Document: 366 U.S. 393 81 S.Ct. 1230 6 L.Ed.2d 365 Otho G. BELL et al., Petitioners,v.UNITED STATES. No. 92. Argued Jan. 11, 1961. Decided May 22, Mr. Robert E. Hannon, Castro Valley, Cal., for petitioners. Acting Assistant Attorney General George S. Leonard, respondent. Justice STEWART delivered the opinion of Court. 1 The petitioners were enlisted men in United States Army who captured during hostilities Korea 1950 and 1951. In prison camps to which they taken behaved with utter disloyalty their comrades country. After Korean Armistice summer 1953 refused repatriation went Communist China. They formally discharged from 1954. 1955 returned States. Later that year filed claims Department accrued pay allowances. When these denied brought present action Court Claims allowances time capture date discharge Army.1 decided against them, stating '(n)either light reason nor logic analysis undisputed facts record can possibly justify granting a judgment favorable plaintiffs.' 181 F.Supp. 668, 674. Judge Madden dissented.2 We granted certiorari consider seemingly important statutory question respect military pay. 363 837, 80 1612, 4 1723. 2 made detailed findings fact petitioners' conduct as prisoners war, based upon stipulation by parties.3 These circumstances need not be set out minute detail. are adequately summarized Claims, follows: 3 '(D)uring period confinement each three plaintiffs became monitors 'forced study groups,' sessions compelled attend. Armed guards attended sessions. programs included lectures picturing what declared bad aspects life contrasted idyllic under communism. As monitors, procured distributed propaganda literature, threatened turn names any read discuss favorably handouts. 'Each tape recordings used broadcasts over camp public address system. Each them wore Chinese uniforms permitted attend meetings outside camp. details plaintiffs' consorting, fraternizing cooperating captors devious ways sought favors themselves, thus causing hardship suffering other prisoners, our * *. 5 'Two Bell's broadcast Peiping radio, among things on orders his platoon leader, had killed North President Truman was warmonger. written articles newspaper he alleged American troops committed atrocities personally been ordered kill women children take if given opportunity would run tank President's body. 'Bell paid money write articles. He also before company aggression. appeared voluntarily motion picture bi-monthly plays. stated weapon fight sold food intended sick war. By making reports Chinese, caused one man bayonetted others placed solitary confinement. 7 'Cowart did many similar things, wrote accusing soldiers using germ warfare. drew posters cartoons enemy, acted plays, walked talked officers, interpreters, lived part at regimental headquarters, hated America, desired China return five years help overthrow government. 8 'Griggs enemy parties, visited headquarters frequently, referred comrades, accorded special privileges, broadcasts, signed leaflets, warfare.' 9 brief, do admit acts dishonor contained Stipulation Findings Fact, but rather demur grounds such irrelevant immaterial civil provided statute.' statute rely is an ancient one. It first enacted 1814 has reenacted times. provides: 10 'Every noncommissioned officer private Regular Army, every officer, militia or volunteer corps service shall entitled receive captivity, notwithstanding expiration term service, same pay, subsistence, allowance may while actual States; this provision construed entitle prisoner war compensation after parole, except traveling expenses allowed law.' 37 U.S.C. § 242, U.S.C.A. 242.4 11 Although plain language law appears imprisonment Korea, Government urged various we should hold provisions inapplicable. have concluded none theories advanced serve valid basis circumvent unabmiguous financial obligation imposes. 12 Army's refusal administrative determination all declined 'advocate, members organization advocates, force violence.'5 refusing honor ground, apparently relying 1939 it unlawful funds appropriated Act Congress 'any person employed capacity agency Federal Government' member political party advocates constitutional form government States.'6 That decision evident only rejecting demands, pleadings Claims.7 not, however, now decide applicability Forces, repealed more than relied petitioners.8 13 ground ever denial claims, Government's brief Court, understandable reasons, does even mention statute. Instead, relies avoid 242. says violated faithful service,9 points principle contract 'one wilfully commits material breach recover nothing it. Williston, Contracts (1936 ed.) 1022, pp. 2823—4; 1477; Corbin, (1951 1127, 564—5, see Restatement Contracts, 357(1)(a).' 14 accord principle, argues Missing Persons Act,10 1942,11 denying claims. so construe 15 Preliminarily, observed common-law rules governing contracts no place area A soldier's entitlement dependent right. everywhere else, there good rascals, courageous cowards, honest cheats. If falls below specified level subject discipline, punishment include forfeiture future pay.12 But soldier received duly constituted court-martial grade status, however ignoble be.13 16 This basic always recognized. reflected throughout history numerous court decisions opinions Attorneys Advocates General. 'Enlistment contract; those changes status; and, where changed, destroys new status relieves obligations its existence enlistment citizen becomes soldier. His relations State changed. acquires correlative rights duties; although violate obligations, unchanged.' re Grimley, 137 147, 151, 152, 54, 55, 34 L.Ed. 636. 17 Almost hundred ago Hoar rendered Secretary War regarding right Major Herod, 'charged murder, arrested, tried court-martial, sentenced hung.' stated: 18 'It expressly sentence Herod forfeit arrest, I know imposing arrest case like Herod's. hung necessarily implied dismissal seems me, back find authority Comptroller that, withdrawn account crime him, general follows services, arrest. monthly officers prescribed statute, long belonging office, unless forfeited accordance law, whether actually performed not.' Op.Atty.Gen. 103, 104. 19 Alphonso Taft few later. rejected theory Second Treasury '(i)f man, misconduct necessary withdrawal perform contract, cannot held fulfillment thereof.' said: 20 'The has, think, misconceived true (military) naval, depend upon, controlled by, 'general principles law'; rests governed certain regulations pursuance thereof, specially apply service. fix Navy entitled; rule deduced therefrom both become fixed remain Navy, thereto lost some modes adverted to.' 175, 176. 21 consistent recognition Claims. would, anomalous proceeding permit resort courts ascertain whether, Marine Corps, investigations obtain determine matter involved conscientious earned statutes allow him.' White v. States, 72 Ct.Cl. 459, 468. '(Th e mere charges deprive him allowances, imposed lawful court-martial.' Walsh 43 225, 231.14 22 applies specialized situation. serviceman unable normal duties nonetheless commanded unquestioned adherence history, two cases will suffice illustrate. 23 1807 sailor named John Straughan crew frigate Chesapeake. vessel's ill-starred engagement British man-of-war Leopard off Hampton Roads, aboard impressed into Navy. There served nine days finally repatriated. Years later widow sued rations British. ruled though 1807, Chesapeake nevertheless 'taken enemy,' Straughan's serving 324.15 24 October, 1863, lieutenant Union Henry Jones Confederate guerrillas near Elk Run, Virginia. confined Libby Prison until March 1, 1865, when exchanged lines. Upon found administratively dismissed November, because disobedience capture. demand suit entered favor, '(t)he contrary executive department could annul defy act pleasure.' 197, 203. 25 background contention authorized refuse case. deems pertinent margin.16 Originally 1942 temporary legislation,17 amended several times,18 permanent 1957.19 So far relevant here, legislation provides active 'who officially determined absent hostile force' payand allowances; '(t)here post duty without authority'; designated subordinate make determinations administration Act, ad purposes dealt conclusive. 26 asked '(s)ince time, comr ehensive scope, includes within whole R.S. 1288 (the rely), inconsistency consistency repugnancy between resolved favor Act.' step having taken, petitioners, behavior capture, longer 'active States,' therefore covered Act. suggested, alternatively, might 'absent authority,' therefore, support contentions legislative Secretary's determination. 27 response unprecedented personnel problems experienced Forces early months entry World War. proposed Department, floor House cover services. Committee Reports clear, primary purpose alleviate suffered dependents servicemen reported missing.20 28 To operated repeal take, least reasons. place, hearings Senate Naval Affairs clearly discloses being considered, fully aware manifested inclination disturb it.21 Secondly, entirely accurate say, Government, 'later time.' original passage 1942, recodified 1952 again 1958.22 29 implication clear either detention unambiguously 'in (is) credited (and allowances) beginning absence *.' affirmatively force.' terms applicable. 30 argument open thereafter service' survive cursory analysis. precise meaning, meaning individual conduct. 101, 101.23 Moreover, verbal structure re-enforced common sense, leads conclusion refers person's missing. Nothing re-enactments offers construction. simply reflects continuing widen classes persons whom benefactions extended, missing.24 31 alternative seems, construction, equally invalid. authority' 'missing' unauthorized absence.25 desertion leave technically defined offenses. 885, 886, 886; Manual Courts-Martial, p. 315 (1951). serious conceivably tantamount leave. See Avins, Law AWOL, 167 (1957); Snedeker, Military Uniform Code, 562 (1953). 32 questions pursue. wholly power posts duty. Nor law. simple made. 'advocated, advocated violence.'26 totally abandoned. never purported duty.27 something happened, made, assumed permissible supported facts.28 Service Dulles, 354 363, 77 1152, 1403; Vitarelli Seaton, 359 535, 79 968, 1012. For reasons applicable 33 Throughout proceedings distinction Since entirely, separate consideration release discharges. themselves interval. Yet, considerations different discuse d. Other come play. Accordingly express view discharges, leaving canvassed event must remanded computation judgments. disclosure grave numbers sad aftermath there. consternation self-searching followed still fresh memories thoughtful Americans.29 problem one.30 Whether solution lies alone subsequent prosecution us inquire.31 someday provide fail live up code allowances.32 Today lawfully impose sanction 35 reversed, further opinion. 36 Reversed remanded. dishonorably order January 23, validity discharges issue since claim date. Compare memorandum Chief Staff Advocate February 3, 1954, J.A.G.A. 1954/1627, Opinion Memorandum Defense Counsel 25, Pasley, Sentence First—Verdict Afterwards: Dishonorable Discharges Without Trial Court-Martial? 41 Cornell L.Q. 545; Note, Misconduct Camp: Survey Analysis Cases, 56 Col.L.Rev. 709, 735. noteworthy abolished historical courtsmartial already plaintiffs, process trial sentence, forbidden crude primitive method give money. Finding books men, threw away just them. confused young better example page 675. stipulate true, agree 'that hereinafter forth shall, case, deemed elicited defendant's witnesses testifying oath,' elicited, forth, rebutted witnesses, hereby waive stify call testify rebuttal facts.' originally 30, 184 , 'An organizing, paying, supplying army States.' C. 37, 14, Stat. 113, 115. next 1288. edition 846. Title 10, Air Force. 1958 transferred c. 4, covers personnel. position letter Finance lawyer, entirety '2 October 1956 'Dear Brown: 'Further reference your inquiries concerning Bell, Lewie W. Griggs, William A. Cowart. 'I advised following Voluntary Non-Repatriates elected accept control Agreement prior 1954: 'a. elect have, demonstrated records adopted, adhered aims Communism, non-Communist governments, including violence. 'b. 1954 advocate, 'c. advocated, through Discharge 'd. payment salary wages respective dates Discharges. Cowart considered. 'Sincerely yours, '(Signed) H. Crandall 'Major General, USA 'Chief Finance' '(1) whose compensation, Congress, membership '(2) Any violating section immediately removed office person.' 9A August 2, 1939, 53 1148. 'Second Affirmative Defense' 'During seek herein, advocated. Therefore, Section (53 1148), 9, 1955, 690, 4(2), 69 625. 'I, .........., solemnly swear (or affirm) bear faith allegiance American; honestly faithfully enemies whomsoever; obey appointed according Code Justice.' 501, 501. 50 U.S.C.A.Appendix, 1001 seq., seq. 143. Article 57, Justice, 857, 857. Unless deserter, Landers, 92 77, 603; Dodge 28; Dig.Op. JAG 265 (1868); 850 (1912); JAGA 1952/5875, SENT. & PUN. s3 5.7; 1953/1074, Dig.Op.PAY 21.15; Davis, Laws 371, n. (1897); Winthrop, Precedents, 645—646 (2d ed. 1920). Comment, Mil.L.Rev., July 1960 (DA Pam 27—100—9, Jul 60), 151. And generally Special Text 27—157, (1955), 1605—1612. Conrad 139; Carrington 46 279. (1912). cuts ways, Ward Cir., 158 F.2d 499, illustrates. plaintiff, yeoman land title attorney. reasonable value less yeoman. Appeals approved complaint, comment '(h)is rating pay.' 502. specifically naval personnel, 1800, 45, 244, 244. note 32, infra. '$x 1001. Definitions. 'For (sections 1001—1012 1013 1016 Appendix)— '(b) sertice' means Coast Guard retired reserve components forces, Geodetic Survey, Public Health Service, civilian employees paragraph (a)(3) above *;' U.S.C.Appendix, 1001, 1002. interned captive persons. (a) Continuance 'Any missing, missing action, foreign country, force, beleaguered besieged carried terminate receipt concerned evidence dead death (section 1005 Appendix). Such absence, earlier herein prescribed. indebted payments amounts period. *' 1002, 1009. Determinations heads designees; conclusiveness relative payments, death. '(a) head concerned, designate, 1013—1016 Appendix), (said sections) conclusive finding death, sections), essential information thereof. person, credits account, conclusive: warrant reconsideration change modify previous 1009, 7, December 24, 1092; 1944, 58 679; 4(e) Selective 1948, 62 608, 454(e); 1952, 66 330, 331; April 1953, 67 20—21; 68 7; June 238; 20, 1956, 70 595; 1957, 71 341. 29, 491. 'In general, bill authorization continued credit accounts, commencement (In December, continue indefinite 1092.); allotments insurance premiums, regular persons, manner paid, instances neglected medium allotments, deducted paid. committee occurred recent requests disbursing carrying discontinued. Because stoppage withholding great hardships large number cases. situation aggravated dead, months' gratuity payable.' H.R.Rep. 1680, 77th Cong., 2d Sess., 5. representative Corps 'Section 1288, Revised Statutes (sec. 846, U.S.Code), privae captivity affecting nurses. authorize crediting, competent authority.' Hearings H.R. 6446, 13—14. 4. Report amendment sets showing understanding technical phrase embodying status: 'Also, proposal amend coverage training conditions, addition service.' 2535, 84th 7. 204, 85th 1st 8; 888, 3; 2354, S.Rep. 573, 4; 970, 2552, 3. example, 1957 extend 'full-time duty, full-time inactive training,' spokesman Subcommittee expressed moment status. insure people nonpay enter missing-in-action covered. Under wording conceivable enters survivors had, status.' Services 2404, 563. 'Coverage extended Reserve performing Members entering types enumerated accounts Some reservists participate weekend proficiency flights aircraft, treat P. Similar statements 2. Certainly thrust concern entered. 5; 4405, 78th 2316. 5, supra. everp urported 'captivity' States' hearing indicates thought possibility duty: 'Mr. Bates. repatriation? 'General Powell. Those sir, negotiating armistice agreed settled Kilday. stop? Does stop week? stopping services involved. announced decision. Aren't leave? No, sir. What it? agreement, carry settled. considered a.w.o.l. date? Defense. Or deserters, you know. deciding Chairman. Call roll. objection, there? '(Chorus 'No.') understood going cut soon can. Sir, decision, phychological (sic) factors, rights, involved, national policy. Vinson. yet us. Cunningham. Should benefits family, off? Sure. Van Zandt. Oh, yes. Why so? blame this. Bishop. not. Well, leave— wife stay Communists. punished? Wait, time. Reporter can't get think question. individual: citizenship. here woman Minnesota, goes pleads her son Tokyo. Now mother needs allotment boy's dependent. she punished boy stayed lot considered; emotion. inherent. court-martialed— reported.' 7209, 83d 3071—3072. Defense's Advisory Prisoners (1955). 1333 Culwin charged sworn Scottish captors. Hale, Historia Placitorum Coronae 167—168 (1736). earliest Respublica McCarty, Dall. 86, 300 (Supreme Pennsylvania, 1781). During Civil thousands captives side defected enemy. 40th 3d 229, 742—777 (1869); War, 51 Two treason trials grew II. Provoo, D.C., 124 185, reversed 215 531, second indictment F.R.D. 183, affirmed 350 76 100 761; ex rel. Hirshberg Malanaphy, 73 990, 168 503, sub nom. Cooke, 336 210, 530, 93 621. More forty misconduct. note, 709—721 (1956). San Francisco, California, await violation 104 904. November released virtue writs habeas corpus issued District Toth V. Quarles, 8. prosecutions growing Korea. Dickenson, C.M.R. 438, U.S.C.M.A. 154; Floyd, 362; Batchelor, 452, 354, 144; Olson, 461, 460, 250; Gallagher, 435; Bayes, 487; Alley, 559, 63; Fleming, 438. discussion Prugh, RECAP—K'S, Combat Journal, 15; 709. relating appear require standard capture: emoluments vessel appear, otherwise, done utmost preserve defend vessel, taking agreeably discipline go ec hange, discharge, death.' No holding met. Cf. 324, discussed text, supra, 404 U.S., 1237,

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