OvertheHill

This story is for fan fiction purposes only and not for profit. The Combat characters we have come to know and love belongs to ABC, but this story plot belongs to Linda Hubley a.k.a. Ranger. Copyright 2004. Enjoy.

Another semi challenge about Saunders going AWOL
<German speech>

                                                       Over the Hill

Sergeant Saunders stood at attention in front of Major Dewey and Lieutenant Hanley. His head was hammering with every word they said. He looked at them expressionlessly through fogged watery eyes.

The Major asked again, “Sergeant! Where are Captain Wilson and your squad?”

“I don’t know, Sir.” Saunders replied.

“We need to know, Sergeant. Captain Wilson is carrying very important papers and you were to rescue and escort him back to the lines.” Major Dewey continued his tirade, “Saunders if you can’t remember where you left your squad you’ll be up on charges.”

Lieutenant Hanley looked over sharply from where he was standing. “Captain. Isn’t that a bit harsh? Can’t you see Sergeant Saunders has been hurt?”

The Major stared Hanley down, “The Sergeants mission was to bring Captain Wilson of S-2 back with the information. He failed. He failed us and he failed his men.” The Colonel’s ruddy face was turning redder as his anger and contempt for the lowly Sergeant began to explode.

“I’ve no use for non-coms who can’t prove their worth in salt. I need that information. I needed it yesterday, Lieutenant! Prepare another squad for the mission to track first squad and Captain Wilson down.” The irate Major continued, “Oh, and Hanley, this time make sure you as an officer are in charge!”

“Yes, Sir.” Hanley said as he stood at attention with his Sergeant.
The tirade didn’t end. “Sergeant you’d just better start remembering.”

“Dismissed.” The Major saluted and retreated from the room giving little time for Saunders and Hanley to return the salute.

“At ease, Sergeant,” Hanley ordered. “Come on Saunders, while third squad prepares for the mission, I’ll buy you a cup of coffee.” Lieutenant Hanley sent a runner to Sergeant Davies to get ready and meet him at the café

“Yes, Sir.” Saunders answered.

The two walked down the debris-littered street. The German 88's had done major damage to the little village. The villagers had all fled to the woods and hills to escape the bombing but the U. S. Army under the command of Major Dewey had held steadfastly. The results were many corpsmen in the street attending to the wounded and dead. Several of which were being loaded in ambulances to be taken back to the rear lines.

Hanley and Saunders entered the café. The Lieutenant told Saunders to take a seat. The café was brightly lit due to the previous nights heavy shelling leaving gaping holes in the walls and one in the roof. Nary a window with glass in its panes remained. Saunders picked out a table in the corner and gloomily awaited the Lieutenant.

Hanley returned with two steaming hot mugs of coffee. Sliding one over to his Sergeant, he asked, “Saunders. Can’t you remember where you last saw your squad? Our last radio transmission with your radio man was on hill 255. He called in reporting you were taking heavy fire from a platoon of Germans. We knew you had picked up Captain Wilson from the code.”

Saunders just shook his head which made him grimace as he jarred the pain in it alive again. Hanley continued, “Second Squad coming back from a recon patrol found you unconscious near Bates and McCurley’s bodies. You were found about two miles south of your last radio location. There wasn’t any trace of Kirby, Cage, Doc or Captain Wilson.”

Saunders sipped the hot liquid and held the warm mug in his hands. His eyes had a distant look as he tried to remember what had happened. “Lieutenant, I can’t remember a thing.”

Sergeant Davies walked into the café. With a swift salute he said, “Reporting in, Lieutenant.”

“Sergeant.” Hanley returned the salute. “Wait outside. I’ll be there in a minute.” Turning to his other Sergeant he continued, “Saunders get down to the aid station have your head checked. Littlejohn and Billy are still there from the fighting last week.”

The two got up and parted ways at the door. Hanley picked up his rifle and, putting his helmet on, gathered third squad and headed north out of town. Saunders pulled a pack of cigarettes out of his jacket pocket. Shaking the pack he took one out and lit it. He took a long draw on the cigarette, took a deep breath, grabbed his Tommy gun, put his camo helmet on and headed north out of town.

                                               ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Saunders remained on the trail following Sergeant Davies and Lieutenant Hanley. He wasn’t sure where he was going. He tried to focus on the landmarks to see if anything looked familiar. The squad he was following had taken five and he had too. He had been dogging their trail for most of the morning. The sun was up high in the sky now and the warmth of it as he lay on his belly in the tall grass vigilantly watching their movements was making him sleepy.

The Sergeant was trying to make sense of all the previous two days that he could not recollect. The cobwebs of his brain were thickly spun and no matter how much shaking they would not loosen. Soon the sun’s warmth overtook his reason for being there and sleep came to the Sergeant.

Startled by the sound made by a Hen Harrier soaring over the field of grass he lay in, Saunders peered through the tall stems. Seeing no soldiers where the squad had rested, the Sergeant became mad at himself for falling asleep. Up on his knees he scanned his surroundings intensely before standing up to his full height, Tommygun at the ready.

His stomach knotted at the thought he might not know in which direction he should begin his search. He had chosen to follow Third Squad as they were searching for the same thing as he. His squad and Captain Wilson. He spat out a piece of dry grass that had lodged in his mouth as he had slept. Saunders took out another cigarette to calm his nerves as he thought of the predicament he may have left his squad in. Major Dewey’s words were haunting him. He would have to prove that he did have the salt to complete the original mission and possibly more.

He tossed the butt down on the ground and squashed it out like he would a spider or bug. He trotted through the grass in a northerly direction. He remembered where the Lieutenant had said Second Squad had found him. In vain he tried to remember the general area. He came to a sliding stop as he remembered. He still had the map from the earlier mission!

Slinging the Thompson on his back, he reached inside his jacket to recover the coveted map. His fingers gingerly opened it up and glided carefree around the map till he located Hill 255 marked on it. With his index finger located on the hill he carefully traced out the two miles in a southerly direction that the Lieutenant had informed him he had been found. He noted the stream to the east and somewhere off to the west of Hill 255, Saunders vaguely remembered the POW camp where they had rescued Captain Wilson. The next few minutes found Sergeant Saunders pondering the map and alternative routes of travel. It would be a guess. He carefully folded the map depositing it once again inside his jacket. Flipping his helmet off just for the minute it took to run a hand through his rumpled blonde hair he lit out to the northwest of his current position.

                                                   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Major Dewey marched into the aid tent as if there was a buffalo charging him from behind. In his most booming voice he commanded to the nearest nurse, “where’s Sergeant Saunders?”

Straightening up to see who was addressing her, Nurse Lieutenant McLain turned to face the voice. Seeing that it was a Major she stood at attention and saluted. The gruffness in this officer’s voice had raised hackles along her spine. A voice inside her told her she’d better hurry and answer this rude officer. “I’m sorry Sir, but there is no patient here or that has come in with the name Saunders.”

“He had some trumped up head injury and I want to know where he is. NOW!” he insisted.

“I’m sorry, but there is no one here by that name.” She once again exclaimed. The Major then turned and stormed out the aid tent without saying another word. Lieutenant McLain turned her attention back to her patient.

The soldier piped up, “Gee I think he’s really mad. Wonder what Sergeant Saunders did? You know he’s my squad leader.”

The nurse turned to the soldier lying in the bed and readjusted the sling on his arm. “I don’t know Private Nelson. Must have been something big!”

Major Dewey headed for Hanley’s Command Post. Blasting through the door in a rage he addressed the young soldier at the radio. “Soldier, ring up Lieutenant Hanley. Now!”

Private Kinlock immediately called, “Checkmate King Six this is Checkmate King Two. Come in.”

A faint static breached the base radio. Private Kinlock tried again. This time the Lieutenant’s voice came over it loud and clear. “Give me that radio,” the Major commanded.

Passing the radio over to him, the Major bellowed into it. “Lieutenant Hanley, your Sergeant is no where to be found. I will have him court marshaled for being AWOL. I also want to know your status on finding the roost.”

The line went dead. “Hanley do you read me?” Bellowed the Major.

“Yes Sir.” The Lieutenant said not wanting to engage the wrath of the Major any further. “About that loose bird. Haven’t located it yet.”

“You find him, Lieutenant Hanley and I’ll find that Sergeant of yours,” the Major ranted through the radio. “Over and out!”

Lieutenant Hanley handed the radio back to the private and walked a short distance away from where the squad was taking a break. “Dumb, Saunders, really dumb,” Hanley muttered to himself.

                                           ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Saunders was tiring and had to sit and take a break. He found a nice clump of shrubs that gave him some protection from the sun and being spotted by the enemy. Taking out the map he traced his finger over the contours figuring the distance he had traveled to be about a mile and a half. There should be German patrols out here. He looked up and scouted the area for any movement. Seeing none, he settled back to studying the map.

Once again, Saunders picked up his gun and headed out. He was approaching the edge of a forest when he first spotted them. It was a German patrol of about six soldiers. He found an old tree stump that had fallen over a small depression in the ground. He hurried into it and curled up, gun at the ready. He just hoped they hadn’t seen him dive for cover. The voices and footsteps got louder as the patrol neared his hiding spot.

<“Take five minutes.”> Said the one who appeared to be their leader. Jurgen lifted his flask and he realized he was out of water.

<“Here have some of mine,”> offered the younger one named Alric.
<“Danke.”> The first soldier replied.
<“It is a nice day. I do not think we will find any more American soldiers today.”> Jurgen said. <“We will return to camp.”>

The footsteps faded away in the distance and Saunders let out a quiet sigh of relief. Peering over the log, his eyes followed in what direction the patrol was taking. He got up and headed out traveling slightly abreast of them but far enough behind so as not to be noticed. In his mind he was hoping that they would lead him to the POW camp and maybe his squad.

                                           ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The rifle and machine gunfire was intense and deafening. Sergeant Davies squad was being hammered. They’d been caught in the open a short way from a wooded dale. The squad was desperately attempting the short distance to the protection of the woods.

Davies had taken a bullet to his shoulder but had managed to make it to safety. Private Dolan and Private Nicoll both lay on the ground hit and out in the open as bait. Point man Private Wilcox never made it and wouldn’t be making the trip home.

Lieutenant Hanley assessed their situation. Out of a squad of eight, he had three wounded and one dead. Taking out his sulfa pack, he dressed the Sergeant’s wound. “Will you be able to use your weapon, Sergeant?”

“You bet. Lieutenant. They’re not going to beat me. Not with two of my guys laying out there.” Davies grimaced as Hanley tightened the bandage. “You got a plan?”

Hanley looked around at his surroundings. “Not yet. Looks like they’re dug in deep. We’ll have to watch our flanks. I don’t think we’ll be able to reach Nicoll and Dolan without jeopardizing someone else.”

“Yep, looks that way, Sir.” Davies answered.

“Foy. Rankin.” Hanley yelled back to two of the remaining privates. “Watch the flanks.”

“Yes, Sir,” they both answered as they scurried through the brush to secure the site.

“Gillespie, hand me the radio.” Hanley asked.

Handing off the radio to the Lieutenant, Gillespie took up the forward position and monitored the machine gun nest.

“Checkmate King Two, this is Checkmate King six. Come in.” Hanley shook the radio hoping it would work a bit better and repeated his call. Still, no answer. “Must be out of range? It’s going to be dark in a few hours. We might get a chance to get to Dolan and Nicoll then.”

Davies looked over to his two men still sprawled on the ground. He just hoped they weren’t in grave danger of bleeding to death out there.
                                 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The six men halted. They listened intently to the sounds of a skirmish about a half mile from their position. The leader turned to the others. “Americana.” And they took off in a rush toward the sounds of battle.

As the thundering of the battle came closer, they slowed and surveyed the scene from the small hill they had crested. They could see their comrades behind several logs. American soldiers lay sprawled on the hillside between the machine gun and the woods. Scanning the landscape before him, Jurgen, the leader spotted the Americans in the woodland.

After careful assessment of locations he motioned Reinhard, Gunther and Garrin to flank the Americans to their right. He, Alric and Carl would go straight up the middle. Giving the signal to move out they all headed for their respective positions.

Reinhard, Gunther and Garrin got to their positions first and found several boulders to use for protection. They awaited the signal from their leader to open fire. Alric and Carl split left and right of Jurgen finding just barely enough cover to approach the Americans.

Gillespie was the first to spot movement. “Lieutenant, they’re flanking us.”

Hanley sought where the Private was motioning to. “Looks like they’ve got reinforcements. Rankin. Foy. Check your perimeters. We’ve got company out front. Hold your fire till I say.”

The Lieutenant let the parties approach forward. Taking up his rifle Hanley let the first shot go. Immediately Carl clutched his bloodied chest and fell to the ground, not far from Nicoll.

Shots rang out from behind Hanley. Rankin and Foy’s M1s grounded out shot after shot mixed with the sounds of Reinhard, Gunther and Garrin’s MP 40 and Mausers. Jurgen and Alric continued to fire their weapons from small depressions not far from the wooded area where Hanley’s crew lay.

A cry of pain from behind Hanley and he shot a look behind him to see Rankin grabbing his rifle back up from the ground. Blood streamed down his left arm from a shoulder wound. Rankin looked up to Hanley and shouted, “I’m fine.” Hanley watched as he completed the action of picking up the heavy weapon and balanced it on the log in front of him to relieve some weight and pain.

Gillespie’s BAR bellowed through the air. It was enough to keep Jurgen and Alric flat on the ground. Alric made a fatal mistake of rolling to his right and the bullets from the BAR caught him. In response the German machine gunners aimed their fiery weapon at the small group huddled in the woods. Leaves, twigs and small branches rained down on the squad making them duck and become more one with the ground.

Hanley was cursing himself for getting into such a tough predicament. He reached for the radio and once again called, “Checkmate King Two this is Checkmate King Six. Come in.” This time a voice on the other end answered. “Checkmate King Six, go with your message.”

“Checkmate King Two, We are under heavy fire. We have numerous casualties. Not sure if the mission can be accomplished. Asking permission to return to home if we can get out of here. Have not located the missing bird.”

“Checkmate King Six, wait one.” Came the reply from Private Kinlock.

Hanley shook his head when he heard the answering voice, “Checkmate King Six, remain on mission. I will send in more birds.”

Davies looked over to his Lieutenant, “Boy he doesn’t give up does he?”

“No Sergeant. Major Dewey does not. It’s not in his vocabulary.” Hanley answered.

Another round of machine gun fire entered their domain. Hanley yelled “ouch!” as a bullet hit the radio he was holding and snatching it out of his wrist. “That was close.”

Oh well at least I won’t have to listen to Major Dewey anymore, for a while anyway, the Lieutenant pondered to himself before grabbing his weapon and firing again.

The shooting continued rapidly for about another fifteen minutes before Foy yelled to the Lieutenant, “Sir, we’re almost out of bullets.”

A chagrined Lieutenant Hanley then asked everyone, “ammo check.” He wasn’t surprised with the answers. Low on all accounts. He sat there debating. Do we continue until completely out of ammo? Or do they surrender now before taking on any more casualties. Four of them needed medical attention now.

As if in an answer to a prayer he’d been holding back, Hanley heard the rapid echoing of a Thompson submachine gun. “I don’t believe it!” Hanley said as he peeked over the log in front of him. Sliding down the hillside while firing his weapon was Sergeant Saunders.

The German Sergeant, Jurgen took a bullet to his calf as he sprang from cover and tried to make it to the machine gun nest. Saunders saw the German go down and continued his sweep to the left headed for the nest. Keeping to the sparse cover on that side of the meadow the Sarge fired the Thompson at a running pace.

Hanley and his men were still battling the last three Germans who were well entrenched behind the boulders. He had left Gillespie and Davies covering Saunders. The Sergeant was now about twenty-five yards away as he approached the nest. Kneeling behind a charred tree trunk, Saunders reached for one of the grenades fastened to his jacket. Peering around the rough bark of the tree, he rose into a crouch position, pulled the pin, his arm slinging backwards to gather the momentum for the toss. Saunders heard the crack of an American M1 behind him.

He sprang from his cover to throw the grenade and was immediately met with a barrage from the machine gun. Hitting the ground as flat as his body could go, he waited out the explosion of the grenade. The machine gun grounded to a halt. Smoke lifted slowly and debris scattered nearby. Weapons and bodies lay haphazardly on the ground. Before getting up Saunders twisted around to see Gillespie checking the German Sergeant. He signaled thanks. Limping, Saunders made his way to check the machine gun nest. He could still hear the sounds of rifle fire coming from Hanley’s direction.


Saunders reassured himself that all of the Germans were now dead; he headed for the woods to help his Lieutenant. He waved for Gillespie to follow him. The two soldiers crept around to the rear of the boulders protecting Reinhard, Gunther and Garrin.

Saunders fired the Tommy gun over their heads and shouted, “Hands high!” Gunther turned and aimed his weapon to fire. Saunders let go with another round of his gun killing him instantly. The other two dropped their weapons and raised their hands.    Sergeant Davies and Foy emerged from the woods.

Gillespie gathered the weapons as Hanley stepped from the woods, a carbine aimed at the Germans. With a sidelong glance at Saunders, Hanley said, “I thought I ordered you to the aid station. What are you doing here? And do you know that Major Dewey is looking for you? He wants to have you arrested for being AWOL.”

Saunders shrugged. Taking a seat on a nearby log the Sergeant slowly and painfully unbuckled the top of his boot. The Lieutenant who only now noticed that his Sergeant had taken a hit moved over to investigate. “Here let me do that,” Hanley said as he took the sulfa kit from Saunders hand.

“Lieutenant. You find any trace of the squad?” Saunders asked as he re-laced and buckled his boot.

“No. I have a feeling it’s not too far from here. Turning to the others, Hanley asked, “Davies? You think you could make it back with your wounded? You could have the prisoners help you with litters.”

“Yes sir. Rankin will be fine. We checked out and bandaged Nicoll and Dolan. Dolan needs a litter but Nicoll will be able to walk. I think we can do it.” Davies answered.

“Okay. Make up a litter and head out. Saunders you go with them.” Hanley ordered.

“What about you?” Saunders countered.

“I’ll be fine. I’m going to scout around. Try and locate our missing.” Hanley said.

“I’m going with you.” Saunders said as he stood and carefully swept up his gun.

Hanley looked somewhat defeated as he asked, “you okay to travel?”

“All set.” Saunders replied.

“Davies we’ll meet you back at headquarters in a day or so.” Hanley stated.

“Will do.” Davies said as he watched the Lieutenant and the Sergeant head west.

                           ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sergeant Saunders had to take a break. His head was throbbing again and now his leg also ached. He called out to Hanley who was leading the way. “Take five, Lieutenant.”

Hanley came back to where Saunders was sitting checking his leg. “How is it?”

“Fine I just needed a small break. I’m okay now.” Saunders said as he stood.

Hanley looked hesitantly at his Sergeant. He didn’t look that good. Looked like the man had a massive headache and he sure didn’t think the leg was fine. He shook his head and started their trek again.

Darkness was almost upon them when they discovered the POW camp in a small secluded valley. Carefully waving Saunders down, Hanley took out his binoculars and surveyed the surrounding high points and trees. Hanley spotted several lookouts. He didn’t spot any snipers. He hoped that stayed that way.

Pointing them out to the Sergeant, the two slithered back down the slope to draw up their plans. With only the two of them this was going to be a tricky situation. They needed to survey the camp a bit more to see if they could find the squad and Captain Wilson.

Locating a fairly well hidden swell on a ridge overlooking the camp, the two King company soldiers quietly made their way. Scanning the camp they noticed a skeleton crew of Germans guarding it. There were just as many out guards as in the camp. They saw one German Shepard guard dog and a staff car parked outside of what they supposed were the commandant’s office. Two small wooden buildings sat in the middle of a barbed wire enclosure.

“You think they’re in there?” Saunders asked Hanley.

“Not sure. You got those wire cutters in your pack?” Hanley asked.

“Yes, Sir.” Saunders replied.
“Good. No knife though I bet.” Hanley said knowing his Sergeant was always borrowing one.

“No.” Saunders said with a slight twinge of a smile creeping onto his face.

“Well we’ll fix that. See that guard closest to that pine tree?” Hanley said as he pointed to him. “I’ll take him out first. You can take his bayonet. Circle around and get the other sentries and sneak down the back of the enclosure after dark. What do you think? Good plan?”

“Best we could come up with I guess.” Saunders said as he took a pop on another aspirin and sipped some water from his canteen. Looking at the sun setting in the distance he casually remarked, “It’ll be dark in about half an hour.”

                          ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hanley nudged a napping Saunders, “Sergeant. Wake up time to go.” Hanley made sure he had kept enough distance between him and the sleeping Sergeant. He knew to be ready for anything when Saunders awoke.

It took nearly a half a minute for the Sergeant to get his bearings and remember where and what they were doing. “Oh hi, Lieutenant. Didn’t mean to nod off.” Saunders replied.

“That’s okay. We weren’t going anywhere yet. It’s time now though.” Hanley said as he crept toward the first guard. The Lieutenant managed to get fairly close before springing to his feet clasping the unsuspecting German and stabbing the soldier in the back. He picked up the bayonet from the Mauser and handed it to Saunders.

The two of them continued on their foray down the slope to the rear of the barbed wire enclosure. Checking out the strands, Saunders began to snip them, while Hanley pulled and bent them away making enough room to crawl in and out. Finished with the wire cutting Saunders and Hanley silently in the moonless night approached the back of the first building.

The buildings weren’t built for permanency. They were built with slatted boards nailed to two-by-fours with a dirt floor and a tar-paper roof. A very low soft glow could be seen through the cracks. Peering through the slats Sergeant Saunders could make out Kirby, Caje, Doc and one other soldier huddled in a corner.

Caje sat alone in the opposite corner. Saunders moved closer to where he sat and whispered quietly, “Caje. Everyone moves toward the front door. Be ready in five. Is everyone okay?”

“Sarge? That you?” Caje whispered. Kirby and Doc looked up to see what was going on. Caje put a finger to his lips to quiet them. “We’re okay Sarge.” Caje motioned to the others to quietly move toward the front. As Caje passed the rickety table, he blew their only candle out.

Saunders crept to the second building but checking that one found it to be empty. He immediately signaled to Hanley to work up along the other side of the building to the front. Looking around the corner, they spotted two Germans preparing to share their cigarettes. Hanley nodded and the two of them lunged for the Germans. Quietly dispatching the two Germans, Saunders then moved to the door. All that held it was a bolt slipped through a hook. It was an easy escape. Or so he thought.

The four ex-prisoners followed Hanley and Saunders into the darkness of the compound. One by one they exited the hole in the barb-wire and headed for a clump of trees at the side of the hill.

    Hanley was the first to ask. “Caje. Where is Captain Wilson?”

Caje replied, “They have him in their headquarters building. They’ve been interrogating him since capturing us. We’ve seen him a few times and he looks pretty well beat.” Doc shook his head confirming what Caje had just said.

Hanley’s grim look told Saunders that their next job was to rescue Captain Wilson. They had managed to grab the two Mausers from the dispatched guards at the front of the building. They handed them to Caje and Kirby.

Caje continued, “This is Private Sullivan. He was here when we were brought in.”

The Lieutenant asked, “What outfit are you with?”

Private Sullivan saluted and said, “The 352nd, Sir.”

“Can’t wait to get to them,” cried Kirby. “They locked us up like rats in a cage. No food, just water.”

“You’ll have your turn, Kirby,” Saunders said. “Caje, you’re with me. Kirby with the Lieutenant. Sullivan we don’t have another weapon right now. Stay with Doc.”

Doc and Sullivan huddled further into the darkness of the trees. Like the silent falling of leaves the squad disappeared into the darkness. Moments later they had reached their goal. Two guards were at the front and one toward the rear. Hanley motioned silently with a wave for Saunders and Caje to work their way to the front. Kirby covered Hanley as he snuck up on the rear guard quickly
And efficiently snuffed the life from the soldier.

Caje and Saunders gave the signal to get the guards at the same time that the German Shepard noticed the Americans. With a fierce growl the dog and his handler without haste headed their way. Caje and Sergeant Saunders were compelled to use their weapons on the guards. Chaos in the dark ensued as the gunfire rang out in the midst of yelps of pain, shouting of commands, and the growls of the guard-dog mixed with the racket of the bullets being expended.

Shortly the night air was quiet as in a cemetery. In the darkness it was hard to see who was hit and who may still be out there waiting for them. It was Lieutenant Hanley’s voice that was first heard calling for Saunders. “Sergeant. Kirby. Check the building. Carefully Saunders made his way to the corner of the building. The bodies of two Germans lay at the stoop. He reached down to check them and tossed their weapons off into the darkness.

Approaching the door he heard a soft-spoken “Sarge, it’s Kirby. I’ll back you up.”

Without replying, Saunders kicked the door back against the wall shattering the silence. The Sergeant ducked as he swooped into the unlit room. Hesitating he listened to the stillness for sounds of breathing or the cock of a gun. Hearing none, he continued to move in a stealthy pace around the room until he stumbled over a body. In the dark he couldn’t recognize if it was German or American.

He could hear the fast ragged breathing of Kirby at the door which was now directly across from him. “Sarge?” Carefully Saunders reached for his Zippo and cautiously lit the room as he held the Tommygun ready to fire. The body was that of an American. Scanning the room quickly he saw no other human shapes but for Kirby at the door. Grabbing the lantern he saw on the table he pulled it to the floor beside him and lit it.

“Lieutenant. Get Doc in here fast!” Saunders yelled through the night air.

Without replying back, Saunders could hear Hanley’s baritone voice calling for the medic.

Hanley entered the German headquarters. “How is he?”

“Looks like they worked him over good. He needs Doc.” Saunders looked up at the Lieutenant. “Where’s Caje?”

“I thought he was with you?” Hanley answered.

Saunders rose from the Captain’s side, “Kirby. Check it out. Find where Caje is.”

“I’m on it, Sarge,” Kirby replied.

Doc and Sullivan came running up to the building. Saunders told Sullivan where he’d tossed the weapons and for him to go retrieve one and don’t forget to pick up a spare ammo belt. Doc continued past Saunders with a grim look on his face. He knew how bad the Captain was from the last time the German Lieutenant had called him in to look at the man. Doc knew he would be in worse shape now.

The medic approached Hanley who was kneeling at Captain Wilson’s side. Doc methodically checked the extremities for any gunshot wounds, fractures or broken bones. Finding none he was a bit relieved until he checked the man’s rib cage. Unbuttoning the Captain’s shirt, he felt the material wet. Further inspection revealed a small arms caliber hole just under the rib cage. Checking Wilson’s back he discovered a second hole. He whistled quietly and then muttered to the Lieutenant. “He’s been shot but it appears he’s had a bit of luck as it doesn’t seem to have penetrated anything serious and it’s gone clean through.”
Hanley breathed a sigh of relief. “Good. Patch him up Doc. Get him ready to travel.” Looking at his watch he said it loud enough for the Sergeant to hear too. I want to be out of here by oh-five hundred hours.”

Kirby came in dragging Caje over his shoulder. There was a worried look on his face. “Doc. Caje’s head is all bloodied. His hair is all matted. I don’t know if’n he’s been clobbered or shot.”

Saunders gently helped Kirby lay the scout on the floor near Doc and Captain Wilson. Doc methodically went to work. Picking up one of his canteens and some bandage, he began to wash the blood away from the unconscious Caje. Looking up at the Lieutenant and Sergeant, “Caje got hit with a bullet. It’s creased his skull. I can clean it and bandage the wound but he’s out of it. I won’t be able to tell how bad it is til he regains conciseness.”

“Just great, just great.” Hanley muttered as if he was alone in the room. “Kirby, check out that staff car to see if it runs.”

It wasn’t long before the private was back to report no the staff car did not run. Kirby soon found himself preparing two makeshift litters. Kirby grumbled to himself, “carry-out. This will take forever. Probably get caught again.”

Hanley kept pacing and checking his watch. “Doc. We’re going to have to leave. Get them on the stretchers.”

Kirby, Sullivan and Doc worked to put the two injured men on the stretchers and make them comfortable for the long walk out.

Saunders was standing guard at the door. Hanley walked over to him. “Saunders. Not to change the subject much but when we get back there is the matter of Major Dewey and your being AWOL. I’ll help you the best I can but the Major is a tough cookie. I don’t think he’ll be changing his mind anytime soon.”

The Sergeant just sighed and went back to guarding the premises. Hanley went to say something else to him and then thought better of it. He turned and asked Doc if they were ready. Nodding the Medic said, “Yes.” Doc and Sullivan picked up one litter. Saunders went to help Kirby pick up Caje but with a hand was halted by Lieutenant Hanley who spoke, “I’ll do it the first part out. You’re not in the best condition to be traipsing around carrying wounded.”

Reminded of his leg wound and the head injury Saunders slightly grimaced at the reminder. The activity of the night had almost made him forget his own troubles. So the Sergeant took point leading the small party of stretchers and men.

                       ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The sun was rising over the distant hill. Fog lifted from the little stream in the cool morning air. Songbirds were singing in bushes and trees. It looked like the start of another good day. The group had taken a few breaks since leaving the POW camp. They rested again now. Doc checked the Captain who had regained consciousness and was awake but in pain. Doc had nothing to give them for pain. Not even aspirin. He felt for him. Caje had not awoken yet and Doc was getting very concerned for the soldiers well being. They both needed to be in a hospital filled with doctors and medicines. Nurses and surgeons. Not out here in the field with a useless medic with no instruments or medic kit, Doc thought to himself.

Doc moved over to where the Sarge was sitting, gun resting on his hip, his eyes scanning the horizon for problems. “Sarge, let me check that leg.”

Saunders waved him away from the leg. “It’s fine Doc. Leave it. How are the others?”

Doc shook his head. Reason one: the Sergeant was always last to be taken care of and reason two: He cared more about the men in his squad than himself it seemed at times. “They need a hospital and a good doctor.”

“We’ll get there, Doc.” Saunders said.

“What’s this I hear about you being AWOL, Sarge?” Doc asked really not expecting an answer.

“Nothing. Nothing at all.” The Sergeant stood and turned to the Lieutenant. “Time to go.”

Hanley nodded and the group picked up the stretchers to head out once again.

They were descending a small hill fringed with trees. A small hedgerow could be seen in the next field over. Saunders surveyed it carefully with the glasses. “I don’t like it, Lieutenant. Good cover for the Germans.”

Hanley took the glasses and checked. “I think you’re right Sergeant. However, if we have to skirt this area it’s going to put us back several hours. I think we have to go for it.”

Saunders looked at Hanley and then at the squad. He shook his head, “I think you’re right but be ready.” They got up and began the haul for the adjacent field. They approached the woods and Saunders gave the hand signal to drop to the ground. Not more than seventy-five yards was a German patrol of maybe six to eight men headed directly toward them.

Saunders took Sullivan and Hanley took Kirby and they split up headed away from Doc and his patients. Soon Doc and Captain Wilson could hear the firefight. About twenty minutes later a worried Doc heard a twig snap to his right. He hunched lower over his patients. Caje took this time to wake up and began to moan. Doc clasped a hand over his mouth but it was too late. When he looked up, he was staring into the barrels of two German rifles.

The older soldier motioned with his rifle for Doc to stand and step away from his patients. Doc looked nervously around hoping that by some miracle the squad would return. He could still hear gunfire but it was more distant. The Germans must be on the run. All except for these two, he thought, just his luck.

             Doc was now being guarded by the younger soldier. The young German appeared agitated and very young. It was a dangerous combination. The older soldier was now pulling the Captain up by his shirt collar and speaking to him in broken English. “Where you come from? What is your mission?”

“Captain Wilson.” Was all that the Captain said. Just as the German soldier dropped the Captain as if he were a rag-doll, the soldier was felled by a forty-five bullet. Then the booming voice of Sergeant Saunders called out to the younger German. “Drop it. Hande Hoch.” The young German seeing his squad-mate fall to the ground quickly dropped his weapon to the relief of Doc.

“Boy, am I glad to see you Sarge,” Doc’s voice rasped out dryly.

“Good work, Sergeant.” Captain Wilson weakly exclaimed.

Hanley was soon back with Sullivan and Kirby. He looked a bit surprised as he looked over to his Sergeant with a questioning gaze.

Saunders just shrugged and muttered, “I saw two split and head back around us. So I followed them.”

“A good thing he did too, Lieutenant.” Captain Wilson offered. Hanley knelt down by the officer.

“How you doing, Sir?”

“I’ve been better. I know I’m in good hands though now.” The Captain said.

Doc knelt alongside Caje to check him. He’d passed out again. He moved over to check out the Captain. His wound was bleeding again. Probably caused by the rough handling of moments ago. Having no more bandages, Doc ripped part of his tee shirt off and wrapped the Captain’s wound once again. Looking up he said, “All set Lieutenant.”

Hanley motioned to the young German to pick up the front end of Caje’s litter. Kirby and Sullivan picked up the litter holding the Captain. Turning to Saunders he said, “Lead out.”

Saunders and Hanley had collaborated on their location according to the map and had decided the route to take. They were just about to move the squad out when off in the distance they could hear the rumbling of jeeps and a tank. Checking it out with field glasses, Hanley winced as he said, “oh no, here comes trouble.” Thinking it was Germans they all grabbed their weapons until Hanley said, “No Germans. It’s Major Dewey.”

Lieutenant Hanley stood tall and waved to the little convoy to come their way. The first jeep came to a grinding halt and Major Dewey jumped out with an MP and immediately headed for Sergeant Saunders. “Arrest this man for being AWOL, desertion of duty and incompetence in not following orders!”

The MP moved toward the Sergeant who lowered his Tommy gun to the ground regretfully. Lieutenant Hanley took one long stride and stood between the MP and his Sergeant. “Begging your pardon, Sir, but I don’t think that this is the time or place to be making this decision. I am defending the actions of my Sergeant and insist that he has done nothing wrong.”

“Get out of the way Lieutenant Hanley or I’ll have you arrested too for impeding an official arrest!” the Major shouted as the veins popped out blue on his reddened neck.

Sergeant Saunders stepped out of the shadow of his Lieutenant. “Thanks Lieutenant but I don’t need your protection, I know I didn’t do anything wrong.” The MP reached for Saunders. He turned the Sergeant around and bound his hands telling him he was under arrest.

Anger coursed through the group of American soldiers. Shock and disbelief that this ignorant officer could even dignify his demands for the Sergeants arrest. Kirby yelled, “Ya got no right to do that.” He started after the Major but Lieutenant Hanley halted his motion before he could get going. However, he was too far away to stop Doc.

“Major Dewey, I want you to know what Sergeant Saunders has gone through to get us out of the POW camp. Wounded twice and deadbeat tired from two patrols out. He helped manage to get Lieutenant Hanley and third squad out of a jam and then continued with the Lieutenant to the POW camp to rescue us. Then to top it off on the way back we get in a firefight. While they were chasing the Germans down two Krauts swung up behind us and took us prisoners again. If it wasn’t for Sergeant Saunders Captain Wilson probably wouldn’t be alive. Twice in one day the Sergeant saved him. You are going to arrest him for derelictions of duty? He has done more than sixteen men to save the Captain.”

Captain Wilson was now sitting half propped up on his litter. “Major. The Medic is correct. I feel you’re making a huge mistake.”

Flustered, Captain Dewey chewed out the MP and told him to get the Sergeant in the back seat of the jeep. Lieutenant Hanley stepped forward again. “Sir, this is a mistake.”

“Lieutenant, I’ll not have you interfering again in this matter. Case closed.”   Nodding down to the other two jeeps and the tank, he yelled back. “You can manage a ride back to headquarters on this equipment. I’ll want a full report immediately on your return.” Turning he got into the jeep. Giving a glare to the sullen Sergeant staring angrily at him, he told the driver to move out.

The Lieutenant saluted, “Yes, Sir.”

Doc questioned the Lieutenant, “Can he really court-martial the Sarge?

                                   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Billy was like a little kid. With his arm askew in a bandage, his jacket hung precariously off his shoulder as he jumped up and down trying to get a better view. He nudged the soldier next to him.   “ Littlejohn, they’re here. I see the jeeps.”

The vehicles rolled up to a stop in front of the aid station. Two aid men came out to assist with the litters. Doc hopped down off the first jeep and helped with Captain Wilson. Kirby and Sullivan passed Caje down gingerly. About three miles out of town Caje had awoken again but was incoherent much of the time on the rest of the drive in. Doc had made the decision to have the driver continue till they reached the aid station. Doc was worried about Caje’s head wound and the amount of time it was taking him to regain his facilities.

The Lieutenant was finishing up talking with Captain Wilson as Billy ran up to him. “Lieutenant. I think you ought to know that Major Dewey has Sergeant Saunders under arrest. The Sarge is being kept prisoner over there.” Billy pointed down the street to the little brick building that served as a jail.

“I know all about it Nelson.” The Lieutenant stated.

Captain Wilson spoke up, “Hold it a minute.” The aid men stopped in their tracks. “Lieutenant get me paper and pen. I want you to send a radio message to Colonel Holmes immediately.”

Hanley raised an eyebrow and stared down at the Captain. “Colonel Holmes, Sir?”

“Yes. Colonel Holmes. He owes me several favors and I’m going to call on him for one now. Besides, he’s my father-in-law.”

Hanley smiled. He thought for the first time in a long time maybe this will work out! “Yes, Sir!”

Lieutenant Hanley arrived at his command post to find Brockmeyer and Kinlock willing to do anything the Lieutenant wanted. They too had had enough of Major Dewey. They had been dressed down, chewed out, made fools of and threatened with removal of their stripes over the last few days the Lieutenant had been gone.

“Kinlock. I want this message radioed in immediately.” Hanley ordered as he passed him the Captain’s written note. Then sitting at his desk writing furiously in more ways then one, the Lieutenant had his report written in no time at all. Standing up he said, “I’ll be checking in on my Sergeant if you need me.”

It didn’t take long for the Lieutenant to close in on the makeshift jail. As he approached the jail, the MP lifted his weapon higher. “Major Dewey’s orders Sir. No one is to approach the prisoner.”

Taken aback, Hanley’s stride faltered until he almost toppled on the shorter MP. Trying not to raise his voice too loud so as to enrage the guard he asked, “Why? Doesn’t this prisoner get visitors? Has he had his wounds checked? How about food? Has he been given any? How about clean clothes?”

The MP sheepishly replied “no,” on all accounts.

This raised the ire of Hanley. “Don’t you realize that we take better care of our enemies than you have of my Sergeant?”

The guard shuddered at the sound of the Lieutenants angered deep voice. Yet he held his ground toe to toe with the officer. “Yes, Sir. I’m following Major Dewey’s orders.”

“We’ll see about that!” Hanley said as he abruptly turned to head back to his command post.
He hadn’t gotten far when an idea struck him. The Lieutenant dashed into chow line and grabbed some food. Pretending he was going off to enjoy the food alone, he took a narrow ally out to the adjacent street. Slyly he made his way to the back of the Jail. Not sure if there were windows in the back the Lieutenant was relieved to find some and broken at that, although they had been “improved” by placement of iron bars.

His height was no match for the building. The Lieutenant was able to look right inside. Saunders was sitting propped up in a corner sleeping. Hanley picked up a pebble and tossed it lightly in, hitting the Sergeant in the chest with it. He woke up in a start. His grumpiness removed with the slight hint of a smile as he looked up to see it was Hanley who had tossed something in on him. He painfully and slowly slid up along the wall for support.

Saunders attempted to cross the floor directly to the window but when he put weight on his leg he collapsed. Catching his fall on his good knee he regained his balance and continued to limp badly dragging the injured leg behind him.

Lieutenant Hanley was livid at this. He tried to keep his voice low and calm as he handed the Sergeant the plate of food and his canteen. “Look, Saunders. Hang in there. We’ve got some branding irons in the fire now to get you out. How bad is your leg? Did the Major have anyone check you out?”

Saunders gratefully took the food and water. He poured some of the water on his face. “No, nobody checked it out. It’s fine, Lieutenant, Just fine. I think it’s a bit infected and I’m beginning to feel hot but everything is fine and dandy.” Saunders sarcastically answered.

“Sergeant. I’ll see if I can get permission to get Doc to look at your leg. We’ll get you out,” the Lieutenant said trying to sound positive in a negative situation. Hanley turned and left headed right for Major Dewey.

“Sir. Lieutenant Hanley requests permission to speak to you,” Private Dunning saluted as he entered the room. The Major returned the salute and immediately dismissed the Private with a quick “no.” Hanley in the outer room heard the reply and mustered past Dunning.

“Major. Request permission to discuss the issue of Sergeant Saunders' arrest.” Hanley said as he smartly saluted and stood at attention.

“Out of the question. Especially after your latest tactics, Lieutenant. Do you want to join your Sergeant?” The Major shouted.

“If that is what it will take to have a discussion or to get the prisoner fed and medical attention, then yes I am willing to join him.” Hanley spit out the words angrily.

“You’re about there and you’re dismissed.” Major Dewey sharply saluted the Lieutenant indicating that this conversation was through.

Hanley turned to leave but quickly retraced his steps. “Sir, I will have to report the circumstances of Saunders arrest to higher officials. He needs a medic and you’re denying him. I respectfully request that Sergeant Saunders have a councilor assigned to him right away.”

Spurned by this junior officer, the Major was extremely upset. “Private Dunning. Get me an MP immediately!” In shock Dunning raced out of the building looking for another Military policeman.

A shocked Hanley couldn’t believe his ears. “Major....”

“Quiet. I’ll hear no more from you.” The Major retorted.

Lieutenant Hanley stood silently awaiting his arrest. Soon he was being led down to the jail to join Saunders. The commotion caused soldiers from around the town to gather in small groups. Whispers and rumors filled the air and passed through the troops like a wildfire.

                                           ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Doc had found out that Caje had a concussion from the impact of the bullet to his skull. The Doctors assured the both of them that it would only be temporary but that he would have a major headache for a few weeks. For now, Caje was asleep.   It wasn’t long before the talk had reached the aid station. Doc was sitting between Caje and the Captain when two nurses began to talk in the aisle about the handsome Lieutenant joining that cute Sergeant in the brig. Doc and the Captain looked at each other in astonishment.

Doc got up and approached the nurses. “Did I hear you correctly that Lieutenant Hanley has been placed under arrest?”

Both nurses said “yes.”

Doc turned to look at the Captain and then headed out the aid station directly for the jail.

“Halt.” There were now two Military policemen stationed at the little jail.

Doc slyly said, “I’ve been ordered to check on the prisoner. Sergeant Saunders.” Doc didn’t know if it would really work but it was worth the try.

The MP’s conferred with each other. They knew that the Sergeants leg had been festering worse and that he had a raging fever so maybe it was true. One of the guards took the liberty of searching Doc for hidden weapons. He hadn’t really expected to find any but he had to look anyway. He didn’t want the Major coming down on him.

They opened the door and Doc walk past them into the dimly lit room. He found the Lieutenant sitting on the floor opposite the door. Hanley had Saunders head on his lap and was pouring the last of the water from the canteen onto some cloth he had found scattered on the floor. Looking up with a worried glance, “Doc, he’s burning up. The leg has a pretty bad infection.”

Doc was grateful that the MP had not searched his medic pack too thoroughly. He still had the scissors. He cut the end of Saunders pant leg and removed his boot. He let out a gasp as he stared at the pussy oozing wound. “I thought he said his leg was fine. I knew I should have insisted on looking at it back at the POW camp.”

Doc took one of his canteens, some bandages and started gently scrubbing and cleaning the wound. He then applied some sulpha and bandaged it. He gave Lieutenant Hanley three things. A bottle of Aspirin, his spare canteen and an ampule of morphine if needed. “I’ve got to go Lieutenant. I fooled my way in but I don’t want to get caught here. Anything I can do or get you?”

Hanley thought for just a second. “Doc, check with Kinlock. See if he got any return message from the Colonel. If not tell the Captain what’s going on.”

“Yes, Sir.” Doc answered as he got up, knocked on the door and left the jail.

Doc breathed a sigh of relief as his plan had worked well. Now he headed for Hanley’s command post. Knocking he entered. Brockmeyer was all atwitch. “I saw you leave the jail. How’s the Lieutenant doing? How’s Sergeant Saunders holding up?”

“Best they can. Kinlock, the Lieutenant wants to know if you’ve had any news from the Colonel yet?” Doc asked

“Not a word, Doc. You’ll be the first to know,” Kinlock answered.

“I’ve got to check my patients. Let me know if you hear anything.” Doc said as he headed out the door.

“Doc. What’s going on?” Caje asked weakly.

“Major Dunce. Hmm Dewey has the Lieutenant and Sarge locked up. We’re trying to get them out through channels.”

Captain Wilson asked, “no word from Colonel Holmes yet?”

“Not a word.” Doc said shaking his head.

Kirby, Littlejohn and Nelson came up behind Doc. Kirby loudly said “Let’s break 'em out.”

“Hold on Kirby. That’ll just get us all in the hoosegow. Don’t go spinning wheels just yet.” Doc answered him.

Just then Brockmeyer came running in. “Doc, Captain. A jeep just arrived, bringing Colonel Holmes. He’s at Hanley’s office now.”

“Doc. Help me up.” Asked Captain Wilson. Doc obliged him and put the Captain’s left arm around his shoulder and they headed for Hanley’s command post.

The Colonel was sitting behind the table that served as Hanley’s desk. He got up when he saw Doc coming in assisting Captain Wilson. He grabbed a chair and said, “here son. Sit down. I got your message. What’s going on?”

It had taken almost a half hour to discuss all the events leading up to the imprisonment of the Lieutenant and Sergeant. Colonel Holmes sat in disbelief. Astonished by the lack of humanism in the Major. He had known Major Dewey back in the states at military school and he didn’t seem like that type of man at that time. He decided that he would summon the Major to Hanley’s command post. He sent Private Kinlock over with the message for the Major to appear. He then sent his aide and driver with the jeep to retrieve the two prisoners. They would work this out right here. Right now.

The Colonel’s men got back to the command post first with the prisoners. Doc propped the Sergeant into a chair and checked the bandaging and felt for the fever. “Doc, leave me alone.” Saunders said as he waved his hand at the medic. The fever had come down some but Doc could see the leg still festered and was swollen and red around the wound. The Colonel came over to where they were.

Saunders started to rise out of the chair with Doc’s assistance but the Colonel waved them off. “Sergeant first things first. How are you doing?”

“I’ll make it,” Saunders gritted through his teeth.

“Good.” The Colonel said as he patted Saunders shoulder. Just then the door opened and a surprised Major Dewey stepped through the entrance. A quick salute and “Colonel. What brings you here?”

“Captain Wilson is my son-in-law. I heard he was injured. I was in the area and figured I’d drop by. He’s been telling me an interesting story about his rescue. Would you care to enlighten us on your part of it?” The Colonel winked over to Wilson.

Major Dewey gave his account. Then the Colonel asked for Saunders account. Next were Lieutenant Hanley and then Doc. Finally he asked Wilson to give his side of it. When all had been said and put out front and center, the Colonel sat back. He rubbed his chin a while and then glanced around at the faces in the room. “Tell me Major Dewey. Do you still want to go forward with the charges?”

Major Dewey stood to full height at attention and vehemently stated, “Yes I do!”

The Colonel stood bracing his hands on the table. “Look, Major. I’ve listened to all the accounts. I really don’t think you will have enough evidence to take this to a court marshal. From what I gather these have been all brave men that have carried out your orders to the best of their abilities. I recommend that you drop the charges on both men.”

Red faced and seething, Major Dewey, lost control. He grabbed for his pistol and whipped it out aiming for the non-com Sergeant Saunders. Doc was checking Saunders’ wound again and had his back to the Major. Sarge was looking down at his leg and didn’t see it coming. The others were in stunned slow motion as they tried to hustle to restrain the irrational Major.

The major aimed the gun, cocked it and was about to fire when the long-legged stride and the long reach of the arms of Lieutenant Hanley grasped the Major’s gun hand making the bullet fly wild. It missed Sergeant Saunders’ head by an inch. Relief spread through the room as Hanley wrestled the Major to the floor. The MP’s came rushing through the door and immediately grabbed Hanley off of Dewey. They yanked his arms behind him ready to handcuff him.

Colonel Holmes called out, “Release the Lieutenant. Place Major Dewey under house arrest.” Major Dewey was picked up off the floor and led down to his headquarters. The rooms were checked and removed of any weapons and the MP’s stood guard at the doors.

Hanley breathed a sigh of relief. He walked over to his Sergeant. “You okay, Saunders?”

“Yea, fine. By the way thanks.” Saunders said.

“Doc, get him over to the aid station. Brockmeyer help them.” Hanley ordered. He then walked over to where Captain Wilson and Colonel Holmes were discussing Major Dewey. “So now what Colonel? What will happen to the Major?”

“I’m going to recommend that he have a psychiatric review. Looks like he may have had a breakdown. It happens to some of the best on occasion. It’s a shame to have a good officer like that fall apart. I’m just sorry that it had to affect so many of your personnel.” Colonel Holmes mentioned, “I apologize for his behavior and hope that your Sergeant gets well soon.

“I’ll be leaving shortly. I’ll be taking Captain Wilson with me. He has the important information that S2 is seeking. I regret any inconveniences you have had to suffer but let me tell you it has been a pleasure to meet you. My best regards to your Sergeant and your men. My daughter will be very proud of them for rescuing her husband. Our sincere gratitude to all.” Colonel Holmes moved over to clasp Hanley’s hand thanking him and then saluted the Lieutenant. The Colonel continued, “I’ll have the MP’s take the Major back to the rear.”

Captain Wilson put his hand out to shake the Lieutenants. “I’ll second that, Hanley. My Anne will be so happy to hear how I got brought safely back.”

“Thank you Sir. We were all just doing our jobs the best we could. Captain” Turning to the Colonel the Lieutenant said,. “I’m going to check on Saunders. Have a safe trip back.” Hanley stood back and saluted the two officers.

“How is he, Doc?” Or should I say how is everyone doing?” Hanley asked.

“Nelson and Littlejohn are cleared for return back to duty. Caje and the Sarge will be back on their feet in about a week. Kirby and I just want to rest after this ordeal.” Doc continued, “Sullivan was sent back to his unit.”

Brockmeyer piped up and told the Lieutenant, “I think Kinlock and I need a vacation, Lieutenant.”

Nurse McLain walked by and butted in, “So do I, so do I.”

“Okay, okay. Brockmeyer go find some private to listen to the radio then everyone take a couple of hours rest and relaxation. Stick around town but report back by oh three hundred.” The Lieutenant offered with an upturned smile.

All was quiet as the group left the aid station leaving Hanley alone. He took up the seat between Caje and Saunders. Caje was still asleep. Saunders had waved off the morphine. He propped himself up on the cot and grabbed one of the cigarettes out of his pack. Hanley put forth a match and lit it for him. “It’s over huh?” Saunders questioned the Lieutenant.

“Yep. It’s over. Doc says you’ll be back on the line in a week.” Hanley said as he lit a cigarette of his own.

“Well if I had to take my chances I’d rather take them fighting on the line rather than fighting a court-martial.” Saunders sighed, “I’m just glad it’s over, finally. He inhaled deeply and then released his breath and a force of freshness for a new start.

The end