Michael Bergdahl is a former U.S. Army soldier who gained national attention after being captured by the Taliban in Afghanistan in 2009. He was held as a prisoner of war for nearly five years before being released in a controversial prisoner swap in 2014, which involved the exchange of five Taliban leaders. Following his release, Bergdahl faced significant media scrutiny and legal challenges. He was charged with desertion and misbehavior before the enemy, leading to a court-martial in 2017. Ultimately, he pleaded guilty and received a dishonorable discharge, sparking debates about military conduct and the treatment of veterans.