The pat tillman story. The Tillman Story: An exposure of military mythmaking in the service of the US “war on terror” 2022-12-24

The pat tillman story Rating: 7,4/10 573 reviews

Patrick Daniel Tillman was a professional football player who left his successful career with the Arizona Cardinals to join the United States Army in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks. His decision to serve his country came as a surprise to many, as he was at the height of his career and had a bright future ahead of him. However, Tillman believed it was his duty to serve and protect his country, and he was determined to make a difference.

Tillman was born on November 6, 1976 in San Jose, California. He attended Leland High School in San Jose, where he excelled in both academics and athletics. After high school, he attended Arizona State University, where he played football as a defensive back for the Sun Devils. In his junior year, he was named a first-team Pac-10 defensive back, and in his senior year, he was named a consensus first-team All-American.

After completing his college career, Tillman was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the seventh round of the 1998 NFL Draft. He played for the Cardinals for four seasons, earning a reputation as a hard-hitting and tenacious player. However, in 2002, he stunned the football world by announcing that he would be leaving the NFL to join the Army.

Tillman enlisted in the Army in May 2002, and he completed basic training at Fort Benning in Georgia. He was then assigned to the 75th Ranger Regiment, where he completed Ranger School and was deployed to Afghanistan. On April 22, 2004, Tillman was killed in action while serving in Afghanistan. The circumstances of his death remain controversial, as the initial reports suggested that he was killed by enemy fire, but it was later revealed that he was killed by friendly fire.

Tillman's death received widespread media attention, and he was posthumously awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart. In addition to these military honors, he was also inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2010.

The story of Pat Tillman is one of dedication, bravery, and sacrifice. He gave up his successful career in the NFL to serve his country, and he paid the ultimate price for his service. His legacy lives on as an inspiration to others who are willing to make sacrifices for their beliefs and for their country.

The Heroic Life And Tragic Death Of Pat Tillman (Complete Story)

the pat tillman story

His Ultimately, the story referenced in the title of The Tillman Story is not so much Tillman's own biography as it is the tale his commanding officers concocted in the wake of his death. The hero designation should instead be reserved for those who actually embark on something heroic. California Born Patrick Daniel Tillman Jr. Tillman could have taken the easy way out; he could have taken 20 San Francisco Chronicle, October 24, 2005, 6. Corporal Tillman's personal courage, tactical expertise, and professional competence directly contributed to his platoon's overall success and survival. The Arizona Cardinals continued to wear this decal throughout the 2004 season.

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The Tillman Story

the pat tillman story

And photos of the torture at the Abu Ghraib prison were about to become public. His play on the field was solid as usual, finishing with 94 total tackles, one forced fumble, and two passes defended. He was a catcher during his freshman year. The report reads in part:. For all his potential, all his talent, and all his dedication, Pat Tillman would never be able to return home from the battlefields of Afghanistan to play football. Fallen Stars: Five American Athletes Who Died in Military Service.


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An Introduction to the Life and History of Pat Tillman Free Essay Example

the pat tillman story

He was competitive in sports by the time he reached Leland High School in San Jose. His heroic efforts to provide cover for fellow soldiers as they escaped from the canyon led to his untimely and tragic death via fratricide. They were eventually assigned to the 2nd Battalion of the 75th Ranger Regiment, based in Fort Lewis, Washington. A televised memorial service was planned. Even the secretary of defense, Donald Rumsfeld, sent him a personally signed letter noting his patriotic service.

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The Pat Tillman Story

the pat tillman story

This important lesson of the whole Tillman story is downplayed in the movie. In May 2002, some eight months after the September 11 attacks, Pat and Kevin enlisted in the military. Not only did he have the opportunity to return to the comfort and fortune of America, but it was to a team only minutes from his beloved wife and cottage in Washington state. . Mythological characters are often infused with mysterious religiosity and otherworldly spirituality, transcending time. That season, he collected 73 total tackles and one sack. Then, the Army repeated this lie to the rest of Tillman's family and eventually to the public at large.

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Inside Pat Tillman's Death In Afghanistan And The Cover

the pat tillman story

He chose to read voraciously and develop, debate and discuss his ideas with eager listeners, family and friends. His original decision to take such a principled stand and leave football for the military came in light of the actions of Osama bin Laden and his Afghanistan-based al-Qaeda terrorist network. As his service began, Tillman noticed differences between his experience in the war and its depiction in the media. His jaw was as fortified as a concrete bunker. He and Kevin had signed up for three years, and, although by now he was strongly opposed to the war, he was unwilling to take advantage of his position in a way that was not possible for his fellow soldiers. The Cards fortunes changed slightly as McGinnis, in his first full year as head coach, helped the team to a 7-9 record.

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Pat Tillman

the pat tillman story

He had hoped to attend nearby Stanford University, but his grades were too low. The Seattle Seahawks offered to use their influence to convince the Army to offer Tillman the opportunity for honorable discharge a year before he was due to finish his service. Undeterred, Startled, the veteran found someplace else to sit. I think they thought they could control it, and they realized that their recruiting efforts were going to go to hell in a handbasket if the truth about his death got out. A new documentary film, written and directed by Amir Bar-Lev and narrated by actor Josh Brolin, tells this story and brings it up to date. Contributing Editor Greg Beato is a writer living in San Francisco. How Did Pat Tillman Die? Tillman had not been killed by insurgents — he was shot down by his fellow soldiers.


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The Legend of Pat Tillman

the pat tillman story

I would have liked a little information on friendly fire incidents in general to get an idea as to how common they are. Baker opened fire prompting Elliott and two other Rangers to also fire. However, the wound pattern was not consistent with a heavy machine gun the style of which Elliott carried. Pat gained admiration and high regards from his professors, coaches and fans alike. After it happened, all the people in positions of authority went out of their way to script this. In his 2009 account of Tillman's story, Where Men Win Glory: The Odyssey of Pat Tillman, Jon Krakauer takes a less sweeping but ultimately more damning approach. Much like his mother, Kevin was initially left in the dark about how Pat Tillman died.

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The Tillman Story (2010)

the pat tillman story

Pat Tillman could have become a legend for so many reasons. In addition to playing on the defensive side of the ball, Tillman also saw the field as a fullback and special teams demon. While playing for Arizona, Tillman would often climb 200 feet above Sun Devil Stadium on a light tower and reflect on his life. The film is fascinating and will grab your attention from beginning to end. As the film shows, this was a grave miscalculation that underestimated the courage and determination of the family, and especially of Mary Tillman. In September 2002, they completed Tillman was subsequently deployed to Afghanistan, and posted at An investigation by the U. After the final game of the season against the Redskins in which he made a team high 18 tackles , Tillman got married to his high school girlfriend, Marie Ugenti, and honeymooned in Bora Bora.

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