U.S. Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl’s former platoon member said Monday the one-time prisoner of war — who asked for a presidential pardon after being accused of endangering comrades by walking off his post in Afghanistan – “has to be accountable for his actions.”
(FOX)- Sgt. Matt Vierkant told “FOX & Friends,” “It’s nobody’s fault but his that he was put in that position so he has nobody to blame but himself and it’s unfortunate that he was a prisoner for five years, but it’s his own fault.”
Vierkant went on to dispute the allegations that no troops were killed in the search for Sgt. Bergdahl.
“I think everyone in the military and everyone I know knows that people are seriously hurt and killed because of Bergdahl’s actions and as the trial gets under way… it will all come to the attention of everyone.”
White House and Justice Dept. officials said Saturday that Bergdahl had submitted copies of the clemency request seeking leniency. If granted by President Obama, it would allow Bergdahl to avoid a military trial scheduled for April where he faces charges of desertion and misbehavior before the enemy. The misbehavior charge carries a maximum penalty of life in prison.
If the pardon isn’t granted, Bergdahl’s defense team said it would expand its legal strategy to the new administration by filing a motion arguing that President-elect Donald Trump violated his due process rights with scathing public comments about the case.
Bergdahl, of Hailey, Idaho, walked off his post in Afghanistan in 2009 and was held captive by the Taliban and the group’s allies for five years.