Marines Discharge Vietnam-Era Deserter, 65

The 65-year-old Florida man who was arrested for deserting from the Marine Corps in 1965 rather than go to Vietnam, has been released from custody and will not face court martial after all.

Jerry Texiero has been released from the Camp Lejeune brig and will be discharged from the Marines. Base commander Maj. Gen. Bob Dickerson granted the discharge rather than holding a trial.

Texiero's attorneys had planned to fight the desertion charges. They said the Marine Corps was prosecuting the 40-year-old case to set an example for troops in Iraq. Texiero could have been granted amnesty after Vietnam had he known to ask for it, his lawyers said.

The Marines said they were just following the law.

See Also:
Fla. Man Charged in Vietnam Desertion Free

Earlier Article:
Vietnam-Era Marine Corps Deserter Arrested