American Legion commander blasts AP for image of wounded Marine

"Outrageously irresponsible," is how the leader of the nation`s largest veterans organization characterized the Associated Press`s decision to release a photo of a dying U.S. Marine taken in Afghanistan. "The lack of compassion and common decency shown by the Associated Press in releasing this photograph is stunning," said American Legion National Commander Clarence E. Hill, a retired Navy captain. "Lance Corporal Joshua Bernard is a hero who gave his life for his country. His family is understandably offended. I have asked the American Legion state commander in Maine to reach out to his family. Indeed everybody in The American Legion stands with his family." The photo shows Bernard bleeding after being struck by a rocket-propelled grenade in a Taliban ambush Aug. 14. Before the photograph was publicly released, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates asked Thomas Curley, AP`s president and chief executive officer to refrain from transmitting the image. "Out of respect for his family`s wishes, I ask you in the strongest of terms to reconsider your decision. I do not make this request lightly…The issue here is not law, policy or constitutional right - but judgment and common decency."