Pvt. Beauchamp and TNR--final chapter?

I've already written about Pvt Beauchamp's foray into fiction writing for The New Republic. Editor Franklin Foer's defense of TNR's editorial judgment remains a classic in the "fake but accurate" genre. But TNR's cover story now seems to be in tatters. The US Army investigation has concluded "that Private Beauchamp desired to use his experiences to enhance his writing and provide legitimacy to his work possibly becoming the next Hemingway."

As near as I can determine, here's the chronology:

Pvt Scott Thomas--pseudonymous author of TNR's "Baghdad Diarist".

Pvt Scott Hemingway--future great American war novelist, in a holding pattern.

Pvt Ernest Beauchamp--TNR fabulist, having second thoughts, cancels Newsweek interview.

Pvt Scott Thomas Beauchamp--decides that earning an honorable discharge is worth more than writing fiction for TNR.

Franklin Foer--still reserving judgment, on Beauchamp, himself, and his magazine.

Over the last few months Pvt Beauchamp may well have become a better soldier than he was. Unfortunately, Franklin Foer is the same editor he was.

If you read all the documents, it's clear that the Army handled the whole thing very well--fair yet stern--and they've given him a chance to redeem himself as a soldier. If I had a nephew of military age and he were in the service, I'd want him to have commanders like those Beauchamp has. These officers and NCOs clearly know something about forming boys into men.

It could serve as an object lesson in maturity of judgment for the journalists, were they but willing to listen and learn.