Bergdahl’s desertion

Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl chose to desert and was only given a demotion, a $10,000 fine and a dishonorable discharge.

My father and thousands of others were captured in North Africa in 1943. For the next 26 months he was held in Germany. Upon arrival at their camp, they were awarded with poor conditions, lice, starvation and diseases that accompany confinement. Prior to release, they were forced to march the “Brown Bread March,” in freezing temperatures where many heroes died.

Upon his release, he was honorably discharged and weighed approximately 70 pounds. He came home to marry, raise a family, become a dedicated teacher and community leader. He never complained or looked for reward. He never profited from his losses. He rarely spoke of his experiences, his Purple Heart injury or his POW memories.

As time passed, with the assistance of his granddaughter, he started opening up and telling stories of his time in Germany. One of the comments to his character is that he often said: “I was glad I was not a POW in Japan, they had it really rough!”

I wonder what all former and current POWs think about Bergdahl’s choice to desert and that slap on the wrist.

Nancy Randall

Spokane