All language subtitles for slovik

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.