The characters of Combat! belong to ABC. Original characters are the property of the author.
Copyright 2001 by Figment
Scattered
Kirby sat on his cot in the field hospital smoking a cigarette and pondering what he had just been told. It
seems that over a hundred Allied soldiers had been slaughtered somewhere near Malmedy.
It was late December and the snow was hampering efforts to advance. Kirby had two toes slightly
frostbitten, so here he was; with nothing more to do than think. It was warm here in the old building where
King Company had set up their field hospital. He knew he was relatively safe here and full of nice hot food
and comfortable. So why wasn’t he content?
He knew why. His pals were out there burrowing in the snow and fighting the war without him. He’d
done his share, so why should he feel guilty?
Frustrated at his conflicting thoughts, Kirby decided to see if any other wounded soldiers were up to a card
game. That should get his mind off his squad. Yeah, that should do it! Christmas was just around the corner
and he needed to send some gifts home. In order to do that, he needed extra cash. He got up and hobbled
around the room until he talked four of the slightly injured soldiers into a game.
* * *
Second Lieutenant Gil Hanley looked at his watch for the hundredth time in the last ten minutes. Jump-off
time was 0600 and it was only three minutes away. Battalion artillery had pounded the French village most
of the night. The barrage had died down and soon they would be moving in to clean up. Hopefully, most of
the enemy had been killed or driven back from the town.
Hanley looked down the line of men huddled against the freezing wind and snow that took their breath and
froze their cramped limbs. He was only allowed two squads for this mission. No one knew how many
Germans actually occupied the village. The French Resistance had reported possibly a platoon, maybe more.
Near the other end of the line of 15 shivering American soldiers he could barely make out the battered
camouflage-covered helmet of his next in command, Sergeant Chip Saunders. Hanley knew he could trust
Saunders to be alert and ready to move at his command.
Glancing at his watch one more time, the lieutenant gave the motion to advance, and the motion was echoed
at the other end of the line as the men started moving forward.
The village only had one street, so there weren’t that many buildings where the enemy could be hiding.
As they neared the town they were aware that the barrage had left only seven or eight structures actually
standing in one piece.
Everything was quiet. Smoke still rose from different areas in the rubble, combining with the light snowfall to
make visibility poor. Hanley led nine of the men to the right side of the street as Saunders took the five left in
his squad up the left side.
They crouched and moved slowly from rubble pile to doorway, checking closely for enemy movement.
A shot was fired and one of the men with Hanley cried out and fell.
“Hit it!� Hanley and Saunders yelled at the same time. Everyone dove for the nearest cover they
could find.
Brockmeyer, who was with the lieutenant, managed to pull the injured soldier into a doorway. In a moment
he signaled to the lieutenant that the soldier was dead.
Saunders caught a flash of movement near the opposite end of the street and opened up with his Thompson
sub-machine gun. Almost immediately the air was rent with the sounds of raging battle.
It quickly became evident that many Germans had survived the barrage. They were hidden in three buildings
near the end of the street as well as the woods just beyond. The roar of the small arms fire was deafening.
The smoke and increasing snowfall now made it nearly impossible to see more than a few feet.
Suddenly another noise penetrated the clamor, overriding the gunshots and shouts of the soldiers. It was
almost a feeling at first, building into a deep rumble, getting constantly louder and louder.
“Tank!� Hanley cried out as he motioned to his men. “Fall back!�
The order was taken up along the line of American soldiers and soon the men were slipping from their hiding
places and scrambling to get out of the village as fast as they could.
A blast from the canon mounted on the monstrous machine caused panic among the retreating GIs as the
shell landed within a few feet of Hanley’s men. Four of the soldiers fell screaming as two others fell, but
scrambled back to their feet to continue their flight.
Saunders’ squad had immediately turned to the woods at the sound of the tank bearing down on them.
They were lucky enough to reach the dense forest before the lumbering death machine could get close to
them. Although scattered, the men kept running until the sounds of the enemy were far behind them.
* * *
Lt. Hanley motioned for Brockmeyer to bring the radio. They had retreated far enough that they no longer
heard the shots or the shouts of the Germans, or the noise of the tank.
Hunkering down behind a group of boulders, Hanley called in his situation.
“Get your men out of there. Artillery will be opening up immediately. Over.� Captain Jampel could
only hope that all the American soldiers were out of the way.
“Roger that. Out.� The lieutenant turned to Brockmeyer.
“I want a head count. Tell everyone you can find to meet me here. Now!� he ordered.
“Yes, sir.� Brockmeyer left the radio on the ground beside the lieutenant and slipped away into the
now solid curtain of snow.
It wasn’t long before a few exhausted men gathered behind the boulders with Hanley.
“This is all I could find, sir,� Brockmeyer said almost apologetically, surveying the huddled group of
soldiers. “We lost five from Second Squad and three are MIA from First Squad.�
“MIA?� Hanley asked. “Who?�
“Saunders, Caje and Doc, sir,� Brockmeyer saw the frown deepen on Hanley’s face.
“Okay,� Hanley turned to the soldiers gathered around him. “Artillery is coming in. We gotta get
outta here, fast.�
As he spoke the whistle of 105 shells could be heard above their heads.
“Be sure to keep in sight of one another,� the lieutenant went on. “This blizzard can separate us
too easily.�
He turned and moved towards the American lines as quickly as he could. Soon the snow was all they could
see. There was no way of traveling by any known landmarks. The American shells were bursting fairly close
to them, but they had to stop.
A dark space formed itself in front of the retreating soldiers. When they were close enough, Hanley realized
that it was the mouth of a cave in the rocky hillside they were skirting.
Hanley ducked inside motioning his men to follow. Soon eight men huddled together in the semi dark
chamber just beyond the reach of the densely falling snow.
“Shouldn’t we look for the others, Lieutenant?� Littlejohn asked haltingly as the cold broke his
husky voice. He, Billy Nelson and Davis were the only ones present from Saunders’ squad.
“There’s no way of finding anyone in this storm, Littlejohn,� Hanley shook his head. “See if
there’s anything in here we can use to build a fire.� He ordered as he moved back deeper into the
gloom of the cave.
* * *
Saunders moved as quickly as he could through the thickening snowflakes with Doc right on his heels. The
sergeant knew he was heading away from the American lines, but a large ravine kept them from swinging in
the right direction.
Suddenly 105 shells were splitting the air above them and bursting nearby. The sergeant realized that Hanley
must have been in touch with the captain already and the village was getting another dose of American
firepower. They had to keep moving to get further away from the deadly rain of artillery.
Blinded by the ever-increasing snow, and exhausted from the conflict and sudden retreat, Saunders could
barely lift his feet to take the next step.
It wasn’t long before his foot caught a root hidden in the deepening snow and he pitched forward,
dangerously close to the edge of the ravine. Doc reached out to steady the sergeant, but Saunders’
momentum had already carried him over the edge of the steep gully. Doc’s hand fisted in the back of
Saunders’ jacket and both men were pulled over the side, falling and sliding down a 50-foot drop to the
bottom of a rocky, snow-filled gorge.
Both men lay at the bottom of the incline trying to catch their breath and taking inventory of their limbs.
Just as Saunders sat up to look around for Doc, a rifle barrel was shoved into his chest. He could feel the
Thompson pressing against his back, but it might as well have been a mile away.
“Sarge?� a familiar voice queried.
“Caje?� Saunders breathed a sigh of relief.
“Yeah, Sarge, it’s me,� Caje said, shouldering his rifle and offering a hand.
Saunders accepted the helping hand and stood shakily, looking around. “Doc?� he called tentatively.
“Over here, Sarge,� Doc spoke from a few feet away. Even though they were relatively close to each
other, the storm prevented visual contact.
“You okay?� Saunders asked.
“Yeah,� he answered. “You?�
“I’m all right,� Saunders assured the medic. “Let’s get outta here.� He turned, took a
step to leave, and went to the ground again with a short cry of pain.
“What is it?� Doc finally found the sergeant and quickly knelt beside him.
“I guess I twisted an ankle.� Saunders grumbled as he tried to stand again.
Caje reached for Saunders’ right arm and pulled it across his shoulders and Doc did the same with the
left. Between them they half assisted, half-carried the sergeant in a direction away from the barrage,
intensifying behind them.
“We gotta find some shelter,� Saunders gasped between breaths.
When they were what appeared to be a safe distance from the shelling, Caje and Doc eased the sergeant
down against a tree trunk.
“I thought I saw something up ahead, Sarge,� Caje told him quietly. “I’ll go check it out.�
“Watch yourself, Caje,� Saunders advised. “Those Krauts’re probably moving just like we
are.�
“Okay, Sarge,� Caje moved away without a sound and disappeared into the swirling snow.
* * *
The cave now occupied by Hanley’s men was once used for storing French cheeses. There were
several wooden shelves and benches deeper inside. These were quickly broken apart and were now serving
as fodder for a toasty fire. With two of the men standing guard at the entrance to the cave, Hanley sat
against a back wall and studied a worn map he had drawn from within his coat. They shouldn’t be too
far from their own lines, but it would be impossible to travel in the blizzard raging outside. They would just
have to stay put and hope any stray Germans would not walk up on them unexpectedly.
Most of the men made themselves comfortable around the fire, but Littlejohn and Billy Nelson sat glumly to
one side watching the entrance to the cave; hoping their lost friends would find them.
The two squads had carried provisions for two days’ patrol, so the lieutenant let them break out rations
before bedding down in shifts.
Hanley knew they would not be able to stay in the small grotto for any length of time, and hoped the storm
would pass quickly. He had called his position in to HQ and they told him to use his judgement with moving
on in the storm.
Littlejohn and Nelson volunteered to stand guard duty, having dual motives. Not only were they watching for
Krauts, they were also looking for their missing squadmates, praying that they were still alive.
The lieutenant understood all too well what they were feeling. The urge to go out in the storm and look for
them himself was almost overwhelming, but he had seven men to think about within these walls, and his duty
was to them first.
* * *
Caje looked around, carefully remembering every detail of the area where he was leaving Doc and the
sarge. He certainly didn’t want to lose them in the storm.
Slowly the Cajun crept forward towards the spot where just moments ago he had glimpsed a flicker of light.
Easing up behind a large tree trunk, Caje could see a farmhouse barely outlined against the pure white
background of snow. The house was dark. Perhaps they were using ‘black-out’ curtains and one had
been pulled aside momentarily when he spotted the light. Or maybe a door had been opened as someone
moved in or out of the small wood-frame building. He would have to check it out carefully and get back fast.
Dark was closing in and Saunders and Doc could freeze out here if he didn’t hurry. Caje could already
feel the effects of the cold on his own stiffening limbs.
Keeping as low as he could, Caje moved out towards a small shed located behind the farmhouse. He made
it to the shed without incident and crawled on hands and knees along the fence leading from the shed to the
side of the house. In the silence of the winter evening, vague voices drifted on the swirling snow.
Caje crept closer intent on determining the language being used. As soon as he was under a dark window,
Caje could hear two people speaking softly in French. Relieved, Caje moved cautiously to the door and
knocked lightly.
All sound ceased immediately. Soon a man’s voice whispered from behind the door “Qui est la?�
“Je suis Americaine.� Caje spoke softly to the obviously frightened Frenchman.
“Americaine?� the voice spoke up a little louder.
“Oui, Monsieur,� Caje assured him. “Un soldat.�
The door opened a crack and a beam of light revealed the shivering American soldier standing just outside.
“Come in, Monsieur,� the Frenchman spoke in perfect English as he stepped aside and allowed the
door to swing wider.
“Merci, Monsieur, thank you,� Caje smiled as he stepped inside the cozy room.
Then he stopped in horror as three German privates and a Kraut Captain stepped from the shadows leveling
their weapons at him. The Cajun slowly released his M1 to let it drop to the floor, then raised his hands in
surrender.
“How many are with you, American?� the German Captain snapped.
“Paul LeMay, Private-First Class, serial nu…�
“Enough!� The captain cut him short. Giving his men a curt order he moved closer to the fire blazing
in the fireplace and turned to face the American soldier again.
One of the privates pulled Caje’s hands behind him, tying them tightly with a piece of cord. Then he was
pushed to his knees as two of the Krauts quickly stepped outside to check the perimeter of the farm.
Caje’s heart beat wildly. They just couldn’t discover Doc and the sarge! But they would freeze to
death out in the blizzard if they didn’t have shelter soon. He cudgeled his brain to find an answer to this
dilemma, but answers eluded him.
“Now, American,� the captain pulled a chair in front of Caje and sat down, making himself
comfortable. “we can continue our conversation. How many are with you?� He leaned slightly
forward to look straight into the Cajun’s angry face.
“I’m alone,� Caje told him. “I was lost and looking for shelter from the storm.�
The back of the captain’s gloved hand came down hard across Caje’s face, splitting his lower lip
and knocking him to the floor. The German private standing behind Caje reached down and jerked him
back to a kneeling position before the captain.
Caje glared at the officer, but kept silent.
“Very well,� the captain gave a slightly crooked smile. “If we find any others out there, they will be
shot.�
With this, the German officer stood and moved back close to the fire to warm himself.
Caje sat back on his heels. A trickle of blood dripped off his chin from the split lip, but he had been so cold
he hardly felt any pain from it. He was hoping Doc and the sarge were far enough back into the woods to be
hidden from the searching Krauts.
* * *
“Could be broken, Sarge,� Doc said as he examined the swollen left ankle. It had turned shades of
black and blue, and the swelling had encompassed the foot as well. “At the very least, it’s a bad
sprain.�
“Just tighten up the boot, Doc,� Saunders spoke through chattering, gritted teeth.
“Caje has been gone too long,� the sergeant mused. “Somethin’s wrong.�
Saunders grunted as Doc pulled the buckle straps of the boot as tight as he could around the swelled leg.
When Doc was finished, he grabbed Saunders’ extended hand and pulled him to his feet. The sergeant
held to the tree for support as he tried to see through the dense snow that had begun to swirl wildly as the
freezing wind picked up. It was impossible to see more than a few feet.
“Come on, Doc,â€� Saunders held an arm out for support. “Let’s see what’s keepin’ â
€˜im.â€�
“But, Sarge,� Doc hesitated. “What if Caje comes back here lookin’ for us?�
“He shoulda been back by now,� Saunders urged. “Let’s go.�
Doc pulled Saunders’ left arm across his shoulders and the two of them headed in the direction Caje
had disappeared.
It was getting dark and visibility was deteriorating even more. Before they knew it, Doc and Saunders had
walked up on a short stone fence. They knew there had to be a house close by.
Suddenly a dark figure appeared to the right of them and both men stopped and stood absolutely still. The
person apparently did not see them and was heading away when Saunders nodded for Doc to follow. The
two of them followed the man at a safe distance, just barely keeping him in sight.
It wasn’t long before the shape of a house materialized from the gloom and snow.
Saunders motioned for Doc to get down, and they dropped to the ground together.
The vague figure of a man opened a door to the house, spilling a shaft of light across the freshly fallen snow.
As he entered the well-lit room, the two GIs could plainly see the high boots and long coat of a German
soldier.
“Stay here, Doc,� Saunders instructed as he started to crawl towards the house.
“Sarge,� Doc whispered. “What’re ya gonna do?�
“I’m just gonna take a look,� Saunders explained. “Stay down and stay quiet,� he ordered.
“Okay, Sarge,� Doc conceded. The cold of the snow he was laying in was seeping through his
clothing. He was sure he could be quiet, all but his chattering teeth, that is.
Saunders crawled as close as he dared to the door to listen. He heard the guard, who had just entered,
speak to someone in German. Then he heard a heavily accented voice speak in English. “Well,
American, it seems you have been telling the truth. Hans found no one else in the vicinity. We will wait for
Gunter to return, then we will talk some more.�
Saunders looked around him. There was another one out here somewhere, and Caje is in there with them!
The sergeant’s mind was racing. He had to get Caje out of there without getting the Cajun, Doc, or
himself killed.
Suddenly another figure appeared in the driving snow. He was walking with his head bent to the wind, so he
didn’t see the American crouched in the shadow of the house.
Biting back the pain in his ankle, Saunders lunged as the man passed him. Quickly throwing the Thompson
around the Kraut’s neck, he pulled backward with all his strength.
The German barely let out a grunt as he started struggling against the pressure on his windpipe.
Saunders pulled the soldier to the ground and swiftly rolled on top of him, grinding the Kraut’s face into
the snow and holding on to the Tommy gun until the German stopped struggling.
Grabbing the dead man’s collar, Saunders crawled to the corner of the house, dragging the body with
him. As soon as the dead soldier was out of sight at the side of the building, Saunders crawled swiftly back
to Doc.
“Caje is in there with at least two Krauts,� Saunders told Doc as he crept up beside him. “I killed
one, but we’ll have to move fast to keep them from killing Caje,� the sergeant explained as he turned
back towards the house.
“Doc, I want you to make a noise of some kind. See if you can lure them out.â€� Saunders said. â
€œGive me a couple minutes to get set beside the door. Okay?â€�
“Okay, Sarge,� Doc nodded grimly.
Trying to ignore the spikes of fire shooting up through his left leg, Saunders crawled back to the door of the
house. He pulled himself up as quietly as possible against the wall and brought his Thompson around to a
firing position. Then he waited for Doc’s diversion.
In less than a minute, there was a banging noise as Doc struck a tree with a dead branch. The noise was
heard inside and an order was barked.
The door of the house opened and a soldier stepped outside.
“Gunter?� he called softly.
Through the open door, Saunders could see another soldier standing just inside, a German officer with a
pistol leveled at Caje’s head as the Cajun knelt before him, and two Frenchmen huddled, terrified, in the
far corner near the fireplace.
Grinding his teeth and forcing himself to move, Saunders raised his gun and came down hard with the butt of
it against the neck of the soldier who had stepped through the door. Then whirling without watching his
victim fall, the sergeant threw himself on the Kraut standing just inside.
* * *
“King Six, this is King Two. Come in King Six. Over.� Hanley finally came to the realization that the
cold had gotten to the radio. The battery was dead and the spare was carried by Walters, one of the
soldiers who’d been killed by the blast from the German tank. ‘Looks like we’re on our own.â
€™ Hanley thought as he surveyed the few half-frozen soldiers huddled in the cave.
It would soon be daylight, and they could head for home. No one else had shown up during the long,
freezing night. Hanley wouldn’t give up on them, though. The lieutenant had to believe everyone would
be all right. Saunders, Caje and Doc were capable soldiers and knew how to take care of themselves.
Hanley stood, stretching the stiffness out of his frozen muscles. Walking to the entrance of the cave, he
pulled a pack of Luckys from his pocket and lit one as he surveyed the winter scene before him.
The blizzard had died down during the night, and although it was still overcast and freezing, everything
appeared to be quiet and peaceful. It was amazing how a soft blanket of pure white snow could hide the
scars and ugliness of a war-torn countryside.
He nodded at the two soldiers standing guard, then turned back to the men stirring inside.
“Okay. Saddle up,� he called as he placed his helmet on his head and shouldered his carbine.
“We’re heading home,� Hanley announced. “Davis, take the point.�
“With pleasure, sir,� Davis grinned as he stepped out into the fresh 4-inch layer of snow.
All of the shivering soldiers were eager to get back to headquarters. Only two of them dragged their feet,
looking apprehensively out through the woods they’d traversed the night before.
Noticing the downcast expressions on Littlejohn and Billy’s faces, Brockmeyer dropped back to try
and encourage them.
“C’mon, you guys,� he said cheerfully. “You know those three well enough to know they can
take care of themselves.�
“Yeah. If they weren’t wounded or killed last night.� Billy said gloomily.
“Hey! They’re probably sittin’ back at that field hospital with Kirby, wonderin’ what’s
takin’ us so long,� Brockmeyer laughed and slapped the young private on the shoulder.
“Yeah, Billy,â€� Littlejohn perked up at that thought. “They probably got steamin’ coffee anâ
€™ a hot breakfast, while we’re out here freezin’ our toes off in the snow.â€�
Billy gave a slightly crooked grin and just shook his head.
* * *
“Welcome home,� Kirby brightened as he saw Billy walk through the door with Littlejohn close on
his heels.
“How ya doin’, Kirby?� Nelson asked, his usually optimistic expression missing from his boyish
features. Littlejohn did little more than just nod as he sat on the cot at Kirby’s feet.
“I’m doin’ great,� Kirby laced his fingers behind his head and smiled tauntingly at the two
obviously weary soldiers.
Sensing something more than weariness, Kirby sat up straight and demanded, “Okay, let’s have it.
What gives?�
“It’s Sarge, Caje and Doc,� Littlejohn said distractedly.
Kirby felt a knot twist in his stomach. “What about ‘em?� he asked.
“They’re MIA,� Billy said softly.
Kirby threw back the blanket covering him, and swung his legs over the side of the cot.
“Then we gotta go find ‘em!� he stated, looking around for his gear.
“The lieutenant’s talkin’ to Captain Jampel now, Kirby,� Littlejohn pushed the smaller man
back down on the cot. “Maybe the captain will let us go back. I don’t know.�
Lt. Hanley stepped into the room full of cots, wounded soldiers, and medical staff, and looked around, his
gaze settling on the three restless soldiers in the farthest corner.
All three stood as Hanley approached, and started talking all at once. Hanley held his hands up for silence
and cleared his throat.
“Captain Jampel wants me to take a small patrol back to that village to recon the area.â€� He started. â
€œDoctor Jamison has released you, Kirby, so I’ll take you, Littlejohn, and Nelson. We don’t
engage the enemy if we can help it, and just maybe we can find out what happened to the rest of our guys.â
€�
“Yes, Sir!� the three eager soldiers echoed each other and started gathering their gear.
“Just take it easy,� Hanley stated. “This is a ‘recon mission’. You have the rest of the
morning to rest and grab some hot chow. Be ready to go at 1330.�
“Okay, Lieutenant,� Littlejohn said.
“Yes, sir,� Kirby and Nelson answered together.
“Er…Lieutenant?� Billy asked hesitantly.
“What is it, Nelson?� the lieutenant turned back to face Billy.
“What if they’re out there hurt or somethin’? Shouldn’t we go as soon as possible?�
“This is a RECON, Nelson,� Hanley’s features hardened. “We won’t have a radio since
they’re undependable in this cold. We’re to check out the village and return. If we happen to run
across our guys in the process that’ll be fine. If we don’t, we return and report. That’s it. You
got that, Nelson?�
“Yes, sir,� Billy couldn’t keep the disappointment out of his voice as he answered.
“Good!� Hanley snapped. “Be ready at 1330.� Then he turned and stalked out.
* * *
Saunders slammed into the German standing just inside the door before he was able to raise his Mausser to
fire. The two of them fell to the floor in a melee of arms and legs.
The sudden surprise attack caused the German Captain to inadvertently swing his pistol in the direction of
the two men struggling on the floor.
This was all the distraction Caje needed. He pitched forward, driving his shoulder into the knees of the
Kraut officer. With an oath, the German fell, loosing his grip on the pistol.
As the captain turned to look for his lost handgun, a piece of stove wood came down hard across the back
of his head. Stunned, the officer sprawled without another movement.
Caje looked up from his position on the floor, to find one of the Frenchmen standing over the German,
brandishing a chunk of wood and smiling sheepishly.
Caje’s attention turned to the two men locked in a struggling battle over the Thompson machine gun.
The Kraut had lost his grip on his Mausser as he fell, and it was lying near the fireplace.
“Quick! Untie me!� Caje pleaded with the Frenchman.
As the old man bent to release Caje from his bonds, the German private managed to get a finger in the
trigger guard of the Thompson. The sound was deafening in the small room when the gun sprang to life.
Caje pulled the old man to the floor as bullets sprayed the wall above their heads.
Surprised at the sudden gunfire, the German relaxed his grip momentarily. At that instant, Saunders, who
also had a grip on the gun, shoved the Thompson up as hard as he could, catching the Kraut beneath the
chin. The German was stunned and Saunders easily yanked the weapon free. Pushing himself up to a sitting
position against a wall, the sergeant swung the Tommy gun around to cover both Krauts.
“We…missed you, Caje,� Saunders gasped between breaths.
“Oh, I got tied up, Sarge,� Caje grinned as he rolled over to the fireplace and grabbed up the
Mausser. Standing, he grasped the epaulet strap of the officer’s tunic and half-dragged, half-shoved him
over next to his subordinate.
“Doc!� Saunders called out.
In a couple seconds Doc appeared in the doorway.
Saunders pulled his feet up and out of the way so that Doc could close the door behind him.
“I checked those two outside, Sarge. They’re dead.� Doc announced as he looked concernedly
at Caje.
“I’m okay, Doc. Just a split lip,� Caje wiped his chin with the back of his sleeve.
Then all eyes turned to the two Frenchmen in the corner. The old man was bent over the younger one, who
lay prone and unmoving.
Doc hurried to kneel by the quiet figure. One of the .45 slugs from the Thompson had found its mark in the
center of the young man’s chest. Doc looked at the sergeant and shook his head.
“Caje, ask him if he was a friend.� Saunders turned to the Cajun.
“I speak English,â€� the old man turned to face the sergeant. He looked back down at the body. â
€œHe was my son.â€�
Silence reigned for a few moments.
“Caje,� Saunders finally said softly. “Search those Krauts.�
Both of the Germans were groggily sitting up as Caje bent to search their pockets and remove their utility
belts. The officer started to push Caje’s hands away and Saunders brandished the Thompson at him. â
€œHuh-uh.â€� He said, and the German relaxed, letting his hands fall to his side.
Caje found a couple maps and handed them to his sergeant.
Saunders stuffed them inside his jacket and said, “Tie ‘em up.�
Caje used the Germans’ belts to bind their hands. Then shoved them against a wall to sit with their legs
stretched out in front of them.
Saunders let out a sigh and let his head drop back against the wall he was propped on. He let his eyes close
for a moment, and when he opened them, Doc was kneeling beside him with a frown on his face.
Saunders waved him off. “I’m okay, Doc.�
“Sure you are, Sarge,� Doc said condescendingly. “C’mon.� He reached a hand under the
sergeant’s left arm and bodily lifted him from the floor. Pulling a chair close to the fire, Doc eased his
sergeant onto it and proceeded to examine the injured ankle.
“Leave me be, Doc,� Saunders pushed him away irritably. “It’s okay.�
Doc stood, staring at the sergeant. Saunders looked at him squarely and said, “Really.�
Doc shook his head and produced some aspirin and a canteen. Saunders took the aspirin and just
swallowed them dry when he discovered the water frozen in the canteen.
Doc smiled and took the container, setting it close to the fireplace to thaw. Then he pulled a cotton swab
and peroxide from his medical bag and went to work cleaning the cut on Caje’s lower lip.
* * *
Hanley motioned his squad to him. They had searched the village and found it devoid of enemy troops. The
German tank was sitting idle in the middle of the rubble-strewn street. Its turret was demolished and it was
still smoking from the fire, which had engulfed it when it was hit during the American barrage.
When the men had gathered close, Hanley spoke, “ Okay, we head back. Kirby, take the point.�
There had been no sign of the missing squad members and the men had fallen silent.
“Lieutenant! Look at this!� Nelson called excitedly from the edge of the woods where he had taken
security.
“What is it?� Hanley asked as he and the others trotted up to the young private.
Billy held a dark green beret aloft. “It’s Caje’s hat! I found it right here. They must’ve gone
this way when we scattered last night. Can’t we just take a quick look-see, Lieutenant?� Nelson
pleaded.
Hanley turned to find the same plea in the eyes of all present.
“We are to report back by 2000. We should have a couple hours left of search time. We’d better
make it quick.� Hanley tried to hide the smile that tugged at the corner of his mouth when a subdued
cheer sounded around him.
“There could still be Krauts in the area, so stay alert and don’t bunch up,� Hanley ordered as he
moved off through the woods, away from the decimated village.
The blizzard of the previous evening had completely covered any tracks made by fleeing soldiers. They all
soon realized that finding anyone in the dense, snow-filled forest would be a miracle.
The squad quickly came to an old dry creek bed, the hill on the other side rising nearly straight up about 50
feet above them.
“We have about an hour left,� Hanley informed them. “Then we start back.�
About twenty yards up the creek bed, Hanley stopped and bent to retrieve an object lying half buried in the
snow.
“What’d ya find, Lieutenant?� Kirby asked as he came up next to Hanley.
The lieutenant just stood staring at the camouflage-covered helmet in his hands.
“They’re out here somewhere, Lieutenant,� Kirby spoke softly. “We can’t just turn our
backs on ‘em, can we?�…�sir?� he added belatedly.
* * *
Doc stretched his cold-stiffened muscles and rubbed the sleep from his eyes. They had spent the night
sleeping in two-hour shifts. Caje was now squatted in front of the German prisoners with his own M1 now
pointed at them. He glanced at Doc, then nodded towards the sergeant who was sitting with his back against
the wall next to the fireplace. His legs were stretched out in front of him and his head tilted back to the wall.
His Thompson was held across his lap in his hands. Saunders’ eyes were closed and he appeared to
have fallen asleep again.
“He fell asleep a few minutes ago, Doc,� Caje told the medic. “I think you better check ‘im out.
He doesn’t look so good.�
“You’re right, Caje,� Doc concurred as he knelt and placed a hand on Saunders’ shoulder.
The sergeant was pale, and despite the cold, his face was covered with sweat.
Saunders moaned softly and stirred when Doc gave him a gentle shake.
“Stay still, Sarge,� Doc told him. “I’m gonna check that ankle.�
“Okay, Doc,� he conceded as he stretched his back against the wall.
Doc unbuckled the straps and loosened the laces of the sergeant’s left boot. Saunders tensed, his
knuckles turning white as he gripped his weapon, but he remained silent.
Doc slowly peeled the top of the boot away from the badly swollen ankle. Turning the sock down as gently
as possible, he revealed a mass of blue and purple, starting from the shin and disappearing beneath the sock.
The entire foot was probably involved in the bruising.
“That ankle’s broken, Sarge,� Doc stated. “I’ll have to find something to splint it with.�
“Okay, Doc,� Saunders said through gritted teeth. Looking at his watch, he was surprised to find that
most of the day had already slipped by. “But make it fast. We should have already been heading for
home.�
“All right, Sarge. Here, take these,� the medic handed him some aspirin and picked up his canteen
from the hearth. This time the water wasn’t frozen, and the sergeant took several large gulps before
handing the canteen back to the medic.
The German Captain had been watching Doc work on the sergeant’s leg.
“Your sergeant won’t make it back to the American lines, you know?â€� the officer told Caje. â
€œIt would be easier on all of you if you surrendered to us. We have a good doctor who will take care of
the sergeant’s leg. You can see that he has fever and will not be able to travel.�
“I think that it would be easier to just shoot you both and leave you here.� Caje told the captain, his
tone indicating he would rather do just that.
The German Captain smiled, but said nothing more.
* * *
“Be careful, Billy,� Littlejohn warned his buddy as Nelson made his way slowly up the steep incline.
“Don’t worry, Littlejohn,� Billy cajoled his big friend. “I just want to take a look from up here.
� He kept climbing until he finally reached the top of the rocky hill.
“Hey, Lieutenant,� Billy called after a moment’s search. “I found Doc’s helmet. They
musta been up here, sir.�
“Well, how did the sarge’s helmet get down here?� Littlejohn queried.
The answer was all too obvious; no one spoke it.
“We have another half hour,� Hanley informed them. “Come down from there, Nelson. We’ll
search further up the creek bed.�
“Yes, sir,� Nelson said, and started looking for the easiest way down the cliff face.
A movement caught his attention and he stopped to peer over the treetops to the south. A thin ribbon of
smoke rose lazily above the snow-laden trees.
Pointing excitedly, he called, “Lieutenant! There’s smoke over there.�
Hanley’s brow furrowed into a frown. It could be their missing men or an enemy encampment.
“Come on, Nelson.� The lieutenant turned to Kirby and Littlejohn. “We’ll check it out. You
two move to the left, but stay in sight. If it’s something we can handle, we may be able to flank ‘em.â
€�
“Yes, sir,� Kirby and Littlejohn answered, slipping off through the soft layer of snow coating the
forest floor.
Moving cautiously, using the trees for cover, the four American soldiers made their way southward through
the dense undergrowth.
The group had traveled less than a quarter mile when Hanley motioned the men down. Peering through the
snow-covered brush, the lieutenant could see a small house and a shed close to the back, with a low stone
fence surrounding two sides, connecting to the shed.
He motioned Kirby and Littlejohn to circle the building and come up from the opposite side. As the two GIs
disappeared into the trees, Hanley and Nelson crept closer, searching for any movement outside the
buildings.
Billy grabbed the lieutenant’s elbow, pointing towards the shed at the rear of the house. Doc was bent
over a woodbin, apparently searching for something.
Hanley relaxed as a smile presented itself to his lips. He tapped Billy on the shoulder and motioned towards
Doc.
Nelson slipped quietly from the trees and was standing only four feet from Doc when the medic turned back
to the house, his arms laden with firewood and a couple old fence slats.
Severely startled, Doc dropped his burden and nearly fell backwards. Billy Nelson just stood there grinning.
“Billy!� Doc finally found his voice. “You oughta be shot for that!� He said with mock anger.
His eyes showed that he was really glad to see his young friend.
Suddenly a shot rang out and Nelson spun to the ground. Doc immediately threw himself over Billy as more
shots sounded near the south side of the house.
Lt. Hanley was half-way to the house from the edge of the woods when the shots were fired. He dropped to
the ground near the fence and called to the medic, “Doc, how is he?�
“He’s hit in the arm, Lieutenant,� Doc called after a cursory examination of the hapless soldier.
“Just stay down! We’ll get to ya,� Hanley advised as he tried to get a fix on the direction of the
attack.
In a matter of seconds two M1s opened up from the southernmost edge of the woods. A Schmeisser
answered them along with two or three rifles; all of the enemy fire coming from a group of boulders just
across from the front of the house.
An M1 started firing from the front door of the farmhouse.
Hanley crawled down the length of the fence until he was crouching behind the small utility shed. No shots
had come near him, so he was pretty sure the Germans didn’t know he was there. Concerned about the
unarmed medic and his wounded soldier, Hanley peeked around the corner of the shed.
The two soldiers were no longer in the open. They were crawling flat against the snow-covered ground
towards the rear of the house. Content that the two men were out of the line of fire, the lieutenant crawled
straight back from the shed and into the brush at the edge of the woods.
Crouching low and taking advantage of every bit of cover he could find, Hanley worked his way around the
south side of the property. He was soon within sight of Kirby and Littlejohn, who were keeping a constant
exchange of fire with the enemy.
Hanley tossed a stick to get Kirby’s attention. Kirby quickly swung the BAR around, but sagged with
relief at the sight of the lieutenant.
Through hand motions, Hanley told them to keep the Krauts busy while he tried to flank them.
Kirby signaled his understanding, and the lieutenant moved on towards the outcropping of boulders where
the Germans were dug in.
In less than two minutes, a grenade exploded among the boulders, accompanied by the cries of dying men.
One German made a break for the forest, but was cut down in mid-stride with a shot from the door of the
house.
Kirby and Littlejohn rushed to the boulders to make sure there was no more resistance from the enemy
soldiers.
Hanley stood and waved to Caje, who was standing in the doorway of the farmhouse. Caje returned the
wave with a broad grin and turned back inside.
The lieutenant met Doc and Nelson as they made their way towards the front of the building. Billy was pale
and obviously in pain, but he was walking unassisted, clutching his right arm, as Doc walked behind him,
gathering the slats from the ground where he’d dropped them earlier.
“You okay, Nelson?� Hanley asked, eyeing the bloody arm.
“Yes, sir,� Billy assured him. “I’m okay, Lieutenant, but Doc says that the sarge is hurt.�
“Saunders? Where is he?� Hanley turned to Doc.
“He’s inside, Lieutenant,� Doc explained. “His ankle is broken, sir. I’ll need to splint it
before we can move him. He won’t be able to walk. We’ll need a litter, Lieutenant.�
“Okay,� Hanley nodded. Raising his voice, he called to Kirby and Littlejohn. “Get some coats off
those Krauts and build a stretcher.�
Littlejohn scanned the area until he saw Billy walking next to Doc. With a sigh of relief he said, “I wonder
who we need a litter for?�
Kirby glanced at the big PFC and mumbled, “Who do you think? We haven’t seen the sarge, ya
know.�
Littlejohn’s face clouded over. “Oh, yeah.� He started stripping the coat from the nearest dead
German.
Hanley walked through the door, stopping for a moment to let his eyes adjust from the brilliant white snow
to the darkened room. He took notice of the two German prisoners sitting against one wall, then he turned
towards the fireplace. Saunders sat with his back against the wall by the hearth. Though the fire had died
down and the room was cold, the sergeant’s face was flushed and covered with sweat.
Saunders looked up at Hanley with a forced grin. “Glad you could drop by, Lieutenant.� He said,
trying to sound cavalier. The sergeant had been covering the prisoners with his Thompson, now he let it rest
in his lap, his energy spent.
Hanley smiled and squatted in front of Saunders.
“We’re about an hour late reporting in, Sergeant,� Hanley explained. “We’ll have to get
out of here as fast as we can. The Krauts pulled out of the village.� He glanced at the German Captain
and private sitting silent across the room. “Think you’ll make it?� he asked, frowning at the
swollen leg and foot.
“I’ll be okay, Lieutenant,� Saunders reached into his jacket and produced the German’s
maps, extending them to Hanley. “We might at least know where the Krauts got off to, sir.�
Hanley smiled as he stood and stowed the documents inside his own coat. “Okay,â€� he ordered. â
€œSaddle up! We’re movin’ out!â€�
END
Copyright 2001 by Figment
Scattered
Kirby sat on his cot in the field hospital smoking a cigarette and pondering what he had just been told. It
seems that over a hundred Allied soldiers had been slaughtered somewhere near Malmedy.
It was late December and the snow was hampering efforts to advance. Kirby had two toes slightly
frostbitten, so here he was; with nothing more to do than think. It was warm here in the old building where
King Company had set up their field hospital. He knew he was relatively safe here and full of nice hot food
and comfortable. So why wasn’t he content?
He knew why. His pals were out there burrowing in the snow and fighting the war without him. He’d
done his share, so why should he feel guilty?
Frustrated at his conflicting thoughts, Kirby decided to see if any other wounded soldiers were up to a card
game. That should get his mind off his squad. Yeah, that should do it! Christmas was just around the corner
and he needed to send some gifts home. In order to do that, he needed extra cash. He got up and hobbled
around the room until he talked four of the slightly injured soldiers into a game.
* * *
Second Lieutenant Gil Hanley looked at his watch for the hundredth time in the last ten minutes. Jump-off
time was 0600 and it was only three minutes away. Battalion artillery had pounded the French village most
of the night. The barrage had died down and soon they would be moving in to clean up. Hopefully, most of
the enemy had been killed or driven back from the town.
Hanley looked down the line of men huddled against the freezing wind and snow that took their breath and
froze their cramped limbs. He was only allowed two squads for this mission. No one knew how many
Germans actually occupied the village. The French Resistance had reported possibly a platoon, maybe more.
Near the other end of the line of 15 shivering American soldiers he could barely make out the battered
camouflage-covered helmet of his next in command, Sergeant Chip Saunders. Hanley knew he could trust
Saunders to be alert and ready to move at his command.
Glancing at his watch one more time, the lieutenant gave the motion to advance, and the motion was echoed
at the other end of the line as the men started moving forward.
The village only had one street, so there weren’t that many buildings where the enemy could be hiding.
As they neared the town they were aware that the barrage had left only seven or eight structures actually
standing in one piece.
Everything was quiet. Smoke still rose from different areas in the rubble, combining with the light snowfall to
make visibility poor. Hanley led nine of the men to the right side of the street as Saunders took the five left in
his squad up the left side.
They crouched and moved slowly from rubble pile to doorway, checking closely for enemy movement.
A shot was fired and one of the men with Hanley cried out and fell.
“Hit it!� Hanley and Saunders yelled at the same time. Everyone dove for the nearest cover they
could find.
Brockmeyer, who was with the lieutenant, managed to pull the injured soldier into a doorway. In a moment
he signaled to the lieutenant that the soldier was dead.
Saunders caught a flash of movement near the opposite end of the street and opened up with his Thompson
sub-machine gun. Almost immediately the air was rent with the sounds of raging battle.
It quickly became evident that many Germans had survived the barrage. They were hidden in three buildings
near the end of the street as well as the woods just beyond. The roar of the small arms fire was deafening.
The smoke and increasing snowfall now made it nearly impossible to see more than a few feet.
Suddenly another noise penetrated the clamor, overriding the gunshots and shouts of the soldiers. It was
almost a feeling at first, building into a deep rumble, getting constantly louder and louder.
“Tank!� Hanley cried out as he motioned to his men. “Fall back!�
The order was taken up along the line of American soldiers and soon the men were slipping from their hiding
places and scrambling to get out of the village as fast as they could.
A blast from the canon mounted on the monstrous machine caused panic among the retreating GIs as the
shell landed within a few feet of Hanley’s men. Four of the soldiers fell screaming as two others fell, but
scrambled back to their feet to continue their flight.
Saunders’ squad had immediately turned to the woods at the sound of the tank bearing down on them.
They were lucky enough to reach the dense forest before the lumbering death machine could get close to
them. Although scattered, the men kept running until the sounds of the enemy were far behind them.
* * *
Lt. Hanley motioned for Brockmeyer to bring the radio. They had retreated far enough that they no longer
heard the shots or the shouts of the Germans, or the noise of the tank.
Hunkering down behind a group of boulders, Hanley called in his situation.
“Get your men out of there. Artillery will be opening up immediately. Over.� Captain Jampel could
only hope that all the American soldiers were out of the way.
“Roger that. Out.� The lieutenant turned to Brockmeyer.
“I want a head count. Tell everyone you can find to meet me here. Now!� he ordered.
“Yes, sir.� Brockmeyer left the radio on the ground beside the lieutenant and slipped away into the
now solid curtain of snow.
It wasn’t long before a few exhausted men gathered behind the boulders with Hanley.
“This is all I could find, sir,� Brockmeyer said almost apologetically, surveying the huddled group of
soldiers. “We lost five from Second Squad and three are MIA from First Squad.�
“MIA?� Hanley asked. “Who?�
“Saunders, Caje and Doc, sir,� Brockmeyer saw the frown deepen on Hanley’s face.
“Okay,� Hanley turned to the soldiers gathered around him. “Artillery is coming in. We gotta get
outta here, fast.�
As he spoke the whistle of 105 shells could be heard above their heads.
“Be sure to keep in sight of one another,� the lieutenant went on. “This blizzard can separate us
too easily.�
He turned and moved towards the American lines as quickly as he could. Soon the snow was all they could
see. There was no way of traveling by any known landmarks. The American shells were bursting fairly close
to them, but they had to stop.
A dark space formed itself in front of the retreating soldiers. When they were close enough, Hanley realized
that it was the mouth of a cave in the rocky hillside they were skirting.
Hanley ducked inside motioning his men to follow. Soon eight men huddled together in the semi dark
chamber just beyond the reach of the densely falling snow.
“Shouldn’t we look for the others, Lieutenant?� Littlejohn asked haltingly as the cold broke his
husky voice. He, Billy Nelson and Davis were the only ones present from Saunders’ squad.
“There’s no way of finding anyone in this storm, Littlejohn,� Hanley shook his head. “See if
there’s anything in here we can use to build a fire.� He ordered as he moved back deeper into the
gloom of the cave.
* * *
Saunders moved as quickly as he could through the thickening snowflakes with Doc right on his heels. The
sergeant knew he was heading away from the American lines, but a large ravine kept them from swinging in
the right direction.
Suddenly 105 shells were splitting the air above them and bursting nearby. The sergeant realized that Hanley
must have been in touch with the captain already and the village was getting another dose of American
firepower. They had to keep moving to get further away from the deadly rain of artillery.
Blinded by the ever-increasing snow, and exhausted from the conflict and sudden retreat, Saunders could
barely lift his feet to take the next step.
It wasn’t long before his foot caught a root hidden in the deepening snow and he pitched forward,
dangerously close to the edge of the ravine. Doc reached out to steady the sergeant, but Saunders’
momentum had already carried him over the edge of the steep gully. Doc’s hand fisted in the back of
Saunders’ jacket and both men were pulled over the side, falling and sliding down a 50-foot drop to the
bottom of a rocky, snow-filled gorge.
Both men lay at the bottom of the incline trying to catch their breath and taking inventory of their limbs.
Just as Saunders sat up to look around for Doc, a rifle barrel was shoved into his chest. He could feel the
Thompson pressing against his back, but it might as well have been a mile away.
“Sarge?� a familiar voice queried.
“Caje?� Saunders breathed a sigh of relief.
“Yeah, Sarge, it’s me,� Caje said, shouldering his rifle and offering a hand.
Saunders accepted the helping hand and stood shakily, looking around. “Doc?� he called tentatively.
“Over here, Sarge,� Doc spoke from a few feet away. Even though they were relatively close to each
other, the storm prevented visual contact.
“You okay?� Saunders asked.
“Yeah,� he answered. “You?�
“I’m all right,� Saunders assured the medic. “Let’s get outta here.� He turned, took a
step to leave, and went to the ground again with a short cry of pain.
“What is it?� Doc finally found the sergeant and quickly knelt beside him.
“I guess I twisted an ankle.� Saunders grumbled as he tried to stand again.
Caje reached for Saunders’ right arm and pulled it across his shoulders and Doc did the same with the
left. Between them they half assisted, half-carried the sergeant in a direction away from the barrage,
intensifying behind them.
“We gotta find some shelter,� Saunders gasped between breaths.
When they were what appeared to be a safe distance from the shelling, Caje and Doc eased the sergeant
down against a tree trunk.
“I thought I saw something up ahead, Sarge,� Caje told him quietly. “I’ll go check it out.�
“Watch yourself, Caje,� Saunders advised. “Those Krauts’re probably moving just like we
are.�
“Okay, Sarge,� Caje moved away without a sound and disappeared into the swirling snow.
* * *
The cave now occupied by Hanley’s men was once used for storing French cheeses. There were
several wooden shelves and benches deeper inside. These were quickly broken apart and were now serving
as fodder for a toasty fire. With two of the men standing guard at the entrance to the cave, Hanley sat
against a back wall and studied a worn map he had drawn from within his coat. They shouldn’t be too
far from their own lines, but it would be impossible to travel in the blizzard raging outside. They would just
have to stay put and hope any stray Germans would not walk up on them unexpectedly.
Most of the men made themselves comfortable around the fire, but Littlejohn and Billy Nelson sat glumly to
one side watching the entrance to the cave; hoping their lost friends would find them.
The two squads had carried provisions for two days’ patrol, so the lieutenant let them break out rations
before bedding down in shifts.
Hanley knew they would not be able to stay in the small grotto for any length of time, and hoped the storm
would pass quickly. He had called his position in to HQ and they told him to use his judgement with moving
on in the storm.
Littlejohn and Nelson volunteered to stand guard duty, having dual motives. Not only were they watching for
Krauts, they were also looking for their missing squadmates, praying that they were still alive.
The lieutenant understood all too well what they were feeling. The urge to go out in the storm and look for
them himself was almost overwhelming, but he had seven men to think about within these walls, and his duty
was to them first.
* * *
Caje looked around, carefully remembering every detail of the area where he was leaving Doc and the
sarge. He certainly didn’t want to lose them in the storm.
Slowly the Cajun crept forward towards the spot where just moments ago he had glimpsed a flicker of light.
Easing up behind a large tree trunk, Caje could see a farmhouse barely outlined against the pure white
background of snow. The house was dark. Perhaps they were using ‘black-out’ curtains and one had
been pulled aside momentarily when he spotted the light. Or maybe a door had been opened as someone
moved in or out of the small wood-frame building. He would have to check it out carefully and get back fast.
Dark was closing in and Saunders and Doc could freeze out here if he didn’t hurry. Caje could already
feel the effects of the cold on his own stiffening limbs.
Keeping as low as he could, Caje moved out towards a small shed located behind the farmhouse. He made
it to the shed without incident and crawled on hands and knees along the fence leading from the shed to the
side of the house. In the silence of the winter evening, vague voices drifted on the swirling snow.
Caje crept closer intent on determining the language being used. As soon as he was under a dark window,
Caje could hear two people speaking softly in French. Relieved, Caje moved cautiously to the door and
knocked lightly.
All sound ceased immediately. Soon a man’s voice whispered from behind the door “Qui est la?�
“Je suis Americaine.� Caje spoke softly to the obviously frightened Frenchman.
“Americaine?� the voice spoke up a little louder.
“Oui, Monsieur,� Caje assured him. “Un soldat.�
The door opened a crack and a beam of light revealed the shivering American soldier standing just outside.
“Come in, Monsieur,� the Frenchman spoke in perfect English as he stepped aside and allowed the
door to swing wider.
“Merci, Monsieur, thank you,� Caje smiled as he stepped inside the cozy room.
Then he stopped in horror as three German privates and a Kraut Captain stepped from the shadows leveling
their weapons at him. The Cajun slowly released his M1 to let it drop to the floor, then raised his hands in
surrender.
“How many are with you, American?� the German Captain snapped.
“Paul LeMay, Private-First Class, serial nu…�
“Enough!� The captain cut him short. Giving his men a curt order he moved closer to the fire blazing
in the fireplace and turned to face the American soldier again.
One of the privates pulled Caje’s hands behind him, tying them tightly with a piece of cord. Then he was
pushed to his knees as two of the Krauts quickly stepped outside to check the perimeter of the farm.
Caje’s heart beat wildly. They just couldn’t discover Doc and the sarge! But they would freeze to
death out in the blizzard if they didn’t have shelter soon. He cudgeled his brain to find an answer to this
dilemma, but answers eluded him.
“Now, American,� the captain pulled a chair in front of Caje and sat down, making himself
comfortable. “we can continue our conversation. How many are with you?� He leaned slightly
forward to look straight into the Cajun’s angry face.
“I’m alone,� Caje told him. “I was lost and looking for shelter from the storm.�
The back of the captain’s gloved hand came down hard across Caje’s face, splitting his lower lip
and knocking him to the floor. The German private standing behind Caje reached down and jerked him
back to a kneeling position before the captain.
Caje glared at the officer, but kept silent.
“Very well,� the captain gave a slightly crooked smile. “If we find any others out there, they will be
shot.�
With this, the German officer stood and moved back close to the fire to warm himself.
Caje sat back on his heels. A trickle of blood dripped off his chin from the split lip, but he had been so cold
he hardly felt any pain from it. He was hoping Doc and the sarge were far enough back into the woods to be
hidden from the searching Krauts.
* * *
“Could be broken, Sarge,� Doc said as he examined the swollen left ankle. It had turned shades of
black and blue, and the swelling had encompassed the foot as well. “At the very least, it’s a bad
sprain.�
“Just tighten up the boot, Doc,� Saunders spoke through chattering, gritted teeth.
“Caje has been gone too long,� the sergeant mused. “Somethin’s wrong.�
Saunders grunted as Doc pulled the buckle straps of the boot as tight as he could around the swelled leg.
When Doc was finished, he grabbed Saunders’ extended hand and pulled him to his feet. The sergeant
held to the tree for support as he tried to see through the dense snow that had begun to swirl wildly as the
freezing wind picked up. It was impossible to see more than a few feet.
“Come on, Doc,â€� Saunders held an arm out for support. “Let’s see what’s keepin’ â
€˜im.â€�
“But, Sarge,� Doc hesitated. “What if Caje comes back here lookin’ for us?�
“He shoulda been back by now,� Saunders urged. “Let’s go.�
Doc pulled Saunders’ left arm across his shoulders and the two of them headed in the direction Caje
had disappeared.
It was getting dark and visibility was deteriorating even more. Before they knew it, Doc and Saunders had
walked up on a short stone fence. They knew there had to be a house close by.
Suddenly a dark figure appeared to the right of them and both men stopped and stood absolutely still. The
person apparently did not see them and was heading away when Saunders nodded for Doc to follow. The
two of them followed the man at a safe distance, just barely keeping him in sight.
It wasn’t long before the shape of a house materialized from the gloom and snow.
Saunders motioned for Doc to get down, and they dropped to the ground together.
The vague figure of a man opened a door to the house, spilling a shaft of light across the freshly fallen snow.
As he entered the well-lit room, the two GIs could plainly see the high boots and long coat of a German
soldier.
“Stay here, Doc,� Saunders instructed as he started to crawl towards the house.
“Sarge,� Doc whispered. “What’re ya gonna do?�
“I’m just gonna take a look,� Saunders explained. “Stay down and stay quiet,� he ordered.
“Okay, Sarge,� Doc conceded. The cold of the snow he was laying in was seeping through his
clothing. He was sure he could be quiet, all but his chattering teeth, that is.
Saunders crawled as close as he dared to the door to listen. He heard the guard, who had just entered,
speak to someone in German. Then he heard a heavily accented voice speak in English. “Well,
American, it seems you have been telling the truth. Hans found no one else in the vicinity. We will wait for
Gunter to return, then we will talk some more.�
Saunders looked around him. There was another one out here somewhere, and Caje is in there with them!
The sergeant’s mind was racing. He had to get Caje out of there without getting the Cajun, Doc, or
himself killed.
Suddenly another figure appeared in the driving snow. He was walking with his head bent to the wind, so he
didn’t see the American crouched in the shadow of the house.
Biting back the pain in his ankle, Saunders lunged as the man passed him. Quickly throwing the Thompson
around the Kraut’s neck, he pulled backward with all his strength.
The German barely let out a grunt as he started struggling against the pressure on his windpipe.
Saunders pulled the soldier to the ground and swiftly rolled on top of him, grinding the Kraut’s face into
the snow and holding on to the Tommy gun until the German stopped struggling.
Grabbing the dead man’s collar, Saunders crawled to the corner of the house, dragging the body with
him. As soon as the dead soldier was out of sight at the side of the building, Saunders crawled swiftly back
to Doc.
“Caje is in there with at least two Krauts,� Saunders told Doc as he crept up beside him. “I killed
one, but we’ll have to move fast to keep them from killing Caje,� the sergeant explained as he turned
back towards the house.
“Doc, I want you to make a noise of some kind. See if you can lure them out.â€� Saunders said. â
€œGive me a couple minutes to get set beside the door. Okay?â€�
“Okay, Sarge,� Doc nodded grimly.
Trying to ignore the spikes of fire shooting up through his left leg, Saunders crawled back to the door of the
house. He pulled himself up as quietly as possible against the wall and brought his Thompson around to a
firing position. Then he waited for Doc’s diversion.
In less than a minute, there was a banging noise as Doc struck a tree with a dead branch. The noise was
heard inside and an order was barked.
The door of the house opened and a soldier stepped outside.
“Gunter?� he called softly.
Through the open door, Saunders could see another soldier standing just inside, a German officer with a
pistol leveled at Caje’s head as the Cajun knelt before him, and two Frenchmen huddled, terrified, in the
far corner near the fireplace.
Grinding his teeth and forcing himself to move, Saunders raised his gun and came down hard with the butt of
it against the neck of the soldier who had stepped through the door. Then whirling without watching his
victim fall, the sergeant threw himself on the Kraut standing just inside.
* * *
“King Six, this is King Two. Come in King Six. Over.� Hanley finally came to the realization that the
cold had gotten to the radio. The battery was dead and the spare was carried by Walters, one of the
soldiers who’d been killed by the blast from the German tank. ‘Looks like we’re on our own.â
€™ Hanley thought as he surveyed the few half-frozen soldiers huddled in the cave.
It would soon be daylight, and they could head for home. No one else had shown up during the long,
freezing night. Hanley wouldn’t give up on them, though. The lieutenant had to believe everyone would
be all right. Saunders, Caje and Doc were capable soldiers and knew how to take care of themselves.
Hanley stood, stretching the stiffness out of his frozen muscles. Walking to the entrance of the cave, he
pulled a pack of Luckys from his pocket and lit one as he surveyed the winter scene before him.
The blizzard had died down during the night, and although it was still overcast and freezing, everything
appeared to be quiet and peaceful. It was amazing how a soft blanket of pure white snow could hide the
scars and ugliness of a war-torn countryside.
He nodded at the two soldiers standing guard, then turned back to the men stirring inside.
“Okay. Saddle up,� he called as he placed his helmet on his head and shouldered his carbine.
“We’re heading home,� Hanley announced. “Davis, take the point.�
“With pleasure, sir,� Davis grinned as he stepped out into the fresh 4-inch layer of snow.
All of the shivering soldiers were eager to get back to headquarters. Only two of them dragged their feet,
looking apprehensively out through the woods they’d traversed the night before.
Noticing the downcast expressions on Littlejohn and Billy’s faces, Brockmeyer dropped back to try
and encourage them.
“C’mon, you guys,� he said cheerfully. “You know those three well enough to know they can
take care of themselves.�
“Yeah. If they weren’t wounded or killed last night.� Billy said gloomily.
“Hey! They’re probably sittin’ back at that field hospital with Kirby, wonderin’ what’s
takin’ us so long,� Brockmeyer laughed and slapped the young private on the shoulder.
“Yeah, Billy,â€� Littlejohn perked up at that thought. “They probably got steamin’ coffee anâ
€™ a hot breakfast, while we’re out here freezin’ our toes off in the snow.â€�
Billy gave a slightly crooked grin and just shook his head.
* * *
“Welcome home,� Kirby brightened as he saw Billy walk through the door with Littlejohn close on
his heels.
“How ya doin’, Kirby?� Nelson asked, his usually optimistic expression missing from his boyish
features. Littlejohn did little more than just nod as he sat on the cot at Kirby’s feet.
“I’m doin’ great,� Kirby laced his fingers behind his head and smiled tauntingly at the two
obviously weary soldiers.
Sensing something more than weariness, Kirby sat up straight and demanded, “Okay, let’s have it.
What gives?�
“It’s Sarge, Caje and Doc,� Littlejohn said distractedly.
Kirby felt a knot twist in his stomach. “What about ‘em?� he asked.
“They’re MIA,� Billy said softly.
Kirby threw back the blanket covering him, and swung his legs over the side of the cot.
“Then we gotta go find ‘em!� he stated, looking around for his gear.
“The lieutenant’s talkin’ to Captain Jampel now, Kirby,� Littlejohn pushed the smaller man
back down on the cot. “Maybe the captain will let us go back. I don’t know.�
Lt. Hanley stepped into the room full of cots, wounded soldiers, and medical staff, and looked around, his
gaze settling on the three restless soldiers in the farthest corner.
All three stood as Hanley approached, and started talking all at once. Hanley held his hands up for silence
and cleared his throat.
“Captain Jampel wants me to take a small patrol back to that village to recon the area.â€� He started. â
€œDoctor Jamison has released you, Kirby, so I’ll take you, Littlejohn, and Nelson. We don’t
engage the enemy if we can help it, and just maybe we can find out what happened to the rest of our guys.â
€�
“Yes, Sir!� the three eager soldiers echoed each other and started gathering their gear.
“Just take it easy,� Hanley stated. “This is a ‘recon mission’. You have the rest of the
morning to rest and grab some hot chow. Be ready to go at 1330.�
“Okay, Lieutenant,� Littlejohn said.
“Yes, sir,� Kirby and Nelson answered together.
“Er…Lieutenant?� Billy asked hesitantly.
“What is it, Nelson?� the lieutenant turned back to face Billy.
“What if they’re out there hurt or somethin’? Shouldn’t we go as soon as possible?�
“This is a RECON, Nelson,� Hanley’s features hardened. “We won’t have a radio since
they’re undependable in this cold. We’re to check out the village and return. If we happen to run
across our guys in the process that’ll be fine. If we don’t, we return and report. That’s it. You
got that, Nelson?�
“Yes, sir,� Billy couldn’t keep the disappointment out of his voice as he answered.
“Good!� Hanley snapped. “Be ready at 1330.� Then he turned and stalked out.
* * *
Saunders slammed into the German standing just inside the door before he was able to raise his Mausser to
fire. The two of them fell to the floor in a melee of arms and legs.
The sudden surprise attack caused the German Captain to inadvertently swing his pistol in the direction of
the two men struggling on the floor.
This was all the distraction Caje needed. He pitched forward, driving his shoulder into the knees of the
Kraut officer. With an oath, the German fell, loosing his grip on the pistol.
As the captain turned to look for his lost handgun, a piece of stove wood came down hard across the back
of his head. Stunned, the officer sprawled without another movement.
Caje looked up from his position on the floor, to find one of the Frenchmen standing over the German,
brandishing a chunk of wood and smiling sheepishly.
Caje’s attention turned to the two men locked in a struggling battle over the Thompson machine gun.
The Kraut had lost his grip on his Mausser as he fell, and it was lying near the fireplace.
“Quick! Untie me!� Caje pleaded with the Frenchman.
As the old man bent to release Caje from his bonds, the German private managed to get a finger in the
trigger guard of the Thompson. The sound was deafening in the small room when the gun sprang to life.
Caje pulled the old man to the floor as bullets sprayed the wall above their heads.
Surprised at the sudden gunfire, the German relaxed his grip momentarily. At that instant, Saunders, who
also had a grip on the gun, shoved the Thompson up as hard as he could, catching the Kraut beneath the
chin. The German was stunned and Saunders easily yanked the weapon free. Pushing himself up to a sitting
position against a wall, the sergeant swung the Tommy gun around to cover both Krauts.
“We…missed you, Caje,� Saunders gasped between breaths.
“Oh, I got tied up, Sarge,� Caje grinned as he rolled over to the fireplace and grabbed up the
Mausser. Standing, he grasped the epaulet strap of the officer’s tunic and half-dragged, half-shoved him
over next to his subordinate.
“Doc!� Saunders called out.
In a couple seconds Doc appeared in the doorway.
Saunders pulled his feet up and out of the way so that Doc could close the door behind him.
“I checked those two outside, Sarge. They’re dead.� Doc announced as he looked concernedly
at Caje.
“I’m okay, Doc. Just a split lip,� Caje wiped his chin with the back of his sleeve.
Then all eyes turned to the two Frenchmen in the corner. The old man was bent over the younger one, who
lay prone and unmoving.
Doc hurried to kneel by the quiet figure. One of the .45 slugs from the Thompson had found its mark in the
center of the young man’s chest. Doc looked at the sergeant and shook his head.
“Caje, ask him if he was a friend.� Saunders turned to the Cajun.
“I speak English,â€� the old man turned to face the sergeant. He looked back down at the body. â
€œHe was my son.â€�
Silence reigned for a few moments.
“Caje,� Saunders finally said softly. “Search those Krauts.�
Both of the Germans were groggily sitting up as Caje bent to search their pockets and remove their utility
belts. The officer started to push Caje’s hands away and Saunders brandished the Thompson at him. â
€œHuh-uh.â€� He said, and the German relaxed, letting his hands fall to his side.
Caje found a couple maps and handed them to his sergeant.
Saunders stuffed them inside his jacket and said, “Tie ‘em up.�
Caje used the Germans’ belts to bind their hands. Then shoved them against a wall to sit with their legs
stretched out in front of them.
Saunders let out a sigh and let his head drop back against the wall he was propped on. He let his eyes close
for a moment, and when he opened them, Doc was kneeling beside him with a frown on his face.
Saunders waved him off. “I’m okay, Doc.�
“Sure you are, Sarge,� Doc said condescendingly. “C’mon.� He reached a hand under the
sergeant’s left arm and bodily lifted him from the floor. Pulling a chair close to the fire, Doc eased his
sergeant onto it and proceeded to examine the injured ankle.
“Leave me be, Doc,� Saunders pushed him away irritably. “It’s okay.�
Doc stood, staring at the sergeant. Saunders looked at him squarely and said, “Really.�
Doc shook his head and produced some aspirin and a canteen. Saunders took the aspirin and just
swallowed them dry when he discovered the water frozen in the canteen.
Doc smiled and took the container, setting it close to the fireplace to thaw. Then he pulled a cotton swab
and peroxide from his medical bag and went to work cleaning the cut on Caje’s lower lip.
* * *
Hanley motioned his squad to him. They had searched the village and found it devoid of enemy troops. The
German tank was sitting idle in the middle of the rubble-strewn street. Its turret was demolished and it was
still smoking from the fire, which had engulfed it when it was hit during the American barrage.
When the men had gathered close, Hanley spoke, “ Okay, we head back. Kirby, take the point.�
There had been no sign of the missing squad members and the men had fallen silent.
“Lieutenant! Look at this!� Nelson called excitedly from the edge of the woods where he had taken
security.
“What is it?� Hanley asked as he and the others trotted up to the young private.
Billy held a dark green beret aloft. “It’s Caje’s hat! I found it right here. They must’ve gone
this way when we scattered last night. Can’t we just take a quick look-see, Lieutenant?� Nelson
pleaded.
Hanley turned to find the same plea in the eyes of all present.
“We are to report back by 2000. We should have a couple hours left of search time. We’d better
make it quick.� Hanley tried to hide the smile that tugged at the corner of his mouth when a subdued
cheer sounded around him.
“There could still be Krauts in the area, so stay alert and don’t bunch up,� Hanley ordered as he
moved off through the woods, away from the decimated village.
The blizzard of the previous evening had completely covered any tracks made by fleeing soldiers. They all
soon realized that finding anyone in the dense, snow-filled forest would be a miracle.
The squad quickly came to an old dry creek bed, the hill on the other side rising nearly straight up about 50
feet above them.
“We have about an hour left,� Hanley informed them. “Then we start back.�
About twenty yards up the creek bed, Hanley stopped and bent to retrieve an object lying half buried in the
snow.
“What’d ya find, Lieutenant?� Kirby asked as he came up next to Hanley.
The lieutenant just stood staring at the camouflage-covered helmet in his hands.
“They’re out here somewhere, Lieutenant,� Kirby spoke softly. “We can’t just turn our
backs on ‘em, can we?�…�sir?� he added belatedly.
* * *
Doc stretched his cold-stiffened muscles and rubbed the sleep from his eyes. They had spent the night
sleeping in two-hour shifts. Caje was now squatted in front of the German prisoners with his own M1 now
pointed at them. He glanced at Doc, then nodded towards the sergeant who was sitting with his back against
the wall next to the fireplace. His legs were stretched out in front of him and his head tilted back to the wall.
His Thompson was held across his lap in his hands. Saunders’ eyes were closed and he appeared to
have fallen asleep again.
“He fell asleep a few minutes ago, Doc,� Caje told the medic. “I think you better check ‘im out.
He doesn’t look so good.�
“You’re right, Caje,� Doc concurred as he knelt and placed a hand on Saunders’ shoulder.
The sergeant was pale, and despite the cold, his face was covered with sweat.
Saunders moaned softly and stirred when Doc gave him a gentle shake.
“Stay still, Sarge,� Doc told him. “I’m gonna check that ankle.�
“Okay, Doc,� he conceded as he stretched his back against the wall.
Doc unbuckled the straps and loosened the laces of the sergeant’s left boot. Saunders tensed, his
knuckles turning white as he gripped his weapon, but he remained silent.
Doc slowly peeled the top of the boot away from the badly swollen ankle. Turning the sock down as gently
as possible, he revealed a mass of blue and purple, starting from the shin and disappearing beneath the sock.
The entire foot was probably involved in the bruising.
“That ankle’s broken, Sarge,� Doc stated. “I’ll have to find something to splint it with.�
“Okay, Doc,� Saunders said through gritted teeth. Looking at his watch, he was surprised to find that
most of the day had already slipped by. “But make it fast. We should have already been heading for
home.�
“All right, Sarge. Here, take these,� the medic handed him some aspirin and picked up his canteen
from the hearth. This time the water wasn’t frozen, and the sergeant took several large gulps before
handing the canteen back to the medic.
The German Captain had been watching Doc work on the sergeant’s leg.
“Your sergeant won’t make it back to the American lines, you know?â€� the officer told Caje. â
€œIt would be easier on all of you if you surrendered to us. We have a good doctor who will take care of
the sergeant’s leg. You can see that he has fever and will not be able to travel.�
“I think that it would be easier to just shoot you both and leave you here.� Caje told the captain, his
tone indicating he would rather do just that.
The German Captain smiled, but said nothing more.
* * *
“Be careful, Billy,� Littlejohn warned his buddy as Nelson made his way slowly up the steep incline.
“Don’t worry, Littlejohn,� Billy cajoled his big friend. “I just want to take a look from up here.
� He kept climbing until he finally reached the top of the rocky hill.
“Hey, Lieutenant,� Billy called after a moment’s search. “I found Doc’s helmet. They
musta been up here, sir.�
“Well, how did the sarge’s helmet get down here?� Littlejohn queried.
The answer was all too obvious; no one spoke it.
“We have another half hour,� Hanley informed them. “Come down from there, Nelson. We’ll
search further up the creek bed.�
“Yes, sir,� Nelson said, and started looking for the easiest way down the cliff face.
A movement caught his attention and he stopped to peer over the treetops to the south. A thin ribbon of
smoke rose lazily above the snow-laden trees.
Pointing excitedly, he called, “Lieutenant! There’s smoke over there.�
Hanley’s brow furrowed into a frown. It could be their missing men or an enemy encampment.
“Come on, Nelson.� The lieutenant turned to Kirby and Littlejohn. “We’ll check it out. You
two move to the left, but stay in sight. If it’s something we can handle, we may be able to flank ‘em.â
€�
“Yes, sir,� Kirby and Littlejohn answered, slipping off through the soft layer of snow coating the
forest floor.
Moving cautiously, using the trees for cover, the four American soldiers made their way southward through
the dense undergrowth.
The group had traveled less than a quarter mile when Hanley motioned the men down. Peering through the
snow-covered brush, the lieutenant could see a small house and a shed close to the back, with a low stone
fence surrounding two sides, connecting to the shed.
He motioned Kirby and Littlejohn to circle the building and come up from the opposite side. As the two GIs
disappeared into the trees, Hanley and Nelson crept closer, searching for any movement outside the
buildings.
Billy grabbed the lieutenant’s elbow, pointing towards the shed at the rear of the house. Doc was bent
over a woodbin, apparently searching for something.
Hanley relaxed as a smile presented itself to his lips. He tapped Billy on the shoulder and motioned towards
Doc.
Nelson slipped quietly from the trees and was standing only four feet from Doc when the medic turned back
to the house, his arms laden with firewood and a couple old fence slats.
Severely startled, Doc dropped his burden and nearly fell backwards. Billy Nelson just stood there grinning.
“Billy!� Doc finally found his voice. “You oughta be shot for that!� He said with mock anger.
His eyes showed that he was really glad to see his young friend.
Suddenly a shot rang out and Nelson spun to the ground. Doc immediately threw himself over Billy as more
shots sounded near the south side of the house.
Lt. Hanley was half-way to the house from the edge of the woods when the shots were fired. He dropped to
the ground near the fence and called to the medic, “Doc, how is he?�
“He’s hit in the arm, Lieutenant,� Doc called after a cursory examination of the hapless soldier.
“Just stay down! We’ll get to ya,� Hanley advised as he tried to get a fix on the direction of the
attack.
In a matter of seconds two M1s opened up from the southernmost edge of the woods. A Schmeisser
answered them along with two or three rifles; all of the enemy fire coming from a group of boulders just
across from the front of the house.
An M1 started firing from the front door of the farmhouse.
Hanley crawled down the length of the fence until he was crouching behind the small utility shed. No shots
had come near him, so he was pretty sure the Germans didn’t know he was there. Concerned about the
unarmed medic and his wounded soldier, Hanley peeked around the corner of the shed.
The two soldiers were no longer in the open. They were crawling flat against the snow-covered ground
towards the rear of the house. Content that the two men were out of the line of fire, the lieutenant crawled
straight back from the shed and into the brush at the edge of the woods.
Crouching low and taking advantage of every bit of cover he could find, Hanley worked his way around the
south side of the property. He was soon within sight of Kirby and Littlejohn, who were keeping a constant
exchange of fire with the enemy.
Hanley tossed a stick to get Kirby’s attention. Kirby quickly swung the BAR around, but sagged with
relief at the sight of the lieutenant.
Through hand motions, Hanley told them to keep the Krauts busy while he tried to flank them.
Kirby signaled his understanding, and the lieutenant moved on towards the outcropping of boulders where
the Germans were dug in.
In less than two minutes, a grenade exploded among the boulders, accompanied by the cries of dying men.
One German made a break for the forest, but was cut down in mid-stride with a shot from the door of the
house.
Kirby and Littlejohn rushed to the boulders to make sure there was no more resistance from the enemy
soldiers.
Hanley stood and waved to Caje, who was standing in the doorway of the farmhouse. Caje returned the
wave with a broad grin and turned back inside.
The lieutenant met Doc and Nelson as they made their way towards the front of the building. Billy was pale
and obviously in pain, but he was walking unassisted, clutching his right arm, as Doc walked behind him,
gathering the slats from the ground where he’d dropped them earlier.
“You okay, Nelson?� Hanley asked, eyeing the bloody arm.
“Yes, sir,� Billy assured him. “I’m okay, Lieutenant, but Doc says that the sarge is hurt.�
“Saunders? Where is he?� Hanley turned to Doc.
“He’s inside, Lieutenant,� Doc explained. “His ankle is broken, sir. I’ll need to splint it
before we can move him. He won’t be able to walk. We’ll need a litter, Lieutenant.�
“Okay,� Hanley nodded. Raising his voice, he called to Kirby and Littlejohn. “Get some coats off
those Krauts and build a stretcher.�
Littlejohn scanned the area until he saw Billy walking next to Doc. With a sigh of relief he said, “I wonder
who we need a litter for?�
Kirby glanced at the big PFC and mumbled, “Who do you think? We haven’t seen the sarge, ya
know.�
Littlejohn’s face clouded over. “Oh, yeah.� He started stripping the coat from the nearest dead
German.
Hanley walked through the door, stopping for a moment to let his eyes adjust from the brilliant white snow
to the darkened room. He took notice of the two German prisoners sitting against one wall, then he turned
towards the fireplace. Saunders sat with his back against the wall by the hearth. Though the fire had died
down and the room was cold, the sergeant’s face was flushed and covered with sweat.
Saunders looked up at Hanley with a forced grin. “Glad you could drop by, Lieutenant.� He said,
trying to sound cavalier. The sergeant had been covering the prisoners with his Thompson, now he let it rest
in his lap, his energy spent.
Hanley smiled and squatted in front of Saunders.
“We’re about an hour late reporting in, Sergeant,� Hanley explained. “We’ll have to get
out of here as fast as we can. The Krauts pulled out of the village.� He glanced at the German Captain
and private sitting silent across the room. “Think you’ll make it?� he asked, frowning at the
swollen leg and foot.
“I’ll be okay, Lieutenant,� Saunders reached into his jacket and produced the German’s
maps, extending them to Hanley. “We might at least know where the Krauts got off to, sir.�
Hanley smiled as he stood and stowed the documents inside his own coat. “Okay,â€� he ordered. â
€œSaddle up! We’re movin’ out!â€�
END
