I’ve made up my mind. I’ll take my court martial.

Eddie Slovik United States Army soldier (1920-1945) executed for desertion during WW2

Meaning of the quote

'I'll take my court martial' means that Eddie Slovik, an American soldier, had decided to accept the punishment for disobeying orders, even though it could lead to a court martial, which is a military trial. He had made up his mind to face the consequences of his actions, rather than try to avoid them.

About Eddie Slovik

Eddie Slovik was a US Army soldier during WWII who was the only American soldier to be court-martialled and executed for desertion since the Civil War, despite thousands of others being given sentences for the same offense. His case was highly unusual and controversial, even though many other soldiers faced courts-martial for a variety of offenses during the war.

More about the author

More quotes from Eddie Slovik

They’re not shooting me for deserting the United Stated Army – thousands of guys have done that. They’re shooting me for bread I stole when I was 12 years old.

Eddie Slovik

United States Army soldier (1920-1945) executed for desertion during WW2

The only luck I had in my life was when I married you. I knew it wouldn’t last because I was too happy. I knew they would not let me be happy.

Eddie Slovik

United States Army soldier (1920-1945) executed for desertion during WW2

I think I’m going to have a lot of trouble.

Eddie Slovik

United States Army soldier (1920-1945) executed for desertion during WW2

Everything happens to me. I’ve never had a streak of luck in my life.

Eddie Slovik

United States Army soldier (1920-1945) executed for desertion during WW2

I am in the infantry for 17 weeks and after that I don’t know where I am going.