Fact Check: Park was shot twice during the 1989 U.S. invasion of Panama.

Fact Check: "Park was shot twice during the 1989 U.S. invasion of Panama."

What We Know

The claim that Park was shot twice during the 1989 U.S. invasion of Panama is supported by multiple sources. According to a report, Park, who was a 20-year-old Army veteran at the time, was deployed to Panama as part of Operation Just Cause, which aimed to depose General Manuel Noriega. He recounted that he was shot twice during the invasion and credited his survival to the quick actions of an American veteran who provided him with medical assistance (NPR, TPR).

The U.S. invasion of Panama began on December 20, 1989, and concluded in January 1990, resulting in significant military engagement and casualties on both sides (Wikipedia). The operation was characterized by intense combat, particularly in urban areas, which would have put soldiers like Park at risk of injury.

Analysis

The sources that support the claim about Park's injuries during the invasion come from credible outlets, including NPR and Texas Public Radio, which are known for their journalistic integrity and fact-checking practices. The accounts provided by Park are personal narratives that add a layer of authenticity to the claim, as they come from someone who directly experienced the events.

However, while these personal accounts are compelling, they are anecdotal and lack corroboration from official military records or broader historical analyses that specifically mention Park's injuries. The Wikipedia entry on the invasion provides context about the operation and its outcomes but does not specifically mention individual soldiers or their experiences.

Additionally, the mention of Park's injuries in the context of a broader narrative about the invasion raises questions about the availability of detailed records regarding individual soldiers' experiences during such a chaotic military operation. While the claim appears credible based on Park's own statements, the lack of independent verification or documentation from military sources means that it cannot be fully substantiated at this time.

Conclusion

Needs Research. While there are credible personal accounts supporting the claim that Park was shot twice during the U.S. invasion of Panama, the evidence is primarily anecdotal and lacks independent verification from military records or broader historical documentation. Further investigation into official military reports or additional eyewitness accounts would be necessary to confirm the specifics of Park's injuries during the invasion.

Sources

1. Issues Relating to the U.S. Invasion
2. United States invasion of Panama - Wikipedia
3. Army veteran self-deports after nearly 50 years in the U.S.
4. 30 years after US invasion, Panamanian families seek answers
5. Purple Heart Army veteran self-deports after nearly 50 years in the U.S.
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7. Purple Heart Army veteran self-deports after nearly 50 years in the U.S.
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