. . . and embarrassed young Jessica Lynch by attributing Donald Walters’ fierce fighting to her.
The Post article about Lynch’s supposed heroism, which appeared April 3, 2003, set off an avalanche of similar news coverage in news outlets across the United States and around the world. It was an irresistible, cinematic tale — a waiflike teenager pouring lead into attacking Iraqis, much like a female Rambo.
The Post never fully explained how it got the story so badly wrong, and offered but scant interest in the real hero at Nasiriyah.
A database search of Post articles published since April 2003 revealed just three stories in which Walters’ name was mentioned. None of those articles discussed in any detail his bravery at Nasiriyah.
The Army eventually acknowledged that Walters’ conduct “likely prevented his unit from suffering additional casualties and loss of life” and posthumously awarded him the Silver Star — the military’s third-highest decoration for valor.
Tomorrow is the anniversary of the battle at Nasiriyah; let’s try to remember it correctly.
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