Hidden from public view, Cemetery Plot E at the Oise-Aisne American Cemetery in France holds a dark secret. This secluded area contains the graves of 94 American soldiers executed for serious crimes during World War II. Unlike the meticulously maintained main cemetery with its rows of white marble crosses, Plot E features only small, flat markers bearing numbers instead of names.

The U.S. military deliberately concealed this plot, setting it apart from the rest of the cemetery. Surrounded by dense hedges and lacking a path or gate, Plot E is nearly inaccessible to visitors. This stark contrast to the honored war dead in the main cemetery reflects the military’s desire to separate these disgraced soldiers from their honorable counterparts.

Among those interred in Plot E is Louis Till, father of Emmett Till, whose lynching became a catalyst for the civil rights movement. The presence of such controversial figures adds another layer of complexity to this already contentious burial ground. Plot E stands as a somber reminder of the harsh realities of war and military justice.

Historical Context

Plot E at Oise-Aisne American Cemetery stands apart from other military burial grounds due to its controversial nature. This section explores the historical events and individuals that shaped its creation and purpose.

World War I and World War II

The Oise-Aisne American Cemetery was established after World War I to honor fallen U.S. soldiers. Plots A through D contain over 6,000 graves of servicemen who died during that conflict.

World War II brought new challenges for the U.S. military justice system. As American forces fought across Europe, some soldiers faced courts-martial for serious crimes. Those convicted and executed required burial, leading to the creation of Plot E.

The American Battle Monuments Commission oversees this cemetery. Unlike the honored dead in the main plots, those in Plot E were deemed “dishonorable.” Their final resting place reflects this status.

Eddie Slovik’s Story

Private Eddie Slovik became the only American soldier executed for desertion since the Civil War. His case exemplifies the harsh realities of military justice during World War II.

Slovik deserted his unit in 1944, claiming he was “too scared” to serve in a rifle company. Despite opportunities to return without punishment, he refused. A general court-martial convicted him of desertion.

General Eisenhower denied Slovik’s plea for clemency. On January 31, 1945, Slovik faced a firing squad. His remains were initially buried in France with other executed soldiers.

Slovik’s grave is now among the 96 in Plot E. His case sparked debate about military discipline and justice during wartime.

The Judicial Process

The U.S. military justice system dealt with serious offenses committed by American soldiers during wartime through courts-martial. These trials addressed grave crimes, including capital offenses that could result in execution.

Courts Martial and the U.S. Army

Courts-martial served as the primary judicial mechanism for trying U.S. Army personnel accused of serious offenses. General courts-martial, the highest level, had the authority to impose severe punishments, including death sentences.

These tribunals consisted of commissioned officers who acted as both judges and jury. Defendants were provided military counsel, though the proceedings often moved swiftly compared to civilian trials.

During wartime, the court-martial process was streamlined to maintain discipline and address severe breaches of military law efficiently.

Grave Offenses and Capital Crimes

Capital crimes tried by courts-martial included murder, rape, desertion in the face of the enemy, and espionage. Desertion was considered particularly serious during wartime, as it undermined unit cohesion and combat effectiveness.

Other grave offenses included:

• Mutiny
• Sedition
• Assaulting or disobeying a superior officer
• Misbehavior before the enemy

Convictions for these crimes could result in execution, especially if committed during combat operations. The severity of punishments aimed to deter misconduct and maintain discipline within military ranks.

Oise-Aisne Cemetery’s Plot E

Plot E at Oise-Aisne American Cemetery is a hidden burial ground for U.S. servicemen executed for serious crimes during World War II. This secluded area contrasts starkly with the main cemetery’s honored war dead.

The Dishonored Dead

Plot E contains the graves of 94 American soldiers executed for crimes like rape and murder. These men were dishonorably discharged and put to death by firing squad or hanging. Their final resting place is intentionally separate from the main cemetery plots A through D.

The graves in Plot E are marked only by flat stone markers with numbers, not names. This anonymity reflects their disgrace. Access to Plot E is restricted, with no public visitation allowed.

The Anti-Memorial Concept

Plot E has been described as an “anti-memorial” and “house of shame.” Its design purposefully avoids any sense of honor or recognition. The plot is absent from official maps and literature about Oise-Aisne Cemetery.

This 100-by-54 foot oval area is surrounded by hedges, hiding it from view. Its stark simplicity contrasts with the carefully manicured main plots. Plot E serves as a silent rebuke to those buried there, permanently separated from their honorably discharged comrades.

The concept behind Plot E raises questions about remembrance, punishment, and the complexities of wartime actions.

Legacy and Memory

Plot E holds a complex legacy as a hidden burial site for executed American soldiers. Its existence raises questions about remembrance, justice, and the treatment of military personnel who committed serious crimes during wartime.

Revisiting The Past

The American Battle Monuments Commission maintains Plot E, though it remains closed to the public. In recent years, historians and researchers have sought access to records related to the site through Freedom of Information Act requests. This has led to increased awareness of Plot E’s existence and the stories of those interred there. Some families of the executed soldiers have attempted to have remains repatriated to the United States for burial in places like Woodmere Cemetery, with mixed results.

The Role of Commemoration

Plot E challenges traditional notions of military commemoration. Unlike the nearby graves of honored war dead, including poet Joyce Kilmer, the unmarked graves in Plot E receive no official recognition. This absence of memorialization raises ethical questions about how societies remember complex historical events and individuals. Some argue that acknowledging Plot E’s existence is important for presenting a complete historical record, while others believe it should remain obscured out of respect for victims of the soldiers’ crimes.

Cemetery Operations and Maintenance

Cemetery operations involve regular maintenance and upkeep to preserve the dignity and beauty of the grounds. Proper care ensures a respectful environment for visitors and protects the long-term integrity of gravesites and memorials.

Caretaking of Graves

Cemetery caretakers play a crucial role in maintaining gravesites. They mow lawns, trim grass around headstones, and remove debris. In military cemeteries, caretakers follow strict protocols set by the Military Authority to maintain uniform appearance.

Caretakers also level sunken graves and repair any damage caused by weather or time. They ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging and erosion. During dry periods, irrigation systems may be employed to keep grass green and prevent soil erosion.

Seasonal tasks include leaf removal in autumn and snow clearing in winter. Caretakers must work carefully around graves to avoid disturbing or damaging markers.

Markers and Memorials

Maintenance of markers and memorials is essential for preserving the history and memory of the deceased. Caretakers clean headstones and monuments regularly, using gentle methods to avoid damage.

For stone markers, soft-bristled brushes and water are typically used. Harsh chemicals are avoided as they can erode inscriptions. Flat stone markers require special attention to prevent grass overgrowth.

Caretakers monitor markers for signs of deterioration, such as cracks or tilting. They perform necessary repairs or alert families when more extensive restoration is needed. In American cemeteries, standardized procedures often guide the care of different types of markers.

Metal plaques and bronze memorials are polished to maintain their luster. Caretakers also ensure that flags and flowers placed by visitors are respectfully managed and removed when appropriate.

Controversial Figures and Cases

Some cemetery plots hold individuals whose stories sparked intense debate or shed light on difficult historical moments. These cases often raise complex questions about justice, morality, and societal values.

Private Eddie Slovik’s Unique Case

Eddie Slovik holds the distinction of being the only American soldier executed for desertion since the Civil War. In 1944, Slovik left his unit during World War II and was subsequently arrested. Despite opportunities to return to duty, he refused and explicitly requested a court-martial.

The military tribunal found Slovik guilty and sentenced him to death. General Eisenhower denied clemency, citing the need to deter other potential deserters. On January 31, 1945, Slovik faced a firing squad in France.

His case remains controversial, with some arguing the punishment was too severe given the circumstances. Slovik’s remains were eventually returned to the U.S. in 1987, after years of efforts by his wife and supporters.

The Story of Emmett Till’s Father

Louis Till, father of Emmett Till, rests in a plot that connects two tragic chapters in American history. Drafted into the U.S. Army during World War II, Louis Till served in Italy. In 1945, he was executed by the military after being convicted of murder and rape.

Ten years later, his son Emmett Till was brutally murdered in Mississippi, becoming a catalyst for the civil rights movement. During the trial of Emmett’s killers, Louis Till’s military record was used in an attempt to discredit Emmett’s mother.

The revelation of Louis Till’s execution added a complex layer to an already painful story. His burial in a segregated section of a military cemetery reflects the racial tensions of the era.