Edward “Eddie” Slovik, 24, passed away on January 31, 1945. Born in 1920 in Detroit, Michigan, Eddie was the son of Ludvick and Anna Slovik. After high school, he worked as a bricklayer in construction. During World War II, Eddie was drafted and served in the U.S. Army. However, he was convicted of desertion by court-martial and was executed on January 31, 1945. This was the first such execution of a U.S. soldier since the American Civil War, the event for which Eddie will be most remembered. Eddie had an impact on U.S. military policy as his execution led to a policy which reduced the maximum penalty for desertion. Eddie is predeceased by his parents and leaves behind no known family or friends. He will be remembered for his unique place in history as the first U.S. soldier to be executed for desertion since the Civil War.