Colonel Hitch Coyle: The Officer Who Says the Gale Family Website Is "10% True"

In the case against Captain Juan Gale, one name continues to surface for all the wrong reasons—Colonel Hitch Coyle. His role in the legal proceedings, combined with his startling text message to a retired subordinate, claiming the Gale family’s website is only "10% true," has cast a long shadow over the integrity of the military justice system. This isn’t just a casual remark—it’s an admission by a senior officer, sworn to uphold the highest standards, that he believes only a fraction of the Gale family’s public narrative.

This begs the question: Coyle, what exactly is the 10% you believe is true—and what isn’t?

Coyle’s Dismissal of the Family's Efforts

The Gale family has put considerable effort into supporting Juan, creating a website that shares testimonials, facts, and perspectives from people who know him. The website highlights the struggles Captain Gale has faced and questions the fairness of the legal proceedings. It has gained significant public support, shining a light on potential injustices.

However, in a shocking text message sent to a retired subordinate, Colonel Coyle dismissively claimed that only "10% of it is true." This vague and unsupported statement raises serious questions. By refusing to clarify which parts he finds untrue, Coyle seems to be making an effort to undermine the family’s credibility, while conveniently avoiding responsibility for his own actions and the legal failings in the case.

What Does Coyle Consider "Untrue"?

Colonel Coyle’s sweeping statement that 90% of the family’s website is false should alarm anyone following the case. It raises many questions:

- Does Coyle believe the testimonials from fellow servicemen, who have vouched for Captain Gale’s character, are fabricated?

- Does he reject the documented claims of Unlawful Command Influence (UCI), a key issue repeatedly raised in this case?

- Or is he simply dismissing any narrative that doesn’t align with the prosecution’s story—a narrative he seems to have supported without question?

Without any specifics from Coyle, his "10% true" claim becomes nothing more than an attempt to discredit the family’s efforts. It’s a weak and evasive way to dodge accountability, leaving the public and the Gale family in the dark about which facts he considers to be true or false.

 Coyle’s Role in Unlawful Command Influence

Coyle’s actions don’t just stop at undermining the family’s public defense. His behavior points to a much deeper issue within the case—Unlawful Command Influence (UCI). Under 10 U.S. Code § 837 (Article 37), commanders are strictly prohibited from influencing legal proceedings, yet Colonel Coyle’s dismissive behavior suggests otherwise. His role in the manipulation of facts and refusal to engage with the truth fits into a broader pattern of command interference.

During questioning in previous motions hearings, Coyle admitted under oath that he was merely following the directions of the 72nd ACW Staff Judge Advocate (SJA) Lt Colonel Janet Eberle and General Michael G. Koscheski. This admission raises troubling concerns—Coyle’s testimony shows a lack of integrity, suggesting that his actions were guided by higher command rather than the principles of justice and fairness. His vague accusations about the family’s website being "10% true" seem to fit into this larger scheme of manipulation and control.

 A Leader’s Responsibility to the Truth

As a senior officer, Colonel Hitch Coyle has a responsibility to uphold the values of integrity and honor. His duty is to ensure that justice is served, not to manipulate the facts or dismiss the voices of those standing up for the truth. Yet, in his testimony and public statements, Coyle has done the opposite. Rather than offering a clear and honest assessment of the situation, he has resorted to vague statements and sweeping dismissals.

So the question remains: What does Coyle believe to be the truth?

If 90% of the family’s website is false, why hasn’t he provided any evidence to support this claim? Why hasn’t he addressed the testimonials from fellow servicemembers or the overwhelming concerns about UCI? Coyle’s refusal to engage with these questions continues to erode his credibility, leaving many to wonder just how deeply he has been involved in shaping a false narrative against Captain Gale.

 The Danger of Coyle’s "10%" Statement

Colonel Coyle’s statement that the family website is "10% true" isn’t just an offhand remark—it’s a deliberate attempt to undermine the people who have stood by Captain Juan Gale throughout his legal battle. By making this claim without evidence, Coyle seeks to shift the focus away from the real issues at hand, including the potential influence of senior leadership in manipulating the outcome of the case.

More troublingly, Coyle’s behavior reveals a deeper problem within the military justice system. His refusal to engage with the facts and his dismissive attitude reflect a lack of transparency and accountability from those in positions of power. By claiming that the website is only 10% true, Coyle is effectively dodging responsibility for his actions and undermining the integrity of the military justice system as a whole.

Why Coyle Needs to Be Held Accountable

Colonel Hitch Coyle must be held accountable for his role in this case. His dismissive and evasive attitude toward the family’s efforts is unacceptable, especially given his position. If he truly believes that 90% of the Gale family’s narrative is false, he owes it to them—and to the public—to explain what he believes the truth to be. Until he does, his credibility will continue to crumble, and his actions will cast an even darker shadow over the fairness of the military justice process.

The public deserves answers. Captain Juan Gale deserves a fair trial. And Colonel Hitch Coyle deserves to be held accountable for his role in this troubling case.

For more information on Unlawful Command Influence, you can visit [U.S. Code § 837 - Article 37] (https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/837).