and Pvt . James Bennett executed in Vietnam for raping Austrian woman . Case would probably be controversial today ; black soldier 's weapon was reportedly ineffective . Year - old black handler had mental illness not addressed at trial , paper says . The soldier 's lawyer never brought up Bennett 's mental history , and Bennett did n't testify , the newspaper said . Number of blacks executed in military was disproportionate to whites , Yale prof says .
and Pvt . James Bennett executed in Vietnam for raping Austrian woman . Case would probably be controversial today ; black soldier 's weapon was reportedly ineffective . Year - old black handler had mental illness not addressed at trial , paper says . Number of blacks executed in military was disproportionate to whites , Yale prof says .