Taking Cover: An NPR Investigation It was the worst Marine-on-Marine friendly fire incident since Vietnam. But it's not in the history books. An explosion in Fallujah, Iraq left three dead, a dozen wounded. Families of the deceased were lied to, reports mysteriously disappeared, and survivors left to wonder what had really happened. Taking Cover, an NPR investigative series, uncovers the truth - and explores big questions about what's owed to the young people who are sent to war, as well as to their families and to the American public.
NPR's investigation of the cover up of the worst "friendly fire" incident to involve U.S. Marines since Vietnam.
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Taking Cover: An NPR Investigation

NPR's investigation of a cover up: a "friendly fire" incident involving U.S. Marines.

Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., speaks during a hearing of a Senate Armed Services Committee subcommittee. A combat veteran, Kelly called on the U.S. Marines to explain why wounded troops weren't told the truth about a friendly fire incident in Iraq in 2004. Alex Brandon/AP hide caption

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Alex Brandon/AP

A photo album of Shihab — during his time as an interpreter working with American military personnel during the Iraq War — rests on a small table alongside cups of tea. Claire Harbage/NPR hide caption

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Claire Harbage/NPR

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpls. Chris Covington (left) and Carlos Gomez Perez recover from shrapnel and bullet wounds on April 27, 2004, after Iraqi insurgents attacked near Fallujah, Iraq. Just two weeks earlier, Covington and Gomez Perez helped evacuate wounded Marines and soldiers after a deadly explosion rocked a schoolhouse in Fallujah. Scott Peterson/Getty Images hide caption

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Scott Peterson/Getty Images

A fatal mistake: The truth behind a Marine Corps lie and broken promises

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