Politics

The Last American Soldier Executed for Desertion

France, 1945

Pvt. Eddie Slovik was the bravest soldier that one World War II veteran says he ever encountered. A witness to his execution speaks.

articles/2014/06/06/the-last-american-soldier-executed-for-desertion/140605-daly-slovik-tease_zzuqpi
Bettmann/Corbis

World War II veteran Nick Gozik says that the bravest soldier he encountered during two years of combat was the one he saw executed for desertion.

articles/2014/06/06/the-last-american-soldier-executed-for-desertion/140605-daly-slovik-tease_fc3vt7

That soldier proved to be the only one of more than 20,000 convicted deserters during that war to suffer the death penalty.

We think “subscriber” would look good on you. Join now to unlock access.

Don't miss this subscriber exclusive article.