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GUARDSMAN: (He delivers his lines as if repeating from a prepared script.) I was one of 45 enlisted men at Blanket Hill. I did fire my piece. As many as sixty rounds may have been fired, according to existing statements and records. Official files show that two females, two males died of gunshot wounds. The exact source of the projectiles is not known at this time. I was equipped with the M-l rifle of the type issued for combat in World War II and the Korean action. This weapon was designed for combat duty, not riot control. Range for this type of weaponry is 3,450 yards-- or about two miles. On May 4, 1970, I believe I heard the order to begin firing. (He remains at attention.) REPORTER: Besides the four deaths, nine other students were wounded and hospitalized. Their wounds would heal long before the deep gashes in the public mind would seal themselves. PRODUCTION NOTE: Student Leader returns and notices the Guardsman in the dock. She takes a place at his side, but on the floor. He remains at attention, rifle at side. STUDENT LEADER: The very appearance of this man on this campus was enough to snap tempers. His own leader admitted that he had spent more time in combat in the State of Ohio in the summer of 1968 than he had since World War II. This man standing beside me even sent a letter.... a form letter....to the White House in support of the Vietnam war. Page 23 |