Execution of Private Slovik, Is It Time He Was Pardoned?.............Two Spirit

Some have heard of Private Eddie Slovik. In WWII, he was tried as a deserter, and shot by firing squad. He was the first soldier killed as a deserter since the Civil War, and the last to have been given that punishment. Of over 20,000 troops that were convicted of desertion in WWII, and 49 of which were sentenced to death, only Pvt. Slovik was executed.

It was known throughout his time in the Army that Pvt. Slovik had an adversion to guns. His commander in Texas even made the statement that as a soldier, he did not measure up. Instead of being placed in a support role though, Pvt. Slovik was sent to Europe as a rifleman. Shortly after his arrival, he was seperated from his unit. When he was finally returned to his unit, he deserted the next day, only to turn himself in the following day, with a signed declaration that if ordered into combat, he would desert again.

At Pvt. Slovik's trial, the paper he signed was the primary evidence against him. His defense lawyer had no arguements to use against the signed statement, and within two hours of closing arguements, Slovik was found guilty and sentenced to death.

He made an appeal to General Eisenhower for his life, but Ike dictated that the execution be carried out as an example.

Since the end of WWII, there has been much discussion over the execution of Private Slovik. There has been a push on to have him posthumously pardoned. This effort has included his late wife, his legal defense, some who witnessed his execution, nand many veterans that served in Europe.

Before you make your own decision on whether or not he should be pardoned, I ask that you look at the following links.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/04315/409342.stm

http://info.detnews.com/history/story/index.cfm?id=103&category=people

http://www.freep.com/voices/columnists/erdz27_20010527.htm

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