Who Is Eddie Slovik? Age, Biography and Wiki
Eddie Slovik, born on February 18, 1920, was an American soldier who served during World War II. He was notable for being the only American soldier tried and executed for desertion since the Civil War. Slovik joined the U.S. Army in 1942 and was involved in the fierce fighting in Europe, ultimately facing the dire consequences of desertion. His life story remains a poignant reminder of the moral complexities faced by soldiers during wartime.
| Occupation | Soldiers |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 18, 1920 |
| Age | 24 Years |
| Birth Place | Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Aquarius |
| Country | France |
| Date of death | 31 January, 1945 |
| Died Place | Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines, Grand Est, France |
Popularity
Eddie Slovik's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific details about Eddie Slovik's height and weight are not widely documented, historical records suggest that he had an average build for a soldier of his time. The typical height range for American males during the 1920s and 30s was about 5’6” to 5’10”, with a corresponding weight between 140 to 180 pounds.
The firing squad consisted of twelve soldiers selected from the 109th Regiment. The weapons used were standard-issue M1 Garand rifles, eleven of them loaded with just one round and one rifle loaded with a blank round. On the command of "Fire", Slovik was hit by eleven bullets, at least four of them being fatal.
The wounds ranged from high in the neck region out to the left shoulder, over the left chest, and under the heart. One bullet was in the left upper arm. An Army physician quickly determined Slovik had not been immediately killed. As the firing squad's rifles were being reloaded to fire another volley, Slovik died. He was 24 years old.
The entire execution took 15 minutes.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Eddie Slovik was married to a woman named Antoinette Slovik, who stood by him through his military service. The couple's relationship faced immense strain due to Eddie's decision to desert, which ultimately led to his execution. While specific details about his dating history prior to his marriage are not widely available, his story predominantly revolves around his commitment to his family amidst tragic circumstances.
In April 1942, Slovik was paroled once more. He then obtained a job at Montella Plumbing and Heating in Dearborn, Michigan. While working there, he met the woman who became his wife, Antoinette Wisniewski. She was working as a bookkeeper for Montella Plumbing's owner, James Montella. They married on November 7, 1942, and lived with her parents.
Slovik's criminal record classified him as morally unfit for duty in the U.S. military (4-F), but, shortly after the couple's first wedding anniversary, Slovik was reclassified as fit for duty (1-A) and subsequently drafted by the Army on January 3, 1944, from Detroit, Michigan.
Net Worth and Salary
Eddie Slovik’s net worth during his lifetime was modest due to his military earnings. In 2025, discussions about his financial worth are largely academic, as he has been deceased since 1945. His legacy, however, continues to generate interest. Today, the focus is more on his story and its implications rather than traditional financial metrics.
Career, Business and Investments
Eddie Slovik's career was primarily military, having enlisted during World War II. Unfortunately, the focus on his legacy is rooted in the moral and ethical debates surrounding his desertion and the military's response. His story has transcended typical career discussions to become a significant part of military history and ethics education.
Slovik arrived at Camp Wolters, Texas for basic training on January 24, 1944, and was assigned to Company D of the 59th Infantry Training Battalion on January 31, 1944. On July 11, 1944, he was assigned to Ground Forces Replacement Depot No. 1 at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland.
In August, he was dispatched to join the fighting in German-occupied France, and was assigned to the 3rd Replacement Depot. On August 24, he was one of 129 replacements assigned to the 28th Infantry Division.
He stayed in the division rear area overnight, before being assigned along with fifteen other men to Company G, 109th Infantry Regiment on August 25, 1944.
Social Network
Eddie Slovik does not have social media accounts, as he was a historical figure from an era before such platforms existed. However, his story is shared and discussed widely on various social networks through educational programs, history pages, and veteran support groups. His legacy continues to inspire open conversations about duty, morality, and the experiences of soldiers.
The next day, October 9, Slovik deserted from his unit. John Tankey caught up with him and attempted to persuade him to stay, but Slovik's only comment was that his "mind was made up". Slovik walked several miles to the rear and approached an enlisted cook at a military government detachment of the 112th Infantry Regiment, presenting him with a note which stated:
Education
While specific details regarding Eddie Slovik's educational background are limited, it is known that he attended school in Michigan. His education was interrupted by World War II when he joined the Army. The historical context of his life suggests that many soldiers of his generation had limited formal education, as they often enlisted in the military at a young age to serve their country.
