Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, the soldier held five years by the Taliban before he was returned to the United States in May, has hired a lawyer. Eugene R. Fidell, who teaches military justice at Yale Law School, confirmed to NBC News on Wednesday morning that he will represent Bergdahl, who could be sent to military prison if he is found to have deserted his post in Afghanistan in 2009.
"I was approached, and I was flattered and accepted the task," Fidell said by phone. He would not discuss strategy but said: "What I can tell you is that he’s been entirely cooperative with the government and that he has that kind of gratitude that a person whose life has been saved has." Fidell also said: "He’s very grateful to President Obama for having saved his life." Bergdahl this week returned to active duty, a desk job at a base in Texas, after completing a medical and psychological process known as reintegration. Questioning Bergdahl is expected to be the last step in the Army's investigation. Fidell said that could happen in two weeks.
IN-DEPTH
- Slain Soldier's Family 'Furious' Bowe Bergdahl on Active Duty
- Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl Ready to Return to Active Duty, Can Leave Base
