Deputy Chief to the U.S. Embassy in Libya Gregory Hicks described the reaction of U.S. military personnel in Tripoli being told to stand down and not embark on a rescue mission the night of the Benghazi attack Wednesday in the OGR Benghazi hearing:
JASON CHAFFETZ: Were any of these U.S. military personnel not permitted to travel on a rescue mission or relief mission to Benghazi?
GREGORY HICKS: They were not authorized to travel.
JASON CHAFFETZ: What happened with those personnel?
GREGORY HICKS: They remained in Tripoli with us. The medic went with the nurse to the hospital and his skills to the treatment of and care of our wounded.
JASON CHAFFETZ: How did the personnel reacted to be told to stand down?
GREGORY HICKS: They were furious. I can only say, well I will quote Lieutenant Colonel Gibson -- he said "this is the first time in my career that a diplomat has more balls than somebody in the military."