In 2018, U.S. Navy Seal Eddie Gallagher was court martialed for a number of shocking crimes he was accused of committing while leading an elite commando unit in Iraq.
Despite appalling accusations from members of his own unit, Gallagher was ultimately only convicted of posing for a photograph with the corpse of an enemy combatant. Gallagher was sentenced to four months but was released following the trial because he had already served more time during his pre-trial confinement.
His case, and the ensuing political discord that surrounded it, continues to spark debate about U.S. military conduct during war and how American soldiers are held accountable for their actions.
In his new book, "Alpha: Eddie Gallagher And The War For The Soul Of The Navy SEAL,” New York Times military correspondent David Philipps recounts the experiences of Gallagher's unit, as well as the ensuing investigation of Gallagher’s actions and the controversy of his verdict.
Philipps joined Midday Edition on Tuesday to discuss the book.
