Thomas Walther reflects on moral injuries from Balkan deployment in Denmark

For nearly three decades, Thomas Walther has struggled to move past the experiences he endured during his deployment to the Balkans in 1995. He suffers from severe PTSD, yet unlike common perceptions, it’s not the gunfire and explosions that haunt him most. Instead, it’s the moral dilemmas and his desire to have acted differently in those situations that continue to plague him. Even today, discussing these experiences brings him to tears.

Walther reflects on feelings of powerlessness, stemming from moments he witnessed but felt unable to intervene due to uncertain rules of engagement. Such experiences, where he believed he should have acted, have compounded his struggles. Research from the Danish Institute for International Studies highlights that many veterans suffer not just from combat-related trauma, but also from moral injuries incurred during their service.

For Walther, the consequences have been dire, including hospitalizations and substance abuse, at one point even leading him to feel suicidal. Despite his challenges, he acknowledges that the hardest battles relate to his moral injuries rather than the physical danger he faced.

The ongoing documentary series ‘Welcome to the Frontline’ offers insights into the experiences of Danish soldiers over the past 30 years, featuring accounts of those who faced difficult choices during their missions on the Balkan peninsula under a UN mandate that limited their actions against violence.

Increasing attention has turned towards understanding moral injuries, with implications for treatment options. Current research indicates that many veterans do not find adequate support through existing therapies for PTSD alone, prompting calls to integrate the treatment of moral injuries into veteran care programs. While Walther’s condition has improved since a 2019 hospitalization, he remains in a daily battle with his PTSD, even as he reconnects with his family.