Eddie Slovik

Date of Birth: February 18, 1920

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: January 31, 1945

Biography

Edward Donald “Eddie” Slovik was an American soldier during World War II, born on February 18, 1920. He is best known for being the only American soldier executed for desertion since the Civil War. Slovik grew up in a working-class neighborhood in Detroit, Michigan. He had a troubled youth, involving petty crimes and time in reform school and prison. Drafted into the U.S. Army in 1944, Slovik was assigned to the 28th Infantry Division. During his service, Slovik experienced intense combat and became separated from his unit. After reuniting with his division, he expressed his fear and intention not to fight, leading to his arrest for desertion. Despite multiple opportunities to retract his statement, Slovik remained steadfast. A court-martial convicted him, and he was executed by firing squad on January 31, 1945, in France.

5 Interesting Facts about Eddie Slovik

1. Eddie Slovik is the only American soldier executed for desertion since the Civil War.

2. He had a criminal record for petty thefts and car thefts before being drafted into the Army.

3. Slovik was offered multiple chances to return to his unit and avoid execution but refused.

4. His story was documented in the book “The Execution of Private Slovik” by William Bradford Huie.

5. Slovik’s execution was intended as a deterrent to other soldiers considering desertion during WWII.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Eddie Slovik

1. “They’re not shooting me for deserting the United States Army. They just need to make an example out of somebody, and I’m it because I’m an ex-con.”

2. “I am so scared I can’t think straight. I hope they can understand why I did what I did.”

3. “They just need to make an example out of somebody, and I’m it.”

4. “I’ll be glad to go back to the front, to go back into action if they will give me another chance.”

5. “I knew that I would have to be scared to death to desert my duty.”