The Execution of Private Slovik

I read this book around 1960, when I was still in high school, and it left a lasting impression with its story of Eddie Slovik, a petty criminal from Detroit who ended up part of the US war machine in France and couldn't quite fit in and paid the ultimate price, an 'example' to other soldiers of what happened to someone who deserted in the face of the enemy. A pretty dark chapter in the history of WWII, it made this kid sit up and take notice, and perhaps realize for the first time that the war wasn't all John Wayne heroics and glory. Twenty years later I watched the film adaptation with Martin Sheen as Slovik, and the book and the kid I'd been when I first read it all came back to me again. A dozen years ago, I read Nick Arvin's fine show more novel of WWII, ARTICLES OF WAR, and was immediately reminded of the Slovik story. But William Bradford Huie, a bestselling author of the 50s and 60s told the story first in this gripping book, THE EXECUTION OF PRIVATE SLOVIK. It was, and still is, a damn good book. Very highly recommended.

- Tim Bazzett, author of the Cold War memoir, SOLDIER BOY: AT PLAY IN THE ASA show less

This is a well researched book that used court martial records, interviews, and other available documentation. Huie, a journalist, provides an excellent description of the upbringing and challenges faced by Eddie Slovik. The book is also the basis for the movie, The Execution of Private Slovik, which starred Martin Sheen. Filmed in 1974, the motion picture script follows the content of the book. Highly recommended for anyone interested in learning about the only soldier, out of over 40,000 cases, to have been executed for desertion since 1864.

645. The Execution of Private Slovik, by William Bradford Huie (read 19 Mar 1961) I found this book at a second-hand bookstore and read it in one day. It thoroughly interested me, and, even though at the time I was not yet opposed to killing people as punishment, I was appalled that this scared kid was killed by the Army.

A non-fiction book about the only execution by the American army for desertion in WWII. Well researched, and a very controversial book in the 1950's with an attempt at suppression by President Eisenhower (quote from Wikipedia Article). Armies operate with a logic that sometimes is repellant to the civilians among us.

Facinating, well-written. A must read for anyone wanting to understand America's history, specifically World War Two.

only US soldier execute for desertion