5 Most Notorious Deserters

5 Most Famous Deserters

1) Hell no! This isn't for me... Seriously, could I get away with this hat in combat?

It was a well-known fact that General Custer ordered deserters to be shot without trial. Ironically, before the Battle of Little Bighorn, General Custer abandoned his post to see his wife at Fort Riley. As far as we know, he never ordered anyone to shoot him for his actions...little bit of a double standard?

2) I'd really love to join up with you, but I have other plans... Like not joining up with you

Eddie Slovik, a WWII draftee, was sent to France to serve in the 28th Infantry in 1944. Slovik quickly realized that he wanted no part in the war so he bailed and ran off as quickly as he could. Like many others, upon Slovik’s return to the US, he was sentenced to death by firing squad for desertion. Unfortunately for him, his was the only death sentence that was actually carried out...

3) Peace and Love. What did fighting ever achieve anyway?

Steve McQueen joined the USMC in 1947 and was promoted to the rank of Private First Class...but managed to be demoted 7 different times. McQueen’s fun didn’t stop there though! He was given a single weekend off which ended up turning into a 2-week long rendezvous with his girlfriend. His little stunt ended up getting him a 41-day vacation...in the brig.

4) Man, I hate my rhymes. But I hate everyone else's more!

When the Civil War broke out, Twain joined the pro-secessionist militiamen, the Marion Rangers. After a brief and unsuccessful run, Twain and half his unit scattered. In his memoir, “The Private History of the Campaign That Failed”, Twain claimed he just wasn't made for soldiering.

5) I was captured, wait I served with distinction, I mean I was rescued, but really I just ditched

In 2009, Bowe Bergdahl willingly walked off his base in Afghanistan to “start a new life”, and was soon captured by Taliban Fighters. He was held captive for almost 5 years - despite significant efforts for his rescue - until he was released in exchange for 5 members of the Taliban who were being held at Guantanamo Bay. In March of 2015, the U.S. Army charged Bergdahl with 1 count of desertion and 1 count of misbehavior before the enemy.