The Associated Press
HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Excerpts from the U.S. Army War College’s plagiarism investigation into Sen. John Walsh, and Walsh’s appeal:
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“Evidence generated by the research into the (research paper) clearly documents that the paper (a) contains little (if any) original language or research, (b) is primarily composed of verbatim liftings from other sources, (c) clearly reads as if lifted words and passages are the work of then Colonel Walsh, when, in fact, they are not, and (d) presents evidence via the manipulation of the language and ideas of Colonel Buss and Amaney Jamal of purposive deception. In short, the paper was plagiarized and that the plagiarism was intentional.”
— U.S. Army War College Director of Communicative Arts Larry Miller, who examined Walsh’s paper.
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“The possible extenuating circumstances of PTSD issues and the March 2007 suicide of a Soldier who had served in a previous unit are not sufficient to support any other recommendation than revocation. … Although Col. (ret.) Walsh was taking medication to treat PTSD symptoms during (Academic Year) 2007, this did not interfere with either his academic or social activities during the year. It should also be noted that other students, over the last 12+ years, have had similar or more serious personal and psychological issues during their year at USAWC and they have been able to successfully complete course requirements without resorting to plagiarism or other cheating.”
— From the war college academic review board’s recommendations.
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“As basic as it may seem, I did not know how to put together a graduate-level academic research paper. It is clear to me now that my system of tracking work attributable to others was flawed. I knew at the time I was a bit disorganized. But I didn’t appreciate how exposed it left me to plagiarizing.”
— Sen. John Walsh, Oct. 6 letter of appeal to U.S. Army War College.
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“I was not in the best frame of mind to be in an academic setting. However, at the time I could not admit it because I viewed attending the USAWC as the opportunity of a lifetime. As a result, I not only failed to let anyone else know I was struggling, I did not let myself admit these struggles.”
— Walsh, Oct. 6 letter.
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“I have conducted an independent review of all the evidence and thoroughly examined your academic file. In light of the available evidence, I must sustain the decision to revoke your graduate status from the U.S. War College (Resident Education Program), Class of 2007. Your U.S. Army War College diploma, Master of Strategic Studies degree and credit for completion of senior service college are revoked.”
— Maj. Gen. William Rapp, Oct. 10 letter to Walsh.
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