Created: 6/2/2009 3:03:33 PM 
WASHINGTON, DC -- The general who was in charge of U.S. special operations in Afghanistan at the time former NFL star Pat Tillman was killed by friendly fire in 2004 is admitting that it should have been handled differently. Lt. Gen. Stanley McChrystal is in line to take over as the top commander of U.S. and NATO troops in Afghanistan. Tillman's parents have accused McChrystal of covering up the circumstances of their son's death. According to Pentagon testimony, McChrystal approved paperwork awarding Tillman a Silver Star after he was reported killed by enemy fire -- even though he suspected that the Ranger had actually been killed accidentally by fellow American soldiers. An investigation of the case found McChrystal accountable for "inaccurate and misleading assertions." During confirmation hearings today, McChrystal was asked about the Tillman citation by Senator John McCain. McChrystal admitted that paperwork for the award was "not well written," and he apologized for the confusion it caused. He added that in retrospect, he would have done things differently and made sure the award citation was accurate.
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