| James Kimber | |
|---|---|
| Born | Basel, Switzerland |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/branch | United States Marine Corps |
| Rank | Major |
| Unit | 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines |
| Battles/wars | Iraq War |
James Kimber, age 33, is a captain in the United States Marine Corps, and was commander of India Company 3rd Battalion 1st Marines. He was removed from command following a report by The Times regarding an alleged hazing incident in Haditha, Iraq on November 19, 2005, recorded and aired by the BBC involving Kilo Company. He was removed at the same time as 3/1's commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey R. Chessani and Kilo Company Captain Lucus McConnell according to a report by The Times on April 8, 2006. Charges against McConnell were dismissed on September 19, 2007, while Chessani's case is still under review.[1]
While his name has often been associated with the case, Kimber has never been charged of any wrongdoing in the Haditha incident. An interview with Stephen J. Hedges of the Chicago Tribune quotes Kimber as saying, "Not a soul from my company [India Co.] was in Haditha on November 19 ... [The shots in Haditha I heard over my radio] weren't just Marine weapons. You can tell from the sound ... None of my Marines have been queried in an investigation. I haven't been queried."[2] Reuters has reported that Kimber "was commander of a company several miles away that day [November 19]."[3] James Kimber's attorney and Iraq War veteran Paul Hackett has maintained that Kimber was not associated with the killings and was actually nominated for a Bronze Star for valor in Haditha. Kimber himself has stated that he did not learn of the killings until February, and that his removal from command was politically motivated.[4] In an interview with the authors of Blackfive.net, Kimber stated that he "never received any questions or comments criticizing Marine actions in Hadithah" during meetings with local Iraqi leaders.[5]
On April 7, 2006 he was relieved of command because in the course of an interview with Britain's Sky News TV, some of his subordinates in India Company of the 3rd battalion used profanity, removed sunglasses and criticized the performance of Iraqi security services during an interview with Britain’s Sky News TV.[6]
Kimber, who is a 10-year Marine veteran, has served two tours of duty in Iraq. During his first tour he was stationed in the vicinity of the insurgent stronghold of Fallujah, and was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal with Valor device for his actions during Operation Phantom Fury in November 2004.
James Kimber should not be confused with Kimber James, a transgendered adult actress.