Despite repeated avowals that the administration did not know whether returned prisoner Bowe Bergdahl was a deserter during and after the many costly rescue efforts, sources today told Fox News that he left behind a note the night of his disappearance expressing disillusionment with the U.S. military, desire to renounce his citizenship and sympathy for the Taliban.
“U.S. military officials would not confirm the existence of the letter, but if it does exist, it would likely be part of the original file on the investigation into Bergdahl’s disappearance,” Fox News reported.
Alleged letters from Bergdahl to his family reported in Rolling Stone in 2012 expressed similar sentiments, calling the U.S. Army “the biggest joke in the world to laugh at.” (RELATED: Bergdahl Was A Deserter, Fellow Soldiers Say)
“Bergdahl is innocent until proven guilty,” said Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Martin Dempsey in a statement Tuesday morning. “The questions about this particular soldier’s conduct are separate from our effort to recover any U.S. service member in enemy captivity. … Our Army’s leaders will not look away from misconduct if it occurred.”
White House press secretary Jay Carney doubled down on the administration’s position on Monday, saying that the prisoner trade for Bergdahl’s release was “absolutely the right thing to do.” (RELATED: Carney Stonewalls Reporters On Bergdahl Swap)
At least six soldiers died in rescue attempts during the summer of 2009.