Table of Contents
In this gripping episode of the Stories of Service Podcast, host Theresa Carpenter examines a case that exposes cracks in the foundation of military justice. Eric Gilmet, a decorated Navy corpsman with 21 years of honorable service, found his career—and life—derailed by a four-year legal battle that began on a New Year’s Eve in Iraq.
A late-night altercation in Erbil left a civilian contractor unconscious. Acting on his medic’s instincts, Gilmet stayed with the man overnight, performing neurological checks and positioning him to keep his airway clear. Tragically, the contractor stopped breathing the next morning and later died.
Rather than treating the event as the accident confirmed by autopsy evidence, military authorities charged Gilmet and two Marine Raiders with homicide. What followed was a harrowing legal ordeal: a senior JAG officer’s threatening comments created a conflict of interest, COVID delays stretched proceedings to four years, and Gilmet was left unable to practice medicine or progress in his career.
Ultimately, the military’s highest court dismissed all charges, recognizing the due process violations. But the victory came at a heavy personal cost—financially, emotionally, and professionally.
GUEST BIO: WHO IS ERIC GILMET?
Eric Gilmet
A Fight for Fairness
The case became about more than one night in Iraq—it became a test of fundamental fairness in military courts. In the end, the military’s highest court dismissed all charges, acknowledging the due process violations that tainted the proceedings.
Life After the Verdict
Now retired in Michigan, Gilmette is pursuing his master’s degree and advocating for reforms to military justice. His journey is both a warning and an inspiration: a reminder of how quickly lives can change, and of the courage it takes to stand firm when the institution you’ve served threatens to undo your life’s work.
🔑 Key Takeaways
Even Decorated Careers Aren’t Immune – Military justice can fail those it is meant to protect.
Due Process Matters – When conflicts of interest or improper conduct surface, fairness can be compromised.
The Human Cost Is High – Years of uncertainty can devastate careers, families, and mental health.
Courage Beyond the Battlefield – Gilmet’s resilience shows strength isn’t only about combat—it’s about facing injustice head-on.
Change Requires Voices Like His – By speaking out, Gilmet is helping push for reforms that protect future service members.
Listen here
Watch Full Episode
Injustice doesn’t fix itself—it takes voices, action, and accountability to build a fairer future for those who serve.
More on the case - https://www.uap.org/post/task-purpose...
FAQs
Why was he charged with homicide?
Despite autopsy evidence confirming the death was accidental, military authorities charged Gilmet and two Marine Raiders with homicide—raising concerns about flaws in the military justice system.
How long did the legal process last?
Due to COVID delays and procedural conflicts—including a senior JAG officer’s inappropriate comments—the ordeal stretched four years, leaving Gilmette unable to practice medicine or advance his career.
What was the final outcome of his case?
The military’s highest court dismissed all charges, citing due process violations that compromised the integrity of the case.
Why is Eric Gilmette’s story important?
His experience underscores how even decorated careers can be upended by systemic failures—and why accountability and reform are essential to preserving trust within the armed forces.
