought they were disposing of a biohazard. The army says so far seven soldiers have received various reprimands.

CURTIN: There were three officers and four enlisted personnel, all of them were disciplined. All received administrative reprimands. One soldier was demoted and fined, and three others were dismissed from the ranger regiment itself.

MCINTYRE (on camera): While no one was found grossly negligence nor less than truthful in the follow-up investigations, more serious charges could result from the ongoing probe, which is looking at questions of criminal negligence, intent to cover up and the awarding of Tillman's Silver Star.

(voice-over): But to some legal experts, the punishments in the Tillman case, so far, seem light.

FIDELL: The punishments that have been imposed have been on relatively junior people and they've been relatively informal, non- judicial punishments, non-record punishments, things that never leave the unit, were simply firing somebody from the rangers. To a ranger, that's a big deal, but it's not like going to the disciplinary barracks at Ft. Leavenworth, for example.

MCINTYRE: And the army said it learned a lesson in the delay of notifying the Tillman family about how their son died. The army has new procedures to ensure suspected friendly fire deaths are reported right away.

CURTIN: The unit erred on the side of caution to get all the facts first to determine that, indeed, that a friendly fire event had occurred, and that shouldn't have happened. In hindsight as soon as they suspected they should have told the family about it. MCINTYRE: The army has expressed its deepest regrets to the Tillman family and is promising the fullest accounting possible.

CURTIN: The bottom line, we will go where the truth leads us, and we will get the answers to the best of our ability.

MCINTYRE: For some of Pat Tillman's family, that promise rings hollow. After two years of frustration, they wonder if any investigation will ever uncover the truth.

Jamie McIntyre, CNN, the Pentagon.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

PHILLIPS: Tragedy in Indonesia as the death toll climbs past 5,000 people. A report from the earthquake zone straight ahead. You're watching CNN, the most trusted name in news.

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PHILLIPS: Seismic shift causes catastrophe in Indonesia. The heavily populated island of Java is reeling after Saturday's 6.3 magnitude quake. More than 5,000 people are dead, 100,000 homeless. But more shocking than the numbers are the pictures of the devastation.

CNN's Dan Rivers is at the epicenter.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DAN RIVERS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Picking their way through a shattered landscape, the survivors of Indonesia's latest strategy. This is all that remains of the village of Mbulus Kulon, near the earthquake's epicenter. I met one survivor, Saratman (ph), clambering across the debris. Ninety-five percent of the houses here have been destroyed.

He vividly describes the moment he was jolted awake in terror. We went to the skeleton of his house, where he relived the awful moment he found his father's body crushed beneath the rubble. The trauma of this disaster is raw and painful.

(on camera): Saratman's (ph) house is completely destroyed and you come in here and it's just full of the debris of everyday life. Bookcase full of CDs and children's toys. And this is where Saratman's (ph) father died and miraculously, he, his wife and his two children somehow managed to escape.

(voice-over): Across this province, the injured are continuing to arrive in overwhelmed hospitals. Many in agony after being crushed in the collapsing homes. The Indonesian army continues to recover the dead. Village after village has been flattened by this earthquake, which struck just before dawn as this rural population slept.

Back in Mbulus Kulon, Saratman (ph) takes me on a tour of what remains of the main street in his community, now just a collection of splintered homes. Like so many of the survivors, Saratman (ph) is now living in a tent. It's barely waterproof, but for now this is home for some 30 survivors, including Saratman's grieving mother, Wagona (ph).

She is 75-years-old and suddenly a widow. I leave him as a collection of freshly dug graves. Saratman's (ph) father, his aunt and his two cousins have all just been buried. They all perished in an instant, changing his world forever. Dan Rivers, CNN, Mbulus Kulon, Indonesia.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

PHILLIPS: Well first a tsunami, then an earthquake. Is a major volcanic eruption next for Indonesia. All scientists say maybe. We do know Indonesia lies just astride the ring of fire in a notoriously unstable area, where tectonic plates are constantly grinding against each other. Mount Merapi is about 30 miles from the epicenter of Saturday's 6.3 quake. It started spewing just a few weeks ago, but has been three times as active since Saturday.

So you can log on to CNN.com for up to the minute information on the Indonesian earthquake and find out how you can help the victims of this tragedy, as well.

Well that catastrophic earthquake grabs the headlines in Indonesia. The World Health Organization is keeping its eye on bird flu. Tests confirm six new human cases in Indonesia. They're not thought to be linked to one another, nor to that earlier cluster in Sumatra. All the cases are being announced at the same time because the same lab in Hong Kong does the test. There have been no reports of bird flu in the U.S. in animals or people.

Dear soldier -- what comes next will surely put a smile on your face. Kids taking on the all important role of being a pen pal. Their letters when we return. Stay with CNN, the most trusted name in news.

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PHILLIPS: Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have forever changed the lives of thousands of American families. The Williams family is one of them. Mom and dad are both deployed. Now their 12-year-old son is learning just how tough it is to be independent.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DIANE WILLIAMS, SERGEANT, U.S. ARMY: Time is so important that you never know when you're time is going to run out.

DENVER WILLIAMS, SERGEANT, U.S. ARMY: So we take full advantage of the time we do have.

DIANE WILLIAMS: Yes, and you know, I think every time we have come back from being apart without the three of us being together, you know, you kind of just pick right back up and you appreciate the routine of life where some people think I'm stuck in a rut. I enjoy the rut.

JOSH WILLIAMS, SON OF DEPLOYED PARENTS: Because you've been separated for so long and now we're seeing each other. It's so much more connected than normal. Normally it is like, hey, what's up? Now it's like, so how was your day and we actually listen and pay attention.

DIANE WILLIAMS: It makes you appreciate what you have.

DENVER WILLIAMS: The time is precious, yes.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: For a complete look at "Coming Home: Families and War," as well as to hear more personal stories from troops and their families go to CNN.com/cominghome.

PHILLIPS: And for soldiers serving in combat zones, battle gear and training are mission critical. But for a soldier's spirit, a letter from home is just as vital. Some of the letters are collected in a touching, funny book called "Dear Soldier: Heartfelt Letters from America's Children." Here now are some of the children reading those messages that they sent to men and women in Iraq. Our thanks to CNN affiliate WTVF for taping these moving messages.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

TYLER RABER, SENT MESSAGE TO IRAQ: Dear soldier, thank you for the what the army does for this country, like stops freaky terrorists from bombing the USA with massive nuclear weapons and stopping the terrorists all across Iraq. Thank you for all you do.

ERICA HUNTER, SENT MESSAGE TO IRAQ: Dear soldier, thank you for risking your life to save us. I thank you from the bottom of my heart and try to have a good time. I give you all my prayers, Erica.

PRESTON WARFIELD, SENT MESSAGE TO IRAQ: Dear soldier, thank you for fighting for our country's freedom. You must have been very courageous to go over there and fight for us. Thank you for risking your life for all of as you. From, Preston.

CHRISTOPHER WARFIELD, SENT MESSAGE TO IRAQ: Dear soldiers. Hi, my name is Christopher Warfield. My grandfather was in the war. His name is Bob Warfield. Bye, soldiers. P.S., believe in yourself. P.S.S., I love monkeys.

BRENNAN HALE, SENT MESSAGE TO IRAQ: Dear soldier, I hope you win the war. Our whole class is praying for you. You are the best people for fighting for us. I hope it is nice in Iraq. I hope you have comfy beds. I want to be in the war just like you. I think you are brave to be in the war. Have you had any tornadoes? I am in first grade. My name is Brennan.

MARY KATHERINE NEACHAM, SENT MESSAGE TO IRAQ: Dear soldiers, thank you for going to Iraq to fight for us. I go to St. Matthew's School. My dad was in the Navy. I will pray for you. Love, Mary Katherine. P.S., I am praying.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

PHILLIPS: Well, a major league milestone. Stay tuned for a historic hit and one crazy catch. CNN, the most trusted name in news.

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PHILLIPS: Well, it took them a while, but Barry Bonds has finally passed the Babe. The San Francisco Giants slugger moved into sole possession of second place on the all time home-run list yesterday. No. 715 bounced off the center field stands, rolled off an awning into the concessions area, right into the hands of a marketing executive getting his wife a snack.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I went down to just to get a couple of beers and I was going to get her peanuts and a barbecue sandwich. And the one place wouldn't sell the barbecue sandwich, told me to go next door. As I walked up, I heard the roar. I looked up and saw everybody reaching into the air and the ball came over and I snagged it.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

PHILLIPS: Don't know if he ever got the barbecue sandwich, but he snagged the ball. Bonds' home run came during the Giants loss at home to the Colorado Rockies.

Well if you like close finishes, Indianapolis was the place for you . In the final lap of yesterday's Indy 500, 19-year-old Marco Andretti passed his father Michael to take the lead. Just as it looked as if the second-youngest driver ever to race in the 500 was going to win, well Sam Hornish passed him, winning the 90th edition of the race by six-hundredth of a second. One of our favorites, Danica Patrick, well she finished eighth. That ends this Memorial Day edition of LIVE FROM. Thanks for joining us. Now it's time for "THE SITUATION ROOM." John King is in for Wolf Blitzer. John?

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