And Along Came Jake (19 page)

The recruits were becoming more disciplined, stronger, leaner and combat ready each day, but the Drill Sergeants never let up. The only time they became a little less aggressive, was during basic rifle marksmanship or (BRM). This was when the recruits were given live ammunition, and they didn't want a Private to snap or do anything stupid.

Those who remained, handled basic training very well, with the exception of Pvt. Washton. One day while the third platoon was at 'toes on line,' all three of the Drill Sergeants had ganged up on him, yelling at him for back talking one of the Drill Sergeants. Pvt. Washton just stood there, directly across from Pvt. Patterson and Pvt. Birch.

"Why in the name of common sense would you disobey a direct order from one of my fellow Drill Sergeants?" Drill Sergeant Hawkins yelled. Pvt. Washton didn't respond, just looked straight ahead.

"Drill Sergeant Hawkins is talking to you, Private!" Drill Sergeant Jeffers yelled. "What's going on in your head boy?" he added

Tears slowly began to fall down Pvt. Washton's face as the Drill Sergeants continued to yell and call him names. "Will somebody help me?" Pvt. Washton said quietly. "Will somebody please help me?" he repeated, only louder. He got louder and louder until tears were streaming down his face and onto his combat boots. He began screaming from the top of his lungs for someone to help him, but everyone just stood there, watching as Pvt. Washton began to break down.

The one who told the other recruits basic training was nothing more than a mind game, was now falling apart at the seams. Nobody could help him; in fact, no one knew how, not even the Drill Sergeants, who were now trying to calm him down.

Pvt. Washton took a swing at Drill Sergeant Hawkins, but his fist never made contact, instead, the Drill Sergeants grabbed him and took him outside. Pvt. Washton didn't return to the barracks that evening, or the rest of basic training for that matter, and no one knew what happened to him. The Drill Sergeants didn't say, and the recruits didn't ask.

Training was harder at times than others, there was a kid from Alabama who seemed okay, but somewhere during movement to contact training, he snapped. He just sat on the ground and refused to train. The Drill Sergeants repeatedly told him to get in ranks, then the Private did the unthinkable, he threw his M-1 rifle at one of the Drill Sergeants, telling him he refused to train. Shortly after, the Military Police (MP) came and took him away. The recruit from Alabama was never seen or heard from again.

Towards the end of basic training, recruits would actually antagonize the Drill Sergeants to make them do push up's and other disciplinary actions, and the Drill Sergeants had no problem obliging them. A certain bond was formed between the Drill Sergeants and the recruits. The recruits realized the Drill Sergeants acted the way they did, because they truly cared about them. The Drill Sergeants knew most of those who completed basic training would be going to war, and they somehow felt responsible for their survival.

The last week of basic training was a breeze, they took that week to clean up, turn in their equipment, and pack up their military clothing in duffel bags to take home for the three day rest and relaxation (R&R.) After that, they would be sent wherever the Army needed them. During this time, the Drill Sergeants became human again, they sat and talked to the recruits. No more yelling, barking orders, making them do pushups and things like that, it was almost like a friendship.

They talked about their life experiences, their families, wives, children and told them how it was at war. The Drill Sergeants names would linger in the minds of every recruit for the rest of their life's weather they liked it or not. These were special men, men who gave of themselves, and insured every new soldier who crossed their path was ready and prepared to go to war.

It was three days to graduation; the recruits were in the barracks, packing and getting ready to leave. Suddenly, the Drill Sergeants walked in, escorting Pvt. Washton. Every recruit stopped what they were doing and began to welcome him back, even if it were only to get his stuff. The Drill Sergeants gave Pvt. Washton a few minutes to get his things, and explain to his fellow recruits what happened the day he was taken away.

He told them that the Drill Sergeants took him directly to the hospital, where he was mentally evaluated, and in time, got better. He told them that they were sending him home, with an honorable discharge, even though he took a swing at Drill Sergeant Hawkins.

"Well boys" Pvt. Washton said to the recruits. "It seems I was right all along—just a mind game, unfortunately my mind couldn't handle that game, but the doctors and Drill Sergeants really helped me a lot!"

"How did the Drill Sergeants help you?" Asked one of the recruits

"Well" Said Pvt. Washton "They would come and visit me a couple times a week, telling me everything was going to be fine."

Pvt. Washton grabbed his things, left the barracks and was never seen again. All the recruits became very close during basic training at Camp Wheeler Georgia. Jake, Edwin and Ernie vowed to stay in contact and be friends forever.

After the graduation ceremony was over, each recruit was given their orders and three days of R&R. Everyone in D. Co. 6th Battalion had orders to go overseas; they were going to war. Not everyone would be going to the same outfit, but as luck would have it, Pvt. Jake Patterson, Pvt. Edwin Birch and Pvt. Ernie Glosman would all be a part of the 2nd Infantry Division, better known as the Indianhead Division. The patch they would wear was in the shape of a shield, with a star in the middle, and an Indian head in the middle of the star.

When the Drill Sergeants dismissed their recruits, hearing them recite there motto for the very last time, they hoped the training they provided would help save at least some lives when they went to war.

The recruits shook each of their Drill Sergeant's hands, then made their way to the train station, to head home. Luckily, this train ride wouldn't be stopping overnight in Tennessee, but continue straight to St. Louis to drop off the Ernie and the other recruits, then continue on to Blackwater.

After hours of riding, they finally arrived in St. Louis where Jake and Edwin gave Ernie a hand shake and a hug. "Well Patterson,—Birch!" Ernie said "Guess I'll be seeing you in a few days to get on that plane."

"B-B-Bye G-Glosman!" Edwin said. "S-S-See you s-soon!"

"Take Care" Jake said, shaking Ernie's hand. "See you in a few days!"

Ernie hopped off the train where he was greeted by his friends and family, along with a few St. Louis Cardinals players. As the train continued down the tracks, Jake and Edwin waved to their friend until he and his family were completely out of sight. After a few more hours on the train, they finally arrived at the train station in Blackwater.

Jake and Edwin walked off the train wearing their military dress uniforms and holding their duffel bags. Their wives, family and friends were all there to greet them; they threw their duffel bags down and caught their wives who literally jumped into their arms, smothering them with kisses.

After their family and friends shook the hands of the two soldiers, everyone went to Nate and Abigail's place for a celebration dinner. Jake and Edwin ate so fast, no one could believe their eyes.

"Hey soldiers!" Nate Brierly said. "You may be able to actually taste your food if you slowed down a bit."

"Sorry Mr. B." Jake said laughing. "We've been eating like this for the past three months, so it's almost second nature now."

Jake and Edwin had to force themselves to eat slower, and the idea of actually chewing their food, seemed like a whole new concept to them.

"I didn't see Big Paul" Jake said as he took a sip of iced tea "I thought for sure he'd be here for dinner."

"I'm sorry, honey." Madison said. "Big Paul hasn't been feeling well these days. That pesky cough of his has gotten worse, and he hasn't been to his shop in weeks. Tommy's been taking care of the store by himself, but I think Chad Westfield's been goin' over to help."

"That's good" Jake said "I know how it is at the shop, and Tommy's gonna need all the help he can get. I'd really like to see Big Paul after dinner though."

"About that, sweetie" Madison said. "I asked him if it would be alright if you stopped by when you got in, but he told me he wanted to rest, he asked if you could stop by tomorrow instead?"

"Tomorrow's good!" Jake smiled "I'm sure he's gonna be fine."

After they ate, they sat in the living room and listened to the many stories about Jake and Edwin's basic training experiences. They told them about Drill Sergeant Hawkins, all the horrible and fun times, the story about Pvt. Washton, and how they were gonna miss everyone.

"So Jake" Mr. Brierly asked "Here's the big question––did y'all get your orders?"

"Yes sir" Jake said, as he and Edwin sighed. "In three days, we'll be back on the train to the St. Louis, then off to the airport where Edwin and I will fly to Europe."

Gasps came from all of the women, while the men just lowered their heads. "D-Don't worry," Edwin said. "J-J-Jake and I are g-gonna' be together, in th-the same u-u-u- unit."

"Abigail began to weep. "At least you'll have each other."

"Yes ma'am!" Jake nodded "We're both going to the 2nd Infantry Division."

"Infantry?" Mr. Birch said. "Can't you request something other than infantry?"

"F-F-Fraid not, Pa. Th-The orders they g-give is w-what we g-g-get."

"I'm sure everything will be fine." Jake said "Our Drill Sergeants told us they just might get Hitler before we even leave."

Jake wasn't much of a liar, but he had to say something to cheer them up. As a matter of fact, the Drill Sergeants said just the opposite. After that, everyone began saying their goodbyes and headed home. Jake stayed with Madison and her parents for another hour, and after hearing some sound advice from Mr. and Mrs. Brierly, he and Madison went to the old barn for some much needed time together.

Walking back into that old barn, Jake noticed that Madison straightened everything up right, putting a women's touch to it. After Jake and Madison made love, they lay there in the dark, holding one another, and making small talk. Anything to try and avoid the fact that they only had a few days left until he and Edwin went off to war. They talked for what seemed like hours, until they both drifted off to sleep.

—

Hell On Earth

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Jake woke the next morning smelling the aroma or sizzling bacon, freshly cooked eggs, ham and pancakes. He opened his eyes and saw Madison at the stove, finishing the last batch of hotcakes. Jake smiled, feeling extremely lucky and blessed to have Madison as his wife.

"Did you get some good sleep, sweetie?" Madison asked looking back as he sat up, stretched and rubbed his face.

"What time is it, honey?" He asked as he yawned.

"Almost ten" She answered with a smile.

"Ten?" he exclaimed. "I missed formation!"

"There's no formation, you silly man!" she laughed. "You're home now."

"Wow Maddie" Jake said, as he chuckled. " For the last three months I've constantly been yelled at, told what to do, where to be, and when to be there, so it kinda' grows on you. It's hard to believe right now I can do anything I want, when I want, and how I want."

"That's right baby." She said, handing him his breakfast. She smiled then yelled as loud as she could "Now eat your food, Private!"

"Drill Sergeant, yes Drill Sergeant!" Jake instinctively yelled back. He was about to start digging in, when he realized what happened; he relaxed and began to laugh at himself feeling silly and a bit embarrassed.

"Tommy was right!" Madison said as she chuckled. "He told Ashley and I, that his wife did the same thing to him, after he got out of basic training. Don't worry honey, I won't do that again."

Jake was very anxious to visit Big Paul, so after he and Madison finished eating, they made their way to his house, taking the same path into town that Jake found when he was just a boy.

It didn't surprise them to see Edwin and Ashley sitting on the empty bleachers when they got to the baseball field. Jake and Madison walked over and sat down next to them to talk.

"So J-J-Jake, wanna pitch m-me a f-f-f-few?" Edwin asked.

"Sure pal, let's see what you got!" Jake said, as he grabbed a ball and glove.

As they played, Madison and Ashley sat and talked, watching their husbands. A few minutes passed, and some more men showed up with their wives and asked if they could get in on the action. A few more showed, then more, and before you knew it, the bleachers were partially filled, and a friendly small town game of baseball was officially under way.

Edwin played a few innings and struck out both times at bat. He also missed four pop-flys which should have landed right in his glove. Nevertheless, he had the time of his life, playing the game he loved with his family and friends.

After an hour, the game came to an end, with a score of four to seven. Even though Jake and Edwin's team lost, they had a great time, almost felling like kids again. Everyone said their goodbyes at the field, and slowly went their separate ways, and Jake and Madison continued to their original destination.

They found Big Paul on his front porch, rocking in his rocking chair and cracking open some pecans, digging out the seeds and popping them in his mouth.

"Well howdy stranger." Big Paul greeted Jake with a smile. "Care for some pecans? Mr. Dobbins brought me a bucket full this morning.

"Hi Big Paul!" Jake exclaimed as he ran over, gave him a firm handshake and a big hug.

"You're all he's talked about, Mr. Sutton." Madison said "Maybe now he'll pay me some attention." she joked.

The three sat on the porch, eating pecans and reminiscing, but Jake couldn't help but notice Big Paul's cough was worsening. When asked about it, he told Jake it was probably nothing more than all the sawdust after years of making furniture.

"So Jake, did you get your orders yet?" Mr. Sutton asked.

"Yes sir," he answered. "I'm headed to England in a couple days."

"What about Edwin?" Big Paul asked.

"If there's any good news in this, it's that Edwin and I will be going overseas together, we'll even be in the same unit."

"That's great Jake!" Big Paul said. "Y'all be sure to look after one another. I'm gonna need my two best employees to come back in one piece, you hear me?"

"I second the notion, Mr. Sutton!" Madison nooded.

"We'll be okay" Jake replied. "They're sayin' there's a good chance they'll get Hitler by the time we get to England, then the war will be over."

"Let's hope so." Big Paul said, as he began to cough violently into his handkerchief.

He stopped coughing, and could taste what seemed like blood in his mouth. As he slowly pulled the handkerchief away from his mouth, he could see his taste buds didn't fool him. He folded the blood stained handkerchief, and quickly put it in his pocket, hiding any evidence of coughing up blood for the very first time.

Knowing how much Jake and Madison loved and cared for him, and learning Jake was about to go to war, Big Paul didn't mention the bloody cloth and risk putting undue stress on the young Patterson couple.

Paul Sutton cleared his throat a few times. "I'm gettin' tired and really should rest a while, y'all go on and spend some good quality time together, I'll see you tomorrow."

They hugged, said their goodbyes, and Jake and Madison walked down the street hand and hand. Big Paul went inside, closed the door and watched them through his living room window until they were completely out of sight. He reached into his pocket, removing the blood soaked handkerchief and sat to examine it in disbelief.

"Well, my Jenny." he quietly said picking up a picture of his late wife. "I've been doin' a lot of prayin' and readin' my bible like you always said I should.  I'm not quite sure what's going on in my body right now, but it doesn't look good; I don't think it'll be much longer til you and I are reunited again. Well anyway, I'm gonna try and take a nap now, I love you Jenny." He placed her picture on his night stand, laid down and went to sleep.

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The soldiers spent good quality time with their wives, families and friends. The next two days went by entirely too fast, and before they knew it, Jake and Edwin were back at the train station, ready to make their way to England and meet up with their new  assigned unit.

Everyone, including Big Paul, met them at the train station on April 28, 1944 and offered some last words of encouragement and advice. They each kissed their wives for what seemed like an eternity, until the whistle of the train snapped them back to reality, signaling it was officially time to go.

As the train began the trip to St. Louis, their family and friends waved and blew kisses until it was completely out of sight. Madison and Ashley both sobbed and collapsed to their knees, unsure if they would ever see their husbands alive again.

After a few hours of rest, Jake and Edwin woke to the slowing motion of the train, arriving at the train station in St. Louis. When they got off the train, they were immediately put on a bus taking them to the airport's tarmac. There they'd meet up with the other soldiers, and wait for a military chartered plane to transport them overseas. At the airport, they saw about fifty soldiers gathered in a certain area, all from surrounding cities and states, waiting for the flight to England.

They quickly grabbed their duffel bags, got off the bus and joined the other soldiers waiting for the plane. Once they arrived at the group of soldiers, they noticed many of them with different ranks. Some Privates, some sergeants, as well as a few officers. Some were returning to Europe from leave, but the majority were new recruits just out of basic training, not knowing what to expect.

A Sergeant holding a clipboard called out, "Privates, let me see your orders, ID's and dogtags, I need to check you off the manifest."

Pvt. Patterson and Birch dropped their duffel bags to the side, and nervously handed the Sergeant the requested credentials.

"Names?" the Sergeant ordered.

"Sergeant, Pvt. Patterson Sergeant!" Jake yelled from the top of his lungs.

"Whoa, calm down, Private." The Sergeant replied in a relaxed tone. "You ain't in basic training any more, just maintain your respect and discipline, and speak normally."

"Yes Sergeant" Pvt. Patterson said in a normal toned voice.

"And your name?" The Sergeant looked at Pvt. Birch.

"P-P-Private B-Birch, Sergeant." He studdered.

"What's wrong boy, you nervous or something?" The Sergeant chuckled.

He shook his head. "N-N-No Sergeant, th-this is just th-th-the way I t-talk."

"Oh, sorry about that Private." He looked on his clipboard and quickly changed the subject. "Well boys, according to my records, your both assigned to the 29th Infantry Division, 116th RCT." (Regimental Combat Team)

"I thought we were going to the 2nd Infantry division?" Pvt. Patterson questioned.

"Well son, welcome to the United States Army, you'll soon learn to adapt and overcome any situation, to believe half of what we see and none of we hear. We go where we're needed, and do as we're told, but don't worry, the 'Blue and Grey' is a great battalion."

"B-B-Blue and G-Grey?" Pvt. Birch asked in a puzzled voice.

"Yeah, the Blue and Grey!" The Sergeant smirked, tapping the patch on his shoulder. It was a circular patch, one side colored blue, and the other grey. "It's a good unit boys, lots of fine men in there. Well, the plane should be here any minute now, so go join the rest of em'!"

When they joined the rest of the soldiers waiting for the chartered flight, they overheard a very familiar voice, playfully arguing with another soldier about the St. Louis Cardinals.

Pvt. Ernie Glosman saw the boys and immediately walked over, giving them each a firm handshake and a hug. "Howdy boys, how ya doin'?" he greeted with a smile.

"D-Doin' good G-Glosman, and y-y-you?" Pvt. Birch asked.

"I'm good buddy." he said. "They reassigned me to the 29th Infantry division, 116th RCT, I don't think we're gonna be together long."

Pvt. Patterson grinned. "Well, they reassigned us to the same outfit, so I guess we're stuck with each other."

"Y-Yeah, the B-Blue and G-G-G-Grey!" Pvt. Birch exclaimed.

"There's a lot of soldiers on our flight from the 29th infantry. There's big talk that they're tryin' to beef up the 'Blue and Grey' for a major assault in the beginning of June, but that's probably just a rumor. I bet they're just sayin' that to scare us cherries." Pvt. Glosman explained.

"No doubt," Pvt. Patterson replied. "I heard they like to mess with the new Privates like that."

The soldiers watched as a large, military, Air Force plane was taxiing down the tarmac. Once it came to a stop, a few airline workers pushed a mobile staircase to the aircraft. One by one, the soldiers put their duffel bags on a cart to be loaded on the plane by one of the workers. The soldiers made their way up the staircase and to the first available seat, beginning at the rear of the plane.

Pvt. Patterson sat beside a Sergeants returning to Europe from a one month leave, while Pvt. Birch and Pvt. Glosman were fortunate enough to sit together. After everyone boarded, the Sergeant with the clip board stood before them and made a quick role call to ensure everyone was present and accounted for.

Ten minutes later, they felt the plane begin to move, and slowly taxi down the tarmac until it reached the runway. It stopped for about two minutes, then with no warning whatsoever, the propellers roared alive. Everyone was pushed back in their seats as the plane began to accelerate down the runway until it separated from the ground beneath them.

"This is Captain Wilkins speaking, with the United States Air force." A voice called over the loud speaker. "My co-pilot, Lieutenant Barns and I, will be your air chauffer for the next fifteen hours. We'll have a brief layover in New York to top off the fuel tanks and pick up some additional soldiers, then it's off to England where you'll link up with your designated units."

In New York, the soldiers were allowed to get out and walk around while the plane was being refueled and checked. When they were finally ready to depart, everyone loaded up, starting from the back of the plane, taking the next available seat. Pvt. Birch and Pvt. Glosman stayed close so they could once again sit together and talk baseball. Pvt. Patterson sat in the row behind them, next to a young recruit from Texas. He was a tall muscular fellow, probably getting his build from bailing hay on his father's farm.

As the plane reached proper altitude, everyone began to relax and make the best of a very long flight. While flying over the Atlantic Ocean, Pvt. Patterson pulled out his wallet and took out a picture of Madison; he began staring at it, thinking of his beautiful bride.

"She sure is purdy!" the Private from Texas remarked.

"Thanks." Pvt. Patterson smiled. "Her name's Madison, we just got married a few months ago."

"That's great, I'm Stanley Freeman, by the way." he said, shaking Pvt. Patterson's hand. "But everyone just calls me Big Tex."

"Nice to meet you Pvt. Freeman… I mean Big Tex." he corrected. "I'm Jake Patterson."

"I got a girl too ya know!" Big Tex said "Her name's Amanda, we ain't married yet though, but she promised she'd wait for me."