Deserter Beau Bergdahl Escapes Prison

Army Sergeant Beau Bergdahl escaped a prison sentence. Prosecutors had asked for a 14-year sentence but an Army judge let him go free. The deserter walked away from his post in Afghanistan and was subsequently captured by the Taliban. He was a captive for five years until he was released in a negotiated exchange for five high-level Taliban prisoners held at Guantanamo. The judge reduced his rank to private and gave him a dishonorable discharge. News reports say that six Soldiers died during efforts to search and rescue Bergdahl. In addition, many others were wounded - many seriously.

One of Bergdahl's attorneys wants the deserter to receive the POW medal. It appears that the defense team will also appeal the dishonorable discharge penalty. (Military.com, Nov 4, 2017).

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