Captain Humayun Khan's former general responds to Donald Trump comments: 'Any attack on the Khans is despicable'

'We need leaders who are steady, patient and empathetic, especially at the national level, during this troubled time. We need somebody who has respect for our Gold Star families'

US Army Captain Humayun Khan was killed in 2004 (Getty Images)

The general who commanded the US military unit Captain Humayun Khan served with has praised the former soldier as a "wonderful person", while indirectly calling Donald Trump's criticism of his parents "un-American" without naming the Republican presidential nominee once.

Former general Dana Pittard, who was Captain Khan's commander in Iraq, said he was a "great officer" who "fostered a warm relationship" with the local workforce and was "determined to break the cycle of violence"

Captain Khan was killed in action in June 2004 after a car bomb detonated near Baqubah, and "died trying to save the lives of innocent Iraqis" according to his military superior.

Meanwhile Donald Trump criticised the appearance of Captain Khan's parents at the recent Democratic National Convention in Philadephia, implying his mother "wasn't allowed to have anything to say" on account of her faith.

In a column published by the Washington Post, Mr Pittard said Captain Khan and his fellow fallen comrades "represented sacrifice, service, duty and the essence of what makes our country great".

He continued: "Humayun was a wonderful person, liked and respected by all who knew him. I often told him that we were kindred spirits. I remember clearly the day he died.

"Humayun was a great officer. The 201st Forward Support Battalion, Humayun’s unit, was the most motivated and combat-oriented logistics unit I had ever seen.

"Humayun had fostered a warm relationship with our local workforce, and he and his unit were determined to break the cycle of violence by reducing or eliminating unnecessary deaths and injuries at our gates. His brave effort probably saved American lives as well."

In a clear dismissal of Mr Trump's 'Make America Great Again' campaign slogan, the former general wrote: "It is a great country right now. Despite our flaws, the United States remains a beacon of hope around the world.

"I join all those who stand in support of the Khan family. This family is our family, and any attack on this wonderful American Gold Star family is an attack on all patriotic and loyal Americans who have sacrificed to make our country great.

"Any politically or racially motivated attack on the Khans is despicable and un-American. Though I am a Republican, I have voted my conscience — for both Democrats and Republicans — for the past 32 years. I’m going to vote my conscience again this year."

Commenting directly on the state of American politics, Mr Pittard said: "We live in a dangerous and complex world. We need leaders who are steady, patient and empathetic, especially at the national level, during this troubled time. We need somebody who has respect for our Gold Star families."

Mr Pittard retired from active service in September 2015 after 34 years in the US Army, and now works as vice president of military programs for Allison Transmission Corp.

In his appearance at the DNC, Captain Khan's father Khizr delivered a heartfelt speech, reminding the delegates of his son's sacrifice and criticising Donald Trump for "consistently smearing the character of Muslims" in his presidential campaign.

Meanwhile Mr Trump's response has been widely condemned, with Gold Star families demanding a public apology from the candidate for his comments.