Court-martial of Howard Levy

Howard Levy in Handcuffs

Court-martial of Howard Levy

The court-martial of Howard Levy was a significant legal case during the Vietnam War. Dr. Howard Levy, a United States Army physician, was court-martialed in 1967 for refusing to train Special Forces medics. His case became a notable example of military dissent during the Vietnam War era.

Background

Dr. Howard Levy was a dermatologist who was drafted into the United States Army. He was stationed at Fort Jackson in South Carolina. During his service, Levy was ordered to train Green Beret medics who would be deployed to Vietnam. Levy refused, citing his opposition to the war and his belief that the training he provided would be used to support what he considered an unjust conflict.

Charges and Court-Martial

Levy was charged with several offenses under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), including willful disobedience of a lawful order, conduct unbecoming an officer, and failure to obey a lawful regulation. The court-martial took place at Fort Jackson in 1967.

Trial and Conviction

During the trial, Levy argued that his refusal was based on moral and ethical grounds. He contended that the Vietnam War was illegal and immoral, and that his actions were a form of protest. The prosecution argued that Levy's refusal undermined military discipline and the effectiveness of the Army.

Levy was found guilty on all charges. He was sentenced to three years of hard labor, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and dismissal from the Army.

Aftermath and Impact

The court-martial of Howard Levy drew significant media attention and became a symbol of the broader anti-war movement. It highlighted the tensions within the military regarding the Vietnam War and raised questions about the limits of dissent within the armed forces.

Levy's case was later appealed, but the conviction was upheld. After serving his sentence, Levy continued to be an outspoken critic of the Vietnam War and military policies.

See also

• Vietnam War
• Military justice
• Anti-war movement
• Uniform Code of Military Justice