Cowboy Yank!
British forces attacked by an American pilot who killed one serviceman and destroyed two armoured vehicles are not holding back from criticising an alleged ally:
The Yank opened up. He had absolutely no regard for human life. He was a cowboy out on a jolly
The A10 pilot were apparently blind to the clear British markings on the vehicles, despite flying right over their heads.
Lance Corporal of Horse Steven Gerrard, who suffered shrapnel wounds and burns and were flown home for treatment, has more kind words for the American cowboy pilot:
We can identify a friendly vehicle from 1,500 metres, yet you?ve got an A10 with advanced technology and he can?t use a thermal sight to identify whether a tank is a friend or foe. It?s ridiculous.
Combat is what I?ve been trained for. I can command my vehicle. I can keep it from being attacked. What I have not been trained to do is look over my shoulder to see whether an American is shooting at me.
Lieutenant MacEwen concurred:
Don?t worry about the Iraqis, it?s the Americans you want to watch.
Apparently, the US command has “apologised” for the incident. Oops! Sorry about that.