Putting Trump’s remarks in perspective

While I do not approve of all of President Trump’s actions, what he said to the widow of Army Sgt. La David Johnson, one of four U.S. soldiers killed in Niger on Oct. 4, has much credence when you take into consideration the United States Military Code of Conduct. The code was issued through an executive order by President Eisenhower after the Korean War.

In light of what is being said and with regard to the Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl case, I thought you readers might like to see what everyone who goes into the military must know by heart before leaving boot camp. (It has changed slightly, since then, regarding gender only.) Those of us who served in the military will recognize this immediately and fully understand what the president was saying.

Here is the United States Military Code of Conduct:

Article I: I am an American, fighting in the armed forces which guard my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense.

Article II: I will never surrender of my own free will. If in command, I will never surrender the members of my command while they still have the means to resist.

Article III: If I am captured, I will continue to resist by all means available. I will make every effort to escape and to aid others to escape. I will accept neither parole nor special favors from the enemy.

Article IV: If I become a prisoner of war, I will keep faith with my fellow prisoners. I will give no information or take part in any action which might be harmful to my comrades. If I am senior, I will take command. If not, I will obey the lawful orders of those appointed over me and will back them up in every way.

Article V: When questioned, should I become a prisoner of war, I am required to give name, rank, service number, and date of birth. I will evade answering further questions to the utmost of my ability. I will make no oral or written statements disloyal to my country and its allies or harmful to their cause.

Article VI: I will never forget that I am an American, fighting for freedom, responsible for my actions, and dedicated to the principles which made my country free. I will trust in my God and in the United States of America. Henry M. Niedzwiecki Grafton