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The Man Who Enlisted And Deserted The US Military 41 Times
In the 1920s, a mysterious man kept joining up with the army only to leave without permission, time and time again
Joining a branch of the armed services is a solemn responsibility that can come with a lot of inherent risk and reward. It’s not for everyone but usually those who do enlist put some good thought into it beforehand to ensure it’s the right decision for them. Enter one 1920s man named Luther C. Billings, who was found to have enlisted in the US Army an incredible 41 times, ultimately deserting within a short amount of time after each occasion.
In the fall of 1924, military officials in Washington D.C. began warning their recruiting offices in the New England area to be wary of Billings, who had come to be identified as a serial enlister and deserter. They determined that over the previous 14 years, he had joined up 41 times, using 39 different aliases — including John Quincy Adams and James Monroe. After each enlistment, he invariably disappeared without leave within a short amount of time.
The military discovered that his enlistment first began in 1910 in Columbus, Ohio. Over the next decade, he had seven desertions and enlistments attributed to him. Then things really began to ramp up. In 1920 alone he added another 18 enlistments/desertions (including seven in one month). Another 14 came in 1923.
During his lengthy dubious military career, Billings typically gave his age as being between 24–33, but always provided a different birthday with each enlistment. He reported being 18 when he first joined but also said during his last known mustering in 1924 that he was 24.
Described as being 5’6”, 125 pounds with brown eyes and brown hair, his very common appearance made it a bit difficult for authorities to spot him when recruits came to offices.
It’s a mystery as to what Billings’ motivation was. Did mental health play a role? Was he seeking something that provided him with lodging and food? Did he simply change his mind easily? Although his ultimate fate isn’t known, the Army promised that if they were able to locate him, they planned to address his transgressions in such a way that additional enlistments would never be a problem again.
