Senator Tammy Duckworth who lost both legs in Iraq War calls Trump 'coward-in-chief'

Illinois Democrat says president 'won't stand up to Vladimir Putin, read his daily intelligence briefings or even publicly admonish adversaries for reportedly putting bounties on our troops' heads'

Senator Tammy Duckworth, who lost both her legs in the Iraq War, called Donald Trump a 'coward-in-chief' who won't stand up to America's enemies.

Speaking on the final night of the Democratic National Convention, the Illinois senator said that soldiers and military families deserved a commander-in-chief that understands the sacrifices made to defend their country.

"Joe Biden understands these sacrifices because he's made them himself. When his son Beau deployed to Iraq, his burden was also shouldered by his family. Joe knows the fear military families live because he's felt that dread of never knowing if your deployed loved one is safe," Ms Duckworth said.

"That's the kind of leader our service members deserve, one who understands the risks they face and who would actually protect them by doing his job as commander in chief."

She added: "Instead, they have a coward in chief who won't stand up to Vladimir Putin, read his daily intelligence briefings or even publicly admonish adversaries for reportedly putting bounties on our troops' heads."

A US Army pilot, Ms Duckworth lost both legs after her helicopter was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade during the Iraq war in 2004.

The broadcast of the convention highlighted her war injuries as the camera panned up from her wheelchair and artificial legs.

She remembered her military service as she made the case for Mr Biden to be the commander that Mr Trump could not.

"To be a commander you must always put your troops first because one day you may order them to sacrifice everything for our great nation," she said.

"To do that, leaders must command their troops' respect and be worthy of their pledge to protect and defend our constitution no matter the cost."