At least 3,241 troops have been killed since the start of the Iraq war in 2003. Thousands of others have been injured. And those who have been lucky enough to avoid either fate continue to serve overseas in regions fraught with danger. They are all heroes, whose stories need not be embellished to earn national respect.

Yet nearly three years ago, after U.S. Army Ranger Pat Tillman was killed in "friendly fire" in Afghanistan, nine ranking officers decided to make Tillman a different kind of hero — one who was killed while charging up a hill to confront the enemy. Such a gallant ending seemed fitting for a man who rejected a lucrative contract with the National Football League to join the military.

For five weeks, Tillman's family and the nation believed the circumstances of his death. His memorial was televised, and he was awarded a posthumous Silver Star medal. He had become a poster child for recruitment.

Now, a U.S. Army probe has concluded there was no criminal wrongdoing in Tillman's death. A separate Pentagon investigation revealed that nine officers learned the truth of Tillman's death the day after he was killed and continued with the farce.

The Pentagon recommends that they be held accountable. The Tillman family is demanding a congressional investigation. Both actions should be taken immediately.

There may have been no criminal wrongdoing under the legal definition, but the mishandling of this case is beyond criminal. Pat Tillman served heroically and would have been an inspiration to many, given the way he lived and died.

But that, apparently, wasn't a story worth telling.