6 months for murdering an iraqi citizen? now thats justice Original Article Sergeant gets 6 months in Iraqi-drowning case Angela K. Brown Associated Press Jan. 9, 2005 12:00 AM FORT HOOD, Texas - An Army platoon sergeant who ordered his soldiers to throw Iraqis into the Tigris River was sentenced Saturday to six months in military prison, but will not be discharged. Army Sgt. 1st Class Tracy Perkins also was reduced by one rank to staff sergeant, which cuts his pay and responsibilities. Perkins, 33, was convicted Friday of two counts of aggravated assault, assault consummated by battery and obstruction of justice. He was acquitted of involuntary manslaughter and making a false statement. He did not testify during his trial, but told the jury of Army officers and enlisted members earlier Saturday that his actions were wrong, although he did not apologize to the Iraqis. He said he still loved the military and did not want to lose his job. "If I had to go back, I would definitely do something different on those days," Perkins said, wiping away tears. The six-man jury of Army officers and enlisted members considered a sentencing range of no punishment to a dishonorable discharge, rank reduction and 11 1/2 years in prison. Prosecutors had recommended five years in prison and a dishonorable or bad conduct discharge.