WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Leon Panetta says he has ordered the Air Force to take a second look at its decision to discipline, but not fire, three supervisors at the military mortuary where some war remains were mishandled.
Panetta said at a Pentagon news conference that he's told Air Force Secretary Michael Donley to report back to him after he re-examines the disciplinary actions.
Panetta also has ordered an independent review of how procedures have been improved at the mortuary at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, following an Air Force investigation.
Panetta said he was briefed on the Air Force investigation shortly after he became defense secretary in July.
Panetta also said the families of those whose remains were mishandled deserve an apology.
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