Joshua Bernard Death Photo

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.”

“Secretary Gates was right,” Hill added. “The issue is judgment and common
decency.

There is some information, some actions that occur, that are simply too private, too personal, and too tragic to be intentionally broadcast into the homes of millions. For families with loved ones overseas, the fear of what might happen to them is a near constant companion. This photo not only keeps open the wounds of war for the Bernard family, but it also increases the fear for the families of those who are still facing the reality of sudden death every day.

ap photo of dying marine

The Associated Press is defending its decision to transmit a photograph showing a mortally wounded Marine just moments after a rocket attack in Afghanistan.The picture, taken by embedded AP photographer Julie Jacobson, shows Lance Cpl. Joshua Bernard suffering severe leg wounds from a rocket-propelled grenade fired at him in an ambush in Helmand province on Aug. 14.

Fellow Marines helped Bernard get to a war-zone hospital, where he died.The AP said it decided to publish the photo even though Bernard's father objected. In a letter to the AP, Defense Secretary Robert Gates strongly objected to the organization's decision.

The AP's senior managing editor, John Daniszewski, said that the image is "part of the history or war" and that the photo and accompanying story are "a respectful treatment and recognition of sacrifice."

The photo accompanied an extensive AP Impact article called "Calm -- then sudden death in Afghan war," by Alfred de Montesquiou and Julie Jacobson.

lance cpl. joshua m. bernard

Lance Cpl. Joshua Bernard was a great inclusion to US Marine as sources say, and most importantly will be remembered thus in future. AP published some of his photos which were sensitive enough as demanded by his father. So considering you know about the unfortunate incident already, (Lance Corporal Joshua M. Bernard: the real story)

In this Thursday, Aug. 27, 2009 file photo, U.S. Marine Cpl. Braxton Russell pays his respects to Lance Cpl. Joshua Bernard during a memorial service at a forward operating base with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, in Now Zad in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan. Bernard was mortally wounded during a Taliban ambush on Aug. 14. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)

FILE- In this Thursday, Aug. 27, 2009 file photo, U.S. Marine Lt. Jake Godby pays his respects to Lance Cpl. Joshua Bernard during a memorial service at a forward operating base with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, in Now Zad in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan. Bernard was mortally wounded during a Taliban ambush on Aug. 14. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)