Bowe Bergdahl Unexpectedly Takes Stand, Chokes Up During Apology

FORT BRAGG, NC — Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl choked up at his sentencing hearing Monday as he apologized to those who searched for him. Bergdahl pleaded guilty to desertion and misbehavior before the enemy and faces up to life in prison. Prosecutors used severe injuries to several service members who searched for him as evidence that he deserves a stiff punishment.

Bergdahl was the unexpected first witness that the defense presented as they presented their evidence. They hadn't previously made it known that Bergdahl would address the court. It was his most extensive remarks in court yet.

He started with a statement apologizing to the searchers.

"My words can't take away what the people have been through," he said.

He also recounted his brutal five years of captivity by Taliban allies and gave an unsworn statement, meaning that the judge will consider it but Bergdahl won't be cross-examined by the prosecutors.

Shannon Allen, the wife of a soldier who was wounded while searching for Bergdahl gave emotional testimony about the effects of his brain trauma on their family. Prosecutors called Allen to discuss the injuries he suffered when he was shot during a search mission for Bergdahl after he walked off his post in Afghanistan in 2009. National Guard Master Sgt. Mark Allen was shot in the head during an insurgent ambush.

He's unable to speak and much of his body remains paralyzed.

Shannon Allen's voice faltered when she referred to the brain injury's effect on his interactions with their daughter, who was an infant when he was wounded. She is now 9. She said he's not able to reach out and hold his daughter.

Photo credit: Ted Richardson/Associated Press