All language subtitles for The Execution of Private Slovik 2

THE SOLDIER EDDIE D.SLOVIK
WAS THE ONLY MAN

SHOT FOR DESERTION
BY THE ARMY

FROM UNITED STATES
SINCE THE CIVIL WAR.

THIS FILM IS THE DRAMATIZATION
DOCUMENTED,

AND PRESENTED BY A
REALISTIC FORM,

THE HISTORY OF YOUR
LIFE AND DEATH.

WE SUGGEST IT BE
TAKEN IN CONSIDERATION

IF THE FILM SHOULD BE
ASSISTED BY CHILDREN

OR OTHER PEOPLE FROM
YOUR FAMILY THAT CAN

GET DISTURBED
WITH THE FILM.

FRANCE
JANUARY 1945

Procedure number 54.

Execution of the death penalty
imposed by the Court-Martial.

the place of execution
will be prepared...

to support a black wall
made of absorbent material,

in front of which the prisoner
will be placed.

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

and will be used to support
the prisoner if necessary.

Man, they don't let it go
a comma, right?

If, while the prisoner
is being prepared,

or marching to the spot
of the execution,

there is a breakdown or
it is imminent,

the prisoner must be bound
to a board

of collapse with the straps.
- Oh! So as to!

OK.

THE EXECUTION OF THE SLOVIK SOLDIER

What were they doing here?
before the war?

a mining town
of coal.

Slovik is from a city
coal miner, right?

I don't know. Oh yes! Somebody
told me in Detroit.

Poor devil.

Message from headquarters
from the army.

I have a delivery
for Major Fellman.

You will have to go on foot.

The messenger is here,
sir.

Send him in.

Sergeant Bowen, sir.

At ease, Sergeant.

These are the procedures?

Yes sir.

I had to call the headquarters
to get some

advanced instructions.
But I also need these.

That will be all, Sergeant.

Yes sir.

- Sergeant.
- Yes sir?

There's a lot of talk about this
among men?

Yes sir.

How do they feel about it?

Well I guess they do
that he earned it, sir.

Thank you, Sergeant.

You serve, soldier.
Come here.

This man is more or less

the same size and height
than the prisoner.

It might help if you think
in the heart like a circle.

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

the lower third of the bone
from heart.

In other words, here,

not up here like some
people think, but here.

Lord, would it help if
affix a piece of paper,

over the heart
of the prisoner.

Would give us a target to
be able to aim.

It's a little theatrical,
do not you think?

you are all outstanding
shooters,

then they shouldn't have
no difficulty.

just aim everyone
in this specific area.

Any question?

So it's closed
medical advice.

Thank you, soldier.

I believe the chaplain wants
say a few words.

This is not necessary
given the circumstances.

Excuse me, son.

I think some of you
must know me.

I'm Father Stafford.

At this time I was appointed
for this, just like you.

My main role is
stay with the prisoner, but...

I thought until
let him arrive,

some of you may...

might want to talk to me.

Hmm?

Of course not?

It's funny, I don't think so
I 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's totally natural.

Lord... I mean
I tried to get out of it.

I went to talk to my commander
and I asked him

if there was a way to
I be dismissed.

He said, "No, unless
you want to take his place".

Well, you've seen combat.

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

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?

Is any boy Catholic?

And you, soldier, is there a problem?

Well I was kinda tempted
looking a little higher.

You understand, maybe make a mistake.
But I don't think I will.

I will do as I am commanded.

But I won't like it.

That's the point, isn't it?

no one is asking
you like it, right?

But they will have to.

will perform the task
using the best of your abilities.

I know you can do this.

Boys, none of us
made that decision.

But we are the men who received
the order of performing this task.

Because a higher authority...

accepted moral responsibility.

Well I'll say a mass
for the prisoner.

I will guarantee you absolution.

And then you will run it.

When you're out there,
when you shoot

remember that he will be
on God's hands,

and that you have nothing to do with
what to be ashamed of.

Come all here.

Come on, check the shotguns.
Quick with it.

He didn't care how many
of us got shot.

So why should we
do we care about him?

- Good morning.
- Good morning ma'am.

I've been here before, remember?

Did you get the fabric?

Oh yeah. I received it this
morning from Paris by mail.

Very beautiful.

Sugarplum.

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.

this has to be ready
night... 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 platoon
firing squad...

will be armed with shotguns
regulated,

each of which
will be loaded and locked.

One of the shotguns will contain
a party bullet...

and the identity of this shotgun
will not be revealed.

Each of the remaining shotguns

will contain a bullet with ammo
of service.

The officer in charge of enforcement
of the sentence...

take command of the platoon
by firing squad.

One: platoon, Two: Prepare,
Three: Aim, Four: Fire

At my command: Fire!

Each member of the platoon
by firing squad

will unload your gun
straight into the prisoner's heart.

If in the opinion of medical officials,

the prisoner does not have one
mortal wound,

the shotguns will be
recharged and the procedure

will be repeated until it is
found a mortal wound,

from which the extinction of life is
immediately imminent.

By order of General Eisenhower.

Very good. we will have an exercise
of simulation.

The shotguns are
unloaded, lieutenant?

Yes sir.

All right, here we go.

Platoon. Attention!
Present... Weapons!

Platoon... Prepare...
To point! Fire!

Order�
Weapons! Rest.

Any question?

Very good.

Now you know what
is expected of you.

Make sure that
your aim is good.

Make it one
shot do the job.

And don't fail.

Lieutenant, take over.

Platoon, attention!

Right turn!

Right shoulder, weapons!

Left turn!
March!

Left turn, march!

Half turn to the right. March!

Did you have a conversation with them?

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

Any news when
will he get here?

Well, hopefully tonight.
They've already left Paris.

Knowing the mountains, they
may be retained.

I have a lot of letters
of his wife,

I hope he has time
to read them.

AND.

What is this thing?

It's a collapse plank.

Collapse plank?

Well the man is a convict
coward, father.

May not be able to get out and walk
up to this point on its own accord.

Would they have to carry it?

If need be.

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

Well, how about a coffee?

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

We probably won't sleep
very.

But we can meet
quite well.

Like Herod and Pilate.

Two coffees and some sandwiches.

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

Are you sure? maybe we can
get some hot soup in there.

It is not alright,
I'm not hungry

- Thank you anyway.
- OK!

Damn snow!

We probably won't arrive
there until tomorrow morning.

Yes, if we're lucky.

Do you 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.

Dude, what does he want
go walk and freeze?

And then he will take
a cold.

It doesn't matter much,
it is not?

Come here, boy.
Come here, mate.

Good boy, that!

It's cold, right?
Good boy!

OK, mate...

you could make me
a favor?

What do you want, Eddie?

Let me start running.

What do you mean?

I'll just run away,
understand?

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

At least it would end
at once.

We can not,
they have a great show

for you tomorrow.

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

Sorry, Eddie, you know
that we can't.

What is happening?

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

Come on, we have to go.

Come on, Eddie.

Oh, he was pretty skinny.

But he was a friendly boy
and good hearted.

We had him in state reformatory
from Michigan for three years...

until they gave you
on parole in 1942.

never had a boy
that I liked better.

he had some problems
with the law.

Small things, fundamentally.
But he wasn't resentful.

I mean, he didn't hate anyone.

And what about the army?
there was no problem.

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

- Take care of yourself, Eddie.
- Yes, sir, I'll take care of myself.

There are many opportunities out there
nowadays.

half of men
went to war.

- You shouldn't have any problems.
- I'll be fine, sir.

Introduce yourself to the Commission
of Parole.

Find a good woman for you.

Stay away from bad company.

Don't worry sir
I will do this.

Only one out of four of
our boys can.

It's not an encouraging statistic,

but i think you have
a good chance.

I think so, sir.

Is there a way to go home?

Yes sir. My sister
came to get me. It's 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 this.

OK, I'll write.

- Do me a favor.
- Yes sir.

Do not come back.

I won't be back, goodbye.

After he died,

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

It's strange, in a way.

I will not criticize
United States for having killed him.

When you have a big
war to win...

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

a poor weak man.

But I could have spoken
it to them.

I could have said:
You can take Eddie Slovik

and teach him how to
walk cadenced.

And y'all 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
go over your head,

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

or will jump out and run.

And there's nothing you can
do to avoid this.

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.

- Pleasure to meet you.
- How are you doing?

Your sister talks about you
all the time.

Mr. Sorelli?

You will not sit down
Margaret?

Did you have any problem
with the car?

- Worked perfectly!
- It's Wonderful!

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

for writing to the Commission
and got 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 will be you.

Fifty cents an hour
it is not a big deal.

And you'll earn every penny.

Joe Sorelli.

How are you, sir?
Eddie Slovik.

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

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

make any objections to
dig ditches?

No sir.
I will do anything.

Good!

Plumber is a role that you
It gets all dirty, but you earn well.

So when can you start?

When you want.

Well now is a good time
like any other.

Let's go upstairs, I will
give you overalls.

You are the accountant,
we can give this

young boy one
advance on your salary?

I'll do some calculations.

She thinks she runs this place.

The problem is that actually
she drives.

Let's go!

Oh sorry. Thanks.

Bye sis.

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

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

Eddie became so helpful that he received
increase every two or three weeks.

It went from 0.50 to 1.50 an hour,
earning 50% more per hour overtime.

But he wasn't much of the type
to work late.

He told me that it interfered
with flirting.

Excuse me.

I will add it to your bill.

OK thanks.

Here it is.

Thanks.

How did you get into
in confusions?

Well I was a helper
in a drug store in Detroit...

and then�

I got some gum, mints
and other things.

and, well� I used to get some
changed from time to time.

I got arrested for
misappropriation.

A toast!

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.

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

- And you were locked up for a year?
- No, nine months.

But I was really smart...

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

well one night we stayed
all drunk...

and we stole a car.
Just to go around.

Well we skid on the ice
and hit a building.

I wasn't even driving
nothing, but I surrendered.

And this time I got three years.

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

Now I just drink
two of those.

Why?

Well where I used to live 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's
reformatory told me?

No.

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

For now
I already found work...

I'm really having a
great time with you.

Me too.

When I was 3 years old

I had to be operated on because
I was born with crooked legs.

- Oh.
- AND.

the way they do
is to break your legs on

four different places,
and then they straighten them out.

It must have been awful.

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 in the furniture store...

and used to take alcohol and rub
on my legs to pass the pain,

and everyone thought he wore it
to get drunk.

How did you hurt your leg?

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

I don't call.

And when I was twelve,
I had infantile paralysis.

- Good�
- Is here?

Yes.

Your parents already paid
the financing?

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

that belonged to
people who lived in it.

Do you want to login?

No, maybe next time.

It was really great,
thanks.

- Goodnight.
- Goodnight.

Hey!

Oh thank you!

Do you want to go to the movies again
Tomorrow night? The film will change.

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

- What?
- I'm gonna marry you!

- She agreed to this?
- No sir, not yet. But she will.

Eddie, look at the facts.
Is she older than you.

She has a better education,
she earns more money.

I know,
I'm just getting started.

You have nothing in common.

This is the basis for a
good marriage?

I don't know, sir.

But... I really love her.

Eddie, I'm your agent
of the conditional.

It's my job to keep it
away from trouble.

I'm sure she is
an excellent woman.

Maybe too good.

You two live lives
many different.

That's what I mean, Mr.

I want to live her life
from now on,

she's really good to me.

Why don't you let it go
a little time?

Think about.

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

He is well.

Serious?

- But I have to meet her.
- OK.

And she has to agree that
Let's investigate their background.

Right.

And afterwards, you two will receive
news from us by mail.

It's great.

Thank you very much, sir.

Eddie, hey!

you are not putting
the cart before the horse?

Sir?

We can say yes
but what about the girl?

Oh, don't worry!
She will agree!

She still doesn't know.

Edward Donald Slovik?

Yes ma'am.

You served two sentences
at the Michigan State Reformatory.

Yes ma'am.

So why are you here?

You know that you
was rated 4-F.

We just wanted to be sure.

It is standard procedure when
a man has a criminal record.

Can this change?

I would say it's a lot
unlikely.

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

Didn't I tell you?

So what you say?

- Good. I think it's official.
- Course is. They don't want me.

I have all the time
of the world. I can catch,

a better job,
save some money.

It means nothing if I
do this just for me.

I want this to be for us.

Look Eddie,
we don't need to be in a hurry.

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

I need you.
I really need.

you can turn me
into something special.

It's better that you marry me.
All the others are leaving,

to the outside.
I will be the only guy around here.

OK people.
Can I take one more photo?

Smile a little more.

We got married on a Saturday.

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

And then everyone came to
my parents' house.

I must have been crazy
but I paid 700 dollars

by the wedding dress
and through the veil.

It's great, smile everyone,
let's go.

Thanks.

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

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

to dance and have fun
with the guests.

I wanted this
was the best time

that Eddie had in his life.

He could forget about prison
and digging ditches,

and start to
see how a married man

with friends and responsibilities.

A toast, folks.

A toast to the bride and groom.

May they live many years together.

He promised to bring me
roses

and asked me to make
he was a success.

I told you I would.

In the newspapers it was written
that the US army

was starting to
invasion of North Africa.

But that was the world
from someone else.

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

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

And this is how we were
knowing about the war.

On the news before the movie.
It wasn't very important to us,

because we had other things
what to worry about.

Eddie, what are you doing?

Nothing, go back to sleep.

I can not sleep. I am not
slept the whole night.

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

It's 2:30 in the morning.

Maybe I'll go get a beer.

I had 5 dollars in my pocket.
Have you seen them?

He hasn't spoken a word all day.

Why don't you tell me what's up
worrying you?

- Nothing's worrying me.
- Is not true.

I said nothing
is worrying me!

You're pregnant, OK?
Will have the baby in 6 months,

and i bring home 40 bucks
per week, 40 dollars!

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

All I want is 5 dollars
for a beer.

Where is my money?
Did you take it?

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

We'll see, look at this!

- Eddie!
- Stop talking Eddie! OK?

Look at all this money! You
there's 30 bucks, 30 bucks here!

you really take
money account!

You asked me to babysit!
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 dime!

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

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

you only care about having
the control of it!

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

That's right?

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

Like this! Like this!

Kiss my ass!

Eddie, Eddie, Eddie!
Eddie!

Sorry!

I'm very sorry!

- Are you well?
- Yes I'm fine.

sometimes i feel so
discouraged.

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

It takes time, Eddie.
Takes time.

we will have things
we want.

took forever
for my parents.

Sometimes I wish I was
back to prison.

Eddie.

That way,
could find a guy

that I could give you the
things you need.

You give me everything I need.

Serious?

- Are you sure you're okay?
- Yes I am well.

Let's go back to bed, OK?

Oh!

What is the problem?

We have to find the
serial numbers of these banknotes.

For what?

To be able to send them
come back and get new notes.

you mean they
are they still good?

Hmm... hmm.

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

You knew it all along,
it is not?

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, car payments,
the payment of the suite.

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

Sometimes jewelry or cosmetics.

I lost the baby.
A miscarriage.

But we knew there was time
enough for us to try again.

Eddie! What?

He already went home.

What are you doing here?

- How about $1.40 an hour?
- What?

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

Well and�
What are you talking about?

Signed, sealed and delivered!

I went to the De Soto factory
this morning.

So that's why
you are so well dressed!

Thought I had gone out to
see some girl, is not it?

I don't know�

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

What happened?

Wow! It was amazing! You
you should have seen me!

I went to the manager of
human resources and said:

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

working here in your
payroll?".

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

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

and the best sauerkraut ever
city 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-paid job."

Oh, Eddie, you're crazy!

my head was
spinning. There was a vacancy for

employee of the sector
expedition paying 1.40 per hour.

And indeed he gave
the job for me.

Did he give you the job?

he gave me the job
paying 1.40 per hour!

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

Eddie!

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

Happy wedding anniversary.

To you too.

Our first anniversary
wedding was very special.

We had just rented a house
new, on top of a townhouse.

And that was the morning that
we were moving.

Dear,
the truck is coming!

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

Alright OK! We are
on top.

Be careful when taking
all up, right?

This is not ours yet.

Didn't break anything, did it?

Do not worry, dear. I asked to
so they don't scratch anything.

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

- Welcome to the neighborhood!
- Thanks! Do you live here?

Yes, right there across the street.

George Rollins.

Hi Eddie Slovik. that's mine
wife, her name is Antoinette.

Yes, I have you two in
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 will have to bother them
about blackout curtains,

once they are installed.

We will place them.

I assume you heard
the radio today?

No, we were busy.

They started bombing with
all Germany.

- AND?
- 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.

And I think. Thank you see you soon.

I hold the door.

nothing too much for
a dinner celebrating

our first year of marriage.
- Everything is fine.

I will take you to
dinner tomorrow night.

We'll go to Nick's, OK?

Oh! I can't move!

Me either.
My legs are numb.

at least we're done
almost everything.

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

I just love these furniture.
All bright and new.

It's what we wanted, isn't it,
mommy?

The eggs are really good.

Your tongue is not working.
I think I burned the eggs.

- Hello!
- Here, Margret.

Hey sis.

The door was open, I brought
the correspondence.

- Did you like the house?
- I loved!

And they've already unpacked everything!

- Let me show you around the house.
- No, sit down!

You two look like you're going to fall
so tired.

- Want a coffee?
- Accepted.

You have to notify the courier
your new address.

OK!

I don't believe what
you did with this place!

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

And there's a sunny porch
ahead,

where Eddie can feed
your pigeons.

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

Eddie, what's the matter?

Curse!

But this is impossible!

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

It's from the recruiting board.

They changed their rating
to 1 A. It has

what to show up to do
the medical examination.

But he is 4 F!

Eddie?

Couldn't you imagine?

You couldn't imagine that they,

they would choose precisely
this moment?

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

there was nothing and they
they wouldn't have touched me.

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

they want me in the army.
Couldn't you imagine?

It has to be a mistake...

I'll call the board of
recruitment tomorrow. I will go there.

"Mom, I feel lost without you.
I think I will have a lot of problems.

Army life is not for me.

I have just arrived at Camp Walters.

The name of the nearest city
it's Mineral Weels, Texas.

You can find it on the map.
And you will see how far I am from you.

Everyone has to be 17 weeks
of infantry.

It's what we call
basic training.

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

This is the third letter
that I write to you today.

It's the only way for me
feel close to you.

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

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

If anything happens to you,
I'm leaving here without permission.

And this is how I feel
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
want to do, don't you?

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

Today we leave for the touch of dawn.
The band was out there too.

We had to salute
flags. It was amazing.

I wish you were
here to see it.

When I think of all the times
that we had together, mommy,

it makes me furious.

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

I miss the
your homemade cakes and pies.

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

I miss
the good coffee you make.

And mostly, I miss
to sleep with you".

You gentlemen are in the
lowest level.

You will be substitutes.

you will be trained
with a group.

Shipped with another.

Assigned to a deposit
of substitution.

You will go to the battlefield and
will 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
that shouldn't be here.

you imagine
which are the bottom of the pot.

Well, the situation is boiling.

The army needs
hot bodies now.

Even the bottom of the pot
it seems good.

And I'm going to tell you something.

you will be soldiers
damn good.

And do you know why?

Because I'm going to break them.

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

Do we have a deal?

good old sergeant,
make us sit on

rain and tells us that
we are a pile of rubbish.

Listen, they arrived
to the point of recruiting dwarves

three years old now.

They are no longer examining
the eyes, just counting them.

How does it feel to be
the bottom of the pot?

Do you know what?
I could have escaped!

Oh there! You could have
kissed the doctor.

No, I'm not kidding. still had 6
months of probation missing.

And?

Hence a violation of the conditional
that would be all that needed to happen.

I could have been caught
for driving without a license

driver, being drunk,
disturb the peace, anything.

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

Gosh, you could have
get naughty.

Yeah, I know.

"Each time I shoot
with my shotgun,

she jumps up and smacks my cheek.

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

You don't mind that my
score is bad, isn't it?

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 damn
projectile deflection.

It seems that I can't
get the hang of things.

Well, you'll have to go back and train
target shooting again on sunday.

in a way or
another, you will be a sniper.

Yes, sergeant.

"I finally got it,
my dear.

You know how?

I cheated.

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

He's a pretty cool guy.

But I said I couldn't
do nothing until he had

three sworn statements
and a Red Cross report.

Now it's up to you, Mom.

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

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

But he is entitled to
reliance waiver.

His commander told him that if
get the right roles...

I'm afraid it's not that simple.

Do you need more?
I can get more.

How many more letters from doctors to
do you need?

I have been sick. I don't have
been in working condition.

I've been having problems with
my view and...

It's all there.

Should I ask them to call
for the lady?

- Madam Slovik�
- Sorry, I have a...

I have a history
of epileptic seizures.

If I could go back to
work, I would come back.

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

I'm sure it's hard
for the lady.

But we're at war and all of us
we have to make sacrifices.

I suggest that Mrs. make cuts
in payment of rent.

will have more money
for food.

- But then I would have to move.
- Maybe it's not a bad idea.

Might sell some of your
furniture and get a maiden room...

or move into your family home,
or other relatives.

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

Can't imagine what
this apartment means to him.

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

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

Madam Slovik.

the lady is
Feeling good?

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 on the board?
of recruitment?

I tried there
and social security,

and even went back to the red cross.

I don't think it will work,
Eddie.

There must be someone who
can go talk.

If I don't get out of here soon, they
they will 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 wanted
be back in prison.

You'll be home on leave soon.

I will make you
feel better.

I promise.

I really miss you.
You know it.

I love you so much.

"All the other guys
went home on leave.

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

Maybe they're suing my
waiver. I really hope so.

All I know, mama, 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 try to kill us and
take everything we have.

Why not leave us alone?
We didn't do anything to anyone.

We did?"

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

- Eddie.
- Come.

That's it, boy.
That's it, boy.

Come here.

Come here.

This is a whole generation
new bird.

How do you know that?

I just know.

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

Come here.

After I'm gone, carry on
feeding them, OK?

I haven't worked since February,
so i pawned some rings

to be able to buy tickets from
movies and pay for some dinners.

And Eddie worked a little bit at the store
plumbing supplies...

to earn some money.

And the rest of the time
We got together.

Not even
We talk a lot.

Do you wanna Dance?

- Here?
- Hmm hmm.

- No!
- Let's go.

The next morning he left
to Fort Mead, Maryland.

I never saw him again.

They told me that he died under
dishonorable circumstances.

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

I found Eddie Slovik
at Camp Kilmer.

We were Polish, so it was
Naturally, we were partners.

What the hell is going on?

Slovik, they'll blow us up and
you are writing a letter.

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

We can feel it, Slovik, and also
the asshole who's been shooting at us.

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

I thought he was
a nice guy.

He never talked about defecting.

It sure never seemed to be
someone who would yellow.

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.

Do you want to know, Jim?

I don't know why I clean it, never
I'm going to shoot with this shotgun.

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

Be careful, you might get involved.
in a mess like that.

Can I borrow that cloth?

We had come from Scotland
and England, to Omaha Beach.

And now we were
way to join us

to company G in a small
French town called Elbeuf.

And finally we had
arrived at her.

- One of ours?
- No, Germans.

The US 7th Army
bombed this area heavily.

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

did anyone hear something
about company G?

- Do not ask!
- Why not?

Part of the 28th. division.

The training support division.

Did they lose many men?

Someone told me that they
had three

different generals
on command in 12 hours.

- How lucky we are, aren't we?
- Luckier than those guys!

Yes, until now!

Under the truck! Protect yourselves!
Get under the truck!

What the hell do we do now,
sergeant?

Get together, now!
Stay together!

we have to find
our unit!

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

They're going to kill us, Jimmy!

Get down, take cover!

Let's go! Let's get out of here!

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

I am fine!

There are caves. Come!
Come. Stand up.

Eddie and I don't
we found company G.

Around midnight we were done
staying inside caves.

It was the worst night of my life.

Hearing these projectiles
passing by and lying there,

hoping one of these
hit us.

I think that really
it 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 fire
closed was enough.

Somehow, while
it was still dark,

most other guys
moved on and found G Company.

Me and Slovik were the only ones
left behind.

I think according to the rules,
we were deserters.

Hey! Everything is fine!
We are American.

Slovik!

Eddie, Eddie, Eddie.

Hey, let's go! There are Canadians out there!
Come!

Hey guys! Good to see you!
Good to see you!

We are with the 109th
infantry, 20th division,

we are looking for
G company.

- Come and have a coffee.
- OK!

Slovik, do you want one?
Cup of coffee?

Yes.

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

Hey! Feedek!

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

Their job was to follow
combat troops...

and give information explaining the
martial law provisions.

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 that
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 crash.

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

- Put up these posters.
- He is well.

We've been to many places, Calais,
Boulogne and then we went to Belgium.

But as far as we were concerned,
we were,

"absent without official permission".

We keep sending letters
and radiograms on the 19th.

OK.

Let's ask Sergeant
Major to put your

signature on the letter and
we'll send it right away.

Did you spell 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 don't
are receiving these letters.

We will make it
contact them.

Many guys are separated
of your units.

In addition, we are helping,
it is not?

we should be killing
Germans, my old comrade.

No one assigned us to stay
cooking permanently.

Hey Jimmy! you have paper
left over?

Yes.

- Here.
- Thanks.

With all the letters that
write to your wife,

need all the paper
that you can get.

What are you doing?
What happened to your ammo?

I got rid of her.

You what?

I just
I got rid of her.

you simply
did you get rid of her?

Suppose we are cornered,

are you going to throw paper balls at them?

I will not 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, how good
Poles, we decided that we would

do for Canadians
some potato pancakes.

The problem was that
nobody in france

had heard about
a potato grater.

He thinks we
we want to shave.

Anyway, probably
they don't have a grater.

Back to corned beef,
damn it!

Wait a minute!
They may not have a grater,

but for sure
have a can of coffee.

Lord, see you later, thank you.

Take 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 will have
enough for dinner.

Appear to be busy.
I am busy.

Can a man have tea
at this time?

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

It is good.

What is that?

Something new to the range,
you will love it.

We will miss you,
Yankees.

why are we going
somewhere?

We finally got one
message from your unit.

They want you to introduce yourself
to regimental headquarters.

- When, sir?
- As soon as possible.

The report says "around
October 7th".

We are already providing your
transport to Rocherath.

we like to have them
with us, but I'm right

that you want to come back
for your people, isn't it?

About time, isn't it?

It's better to start 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
worried about doing

those pancakes from
potatoes for your friends.

How can you kill one
guy like that?

we introduce ourselves
to regimental headquarters.

we had been considered
like missing...

or absent without authorization
in the unit records.

But no accusation
had been presented.

They sent us directly
to the G company.

Feedek and Slovik soldiers
reporting for duty.

You guys got lost
for a while, isn't it?

Yes sir.

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

Yes, sergeant.

Come this way.

Let me tell you something
before you see the captain.

A lot of guys think
that the war is over.

It's not over. for this unit
it's just getting started.

you guys are
inexperienced.

If they listen to their colleagues, they can
stay alive for a while.

But while you
are breathing,

we hope you serve
as soldiers, is that clear?

Yes, sergeant.

Yes?

Those two substitutes are
here, sir.

Get them in.

Feedek and Slovik soldiers
Reported for duty, sir.

Make yourself comfortable.

- 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 go to the battlefield,

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

I'm assigning you two
for the 4th platoon. the sergeant,

will lead them to your platoon
later. Dismissed.

- Sorry sir.
- Yes.

I have something to tell you.

I'm very nervous

and I'm too afraid to serve
in a company of snipers, Mr.

What?

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

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

Slovik soldier, will you
report to the 4th platoon

and i will forget that
we had this conversation.

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

after we went
trapped in Elbeuf,

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

Soldier, this is not easy for anyone,

mainly for whom
is on the front line,

but I cannot make exceptions,

or give special treatment.
You know it.

Well, then I'll run away, sir.

Soldier, I'm
giving arrest warrant.

Report to your squad!

Eddie, Eddie.
Come! Let's go!

Lord, we've been
with Canadians for a while,

in the 13th Corps of the Military Police.

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, that
would it be desertion?

Without a doubt!

Well I guess that's it
that I'm going to have to do, sir.

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

I'm sorry sir, I can't!

Soldier, it's better than
you stop your friend.

He's getting into a
very serious mess.

Yes, captain.

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

I know what I am doing,
Jimmy.

Eddie.

Eddie, come back.

that was the last time
that I saw him.

A month later I got 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
it had happened to him.

I couldn't believe it.

Even after all
that time,

that made me really bad
for two days.

I was recruited as
cook that day,

for the deployment of
military authorities, 112th infantry.

It was around 8:30 in the morning.

This guy came close
where was the rank.

He looked at me as if I had passed
night sleeping outdoors in nature.

Good morning!

Can I get some of these eggs?

That's what they're there for.

Thanks.

I will give you a hand with
cleaning if you want.

For what?

I don't know, it seems like you
might need help, right?

Yes, I think so.

What is your name?

- Brockmeyer.
- I'm Slovik.

Nice to meet you.

- Can you do me a favour?
- Yes.

You can 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 do not you
tear it up and go back to your unit?

I think you better hand it over
to someone.

You must be crazy.
They will arrest you.

I know.

You, go get the lieutenant!

He must be signing the
morning report.

Go fast!

I, Private Eddie D. Slovik,

I confess the desertion of
United States Army.

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

I came to Elbeuf as a substitute.

They were
bombing the city,

and we were told to dig
trenches at night.

The next morning they were
bombing us again.

I was so scared,
nervous and shaking...

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

I stayed there in that hole
until all

was calm and that I
I was able to move.

The next morning I surrendered
to the Canadian Military Police Corps.

After that I told my
story to my commander.

I said if I had to go from
new to the battlefield I would flee.

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

and i'll 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
let's keep it?

Yes sir.

Do you have any idea how harmful a
written confession maybe?

Yes sir.

I'll tell you one thing.

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

No sir I can't

It is true.

Can you read this, soldier?

Yes sir.

Out loud.

Yes sir.

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

I make it my free and spontaneous
will, and I am not obliged to do so".

If you agree, sign,
please.

Yes sir.

Lieutenant, we should both sign
this statement as witnesses.

Yes sir.

Sergeant, put this
man in custody.

He will be imprisoned in
confinement division.

Thank you sir.

Slovik was transferred to division
confinement in Rott, Germany.

That's where I met him.

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

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

Slovik was just one of those
boys aiming for court-martial,

so he could
stay away from the front line.

we had our share of them

He was a good hearted boy.
He would do anything I asked of him.

What did Mr. are you doing, sergeant?

A walking stick
of the military.

I would like to have one of these.

It's OK! I'll give you this one.

But I don't think you will
here for so long.

You mean I'm not coming back
here after my trial?

It depends on the sentence.

They can send you somewhere
confinement 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 take it? How much did you take?

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

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

I bet you would agree,
Slovik.

How long will you have to be imprisoned?
after the war is over?

Maybe six months.

Six months?
You lucky of a fig!

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

He wasn't so happy.
Him and those guys

thought he would stay
imprisoned for 2 or 3 years.

Of course it never occurred to him,
even after your sentence has been passed,

that he would really be shot.

"Honey, I'm in a
little mess.

please, do not worry
with me because I'm fine.

Please mommy I beg you
to wait for me.

I will let you know as soon as I
know how long I'll take.

If it's too long then I will
ask you to ask for a divorce".

I had him brought
to see me.

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

- Are you soldier Slovik?
- Yes sir.

- You know who I am?
- No sir. Sorry.

I'm Colonel Leacock. Attorney
Division Judge.

Yes sir.

- Do you like birds?
- Yes.

Me too.

I'm sure you realize it's
with 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
no one to the Court-Martial.

we just do that
only as a last resort.

I understand, sir.

maybe we can work it out
this without a trial, isn't it?

That would be great, sir.
As?

If you return to your unit,

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

I'll even try to get you
a transfer to

another regiment, in which
you can start over from scratch.

No sir. I just can't
serve in a rifle company.

Why don't you at least try?

You haven't been with your unit
enough to know how it is.

I know how it is, sir.

I already said that I wanted to have one
I work away from the front line.

Stewardship or something.

But if I can't then
take it to the Court-Martial.

We cannot transfer all
from the sniper company

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

I know that, sir.

Do you realize that
will take at least

a heavy prison sentence
if you go to trial?

Yes sir.

You can even take the
death penalty.

Desertion in wartime
it is a capital offense.

I fear you will incur
in a serious mistake

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

I'm sorry sir
I already made my decision.

I want to be
taken to court-martial.

OK, take him back.

Anyway,
thank you sir.

I wasn't particularly
surprised by your attitude.

I had heard many like him say:
"I want to be court-martialled."

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 was not my job
determine your motives,

but when you examine
a man's body,

sometimes you would like
to get inside your mind.

I couldn't let
to make speculations.

I think he wanted
desperately return to prison.

It was the place I had
been a safe harbor for him,

a refuge.
It was almost like a womb.

Of course, there was a strategy
involved for their own benefit.

But ultimately, he must
be 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 go back to one
situation under heavy fire.

In my report I said that
he was in good health.

The neuropsychiatric division
also submitted a report.

A report
much more important.

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 most
short stories of our history.

The Court was summoned to
at 10 am,

on November 11, 1944.

And at 11:40 am the verdict

had been given
and the session of the Court adjourned.

I was presiding. we were
all men of the General Staff.

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

There was a reason for this.

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

Some felt this would be
advantageous to the defendant.

General Staff officers are held
as more forgiving.

Lieutenant Kramer, as a member
representative of the law,

Mr. could inform the
accused about his rights?

Yes sir.

Slovik soldier,

the prisoner does not
salute.

Slovik soldier, you have
the right to object

any member of this
Cut for cause,

and also the right to
peremptory rebuttal

against any member except
the representative member of the law.

You are accused of violating the
58th article of war:

desertion to
avoid dangerous duty.

The two specs are
Elbeuf and Rocherath.

How does the accused plead?

Not guilty for every
one of the specs,

the same way that
for the general prosecution.

The prosecution will call its first
witness.

We heard the commander of
Co. G, a non-commissioned officer who was

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

Slovik's confession was admitted
as unobjectionable evidence.

No, I won't.

The accused understands his rights
as a witness,

but chose
remain silent.

However, the defense requests
that the member representing the law

inform the accused about
Your rights.

Lieutenant.

Slovik soldier,
you have the legal right to:

1) to be sworn as a witness
and testify for their own benefit,

and so will you be
subject to interrogation.

2) make a statement not
sworn,

in which you cannot be interrogated.

3) remain silent.
In this case,

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

Take your time, soldier.

Consult your lawyer.
Decide what you want to do.

Do you understand everything, Eddie?

- And there?
- I will remain silent.

The defense is over.

We found soldier Slovik
guilty of both specs.

As well as the prosecution.

Another secret ballot was taken
for the sentence.

Well, it's unanimous gentlemen.
Death.

I have no objections, I suggest that
let's stretch our legs,

let's smoke a cigarette
and let's do a 2nd vote.

He had confessed. ran away from your
obligations as a marksman,

and declared that he would flee again.

Death.

Once the split was in the middle
of a bloody battle,

Death.

and suffering many casualties,

Death.

we didn't think we had the
right to let him out of this.

Death.

Death.

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

Let's do a third poll.

Again the third poll
it was unanimous.

Death.

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

About specification one of
charge: guilty.

About specification 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 allowance that does not
were still hit,

and to be executed by
shotgun blasts.

This court now adjourns.

We will file an appeal.

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

really believed that
Slovik would be executed.

I know I didn't believe it. I am not
had no reason to believe.

I knew what the practice had been.

I thought the sentence would be
reduced.

I don't say this is what I
thought it should happen.

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

And I thought after
for the war to end,

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

December 9, 1944

"Dear 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 army.

I just wanted to be
transferred from the front line.

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

I will admit that I am
very nervous,

and no doubt in my way
of thinking we all are".

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

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

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

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

I guess I was the first
to believe that he would be executed.

But if I hadn't signed,

if you had left Slovik
accomplish your purpose,

so i don't know how i could go to the line
head on and face a good soldier.

"I suppose, Mr.
have my criminal record.

After having
been released from prison,

I was given freedom
conditional for 2 years.

In that 2 year period I
I got a good job.

I have an excellent wife
now and a good home too".

I was with the
Military Justice in Paris,

led by General Betts,

the nearest legal authority
of General Eisenhower.

My responsibility
was to read and review cases

to analyze legal sufficiency.

"There was no recommendation
for leniency in this case,

and therefore none
clemency is here recommended".

I think that closes the question,
it is not?

unless they
reverse my decision.

Why? Do you think he
deserve clemency?

I don't know, Frank.

But I bet the court
who sentenced him

guessed he didn't
would be executed.

It's not an assumption
dangerous?

If soldiers physically
able to know

that they can avoid
dangerous missions,

how do you make a war?

Don't come with that, Frank!
physically fit men

have been avoiding missions
dangerous over the years.

we do not perform
neither of them.

maybe it's time
to start.

Well I suppose it makes it easy
things

the fact that he is a
confirmed criminal.

He is not. It was a small
delinquent.

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

I thought your criminal record
was testifying against him.

How did you find it? That wasn't even
even mentioned in the Court-Martial.

This has nothing to do
with the theme. You know it.

All other authorities
who did the review know this.

What I mean to say�

Your criminal record does not
influenced me.

- What about the others?
- They'll have to speak for themselves.

"How can I tell you
how humbly

I regret the sins
what did i do?

I implore you deeply and
honestly, because of my

dear wife and mother 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 remain one
good soldier.

I look forward to
your answer,

which I sincerely
I pray it will be favourable.

God bless you and your work
for the victory.

In the expression of my
sincere regards, for the victory,

Private Eddie D. Slovik,
ASN 36896415.

Slovik soldier is over
to arrive.

Yes sir.
Thank you sir.

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

Slovik soldier?

Yes sir.

Make yourself comfortable.

I'm Major Fellman.
This is Chaplain Stafford.

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

- Go get some coffee.
- Thank you sir.

You have to sign for
prisoner.

He is well.

- In the meantime, remove the handcuffs.
- Yes sir.

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

maybe I left
in the truck.

No, I must have left them in
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.

All good.
Somebody find a saw.

Move your arm to the right.

Are you okay, Slovik?
Yes sir.

How is it going?

It's almost over, sir.

I'm sorry about this,
Slovik.

It's okay, sir.

There is no reason to
stick around. Go eat something.

Yes sir.

Lord I would really like
to apologize.

No, we're all quite
nervous this morning.

Sorry sir.

The major said that you
are you a chaplain?

That's right.

- Are you a priest?
- Yes I am.

The priest was sent here
in case you wanted it.

Oh yes sir.
I think I do.

You will hear...

The Lord will hear my confession,
priest?

It is clear.

Can I have a mass
and communion too?

I will be with you all the time
all if you want.

Yes sir, that would be... great.
Thanks.

How much time do I have
priest?

Around two hours.

Thank you sir.

- Do you feel better?
- Yes sir.

I almost got used to it
with them.

Is there somewhere where the
slovik soldier

and I can be alone,
sergeant?

Yes sir.
There is a bedroom upstairs.

Good. We are done?

I should read him the orders
of the General Court-Martial,

but I imagine that already
heard 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 your 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
that I had in my life.

But now I've lost it.

They just don't us
let them be happy.

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

I can't.

Think about these letters.

Think about your wife, hmm?

- 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 bravely.

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

OK, so I'll be fine.

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

Well I'm having
a time that�

many guys don't.

You understand, they are allowing me
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
you never know when it will happen.

But is...

the not knowing...

that messes with us.

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

The not knowing.

How much time is left now,
priest?

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

My hands are numb,
priest.

The Lord...

met with the boys
of the firing squad?

Yes.

How are they?

What I mean to say,
what do they feel about it?

They are following orders,
Eddie.

They would rather be in another
place this morning.

They have a job to do.
And they will do their best.

Tell them I have nothing
against them. Will you say, father?

Oh, sure. Right.

And you could ask them
that please shoot accurately,

so that I don't have
what to suffer?

And father...

What?

I want you
tell the regimental boys

that Eddie Slovik was not a coward,

at least not today.

Will you tell them, Father?

Do you think I have to
shave, Father?

What is that?

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

For these and all the sins that
I can't remember,

I ask for penance and absolution
of you, Father.

- For your penance, pray a rosary.
- All right, Father, I'll pray.

I'll help you, Eddie.

Okay, Father.

Pray a good act of contrition.

Oh my god I'm sorry
sincerely for having offended Him...

and i hate all my sins
because of His righteous punishments...

but above all because
they offended Him,

supremely good God and
worthy of all my love.

I firmly decide, with
the help of your Grace,

to no longer sin and avoid
proximity to the occasion of sinning.

Go in peace.
God bless you.

Thank you, Father.

Sergeant!

The sergeant will say mass.

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

Amen.

The lieutenant and I will load
your weapons

while you are
out of the room.

We are going to use a bullet
of feast,

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

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

Any question?
Wait upstairs.

What are you thinking?

I don't know.

Thinking if I'm going to get
the blank bullet, I think.

There is nothing to
to worry.

What do you mean?

just wait
by the recoil of the weapon.

If it's a blank slug,
there will be no recoil.

Yes.

The one who shoot today with
a blank bullet, who knows.

Men, you can take your
weapons now.

All of them were locked, but
check again.

B-14789.
Mine, sir.

L-60251.
It is me.

Follow me towards the door
forward, sir.

The officers are in
second floor.

Good morning, Colonel.

- Good morning.
- Good morning.

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

- Good morning.
- Good morning.

Gentlemen, can I have your
attention please?

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

Please,
Everyone go to the courtyard.

Will you accompany me?

Stay calm, Eddie.

Can hold the rosary
for me?

Oh, sure.

try to make things easier
for you and for us.

I am fine.

I'm almost finishing.

Do you know what?

They are not running me
for desertion.

Lots of guys have done this.
They just need to lead by example.

And I'm the example, because
I'm 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 boy.

This is the reason why
they are killing me.

they are 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 out there.

And it's freezing cold.

All right, 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
General Court Martial.

"Order of the General Court-Martial
number 27.

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

in the aforementioned case of the soldier
Eddie D. Slovik,

36896415 company
G 109th Infantry.

Never ask for a shotgun
borrowed from a cook.

Hmm?

They never clean
damn things.

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

having been complied with, the
execution on January 31, 1945,

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

Slovik soldier, you have
a statement to make,

before the order instructing the
its execution is carried out?

No sir.

Slovik soldier,

you have one last statement

to do for me like
chaplain, before his death?

No sir.

Pre... prepare the damned
for execution.

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

I will, Father.

I will pray that you don't
leave too soon.

Forward, march!

Half turn, left!
March!

Platoon, stop!

Left, turn!

Introduce weapons!

Platoon, prepare!

To point�

Fire!

Order... Weapons!

He is still alive?

Just.

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

Not a single heart wound.

Should they shoot again?

I don't know.

By then he probably
will already be dead.

Recharge!

Give another volley of shots, now
that you liked so much!

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

Watch out, Lieutenant!

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

Yes sir.

Sorry sir.

Declare him dead or step aside
for the second volley of gunfire.

A second one will not be needed.
hail of gunfire, Major.

Soldier Slovik is dead.

The sentence was carried out.

Dismissed!

Right turn!

Right shoulder, weapons!

Forward, march!

Column on the left,
march!

Column half a turn to the right,
march!

I could take off his shoes
that I may anoint his foot?

I can't understand it.

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

Eddie Slovik was the man
bravest here today.