Ryan Weemer
| Ryan G. Weemer | |
|---|---|
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/branch | United States Marine Corps |
| Years of service | 2001–2006 |
| Rank | Sergeant |
| Unit | 3rd Battalion 1st Marines |
| Awards |
Purple Heart Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device |
Ryan G. Weemer is a Marine Veteran from Hindsboro, Illinois, who was tried in a military court for war crimes that were allegedly committed while he was on active duty during the Iraq War. Weemer was charged with the killing of unarmed Iraqi detainees in the city of Fallujah. His trial began on March 31, 2009, at Camp Pendleton in California. He was acquitted of all charges on April 9, 2009.
Weemer attended Oakland High School in Oakland, Illinois, where he was captain of the school's football team and salutatorian of his class. After graduation in 2001, he joined the United States Marine Corps, eventually rising to the rank of sergeant. During his time in the Marines, Weemer was a member of the 3rd Battalion 1st Marines and served in the Iraq War. In November 2004, he participated in a fierce battle in Fallujah, during which Weemer was wounded. He was subsequently awarded the Purple Heart and a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for his valor under fire. Weemer was honorably discharged from active service in 2006.
Subsequently, he applied for a job with the Secret Service and, during the interview process, Weemer mentioned the Fallujah killings. Because of this, he was recalled to active duty so that he could be made to stand trial in a military court-martial.
In court-martial proceedings at Camp Pendleton that opened on March 31, 2009, Sgt. Weemer was accused of unpremeditated murder and dereliction of duty in the fatal shooting of four Iraqi prisoners during the November 2004 battle in Fallujah. Weemer's jury consisted of a panel of eight Marines, each of whom had served in either Iraq or Afghanistan. The jury deliberated for seven hours over two days, and Weemer was acquitted of all charges on April 9, 2009. Weemer, age 26, hugged and thanked his attorney Paul Hackett after the verdict as his wife, sister, and former high school teacher wept in the courtroom.
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