Washington, D.C.- During a special public ceremony today at a Wilmington, NC American Legion fundraiser, Marine 2nd Lt. Ilario Pantano thanked Third District Congressman Walter B. Jones for his support during his recent Article 32 hearing and honored him with the gift of his officer’s sword.

“First, I present to you my innocence, known to you and many others from the outset, but proven finally by our justice system after a yearlong investigation and prosecution,” Lt. Pantano said during the presentation. “And finally, from one warrior to another, I present to you my most cherished possession, my sword… The Marine Officer’s sword represents the highest ideals of military excellence and professionally, one of my greatest achievements. Honor, courage and commitment are principles by which we Marines live and die. You, Congressman Jones, through your actions, have demonstrated that you live by those principles as well. And I, for one am grateful that you do.”

Jones has been a relentless advocate of Lt. Pantano as he faced accusations of murder for actions he took in self-defense while in Iraq last April. In early May, the hearing officer presiding over the Article 32 hearing recommended dismissal of all charges, and just last week Major General Richard Huck, Commander, 2nd Marine Division, accepted those recommendations.

“I am extraordinarily touched to be given such a meaningful honor,” Jones said. “I know that, for a Marine officer, there is no more personal or significant possession than his sword, and I cannot express in words how deeply grateful and humbled I am that you would honor me with yours. All along, I had the utmost confidence that the Marines would do the right thing and dismiss the charges. Today, I am just thankful that you and your family can finally put this ordeal behind you and get back to your normal lives. It is a tragic loss for the Marine Corps and this nation that you will no longer be with the Corps I know you so love, but I wish you and your beautiful family all the best as you transition to civilian life. Thank you for your noble service to this nation.”

Lt. Pantano announced his resignation from the Marine Corps today noting that the media frenzy surrounding his case may put himself or his other Corps members at greater risk if he were to return to duty.

“My love of corps and country will never be broken or diminished,” he said. “But now it is my love of family that I must honor most with my decision to resign.”

For additional information or to schedule an interview with Congressman Walter B. Jones please contact Kristen Quigley at (202) 225-3415.