In one case it was death. Usually they would be courtmartialed and imprisoned.
Here is an excellent site that will give you all the possibilities. Be sure to used the link to the Eddie Slovak incident.
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Military-History-669/Short-AWOL-2.htm
If a soldier was to try to flee from a battle of do anything or that sort, what would their punishment be? (WWII)
4 answers
Much would depend upon whether anyone missed him (there were no female soldiers in that war)and where in the war they were. In Europe, there was a lot of confusion as companies were involved in fighting in fog, snow, or darkness. In the Pacific, the fighting was fierce and soldiers would have to avoid the Japanese army that was dug in in caves and holes. It wasn't hard for men to get lost.
Occassionally, in any battlefield, soldiers would become separated from their units due to the confusion of battle and lack of good communications. If they found or were found by another unit, they were accepted there until their own unit could be found or contacted. It wasn't unusual for entire units to be wiped out or have only a few soldiers left.
If a soldier "disappeared" on purpose, he would be considered MIA for a while. If he was seen elsewhere or somehow was known to have gone AWOL, he was considered a deserter and could be shot.
Occassionally, in any battlefield, soldiers would become separated from their units due to the confusion of battle and lack of good communications. If they found or were found by another unit, they were accepted there until their own unit could be found or contacted. It wasn't unusual for entire units to be wiped out or have only a few soldiers left.
If a soldier "disappeared" on purpose, he would be considered MIA for a while. If he was seen elsewhere or somehow was known to have gone AWOL, he was considered a deserter and could be shot.
Thanks GuruBlue & Lehrerin Sagt
You are welcome <G>