Hendrix v. Warden

MEMORANDUM OPINION OF THE COURT

After a lengthy trial by general court-martial conducted in Viet Nam, petitioner, then a Marine Corps lance corporal, was convicted of the premeditated murder of Sergeant Richard L. Tate, the attempted murder of Sergeant Robert E. Smith, and assault with a dangerous weapon upon Sergeant Walter C. Vaughn, Jr. On May 19, 1971, the court-martial imposed a sentence of dishonorable discharge, total forfeitures, confinement at hard labor for life, and reduction in grade. On July 26, 1971 the convening authority approved the sentence, and thereafter the Court of…