
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, August 30, 1994                   TAG: 9409010059
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A-2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: WASHINGTON                                LENGTH: Short

DISCIPLINE ADVISED FOR COPTER DOWNINGS

A senior military board has recommended that up to five AWACS crew members be court-martialed for their part in the accidental downing of two U.S. Army helicopters over Iraq last April, Pentagon sources said Monday.

Twenty-six people, including 15 Americans, were killed in the April 14 ``friendly fire'' incident, one of the worst self-inflicted losses in U.S. military history.

``This is a very preliminary recommendation to the senior convening authority,'' said one senior Pentagon source, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

That authority, a three-star Air Force general, must review the recommendation and decide whether to refer the cases for further action by the military's judicial system.

The board suggested that dereliction of duty charges be brought against those involved in controlling air operations over northern Iraq, a second source said.

The two F-15 pilots are also expected to face disciplinary action. Whether they also will face a court-martial is still being looked at.

by CNB