Less than three months before the Haditha killings, President George Bush recognized one of the men charged in the Haditha killings, Capt. Randy W. Stone.

Bush praised Stone during a 2005 visit he made to North Island to rally support for "staying the course" in Iraq.

During his speech, Bush noted that Stone's grandfather, Leon Stone, had fought as a Navy sailor supporting the Marines in World War II's battle of Iwo Jima.

"And today … Capt. Randy Stone carries on a proud family tradition," Bush said. "Capt. Stone is a Marine officer now serving in Iraq. He knows that he and his generation are doing the same vital work in this war on terror that his grandparents did in World War II. He also knows how this struggle will end."

Bush then quoted Stone as saying: 'I know we will win because I see it in the eyes of the Marines every morning. In their eyes is the sparkle of victory.' "

Stone, 34, was the 3rd Battalion's staff legal adviser but was recently relieved of that role before being charged Thursday with violation of a lawful order for allegedly failing to ensure accurate reporting and a thorough investigation of a violation of the law of war.

He also was charged with two counts of dereliction of duty for the same reasons.

Stone, who completed his officer training course in August 2003, was on his first tour in Iraq at the time of the Haditha killings. He is currently assigned to legislative affairs duties.