Original subtitles

Procedure number 54.

Execution of the death penalty imposed by the Court Martial.

The place of execution will be prepared

to accommodate a black wall made of absorbent material,

in front of which the prisoner will be placed.

A vertical post will be placed in front of the black wall,

and will be used to support the prisoner if necessary.

Man, they don't miss a comma, do they?

If, while the prisoner is being prepared,

or marching to the place of execution,

there is a collapse or it is imminent,

the prisoner must be tied to a plank

of collapse with the straps. - Oh! Stop it!

What did they do here before the war?

A coal mining town.

Slovik is from a coal mining town, isn't he?

I don't know. Oh yeah! Someone told me in Detroit.

Poor devil.

Message from army headquarters.

I have a delivery for Major Fellman.

You had to follow along.

The messenger is here, sir.

Let him in.

Sergeant Bowen, sir.

At ease, sergeant.

These are the procedures?

Yes sir.

I had to call the barracks to get some

advanced instructions. But I need these too.

That will be all, Sergeant.

Yes sir.

- Sergeant. - Yes, sir?

Is there much talk about this among men?

Yes sir.

How do they feel about it?

Well, I guess they think he deserved it, sir.

Thank you, Sergeant.

You serve, soldier. Come here.

This man is more or less

the same size and height as the prisoner.

It might help if you think of the heart as a circle.

It is a semi-circular organ and is located in the area

of the lower third of the breast bone.

In other words, here,

not up here, as some people think, but here.

Sir, it would help if you posted a piece of paper,

over the prisoner's heart.

It would give us a target to aim at.

It's a bit theatrical, don't you think?

You are all excellent marksmen,

then you should not have any difficulty.

Simply target everyone in this specific area.

Any questions?

Then the medical guidance is over.

Thank you, soldier.

I believe the chaplain wants to say a few words.

This is not necessary under the circumstances.

Excuse me, son.

I think some of you may know me.

They are about Father Stafford.

At this time I have been appointed for this, just like you.

My main job is to stay with the prisoner, but...

I thought that until he arrives,

some of you may...

may want to talk to me.

Hum?

It's funny, I don't think I've ever met twelve soldiers before

who had nothing to say.

Well, sir, I think

if you want to know the truth,

we all feel pretty bad about it.

Yes, it is completely natural.

Sir... I mean I tried to get out of this.

I went to talk to my commander and asked him

if there was a way I could be dismissed.

He said, "Not unless you want to take his place."

Well, you've seen combat.

So, it can't be the idea of killing a man, can it?

No, sir.

But I don't have much stomach to kill one of us.

He is a deserter.

There are many deserters, no one has ever killed one before.

At least not in this war.

Are there Catholics here?

Are any of the boys Catholic?

And you, soldier, any problem?

Well, I was kind of tempted to aim a little higher.

You understand, maybe I'll make a mistake. But I don't think I'll do that.

I will do what I am ordered to do.

But I won't like that.

That's the point, isn't it?

No one is asking you to like this, are they?

But they will have to do it.

They will perform the task to the best of their abilities.

I know you can do it.

Guys, none of us made that decision.

But we are the men who have been ordered to carry out this task.

Because a higher authority

accepted moral responsibility.

Well, I will say a mass for the prisoner.

I will grant you acquittal.

And then you will execute him.

When you're out there, when you shoot,

remember that he will already be in God's hands,

and that you have nothing to be ashamed of.

Come here everyone.

Come on, check the shotguns. Quick with this.

He didn't give a damn about how many of us got shot.

So why should we care about him?

- Good morning. - Good morning, madam.

I've been here before, remember?

Did you get the fabric?

Oh, yes. I received it this morning from Paris in the mail.

Very beautiful.

Good... good.

I want you to do... I want...

a hood... hood For the face for the face.

For the face?

- Oh! A hood. - Yes, a hood.

It has to be ready tonight... tonight.

For the eyes...

For the eyes...

No, no eye holes. For tonight.

Once the hood is on...

and the signal is given indicating that the prisoner is ready...

the firing squad will be formed facing the prisoner...

and no less than twenty paces from him.

The members of the firing squad

will be armed with regulated shotguns,

each of which will be loaded and locked.

One of the shotguns will contain a blank round.

and the identity of this shotgun will not be revealed.

Each of the remaining shotguns

will contain a bullet with service ammunition.

The officer in charge of executing the sentence...

will assume command of the firing squad.

One: Platoon, Two: Ready, Three: Aim, Four: Fire

On my command: Fire!

Each member of the firing squad

will discharge his weapon directly into the prisoner's heart.

If in the opinion of medical officers,

the prisoner does not have a mortal wound,

the shotguns will be reloaded and the procedure

will be repeated until a fatal wound is found,

from which the extinction of life is immediately imminent.

By order of General Eisenhower.

Very well. We will have a simulation exercise.

Are the shotguns unloaded, Lieutenant?

Yes sir.

Alright, here we go.

Platoon. Attention! Present... Weapons!

Platoon... Prepare Aim! Fire!

Ordered Weapons! Rest.

Any questions?

Very good.

Now you know what is expected of you.

Make sure your aim is good.

Make one shot do the job.

And don't fail.

Lieutenant, take over.

Platoon, attention!

Right back!

Right shoulder, weapons!

Left turn back! March!

Left turn, march!

Half turn to the right. March!

Did you have a conversation with them?

They'll be fine. They're good guys.

Any news on when he will get here?

Well, it's expected tonight. They've already left Paris.

Knowing the mountains, they might get stuck.

I have a lot of letters from his wife,

I hope he has time to read them.

What is this thing?

It's a collapse board.

Collapse board?

Well, the man is a damned coward, Father.

You may not be able to get out and walk here of your own volition.

Would they have to carry it?

If necessary.

Look, Father, I don't like it either. But it has to be done.

Well, how about some coffee?

They told me we'll all sleep together in bunk beds tonight.

We probably won't get much sleep.

But we will be able to get to know each other quite well.

Like Herod and Pilate.

Two coffees and some sandwiches.

- And you, Eddie, do you want anything? - No, thanks.

Are you sure? Maybe we can get some hot soup inside.

No, it's okay, I'm not hungry.

- Thanks anyway. - OK!

Damn snow!

We probably won't get there until tomorrow morning.

Yes, if we're lucky.

Do you guys mind if I go stretch my legs?

I don't think it's a problem. But handcuffed.

Yes of course.

Eddie!

- Stay where we can see you, OK? - Yes, I will.

Man, why does he want to go for a walk and freeze?

And then he'll catch a cold.

That doesn't really matter, does it?

Come here, boy. Come here, mate.

Good boy, that's it!

Cold, aren't you? Good boy!

OK, mate...

Could you do me a favor?

What do you want, Eddie?

Let me start running.

What do you mean?

I'm just going to run away, you know?

- We'd have to shoot you. - I know.

At least this would be over once and for all.

We can't, they have a big show

for you tomorrow.

What difference does it make if it's now or tomorrow?

Sorry, Eddie, you know we can't.

What's going on?

It's okay, he's just getting some air.

Come on, we have to go.

Let's go, Eddie.

Oh, he was pretty weak.

But he was a friendly and kind-hearted boy.

We were in the Michigan State Reformatory for three years...

until he was granted parole in 1942.

I never had a boy I liked more.

He had some trouble with the law.

Little things, essentially. But he wasn't resentful.

I mean, he didn't hate anybody.

And with regard to the army there was no problem.

He was automatically 4 - F, like all our boys.

- Take care of yourself, Eddie. - Yes, sir, I will.

There are so many opportunities out there these days.

Half the men went to war.

- There shouldn't be any problem. - I'll be fine, sir.

Report to the Parole Board.

Find a good woman for yourself.

Stay away from bad company.

Don't worry, sir, I will do it.

Only one in four of our boys make it.

It's not an encouraging statistic,

but I think you have a good chance.

I think so, sir.

Is there any way to go home?

Yes sir. My sister came to get me. She's over there.

- Well, goodbye, sir. - Goodbye.

Mr. Ernhardt, do you mind if I write to you,

letting you know how I'm doing?

I would like that.

OK, I'll write.

- Do me a favor. - Yes sir.

No times.

I won't be back, goodbye.

After he died,

They told me they found my name with him, in a notebook.

It's strange, in a way.

I'm not going to criticize the United States for killing him.

When you have a big war to win...

you don't have time to pay much attention to...

a poor weak man.

But I could have told them that.

I could have said: You can get Eddie Slovik

and then he walked slowly.

And you can give him a gun,

and you can take it to the battlefield,

and make him dig a hole.

But when it gets dark...

and those first projectiles pass over your head,

he will either freeze right there at the bottom of that hole...

or will jump out and run.

And there is nothing you can do to prevent it.

The first time I saw him, he was wearing a new gray suit.

He was with his sister.

- Good morning. - Good morning, Margaret.

Well, this must be Eddie.

Eddie, this is Antoinette Wisniewski.

- Nice to meet you. - How are you?

Your sister talks about you all the time.

Mr. Sorelli?

Won't you sit down, Margaret?

Did you have any problems with your car?

- It worked perfectly! - It's wonderful!

I think I should tell you how grateful I am...

for writing to the Commission and getting me this job.

It was nothing!

You didn't even know me. You really took a risk.

Well, if anyone has to regret it, I'm afraid it's going to be you.

Fifty cents an hour is not a big deal.

And you will earn every penny.

Joe Sorelli.

How are you, sir? Eddie Slovik.

Antoinette thinks I'm a man who's very attached to money.

But if you work hard, I can give you a raise.

Do you have any objection to digging ditches?

No sir. I'll do anything.

Good!

Plumbing is a job that gets you all dirty, but you earn well.

So when can you start?

Whenever you want.

Well, now is as good a time as any.

Let's go upstairs, I'll get you some overalls.

You're the accountant, we can give this

young man an advance on his salary?

I'll do some calculations.

She thinks she runs this place.

The problem is that she actually drives.

Let's go!

Oh, sorry. Thank you.

Bye sis.

He told me he fell in love the first time he saw me.

You know, it's funny but I think I already knew.

Eddie became so useful that he got a raise every two or three weeks.

He went from 0.50 to 1.50 an hour, earning 50% more for overtime.

But he wasn't much of a late-worker.

He told me it interfered with flirting.

Excuse me.

I will add it to your account.

OK thanks.

Here it is.

Thanks.

How did you get into trouble?

Well, I was a helper at a drugstore in Detroit

I got some gum, candy and other stuff.

and, well I used to pick up some change every now and then.

I was arrested for embezzlement.

Cheers!

Very?

From 6 months to 10 years.

- No, I meant cash. - Well, um...

The amount in the complaint was $59.60.

- How old were you? - Seventeen.

Bullets, gum, and cigarettes. I was a big outlaw.

- And he was imprisoned for a year? - No, nine months.

But I was really smart...

As soon as I left I started hanging out with the guys, and...

well, one night we all got drunk...

and we stole a car. Just to drive around.

Well, we skidded on the ice and hit a building.

I wasn't driving or anything, but I gave in.

And this time I got three years.

But it's over, I swear, it's over.

Now I only drink two of these at most.

Why?

Well, where I lived you did what your friends did.

Everyone was dropping out of school, so I dropped out of school.

Everyone's parents were unemployed.

You know, the Depression and all that. And there was never enough money.

And now?

Do you know what Mr. Ernhardt from the reformatory told me?

No.

He told me to find a job and a good woman.

For now I've found work...

I'm really having a great time with you.

Me too.

When I was 3 years old

I had to have surgery because I was born with crooked legs.

Oh.

The way they do it is to break their legs in

four different places, and then they straighten them.

It must have been horrible.

I was only 3 years old and I don't remember.

But I still feel pain, even now, you know.

- Here. - Oh, thank you.

When I was in jail I used to work at the furniture store...

and I used to take alcohol and rub it on my legs to ease the pain,

and everyone thought he used it to get drunk.

How did you hurt your leg?

Oh, I was born with one leg shorter than the other.

I don't care.

And when I was twelve, I had polio.

- Well - Is it here?

Try.

Have your parents already paid off the loan?

You won't believe it, I've never been in a house

that belonged to the people who lived there.

Do you want to come in?

No, maybe next time.

It was really great, thank you.

- Good evening. - Good evening.

No!

Oh, thank you!

Do you want to go to the movies again tomorrow night? The movie will change.

- Oh! I already have an appointment. - I'm going to marry you.

- What? - I'm going to marry you!

- Did she agree to this? - No sir, not yet. But she will.

Eddie, look at the facts. She's older than you.

She has a better education, she earns more money.

I know, I'm just getting started.

You have nothing in common.

Is this the basis for a good marriage?

I don't know, sir.

But... I really love her.

Eddie, I'm your parole officer.

It's my job to keep you out of trouble.

I'm sure she's an excellent woman.

Maybe too good.

You two live different lives.

That's what I mean, Mr.

I want to live her life from now on,

she is really good to me.

Why don't you let a little time pass?

Think about it.

I'm sorry, sir. I've already made up my mind.

Okay.

- But I have to meet her. - OK.

And she has to agree to us investigating her background.

Right.

And then you two will hear from us in the mail.

Thank you very much, sir.

Eddie, no!

Aren't you putting the cart before the horse?

Sir?

We can say yes, but what about the girl?

Oh, don't worry! She'll agree!

She doesn't know yet.

Edward Donald Slovik?

Yes, ma'am.

You served two sentences in the Michigan State Reformatory.

Yes, ma'am.

So why are you here?

You know you were ranked 4-F.

We wanted to be sure.

It's standard procedure when a man has a criminal record.

Can this change?

I would say it is very unlikely.

- Thank you. - Yes, thank you for your time.

Didn't I tell you?

So, what do you say?

- Well. I guess it's official. - Of course it is. They don't want me.

I have all the time in the world. I can take it,

a better job, save some money.

It doesn't mean anything if I do it just for myself.

I want this to be for us.

Look Eddie, we don't need to rush.

- Oh, I'm sorry. - There are so many practical considerations.

I need you. I really do.

You can turn me into something special.

You better marry me. Everyone else is leaving,

to the outside. I'll be the only guy around here.

OK, guys. Can I take one more picture?

Smile a little more.

We got married on a Saturday.

The church was "Our Savior of Golgotha" in Detroit.

And then they all came to my parents' house.

I must have been crazy, but I paid $700

by the wedding dress and the veil.

Okay, smile everyone, let's go.

Thanks.

It was a Polish wedding and it lasted for days on end.

We decided to hire helpers so that we could all be free.

to dance and have fun with the guests.

I wish this was the best moment

that Eddie had had in his life.

He could forget about prison and digging ditches,

and begin to see himself as a married man

with friends and responsibilities.

Cheers, everyone.

A toast to the bride and groom.

May they live many years together.

He promised to bring me roses

and asked me to make it a success.

I told you I would.

In the newspapers it was written that the American army

the invasion of North Africa was beginning.

But that was someone else's world.

We went to the movies a lot that year. We had an apartment

underground and watching movies was a way to get out of the house.

And this was how we learned about the war.

In the news before the movie. It wasn't a big deal to us,

because we had other things to worry about.

Eddie, what are you doing?

Nothing, go back to sleep.

I can't sleep. I haven't slept all night.

I'm just going out for some air. Don't worry.

It's 2:30 in the morning.

Maybe I'll go have a beer.

I had 5 dollars in my pocket. Did you see them?

He didn't say a word all day.

Why don't you tell me what's bothering you?

- Nothing is worrying me. - It's not true.

I said nothing is worrying me!

You're pregnant, okay? You're due in 6 months,

and I bring home 40 dollars a week, 40 dollars!

Others have houses, they have money in the bank. I own nothing.

All I want is 5 dollars for a beer.

Where's my money? Did you get it?

- What do you mean I caught him? - I bet you caught him, didn't you?

We'll see, look at this!

- Eddie! - Stop talking Eddie!

Look at all this money! You have 30 dollars, 30 bucks here!

You really take care of the money!

You asked me to take care of you! What do you expect me to do?

I don't know what you have to do, but I sure know what you do.

What, what does that mean? What do I do?

You always take the money, all the time!

I never see a penny!

I work hard to contribute my share but I never see anything!

You don't give a damn about me! You don't give a damn about anything!

You only care about having control of it!

I don't give a damn about you? I only care about money?

Is that right?

Money, that's all I care about. That's how much I love money!

Like this! Like this!

Go ahead!

Eddie, Eddie, Eddie! Eddie!

Sorry!

I'm very sorry!

- Are you okay? - Yes, I'm fine.

Sometimes I feel so discouraged.

All I want is a house and a car. Is that too much to ask?

It takes time, Eddie. It takes time.

We will have the things we want.

It took my parents forever.

Sometimes I wish I was back in prison.

Eddie.

That way, I could find a guy

that could give you the things you need.

You give me everything I need.

- Are you sure you're okay? - Yes, I'm fine.

Let's go back to bed, okay?

Oh!

What's the problem?

We have to find the serial numbers of these notes.

For what?

So I can send them back and get new notes.

You mean they're still good?

Hum... hum.

- How do you know? - I'm an accountant.

You knew this all along, didn't you?

Do you want to paste these notes and go have a beer?

He used to say that if we had money everything would be perfect.

There was the rent, the car payments, the payment for the suite.

But he always found a way to buy me things, little gifts.

Sometimes jewelry or cosmetics.

I lost the baby. A miscarriage.

But we knew there was plenty of time to try again.

Eddie! What?

He has already gone home.

What are you doing here?

- How about $1.40 an hour? - What?

$1.40 an hour! How does that sound to you?

Well, what are you talking about?

Signed, sealed and delivered!

I went to the De Soto factory this morning.

So that's why you're so well dressed!

You thought I went out to see some girl, didn't you?

I don't know.

The last time I saw you in a suit and tie was the day we got married.

What happened?

Wow! That was amazing! You should have seen me!

I went to the human resources manager and said:

"Sir, I would like to have an ex-convict,

working here on your payroll?"

- You didn't say that! - I said yes!

I said, "Sir, my wife makes the best pork ribs,

and the best sauerkraut in all of Deaborn, Michigan."

"And if you want to be invited to our house,

at least two or three times a week...

You better offer me a well-paying job."

Oh, Eddie, you're crazy!

My head was spinning. There was an opening for

shipping department employee paying 1.40 per hour.

And he actually gave me the job.

Did he give you the job?

He gave me the job paying 1.40 an hour!

- He gave you the job? - He gave me the job!

Eddie!

Wake up, there's a lot of work to be done. Moving day!

Happy wedding anniversary.

For you too.

Our first wedding anniversary was very special.

We had just rented a new house, on the top floor of a two-story house.

And that was the morning we were moving.

Honey, the truck is coming!

Tell them to be careful! It's all new!

Alright, OK! We're at the top.

Be careful when taking everything upstairs, okay?

This is not all ours yet.

It didn't break anything, did it?

Don't worry, dear. I asked them not to scratch anything.

You take care of everything up there. I'll keep an eye on things down here.

- Welcome to the neighborhood! - Thank you! Do you live around here?

Yes, right there across the street.

George Rollins.

Hi, Eddie Slovik. That's my wife, her name is Antoinette.

Yes, I have you both on my list.

What list?

It's not as bad as it sounds. I'm in charge of civil defense in this sector.

Oh yes.

I'll have to bother you about the blackout curtains,

once they are installed.

We will place them.

I assume you guys listened to radio today?

No, we were busy.

They started bombing Germany with everything.

- Yeah? - It's about time, don't you think?

Yes of course.

McArthur is on his way to the Philippines.

Now it won't take long. I give it about six months.

Yeah, I guess. Thanks, see you later.

I hold the door.

Nothing special for a celebratory dinner

our first year of marriage. - Everything is fine.

I'll take you out to dinner tomorrow night.

We'll go to Nick's, OK?

Oh! I can't move!

Me neither. My legs are numb.

At least we finished almost everything.

- Isn't the furniture in the living room beautiful? - They are wonderful.

I simply loved this furniture. All bright and new.

That's what we wanted, isn't it, Mom?

The eggs are really great.

Your tongue isn't working. I think I burned the eggs.

- Hello! - Here, Margret.

Hi, sis.

The door was open, I brought the mail.

- Did you like the house? - I loved it!

And they've already unpacked everything!

- Let me show you the house. - No, stay seated!

You both look like you're going to fall over from exhaustion.

- Do you want some coffee? - I accept.

You must inform the post office of your new address.

OK!

I can't believe what you guys have done to this place!

- You only put sugar, right? - Just cream, thanks.

And there's a sunny porch in the front,

where Eddie can feed his pigeons.

And during the day you should see the light that floods this place.

Eddie, what's the problem?

But this is impossible!

- They told us... - What is it?

from the recruitment board.

They changed its rating to 1 A. It has

who presents himself for the medical examination.

But he is 4 F!

Eddie?

You couldn't imagine?

You couldn't imagine that they,

would choose this particular moment?

A year and a half ago when I got out of prison, I...

I had nothing and they wouldn't have touched me.

Now that I'm married, I have all this and they

They want me in the army. You couldn't imagine?

It has to be a mistake...

I'll call the draft board tomorrow. I'll go there.

"Mommy, I feel lost without you. I think I'll have a lot of problems.

Army life is not for me.

I just arrived at Camp Walters.

The name of the nearest town is Mineral Weels, Texas.

You will be able to locate it on the map. And you will see how far I am from you.

Everyone must have 17 weeks of infantry.

This is what we call basic training.

People are making fun of me because I write to you so much.

This is the third letter I have written to you today.

It's the only way I can feel close to you.

I don't have anyone to warm my feet when I go to bed.

Do you remember, dear, how close we used to sleep?

If anything happens to you, I will leave here without permission.

And this is what I feel I am doing now.

This army life doesn't give you time to do anything for yourself.

You have to be busy all the time.

You know what I feel like doing, don't you?

I don't have to tell you. But I'll try to do my best.

Today we went out to the reveille. The band was outside too.

We had to salute the flags. It was great.

I wish you were here to see this.

When I think of all the times we had together, Mom,

this makes me furious.

I can't understand why they did this to us.

I miss your homemade cakes and pies.

And I miss the fruit you always put on my plate.

I miss the good coffee you make.

And most of all, I miss sleeping with you."

You gentlemen are at the lowest level.

You will be substitutes.

You will be trained with a group.

Sent with another.

Designated for a replacement depot.

You will go to the battlefield and be ordered to dig trenches.

You won't even know the names of the men who will be by your side.

Most of you think you shouldn't be here.

Imagine that you are the bottom of the pan.

Well, the situation is boiling.

The army needs warm bodies now.

Even the bottom of the pan looks good.

And I'll tell you something.

You'll be some damn good soldiers.

And do you know why?

Because I'm going to tear them apart.

From dawn to curfew, from daylight to dark. Day after day.

Are we understood?

Good old sergeant, make us sit in the

rain and tells us we are a pile of trash.

Listen, they've gone so far as to recruit dwarves

three years old now.

They're no longer examining the eyes, just counting them.

What does it feel like to be the bottom of the barrel?

You know what? I could have escaped!

Oh, right! You could have kissed the doctor.

No, I'm not kidding. I still had six months of probation left.

So what?

Hence a parole violation would be all that would need to happen.

I could have been caught for driving without a license

driver, being drunk, disturbing the peace, anything.

They would have sent me back to reformatory for 6 months.

Geez, you could have gotten away with it.

Yeah, I know.

"Every time I fire my shotgun,

she jumps and hits my cheek.

My score is pretty bad. I don't think I'll make it.

You don't care that my score is bad, do you?

You'll still love me, won't you?"

- Another fiasco, Slovik. - Well, I'm really trying.

- Keep the gun down, son! - Yes, sir.

- Sergeant! - Yes, sergeant.

I think it's this damned projectile deflection.

I can't seem to get the hang of it.

Well, you'll have to go back and practice target shooting again on Sunday.

One way or another, you'll be a shooter.

Yes, Sergeant.

"I finally did it, my dear.

Do you know how?

I cheated.

I went to see the commander this morning to ask for a dispensation.

He's a really nice guy.

But he said he couldn't do anything until he had

three affidavits and a red cross report.

Now it's up to you, Mom.

Go see them. Maybe you can get me out of here."

I'm so sorry, Mrs. Slovik. There's nothing I can do.

But he is entitled to a dependency exemption.

His commanding officer told him that if he could get the proper papers...

I'm afraid it's not that simple.

Do you need more? I can get more.

How many more letters from doctors do you need?

I've been sick. I haven't been able to work.

I've been having trouble with my eyesight and...

It's all there.

Should I ask them to call you?

- Mrs. Slovik - Excuse me, I have a...

I have a history of epileptic seizures.

If I could go back to work, I would.

But how can I live on Eddie's $55 a month?

I'm sure it's difficult for you.

But we are at war and we all have to make sacrifices.

I suggest that you cut back on your rent payments.

You will have more money for food.

- But then I'd have to move. - Maybe that's not a bad idea.

You could sell some of your furniture and get a single room...

or move into your family's home, or that of other relatives.

But what house would my husband have to live in when he returned?

You can't imagine what this apartment means to him.

He was in prison for five years. He had never had a home before.

I'm sorry, Mrs. Slovik, but there's nothing I can do.

Mrs. Slovik.

Are you feeling well?

Are you sure you're okay?

I get so mad sometimes because I know you don't tell me everything.

Hmm... hmm... OK!

And how was it at the recruitment board?

I tried there, and in social security,

and I even returned to the red cross.

I don't think it's going to work, Eddie.

There must be someone you can go and talk to.

If I don't get out of here soon, they'll send me abroad.

I will be killed and you will marry another.

- Eddie, don't say that. - I wish I was back in prison.

I said: I wish I was back in prison.

You'll be home on leave soon.

I will make you feel better.

I promise.

I really miss you. You know that.

I love you so much.

"All the other guys went home on leave.

I don't know why they're holding me here.

Maybe they're processing my dismissal. I really hope so.

All I know, Mom, is that since I was born I've had bad luck.

Then I lived fifteen months with my dear wife,

and was very happy with her.

Now they broke my happiness

and they try to kill us and take everything we have.

Why don't you leave us alone? We haven't done anything to anyone.

Did we do it?"

Eddie came home in July. We spent 12 days together.

- Eddie. - Come on.

That's it, kid. That's it, kid.

Come here.

Come here.

This is a whole new generation of birds.

How do you know that?

I just know.

I haven't seen any of the old ones all morning.

Come here.

After I'm gone, keep feeding them, okay?

I hadn't worked since February, so I pawned some rings.

to be able to buy movie tickets and pay for some dinners.

And Eddie worked a little at the plumbing supply store...

to earn some money.

And the rest of the time we stayed together.

We didn't even talk much.

Do you want to dance?

- Aqui? - Hum hum.

- No! - Let's go.

The next morning he left for Fort Mead, Maryland.

I never saw him again.

They told me he died under dishonorable circumstances.

But I didn't know until 8 years later that they had killed him.

I met Eddie Slovik at Camp Kilmer.

We were Polish, so it was natural that we would be partners.

What the hell is going on?

Slovik, they're going to blow us up and you're writing a letter.

They won't hit us, we're walking in a zigzag pattern. Don't you feel it?

We can feel it, Slovik, and so can the asshole that�s shooting at us.

Well, there's not much we can do about it.

I thought he was a nice guy.

He never talked about defecting.

He certainly never seemed like someone who would chicken out.

Eddie was like all of us.

He complained about being recruited, like a lot of guys.

The only thing that worried me was something he said one day.

You know what, Jim?

I don't know why I clean it, I'll never shoot this shotgun.

You don't know what you're going to do.

Be careful, you can get yourself into trouble this way.

Can I borrow this cloth?

We had come from Scotland and England to Omaha Beach.

And now we were on our way to join

to company G in a small French town called Elbeuf.

And finally we had arrived at it.

- Any of ours? - No, Germans.

The American 7th Army bombed this area heavily.

- Hey, why the horses? - Maybe they ran out of gas.

Has anyone heard anything about company G?

- Don't ask! - Why not?

Part of the 28th division.

The training support division.

Did they lose many men?

Someone told me they had three

different generals in command within 12 hours.

- We're actually lucky, aren't we? - Luckier than those guys!

Yes, so far!

Get under the truck! Take cover! Get under the truck!

What the hell do we do now, Sergeant?

Stay together, now! Stay together!

We have to find our unity!

Come on, Eddie, come on! Come on!

V o nos matar, Jimmy!

Let's get down, let's protect ourselves!

Come on! Let's get out of here!

Let's go up the hill! Up here! Come on!

I am fine!

There are some caves. Come! Come. Get up.

Eddie and I couldn't find G company.

Around midnight we ended up staying inside some caves.

It was the worst night of my life.

Hearing these projectiles passing by and lying there,

hoping one of these would hit us.

I think that really affected Eddie.

Maybe he made up his mind that night, I don't know.

But after that first time, I think he really

decided that once under heavy fire was enough.

Somehow, while it was still dark,

most of the other guys moved on and found G company.

Slovik and I were the only ones left behind.

I think according to the rules, we were deserters.

Hey! It's okay! We're Americans.

Slovik!

Eddie, Eddie, Eddie.

Hey, come on! There are Canadians out there! Come on!

Hi, guys! Good to see you! Good to see you!

We are with the 109th Infantry, 20th Division,

we are looking for company G.

- Come have some coffee. - OK!

Slovik, do you want a cup of coffee?

Try.

I'm Eddie Slovik, 109a, how are you?

No! Feedek!

The Canadians kind of adopted us. We stayed with them for 45 days.

Their job was to follow combat troops

and provide information explaining the provisions of martial law.

We helped them by cooking and finding food for them.

I think we were their mascots for a while.

Come on, you can do it. I know you can, it's like a triplet.

It's like da-da-da, da-da-da, da-da-da-da. Da-da-da, da-da-da, da-da-da-da.

You just take a break.

Willie, Joe, come on, let's go.

- Put up these posters. - Okay.

We've been to a lot of places, Calais, Boulogne and then we went to Belgium.

But as far as we were concerned, we were,

"absent without official permission".

We continued sending letters and radiograms on the 19th.

OK.

We will ask the Sergeant Major to place his

signature on the letter and we will send it right away.

Did you write my name right?

How many times do I have to tell you that I spell your name right?

Many people write it "AK" instead of "IK".

- I put "IK". - Let me see.

Sometimes I think they are not getting these letters.

We are not going to get in touch with them.

A lot of guys are separated from their units.

Besides, we're helping, aren't we?

We should be killing Germans, my old friend.

No one assigned us to be cooking permanently.

Hey, Jimmy! Do you have any extra stationery?

Try.

- Here. - Thank you.

With all the letters he writes to his wife,

needs all the paper he can get.

What are you doing? What happened to your ammunition?

I got rid of her.

You what?

I just got rid of it.

Did you just get rid of her?

Suppose we are cornered,

are you going to throw paper balls at them?

I'm not going to shoot at all.

Lots of eggs.

I can already taste these potato pancakes!

That's it, eggs! Lots of eggs.

Everything was fine except for the food. It was corned beef all the time.

So Eddie and I, like good Poles, decided we would

make the Canadians some potato pancakes.

The problem was that no one in France

had heard about a potato grater.

He thinks we want to shave.

They probably don't have a grater anyway.

Back to corned beef, damn it!

Wait a minute! They might not have a grater,

but they definitely have a can of coffee.

Sir, see you soon, thank you.

Grab a hammer and a nail and meet me in the kitchen.

Hammer and nail and meet me in the kitchen.

Hammer and nail.

Give me that potato.

Ready!

The potato grater.

When the war is over, we'll have enough for dinner.

Look busy. I am busy.

Can a man have tea at this time?

- Well, no, sir. - But we have coffee.

Okay.

What is that?

Something new for the meal, you'll love it.

We're going to miss you Yankees.

Why, are we going somewhere?

We finally received a message from your unit.

They want you to report to regimental headquarters.

- When, sir? - As soon as possible.

The report says "around October 7th."

We are already arranging your transportation to Rocherath.

We like having them with us, but I'm sure

that you want to get back to your people, don't you?

It's about time, isn't it?

We better get started soon if we want these potatoes

be ready for dinner.

Eddie was going back to war, the thing he feared most.

But he was still concerned about doing

those potato pancakes for your friends.

How can you kill a guy like that?

We reported to the regimental barracks.

We had been considered missing

or absent without authorization from the unit's records.

But no charges had been filed.

They sent us directly to G company.

Privates Feedek and Slovik reporting for duty.

You boys were lost for a while, weren't you?

Yes sir.

Don't call me sir. Call me sergeant. Haven't you learned that yet?

Yes, Sergeant.

Come this way.

Let me tell you something before you see the captain.

A lot of guys think the war is over.

It's not over. For this unit, it's just beginning.

You boys are inexperienced.

If you listen to your colleagues you might stay alive for a while.

But as long as you are breathing,

We expect you to serve as soldiers, is that clear?

Yes, Sergeant.

Try?

Those two substitutes are here, sir.

Bring them in.

Privates Feedek and Slovik have reported for duty, sir.

At will.

- Have you eaten yet? - Yes, sir.

I... will not give a pep talk.

I will simply say that this is good company.

All we hope is that you will go to the battlefield,

and drive out the damn enemies, so we can all go home.

I'm assigning you two to 4th platoon. Sergeant,

will lead you to your platoon later. Dismissed.

- Excuse me, sir. - Yes.

I have something to tell you.

I'm very nervous

and I'm very afraid to serve in a rifle company, sir.

What?

I would really appreciate it if I could be kept in the rear.

- What's your name, soldier? - Slovik, sir. Eddie Slovik.

Private Slovik, you will report to the 4th platoon

and I'll forget we ever had this conversation.

I wouldn't do a good job there, sir. I'm too nervous.

After we were cornered in Elbeuf,

I don't think I'll ever be able to shoot again, sir.

Soldier, this is not easy for anyone,

especially for those on the front line,

but I can't make exceptions,

or give special treatment. You know that.

Well then, I'll run away, sir.

Soldier, I am giving you an order for your arrest.

Report to your platoon!

Eddie, Eddie. Come on! Let's go!

Sir, we have been with the Canadians for a while,

in the 13th Military Police Corps.

And the way I see it, I had to be here.

So I can be judged for being "absent without permission"?

I don't know, I would have to check.

Well, if I leave now, would that be desertion?

Without a doubt!

Well, I guess that's what I'll have to do, sir.

Soldier, report to your platoon! This is an order!

I'm sorry sir, I can't!

Soldier, you better stop your friend.

He's getting himself into some very serious trouble.

Yes, captain.

Eddie, Eddie, come back! You don't want to do this.

I know what I'm doing, Jimmy.

Eddie.

Eddie, times.

That was the last time I saw him.

A month later I was hit by shrapnel in the Hurtgen Forest,

and they kept me in a hospital for almost a year.

It was only in 1953 that I learned what had happened to him.

I couldn't believe it.

Even after all that time,

that made me feel really bad for two days.

I was recruited as a cook that day,

for the detachment of military authorities, 112th infantry.

It was around 8:30 in the morning.

This guy came close to where the food was.

He looked at me as if he had spent the night sleeping outside in nature.

Good morning!

Can I have some of these eggs?

That's what they're there for.

Thanks.

I'll give you a hand with the cleaning if you want.

For what?

I don't know, it looks like you might need some help, doesn't it?

Yes, I think so.

What is your name?

- Brockmeyer. - I'm Slovik.

Nice to meet you.

- Can you do me a favor? - Yes.

Can you deliver this to someone on my behalf?

What did you give me this for?

Give it to an officer. He will know what to do with it.

Look, Slovik.

Why don't you tear this up and go back to your unit?

I think you'd better hand it over to someone.

You must be crazy. They're going to arrest you.

I know.

You, go call the lieutenant!

He must be signing the morning report.

Or hurry!

I, Private Eddie D. Slovik,

I confess to desertion from the United States Army.

At the time of my desertion we were in Elbeuf, France.

I came to Elbeuf as a replacement.

They were bombing the city,

and we were told to dig trenches at night.

The next morning they we�re bombing us again.

I was so scared, nervous and shaking

that when the other substitutes started leaving I couldn't move.

I stayed there in that hole until everything

was calm and I was able to move.

The next morning I turned myself in to the Canadian Military Police.

After that I told my story to my commander.

I said that if I had to go to the battlefield again I would run away.

He said there was nothing he could do. So I ran away again.

and I will run away again if I have to go back there.

Signed: Private Eddie D. Slovik, ASN 36896415".

- Are you Slovik? - Yes, sir.

Are you sure you want us to keep this?

Yes sir.

Do you have any idea how damaging a written confession can be?

Yes sir.

I'll tell you something.

Why don't you take this statement and destroy it?

No, sir, I can't

That's right.

Can you read this, soldier?

Yes sir.

Out loud.

Yes sir.

"I have been informed that this statement may be used against me and that I

I do it of my own free will, and I am not obliged to do it."

If you agree, please sign.

Yes sir.

Lieutenant, we should both sign this statement as witnesses.

Yes sir.

Sergeant, take this man into custody.

He will be imprisoned in the confinement division.

Thank you, sir.

Slovik was transferred to the confinement division in Rott, Germany.

That's where I met him.

It wasn't really a prison, just an old barn.

But it was an easy task and I didn't mind.

Slovik was just one of those boys aiming for Court Martial,

so he could stay away from the front lines.

We've had our share of them

He was a kind-hearted boy. He would do anything I asked him.

What are you doing, Sergeant?

A military walking stick.

I wish I had one of those.

Okay! I'll give you this one.

But I don't think you'll be here that long.

You mean I won't come back here after my trial?

It depends on the sentence.

They can send you to a confinement place in Paris.

Paris?

Are you kidding, Sergeant?

I bet it's Ronnie coming back!

Come on Mannie, Ronnie is back!

Hey Ronnie, what happened?

What was the sentence? How much did you get? How much did you get?

- Ronnie, how much time did they give you? - 20 years!

20? Man, for 20 years I would agree already.

I bet you would agree, Slovik.

How long will you have to stay in prison after the war ends?

Maybe six months.

Six months? You lucky bastard!

I remember the day Slovik came back after his Court Martial.

He wasn't so happy. He and those boys

they thought he would be imprisoned for 2 or 3 years.

Of course it never occurred to him, even after his sentence had been handed down,

that he would actually be shot.

"Honey, I'm in a little trouble.

Please don't worry about me because I'm fine.

Please, Mommy, I beg you to wait for me.

I'll let you know as soon as I know how long I'll get.

If it's too long, then I'll ask you to get a divorce."

I had him brought to see me.

It was an unusual case and I felt I should talk to him.

- Are you Private Slovik? - Yes, sir.

- Do you know who I am? - No, sir. Excuse me.

I'm Colonel Leacock, Division Judge Advocate.

Yes sir.

- Do you like birds? - Yes.

I'm sure you realize you have a huge problem.

Yes sir, I know.

Well, part of my job is to help you if I can.

We don't like to send anyone to Court Martial.

We only do this as a last resort.

I understand, sir.

Maybe we can settle this without a trial, huh?

That would be great, sir. How?

If you return to your unit,

I will ask the general if he will suspend the process.

I'll even try to get you a transfer to

another regiment, in which you can start from scratch.

No, sir. I simply cannot serve in a rifle company.

Why don't you at least try?

You haven't been with your unit long enough to know what it's like.

I know how it is, sir.

I had already said that I wanted to have a job away from the front line.

Quartermaster service or something.

But if I can't, then take me to Court Martial.

We can't transfer everyone from the sniper company

to a supply depot, just because they won't fight.

I know that, sir.

You realize that you will get at least

a heavy prison sentence if you go to trial?

Yes sir.

You could even get the death penalty.

Desertion in time of war is a capital offense.

I fear you will make a serious mistake.

if you don't go back there and try again.

I'm sorry, sir, I've already made my decision.

I want to be court-martialed.

OK, take him back.

Anyway, thank you, sir.

I wasn't particularly surprised by his attitude.

I had heard many like him say, "I want to be court-martialed."

And why shouldn't they?

No American soldier had been executed since the Civil War.

The question is: why did he do it?

I was one of the doctors who examined him.

It wasn't my job to determine his motives,

but when you examine a man's body,

Sometimes you wish you could get inside your mind.

I couldn't help but speculate.

I think he desperately wanted to go back to prison.

It was the place that had been a safe haven for him,

a refuge. It was almost like a womb.

Naturally, there was a strategy involved for self-benefit.

But ultimately, he must have been telling the truth.

The truth, which the military for their own necessary reasons,

were compelled to ignore.

Maybe he just was, physically and mentally,

unable to return to a situation under heavy fire.

In my report I said he was in good health.

The neuropsychiatric division also submitted a report.

A much more important report.

He claimed that the prisoner was sane and responsible for his actions.

The General Court-Martial, in the Slovik case,

It was one of the shortest procedures in our history.

The Court was convened for 10 a.m.,

of November 11, 1944.

And at 11:40 am the verdict

had been given and the Court session closed.

I was presiding. We were all General Staff men.

There wasn't even one of us who was a combat officer.

There was a reason for that.

All combat officers of the 28th Division were on the battlefield.

Some felt that this would be advantageous to prayer.

General Staff officers are considered more lenient.

Lieutenant Kramer, as a law enforcement representative,

Could you inform the accused of his rights?

Yes sir.

Private Slovik,

the prisoner does not salute.

Private Slovik, you have the right to object

any member of this Court for good cause,

and also the right to a peremptory challenge

against any member except the law-enforcement member.

You are charged with violating the 58th article of war:

desertion to avoid dangerous duty.

The two specifications are Elbeuf and Rocherath.

How does the accused plead?

Not guilty for each of the specifications,

in the same way as for the general accusation.

The prosecution will call its first witness.

We heard from the commander of Company G, a non-commissioned officer who was

present in the Elbeuf episode, the cook and two other officers.

Slovik's confession was admitted into evidence without objection.

No, I won't do that.

The accused understands his rights as a witness,

but chose to remain silent.

However, the defense requests that the law enforcement representative

inform the accused of his rights.

Lieutenant.

Private Slovik, you have the legal right to:

1) be sworn in as a witness and testify on his own behalf,

and so you will be subject to interrogation.

2) make an unsworn statement,

in which you cannot be interrogated.

3) remain silent. In this case,

no inference of guilt or innocence will be drawn by the court.

Take your time, soldier.

Consult your lawyer. Decide what you want to do.

Did you understand everything, Eddie?

- What's up? - I'll remain silent.

The defense is over.

We found Private Slovik guilty of both specifications.

As well as the accusation.

Another secret vote was taken for the sentence.

Well, it's unanimous, gentlemen. Death.

I have no objections, I suggest we stretch our legs,

let's smoke a cigarette and take a second vote.

He had confessed. He fled his obligations as a sniper,

and declared that he would flee again.

Death.

Since the division was in the midst of a bloody battle,

and suffering many casualties,

We didn't think we had the right to let him get away with it.

Death.

Death.

Gentlemen, we will have to live with this for the rest of our lives.

Let's take a third vote.

Again the third vote was unanimous.

Death.

Private Eddie D. Slovik, these are the decisions of this court:

On specification one of the charge: guilty.

On item two of the charge: guilty.

On the charge: guilty.

You are hereby sentenced to be dishonorably discharged,

to lose the right to any payment

and travel expenses that have not yet been agreed upon,

and to be executed by shotgun fire.

This court now adjourns.

We will file an appeal.

Honestly, I don't think a single member of the court,

really believed that Slovik would be executed.

I know I didn't believe. I had no reason to believe.

I knew what the practice had been.

I thought the sentence would be reduced.

I'm not saying this is what I thought was supposed to happen.

I say this is what I felt was going to happen.

And I thought that after the war was over,

maybe two or three years, Slovik would be a free man.

December 9, 1944

"Caro Gal. Eisenhower: I, Eddie D. Slovik,

I was sentenced by the Court Martial to be executed for desertion.

I have nothing against the United States military.

I just wanted to be transferred from the front line.

I was afraid of dangerous tasks, and afraid because of my nerves.

I will admit that I am very nervous,

and without a doubt in my way of thinking we all are."

As a division judge attorney, I was the first law review authority.

The FBI provided me with Private Slovik's civilian criminal record.

It was one of the reasons I did not recommend clemency.

General Cota, commander of the 28th division, approved the sentence.

I suppose I was the first to believe he would be executed.

But if I hadn't signed,

if he had let Slovik accomplish his purpose,

So I don't know how I could go to the front line and face a good soldier.

"I assume you have my criminal record.

After being released from prison,

I was given probation for 2 years.

In that 2 year period I got a good job.

I have a great wife now and a good home too."

I was with the Military Justice Section in Paris,

directed by General Betts,

the closest legal authority to General Eisenhower.

My responsibility was to read and review cases

to analyze legal sufficiency.

"There was no recommendation for clemency in this case,

and therefore no clemency is here recommended."

I think that settles the matter, doesn't it?

Unless they reverse my decision.

Why? Do you think he deserves clemency?

I don't know, Frank.

But I bet the court that sentenced him

assumed he would not be executed.

Isn't that a dangerous assumption?

If able-bodied soldiers know

that they can avoid dangerous missions,

how do you make a war?

Don't give me that, Frank! Able-bodied men

have avoided dangerous missions over the years.

We do not execute any of them.

Maybe it's time to start.

Well, I suppose that makes things easier.

the fact that he is a confirmed criminal.

He is not. He was a petty delinquent.

The naughty, rebellious type. Many of them make good soldiers.

I thought his criminal record was against him.

How did you find that? It wasn't even mentioned at the Court Martial.

This has nothing to do with the topic. You know that.

All the other authorities who did the review know this.

I mean

Your criminal record didn't influence me.

- And the others? - They will have to speak for themselves.

"How can I tell you how humbly

I regret the sins I have committed?

I deeply and sincerely implore you, for the sake of my

dear wife and those who are at home, have mercy on me.

As far as I know, I have a clean record.

since my marriage, and as a soldier.

I would like to continue being a good soldier.

I look forward to your reply,

which I sincerely pray will be favorable.

God bless you and your work for victory.

In expressing my most sincere regards for the victory,

Private Eddie D. Slovik, ASN 36896415.

Private Slovik has just arrived.

Yes, sir. Thank you, sir.

I'll call you back in a few hours. Yes, sir.

Private Slovik?

Yes sir.

At will.

I'm Major Fellman. This is Chaplain Stafford.

- Did you get stuck in the snow? - Yes, sir.

- Go have some coffee. - Thank you, sir.

You have to sign for the prisoner.

Okay.

- In the meantime, take off the handcuffs. - Yes, sir.

- You?... - You had the keys.

Maybe he left it in the truck.

No, I must have left them at the confinement site.

I'm sorry, sir, I don't have the keys.

No copy?

I don't think so, sir. But they must be in Paris.

Okay. Somebody find a saw.

Move your arm to the right.

Are you okay, Slovik? Yes, sir.

How's it going?

It's almost over, sir.

I'm sorry about this, Slovik.

It's all right, sir.

There's no reason for you to stay here. Go get something to eat.

Yes sir.

Sir, I really want to apologize.

No, we're all pretty nervous this morning.

Excuse me, sir.

The major said you are a chaplain?

That's right.

- Are you a priest? - Yes, I am.

The priest was sent here in case you wanted him.

Oh, yes sir. I think I do.

You will hear

Will you hear my confession, Father?

Of course.

Can I have a mass and communion too?

I'll be with you all the time if you want.

Yes, sir, that would be... great. Thank you.

How much time do I have, Father?

Around two o'clock.

Thank you, sir.

- Do you feel better? - Yes, sir.

I've almost gotten used to them.

Is there somewhere where soldier Slovik

and I can stay like this, sergeant?

Yes, sir. There is a room upstairs.

Good. Are we done?

I was to read him the orders of the General Court-Martial,

but I imagine you've heard them a dozen times.

Yes, sir, I heard.

Well, I'll forget about that for now. You can go with Father Stafford.

He has some letters for you.

From his wife.

- May I read them, Father? - Of course, we have plenty of time.

I was so happy that when I woke up

- Do you want to know, Father? - What?

What, Eddie? What is it?

This girl was the only break I ever got in my life.

But now I've lost her.

They just didn't let us be happy.

Eddie, I wish I could say something that would comfort you.

I can't.

I thought about these letters.

Think about your wife, huh?

- That will help. - Yes, sir.

I want you to do something for me today, hmm?

What would it be, father?

I want you to go outside...

...and die with courage.

- Will you be with me, Father? - I will be by your side.

OK, then I'll be fine.

- I just thought of something. - What is it?

Well, I'm having a time that

many guys don't have it.

You understand, they are allowing me to sit here and talk to you.

I know what will happen to me.

I mean, I know I'm going to die in a few minutes.

But on the front line, we never know when it will happen.

But it is...

I don't know...

that moves us.

I think that's really... what I couldn't bear.

Not knowing.

How much time is left now, Father?

There's still a little bit left. There's still a little bit left.

My hands are numb, Father.

The Lord...

met with the boys from the firing squad?

Try.

What are they like?

I mean, how do they feel about it?

They're following orders, Eddie.

They would rather be somewhere else this morning.

They have a job to do. And they will do it to the best of their ability.

Tell them I have nothing against them. Will you, Father?

Oh, sure. Right.

And could you please ask them to shoot accurately,

so that I don't have to suffer?

And father...

What?

I want you to speak to the boys of the regiment

that Eddie Slovik was not a coward,

at least not today.

Will you tell them, Father?

Do you think I should shave, Father?

What is this?

What do you think it is? It's the firing squad.

For these and all the sins I cannot remember,

I ask for penance and absolution from you, Father.

- For your penance, pray a rosary. - Okay, Father, I will pray.

I'll help you, Eddie.

OK, father.

Pray a good act of contrition.

Oh my God, I am truly sorry for having offended You

and I detest all my sins because of Your just punishments

but above all because they offended Him,

God is supremely good and deserving of all my love.

I firmly resolve, with the help of your Grace,

to sin no more and to avoid the proximity of the occasion to sin.

Go in peace. God bless you.

Thank you, Father.

Sergeant!

The sergeant is going to say mass.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Am m.

The lieutenant and I will load your weapons

while you are out of the room.

We're going to use a blank bullet,

so that there is a reasonable doubt in the head of each of you...

whether or not they participated in the actual execution of the prisoner.

Any questions? Wait upstairs.

What are you thinking?

I don't know.

Wondering if I'll get the blank, I guess.

There is nothing to worry about.

What do you mean?

Just wait for the gun to recoil.

If it's a blank, there won't be any recoil.

Try.

Whoever shoots a blank today will know.

Men, you can get your weapons now.

They were all locked, but check again.

B-14789. Mine, sir.

L - 60251. It's me.

Follow me to the front door, sir.

The officers are on the second floor.

Good morning, Colonel.

- Good morning. - Good morning.

- Would you like some coffee, Colonel? - No, thank you.

- Good morning. - Good morning.

Gentlemen, may I have your attention, please?

I'm Major Fellman, we'll begin in a few minutes.

Please everyone proceed to the courtyard.

Will you accompany me?

Stay calm, Eddie.

Can you hold the rosary for me?

Oh, sure.

Try to make things easier for yourself and for us.

I am fine.

I'm almost done.

Do you want to know?

They are not executing me for desertion.

A lot of guys have done it. They just need to lead by example.

And I am the example, because I am an ex-convict.

- How are your wrists? - Hmm?

- I didn't cut off the circulation, did I? - No, the wrists are fine.

I used to steal things when I was a kid.

This is why they are killing me.

They're killing me for bread and gum

who used to steal when he was 12 years old.

We have to go, Eddie.

Where is the priest?

Right here.

I'm afraid I'll have to read the order when we're outside.

And it's freezing cold.

Okay, major.

But could you read it quickly, please?

Let's go.

Can you give me my rosary?

Eddie,

this will keep you warm.

Thanks.

Hail Mary, full of grace

Private Eddie D. Slovik, it is my duty as chief officer,

read to you the order of the General Court-Martial.

"General Court-Martial Order No. 27.

The action of the summoned authority is the headquarters of the 28th Infantry Division

in the above-mentioned case of Private Eddie D. Slovik,

36896415 company G 109th infantry.

Never borrow a shotgun from a cook.

Hum?

They never clean the damn things.

General Command, European site of operation and article of war 50 and a half,

having been fulfilled, the execution will take place on January 31, 1945,

in the area of the 109th Infantry, France, by order of General Eisenhower.

Private Slovik, you have a statement to make,

before the order instructing its execution is carried out?

No, sir.

Private Slovik,

you have one last statement

to do for me as chaplain, before his death?

No, sir.

Pre... Prepare the condemned for execution.

When you're up there, say a prayer for me.

I will, father.

I will pray that you do not leave too soon.

Forward, march!

Half turn, left! March!

Platoon, halt!

Left, turn!

Present arms!

Platoon, get ready!

Fire!

Order... Weapons!

Is he still alive?

Just.

They must have been nervous, they did a terrible job.

Not a single wound in the heart.

Should they shoot again?

I don't know.

By then he will probably be dead.

Recharge!

Give it another volley of shots, since you liked it so much!

Take it easy, Father! None of us are enjoying this.

Watch out, lieutenant!

Let's not accidentally kill one of our own this morning.

Yes sir.

Excuse me, sir.

Declare him dead or stand back for the second volley of gunfire.

A second volley of gunfire will not be necessary, Major.

Private Slovik is dead.

The sentence was carried out.

Dismissed!

Right back!

Right shoulder, weapons!

Forward, march!

Column on the left, march!

Column half turn to the right, march!

Could you take off his shoe so I can anoint his foot?

I can't understand him.

If he was a coward, he didn't show it.

Eddie Slovik was the bravest man here today.