Five weeks after Tillman's death, the Army acknowledged abruptly, without providing details, that he had 'probably' died from friendly fire." However, Rich wrote, "It would be a compelling story, if only it were true. Tillman, it said, was storming a hill to take out the enemy, even as he 'personally provided suppressive fire with an M-249 Squad Automatic Weapon machine gun.'" It is now available on DVD and online.On April 30, an official Army press release announcing his Silver Star citation filled in vivid details of his last battle. The documentary had its theatrical release in 2010. By all means see it, and do prepare yourself to delve. Director Amir Bar Lev weaves into the fabric of his narrative elemental issues that stretch beyond the Tillman legend to the realm of myth, to the arena in which story is used to elicit contemplation of topics such as the nature of heroism, the contracts between governments and their citizens, family and civic loyalty and questions about why men fight and what lies beyond our perceptions of truth. The Tillman Story affords viewers the joyful experience of getting to know more about the remarkable Pat Tillman and appreciate his accomplishments.īut be advised, The Tillman Story is not a light-hearted fan-pandering biopic. Of course, disclosure didn’t reverse Tillman’s demise, but it did, at least, honor the truth - and that is something for which Tillman, the stand up man, always stood.ĭirector Amir Bar Lev incorporates archival footage and photos gleaned from the Tillman family, the NFL and news media sources with on-camera interviews with family members, friends and fellow soldiers who witnessed Tillman’s death, to present a comprehensive, compelling and truthful narrative covering Pat Tillman’s extraordinary life and lasting legacy. And, yes, this critical information had been intentionally withheld and covered up by the administration.Ī second wave of banner headlines upheld Tillman’s status as Hero, but rebuked authorities for purposefully camouflaging the circumstances of Tillman’s death and spinning the incident to serve as pro-war propaganda. Then, as she persisted, from behind the crumbling official wall of silence emerged the troubling evidence that Pat’s death was caused by friendly fire. Pat’s mom, every bit as strong and determined as her heroic son, began investigating. Tillman’s contingent was, the official reports indicated, under heavy enemy attack, and the Corporal was fatally wounded by incoming fire.īut official accounts of Tillman’s death lacked critical information that his family - understandably wanting to understand under what circumstances their beloved son-brother-husband took his last breath - demanded to know. Bush administration - told the tale of Tillman’s death as that of combat hero who sacrificed his life to protect those in his command. Tillman’s team of employers - the Army and, ultimately, the George W. Army Ranger, in April of 2004, during his deployment in Afghanistan, made banner headlines and set the entire nation - not just sports fans - into mourning. No surprise that news of the death of Corporal Pat Tillman, U.S. ![]() However, to family, friends and millions of fans, Tillman was an extraordinary man with stellar attributes: he was strapping, handsome, smart, truth-seeking and loyal, a stand up humanist who managed to balance a penchant for calling his own shots with his unfailing dedication to fairness and team play.ĭuring his life, profiles of Tillman’s larger-than-life persona and details about his game and achievements were served up as daily fare by star-struck media were relished by adoring fans. Tillman, according to those who knew him, considered himself to be an ordinary guy who happened to enjoy a good challenge and liked using whatever talents he possessed to do the best he could in meeting it. In the hands of filmmaker Amir Bar Lev, the The Tillman Story is great cinema.īy all accounts other than his own, Pat Tillman, the pro football player who turned in his multimillion dollar contract to turn himself into a patriot soldier, was a hero - no, make that Hero, with a capital H. The story of Pat Tillman’s life and untimely death is one that lends itself to legend. The Tale of Tillman’s Life and Death Will Live On
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