Whistleblowers who revealed the mishandling of soldiers’ remains at the Dover Air Force Base mortuary faced retaliation for their actions, according to the Office of Special Counsel, in violation of federal whistleblower protections.

“The special counsel found that mortuary supervisors illegally retaliated against the employees with actions that included firings, placing employees on indefinite administrative leave and imposing five-day suspensions,” the American Forces Press Service reported today, noting also that Air Force Secretary Michael Donley said he has “appointed a two-star general to review the report and take appropriate action.”