El Toro : Officials Grant Marine Discharge With Honor

Marine Corps headquarters in Washington has approved granting a general discharge under honorable conditions to Lance Cpl. Sonia M. Kourchenko, who has admitted using marijuana while stationed at the El Toro Marine Corps Air Station, a base spokesman announced Thursday.

The discharge, part of an agreement worked out by her lawyer and base commanders, cuts short Kourchenko’s controversial discharge hearing.

During a normally routine hearing into whether a Marine accused of drug violations should be given less than an honorable discharge, Kourchenko’s lawyer raised allegations that her commanding officer had engaged in sexual harassment of women under his command and intimidation of witnesses.

The allegations were aimed at Lt. Col. Thomas F. O’Malley, commander of Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352. The defense attorney, Maj. Patrick C. Butler, submitted affidavits from former Marines under O’Malley’s command as evidence that the officer had created “an atmosphere of sexual harassment and fear” among subordinates.

O’Malley did not attend the hearing and has refused comment.

The hearing, held last Feb. 11 at El Toro, was recessed after Butler complained that he needed more time to interview other witnesses. The hearing was not reconvened, however, after a general discharge was offered to Kourchenko.

A base spokesman said Kourchenko would probably be discharged by early next week.