The Life of an Airborne Ranger: Book Two: Take Care of Your Men

By Michael B. Kitz-Miller

Book Two: Take Care of Your Men—part of the trilogy—continues with Jack and Mary Clarke’s careers flourishing. Jack’s training continues at the infantry school, air assault school, and in reestablishing his jump status. His mentor, Lt. Gen. Frank Stafford, is now commander of Eighth Airborne Corps and invites Jack for a special assignment to research small unit tactics in the two airborne divisions at Fort Bragg.

Jack uncovers an old boy network that has led to substandard basic military skills. With one unit scheduled for deployment to Vietnam, there is great concern making their readiness a priority. First Lieutenant Donovan leaves for his third tour in Vietnam as a company commander, where he commands two successful operations against VC-rocket launcher sites, receiving numerous commendations for valor. He is now the most highly decorated soldier in the military, but he again clashes with Orin Jensen’s incompetence.

Returning from Vietnam as acting battalion commander, Mary Clarke surprises Jack with a planned trip to Austria. Their love of opera and classical music fills their evenings in Salzburg and Vienna. Jack has also discovered his wife’s independent wealth, having inherited a substantial sum from an aunt and uncle unable to have their own children. Money will never be a problem for the Donovans, whose family has been enlarged with a Welsh terrier named Patton.

Jack, now a battalion commander with the Seventy-Fifth Airborne Rangers, plans and commands a major field training exercise at Fort Benning. Using high-altitude qualified parachutists, which includes himself, he outsmarts a larger force to win the exercise. Daring maneuvers against the Tenth Mountain Division allow Jack’s rangers to win yet another FTX at Fort Drum and new promotions. Mary Clarke, with a new PhD from the University of Maryland, fills large lecture halls at NC State University. She is one of few professors on campus that give failing grades to students that are not up to the mark, even while students line up for her classes, which includes graduate-level courses on the romantic novels and their many moral characters of Ayn Rand and Victor Hugo.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Sep 21, 2018
• ISBN: 9781984552914

Michael B. Kitz-Miller

Born in Maryland Michael attended Gettysburg College and was a member of their famous acapella choir. Lack of funds forced him to withdraw in his senior year and with the draft loaming enlisted in the Army completing three distinguished years with numerous commendations as a Sergeant E-5 Paratrooper and Recondo with the 101st Airborne Division. He completed a degree in music from the University of Maryland spending eleven years with the Rand McNally College Publishing Company, leaving as the Western Sales Manager. He has worked in sales and management with such companies as ITT Information Systems, Dictaphone Corporation, AST Research, the Branch Group and AIG. His publications include “Your Basic Peddler” and “Paratrooper,” a memoir that included his parachuting with Iranian paratroopers during the little-known Operation Delawar in 1964 and herewith published book three of “The Life of an Airborne Ranger, Everyone Comes Home.” He has also published numerous articles in military and association magazines on the Airborne School and Recondo School, Operation Delawar and on Just War Theory and Rules of Engagement. He is retired, living with his wife on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.

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THE

LIFE

OF

AN

AIRBORNE RANGER

BOOK TWO: TAKE CARE OF YOUR MEN

MICHAEL B. KITZ-MILLER

Copyright © 2018 by Michael B. Kitz-Miller.

Library of Congress Control Number:   2018910967

ISBN:                  Hardcover                        978-1-9845-5293-8

                            Softcover                          978-1-9845-5292-1

                             eBook                               978-1-9845-5291-4

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Rev. date: 09/19/2018

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CONTENTS

Author Notes

Dedication

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Chapter 46

Chapter 47

Chapter 48

Chapter 49

Chapter 50

Chapter 51

Chapter 52

Chapter 53

Chapter 54

Chapter 55

AUTHOR NOTES

THE LIFE OF AN Airborne Ranger is a work of fiction. It is a military novel in a historic context. The military chronology starts just prior to Vietnam and continues with engagements in Grenada, Somalia, Panama Kuwait and Iraq. Many of the battles have been fictionalized or altered to fit the situation or the character of the numerous players. Most of the Field Training Exercises (FTX’s) are also fiction. Every effort has been taken to be accurate as to places, equipment, military units and reservations, training schools and their capabilities. To that end thanks is due to Wikipedia. They are a substantial library filled with extensive information and data and have provided an enormous wealth of helpful information. It should be noted that the 44th Airborne Division is a fictional unit and the organizational structure of the 75th Airborne Ranger Regiment has been modified to fit the story. If there are mistakes, inaccuracies and errors they are certainly mine and not intentional.

For most of my adult life I have been a fan and advocate of Ayn Rand, her writings both fiction and non-fiction and in agreement as I understand it with her philosophy of Objectivism. There are major characters in this story similar in their agreement with Objectivism. It should be stated that I was never in the past or are now a spokesman for the philosophy. While the Nathanial Branden Institute (NBI) offered taped lecture courses on Objectivism in major cities in the United States, I am not aware of any that were actually offered at any military bases. I also believe that Mr. Branden and Miss Rand and other associates at NBI on different occasions did visit locations where they delivered the opening lectures and/or participated in Q & A sessions for their courses, typically the Introduction to Objectivism. Ayn Rand was invited and did visit West Point and I believe her major novels such as Atlas Shrugged and The Fountainhead were on the cadet’s reading list at that time. The meetings with Miss Rand and Mr. Branden within the novel are, of course fictitious. In any event Ayn Rand, her writings and philosophy have had a positive and profound effect on my life and thinking.

The Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry and von Mises Society’s used in the trilogy are of my invention, knowing such groups or similar have been found on college and university campuses across the country in the past, but not necessarily now.

Additionally, my thanks to Harry Binswanger and his Ayn Rand Lexicon. It is a marvelous work, on my desk and used constantly. Also, my gratitude to Yaron Brook and Alex Epstein of the Ayn Rand Institute for their very clarifying writings regarding Just War Theory and our current military Rules of Engagement. I totally disagree with the theory and the rules. They are costing the lives of too many brave men and women.

Michael B. Kitz-Miller

The Eastern Shore of Maryland

DEDICATION

FIRST, I OWE A tremendous debt to my wife, Stephanie K. Staab who has been a marvelous editor and backboard for my writing. She has had a canny ability to discover solutions to problems of all sorts. She is my best friend and the love of my life.

They were a special group and about ten privates showed up at about the same time. In an unusual way I owe them all a special debt. Here’s to the 1963 Weapon Squad, 2nd Platoon, Company D, 1st Airborne Battle Group, 327th Airborne Infantry, 101st Airborne Division.

Finally, to the finest Airborne Ranger Infantryman and my best friend, Staff Sergeant Donovan Jess Pruitt 1937-1966. His accomplishments were substantial. He was a Master Parachutist, a Recondo School and Ranger School Honor Graduate and held the Expert Infantryman’s Badge. Among numerous commendations he was awarded the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, the Vietnam Service Medal and the Silver Star for Valor. While he was from the State of Washington in an interview with Life Magazine while in Vietnam, he told the reporter he was from Salisbury, Maryland and planned, when his military service was complete to pursue a college degree and attend the University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland.

CHAPTER 1

TWO HOURS LATER THEY pulled into the Donovan driveway. Jack’s parents, of course, had yet to discover what had happened earlier in the day. His mother was ebullient, hugged Mary Clarke and went on and on about her beauty. Mary Clarke had already decided, and told Jack she was going to give his mother her wedding corsage as a welcoming gift. He thought that was a nice idea. Jack’s mother immediately wanted to put them in water and a flower vase. Jack’s father was as usual, simply pleasant and shook Mary Clarke’s hand as if he had just met a new business customer. Mother showed Mary Clarke the numerous pictures they had framed on the walls in the living room and little den off the kitchen when Jack received his Medal of Honor, then his room upstairs and pictures of him at Jefferson University. It was a very modest home on a tree lined street, and nothing to compare with Mary Clarke’s home in New York City. They had some coffee and chatted a bit before it was time to leave for dinner. They decided to take separate cars since Jack and Mary Clarke would be headed for Ocean City after dinner. After they were seated at the restaurant Jack told his parents they had just married.

Oh my god, said his mother. I can’t believe it. When did you get married?"

Jack said, Just a few hours ago at the court house in College Park, Mom. We had a few friends, including a couple of professors, all from school that stood up for us and afterwards all of us went to lunch. Then we went to our two apartments to finish packing before heading here. After a couple days in Ocean City we’ll go up to New York City to break the news to Mary Clarke’s parents.

When will you return to the army, son? asked his father.

After we tell my in-laws we’ll return to College Park to close my apartment, pack up the truck and I’ll leave for Ft. Benning. I’ll start Officer’s Leadership School in a little over a week. Jack had already secured married quarters at Benning for the summer but planned to tell Mary Clarke as a surprise when they went to New York City.

We couldn’t be more pleased Jack. And, Mary Clarke you’re only a couple hours from College Park if you want to take a break or go to the beach. You are part of the Donovan clan now and welcome to visit anytime you want, isn’t she honey?

Of course, dear, said Jack’s dad in a monotone, bored response.

Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Donovan. With all the pictures you have of Jack’s Medal ceremony, I’ll have to make sure you get a picture of his graduation and his commissioning ceremony. He did, of course, graduate with honors in history and was the honor graduate of ROTC. " Mary Clarke could see Jack just rolling his eyes.

Oh my, please we’re Gert and Johnny. And, don’t worry about those pictures little Miss; our walls are so full right now as it is. We did hope to have had our picture with the President which would have meant the world to us.

Thank you, Gert and Johnny. I’ll certainly keep that in mind. Plus, I know how much Jack loves the beach. He can’t wait to teach me how to body surf.

It was still a strained situation. No one from Jack’s family, including his parents came to his graduation or his commissioning. As pleasant as his mother appeared, they were clearly not happy with Jack’s career choice. Their chance of glory through a son as a musician, a church organist and choir director at their church which had been so much of their lives had been ruined, smashed when he joined the army. So be it. Jack was a happy man.

Their dinner was over, and conversation mostly about Jack’s trip to Benning with not one question to Mary Clarke about anything. Neither did they even ask a question about her parents. Once or twice Mary Clarke tried to insert some comment about what she was doing, but it was useless and seemed to be of no interest to them. Jack and Mary Clarke, with dinner over paid the bill, hopped into their car, waving goodbye and headed to Ocean City for their brief honeymoon at the beach.

When they hit Route 50 Jack said, Well, that went better than I expected. As you can tell my mother is pure social metaphysics and my father is smart but just plain dull. I am not fond of my parents. I like yours much more. And the general is my Army father whom you’ll soon meet. I think he’s special and I have the highest regard for him. Come to think of it there are a number of friends you haven’t but will eventually meet. Jack turned and laid his head in the lap of the driver, looking up at the sky with a look of happiness on his face.

It was beautiful weather and they spent time on the beach, swimming, biking, running, enjoying a few restaurants Jack remembered and continuing to explore their bodies both day and night. Mary Clarke continued to find new wounds. When it happened, Jack would give out a loud Ouch! which would startle her while he laughed.

Mary Clarke stop it, or I’ll stick your hand where there is a small wound, and I don’t think you’ll want to go there. I’m fine and I think you’ve discovered all my important body parts work just fine.

I’m sorry Jack, I know you’re fine and I love you and your body. And yes, all your body parts work quite nicely thank you. By the way. Could you put them on go again? And they went back to their love making.

With nicely tanned bodies their short honeymoon was over and they headed north to New York City to visit her parents and break the news. They both knew her parents would be more than pleased. With their top down the five or six hour drive was a joy. They talked about their life and the things that would be forthcoming, things they wanted to do, places they wanted to visit. Not once did Mary Clarke bring up Jack’s trip to Ft. Benning that was less than a week away. Jack would find the classical stations on the way up and nine out of ten times guess the correct composer to her amazement. He explained musical clichés to Mary Clarke who seemed to see how he was able to pick the composer even though he had never heard a particular piece. She wondered if he had truly picked the right profession, especially with his great love of classical romantic music. After their drive they drove up to her folk’s town house and her parents were already out front on the steps with four glasses and chilled wine. They both hugged Jack and their daughter and seemed to know what had happened.

With glass in hand Mary Clarke announced, Mom and Dad, Jack and I were married four days ago. We went to The Shore as they say in Maryland for me to meet his parents and then for a few days alone in Ocean City before heading up here to tell you. Jack’s attempt to teach me body surfing failed miserably. My bathing suit still must have a couple pounds of sand in it. I have sand burns everywhere I shouldn’t. Anyway, he wanted the chance to see you before going to Ft. Benning and his desire to finally sleep in my bedroom. Jack was blushing as the others all laughed and grabbed a glass of wine. It was a beautiful evening and the Clarkes were more than pleased. He was truly their son, whom they were growing to love more and more. And, a beautiful daughter they at onetime thought would turn out to be an old spinster but had finally found a truly special man she dearly loved.

Jack had a marvelous time with the Clarkes. He particularly enjoyed his chats with George who had been a surgeon with a MASH unit in Korea. Their experiences had been similar, just a difference in their job descriptions. George asked if he’d talk about the Donovan Skirmish and Jack agreed. He told Mary Clarke about their conversations and asked her if she wanted to hear the story. She said she knew it was an extraordinary story, but at this point wasn’t interested. She said she’d hear the story sometime in the future, but she was loving their relationship as it was.

So, it took most of one evening and a couple snifters of George’s special cognac to get through Donovan’s Skirmish. George kept asking questions, mostly what was going through Jack’s mind at each turn of events. He simply couldn’t get over the story. Jack tried to make the story as short as possible.

When Jack finished he reached in his pocket and pulled out a beautiful wooden box and opened it. George, I didn’t know if you had seen the medal before, so I thought you might like to see it. Jack took it out and put it in George’s hands.

I have only seen pictures Jack, and now I’m actually holding it in my hands. It’s breathtaking, especially knowing what was done to receive it. George had tears in his eyes. As he was looking at it Mary Clarke and her mother walked in. George held it up for his wife to see. Winnie this is Jack’s Congressional Medal of Honor. I’ve never seen one before and you can see now why they made this so special. It is truly beautiful.

It certainly is with the silk ribbon having such an incredible shine and is such a beautiful shade of blue. You must be awfully proud Jack.

Thank you both.

Mary Clarke reached over and took the medal out of her father’s hands. She had actually not seen it before. It surprised Jack when she held it up in the light looking at it briefly then kissing it and placing it very carefully in the shiny case and said, I don’t want this to be lost. I want this somewhere for safe keeping. With that she with the case in hand turned and headed for bed.

Over dinner the night before Jack and Mary Clarke were leaving, George mentioned to the other three, Jack, I can’t tell you what it’s meant to Winnie and me to have you in our family. We’ve come to love you as our own son. It’s very clear to us how much you love our daughter, and how much she loves you. You’re going to have a few rough times ahead of you, but you both have the love and the spirit to handle those rough times, the longer separations that will occur. But, those too will become shorter and shorter as Jack increases in rank. Mary just keep in mind that Jack will be as much concerned about you as you will about him when you’re separated. And, it appears you’ll have that first opportunity this summer with Jack at Ft. Benning. She can, of course spend the summer with us, as she’s done in the past.

Thanks George and Winnie. I can’t tell you what it’s meant to become a member of this family. I love you all. But it appears it’s the time to let you know that I’ve just secured family housing at Benning, so, Mary Clarke, if you want you can spend the summer with me at Ft. Benning.

Damn you Jack Donovan. Why didn’t you tell me? She got up, grabbed a pillow and hit Jack on the head.

Mary Clarke, you’ve got to get rid of the habit of hitting me all the time. I don’t need any more Purple Hearts. They all laughed. They finished their dinner and took their wine out to the front steps as they had been doing for the past few days. They talked about what Jack would be doing during the summer, their use of the PX and the other inexpensive things available to them. Mary Clarke would also be working on the preparation of the classes she would be teaching in the fall. There were a number of colleges and universities nearby for libraries she might be able to use. Jack of course wasn’t sure what his first duty station would be. He hoped to see his friend, Lt. General Stafford, commander of the XVIII Airborne Corps at Ft. Bragg on their drive down. He told his new family that he would not accept any cushy job because of his past accomplishments. He was an airborne infantry officer. If they wouldn’t allow him to have the job he loved, he was prepared to resign his commission and consider going back to Maryland to do graduate work, or he’d return to his original rank as a sergeant first class and platoon sergeant.

Well, let’s hope you’ll get a duty station you’ll be pleased with Jack, said his father-in-law. Jack saw the concern on Mary Clarke’s face. He hoped the summer would give her a glimpse into service life. Whatever would happen, she had three years, perhaps less to finish her Ph.D. In any event they’d head back to College Park in the morning and start packing. Let’s hope Scout was up to the trip. The convertible would be their backup. Their trip back was enjoyable. Mary Clarke was more than pleased that she would be able to stay at Benning for all of Jack’s training during the summer. He reviewed his two months of officer’s leadership training with her. Then, he had put in for air assault training since the 101st had become an all air assault division which he wasn’t happy about or thought made sense. He somewhere within all that training needed to go through re-instating his jump status. He loved jumping and still had his eyes on special forces, an airborne ranger battalion or even the 44th or 82nd Airborne Division. Surprising to Jack, Mary Clarke seemed to be more interested than he had expected to learn about military life. She would have a lot to do and a lot to learn.

They left Maryland and were very fortunate to have a small truck able to haul most of his belongings and basically all the clothing Mary Clarke would need. For their new digs at Benning, while furnished they would still need a few pieces that Jack could hopefully supplement. They were busy for the next few days, inviting their few friends over to help the process. As would be expected their friends did more supervising then packing the boxes of books and kitchenware. Evenings, with glasses of wine were spent telling them of Jack’s training schedule. Interestingly, Columbus was home to Columbus State College that might be useful for Mary Clarke if they had a decent library. There might even be a chance to do some part-time teaching, which would be a plus. With everything packed they had two days to lift off for their trip to Georgia and their life’s adventure was ready to start. They talked on and on into the night what they were about to embark on. They were excited about the trip. For Jack, he was headed home to the Infantry School and even Mary Clarke seemed excited to learn what would be available on a large post such as Ft. Benning.

CHAPTER 2

JACK HEADED OUT IN lead of their little caravan with Mary Clarke taking up the rear. Jack could almost hear Mary Clarke telling him to pick up the pace. Most of their extra furniture was in Scout the little pickup truck along with a few suitcases. Jack had checked ahead of time what they should expect in the size of their little apartment. The operative word was tiny. But with that information in hand they could figure out the extra furniture they might need. When they closed Jack’s apartment they had plenty of cookware, curtains, a few decent rugs, his leather chair and ottoman, etc. Mary Clarke had the clothing, mostly hers. They made one stop at a cheap hotel, which was of no real concern to them. Since they had a late start Jack wanted to stop at Ft. Bragg. He had called ahead and made an appointment to see Lt. General Stafford. He had an early 0730 appointment the next morning. It would be a short stop, but they’d have plenty of time to get to Benning by mid-afternoon. They got something to eat at a local diner, went to the motel, showered together which was stimulating as they were washing one another all over in and out of their bodies. They dried off and headed for bed, and just fell asleep as soon as their heads hit the pillow.

The next morning with Jack dressed in his fatigues, their little caravan pulled into the main gate of Bragg and received directions to XVIII Airborne Corps headquarters. He asked Mary Clarke to come in with him. She was wearing a summer dress in a light blue print with a large floppy straw hat and as usual looked drop dead gorgeous. He was directed to the general’s office right on time. He was ushered into a large office of wood and book lined walls with a large oak desk with the U.S. and corps flag on either side behind it.

Jack I couldn’t have been more pleased to have heard from you. Damned it’s good to see you. He was actually beaming, shook Jack’s hand and hugged him.

And, who’s your companion?

General, I know our time is short, but I especially wanted you to meet my wife Mary Clarke."

She held out her hand to shake the general’s. He noticed it was firm and she looked at him directly. General, Jack has talked so much about you, and I know how much he admires and respects you. It is certainly an honor to meet you and hope to know you better in the future.

General, Mary Clarke and I met at Maryland. Her parents are doctors and surgeons at Columbia University Medical School. She went to Columbia for her undergraduate degree, now has her master’s and is starting this fall as a TA on her way towards a Ph.D. in American Literature at Maryland. We lucked out with housing at Benning, so she’ll be staying with me this summer.

Well besides being the most beautiful young lady I’ve ever met, you also appear to be incredibly bright. Jack and I need a few minutes to chat. Let me show you where you can grab a cup of coffee. The general led her out of his office but stopped short of returning.

Mary Clarke, Jack is very special to me for a lot of reasons including the fact that I lost my only son when he was making a qualifying parachute jump his last year at West Point. He would have been the same age as Jack, whom I’ve come to think of as a son. I know what you two will be going through in your first years of marriage and the U.S. Army. My wife Midge and I certainly had some bumps and bruises along the way. Listen to me; here’s my card. If at any time you need help, I absolutely want you to call me. You hear?

Yes sir, I understand and appreciate it. Bye. And, she headed for some coffee.

Well Jack, I think you landed a beauty. My God, she’s breathtaking. And, it sounds like she must be brilliant as well. I do want her to meet Midge, my wife. They’d get along grand. But, I think you have something on your mind

Yes sir, I do. I don’t want to take advantage of a friendship, but I don’t know where to go. I’m now an officer and a gentleman, headed to Benning for Leadership School, which I’m really looking forward to, but I have a couple of concerns.

Jack, I think you’ll end up teaching them. The commandant at that school was at West Point when I was there, so let me write him a note.

Damn it sir, I’m sorry but that’s why I’m here and what I’m trying to avoid."

Okay son, I understand. Sorry, go ahead.

First, of course is the fact I’ve been out of the active service for two and a half years and hope I won’t embarrass myself or you at Benning. Presuming I make the grade, when Leadership School is complete, I plan to go to Air Assault School and then re-instate my jump status. I’m already Ranger qualified and a master jumper. Sir, my life is as an Airborne Ranger Infantryman. Secondly, I’m scared to death I’ll be protected, put behind a desk or as some administrative assistant flunky to some general in supply with pull, that wants me as a show case to be rolled out with Medal of Honor in hand. I couldn’t stand it sir. I swear to God I’ll resign my commission and re-up at my last rank as an NCO. We both know the war in Vietnam won’t last forever and I would like to be there to help bring home some of my men with the 101st. It’s your home too, so I think you understand.

Yes, you’re right Jack, and I do understand your concern and possible dilemma.

I’d be happy when I’m finished to come work for you for six months or so, then maybe be able to head back to Nam as an Executive Officer. Bragg would certainly get me closer to Mary Clarke. Damn it, now I’m asking for special favors. There’s my dilemma sir. I don’t want my past accomplishments to influence what I’m doing now or give me special privilege. Judge me on today not yesterday. Well, hell I need to get out of your business and head to the Benning School for Boys. They both laughed and with his arm around his shoulder, the general walked Jack out to the front door. There were a few high-ranking officers hanging around the front having coffee and a smoke.

"See Jack, your reputation is never going to leave you. They want to salute you and shake your hand. And, don’t worry about Benning. You’ll be fine.

Gentlemen let me introduce you to a good and special friend of mine. This is Lieutenant Jack Donovan. I’m trying to talk him into coming up here to corps for a while after he finishes up some work at Benning this summer. He’s smart as a whip and a damned fine airborne ranger infantryman to boot.

One of them said, Yes sir, so we’ve heard. They all came to attention and saluted Jack, shook hands with him as they introduced themselves then slipped off to the side.

Okay Jack, do a good job at Benning and we’ll see what we can do to get you home.

Thank you, sir. I hope to see you, one way or the other at the end of the summer. I’d love for the four of us to get together."

Hell of a plan Jack. Jack saluted and shook the general’s hand who in turn gave him a big hug to the startled look of the officers still there. Jack left headed for Scout where Mary Clarke was waiting.

The general turned to the other officers and said, I love that young man as a son, and he may be the finest, pure soldier I’ve ever known. I hope we can get him up here for six months or so. It would be worth it just for everyone to hear about ‘Donovan’s Skirmish’ where he won his Medal of Honor. Damn, that was one hell of a battle.

He joined up with Mary Clarke who said, He’s quite a man Jack, and it’s obvious that he loves you as a son.

You’re right. He really is my Army father. I might even get a chance to come work for him for six months or so after I finish at Benning. Plus, Bragg isn’t too far from Maryland.

They headed for their last day’s journey to Columbus, Georgia and Ft. Benning, the home of the Infantry School. Jack actually choked up a bit at the entrance, seeing all the schools from Airborne and Ranger School which he had attended, Pathfinder School, OCS and many more specialty schools. I’m home, he said as they drove in. He checked in picking up a couple maps of the base and directions to housing and the school where he would start in less than a week. Mary Clarke was anxious to see their apartment and check out the PX to do some shopping. Mary Clarke came from a wealthy family of two doctors and always seemed to have enough money for whatever she needed. There were nights she had thrown money on her dresser and the number of hundreds were more than he’d ever seen together except a bank and the cash payroll every month in the Army. He wouldn’t complain, knowing his pay, until he would receive hazardous duty pay like being on jump pay or air assault which would give him an extra $110.00. All in all, he probably wouldn’t make more than his last rank as an NCO, but not by much.

They found the apartment which was certainly plain. It was a duplex with someone occupying the adjoining apartment. Hopefully, new friends and someone also going through leadership school. The inside was not better, but it was clean. Small kitchen with small range and fridge, sink, a few cupboards and some counters, etc. It was workable. Additionally, there was a small living room, bedroom and bathroom with tub shower. All in all, about the same size as his apartment in College Park. With most everything in the house they went off to find the PX. Mary Clarke was amazed at its size; their choices and the prices were incredibly low compared to what they were used to at their local Safeway. They were tired but happy. Mary Clarke wanted to find the local college, so they went to the front gate and got directions. Columbus was a lovely town with many tree lined streets of elm, maple and oak. She expected a typical community college, but this was a full-sized college with maybe two or three thousand students, numerous academic buildings. She was excited about exploring the campus and the chance to get access to the library and even see if they could use a part time teacher during the summer terms.

With the understanding they couldn’t do everything in one day, and realizing it was hot during June in the deep south, they headed with Mary Clarke’s purchases back to the apartment. Jack had turned on the refrigerator before they left, and it was nice and cold when they got back. Jack also brought a big fan from his past apartment and there was a nice cross breeze going. They hadn’t noticed, but there was a small air conditioning unit in the bedroom window. That would be tremendous to have later in the summer. He knew the heat and humidity in the South could be horrific in July and August. They decided to have a big chef’s salad, a loaf of French bread and a bottle of a chardonnay. They had cleaned up a bit and went out back to a little patio with their wine, when next door another couple came out on a similar mission. It was a cute couple whose wife was clearly with child. He was also a 2nd lieutenant, dressed in fatigues. He just wore basic jump wings. They introduced themselves as Andy and Sam, short for Samantha Johnson. They introduced themselves and pulled up some lawn chairs. They were both graduates of the University of Georgia. Andy had gone through ROTC there and would be going through Leadership School with Jack. They had just arrived about two days earlier. Sam, like Mary Clarke was hoping to find a part time teaching position as she had earned a teaching certificate in math. Andy had been a sociology major, short for an easy degree. What the hell, they seemed pleasant and they would be training together for the next three or more months and hopefully Sam would be of some companionship to Mary Clarke. Ended up Sam was just three months pregnant, so Mary Clarke would not have to be a wet nurse to their new neighbors. They were nice kids, about four years younger.

Over drinks Andy was asking Jack about his background. He clearly noticed Jack wore 101st patches on both shoulders, recondo and ranger tabs, Vietnam Ranger Badge, master jump wings with medallions for two combat jumps, combat infantryman’s badge and didn’t recognize the Imperial Iranian Parachutist Badge w/Gold Crown.

"That’s a long story Andy. I had been in college for three years but ran out of money in my senior year. With the draft in effect I decided to join the Army went through jump school and ended up with the 101st. I had two tours in Vietnam. With my ETS due I was a sergeant first class with a couple decorations that allowed me to request a furlough of two years to finish a degree from Maryland and finish an ROTC program as a well. I received an RA commission I was pleased about, and Mary Clarke and I ended up here. After Leadership School I plan to go through Air Assault School and re-instate my jump status. Then there may be a couple opportunities at Ft. Bragg. At the end of the summer Mary Clarke heads back to Maryland as a new TA working on her Ph.D.

Jack. I hear there is someone quite famous in our class. Someone like you that had tours in Nam, won the Congressional Medal of Honor and every other medal you can think of. They say he’s the most decorated soldier ever in the service. He must be an incredible soldier. I can’t wait to meet him.

He sounds like he must be some tough dude.

Mary Clarke gave a small laugh and said, "I wonder if he’s good looking, Sam?

No, he’s probably uglier that sin.

They all laughed and continued to talk about Leadership School while the girls shared their thoughts on teaching opportunities. It was getting dark and Jack and Mary Clarke were hungry and tired, so they said goodbye to their new neighbors and went inside. Their food, wine and a long day made it easy to fall asleep, but Jack woke up ready for a romp in the bed. It was not a quiet bed. They figured their bedroom was probably next to their neighbors and they seemed to laugh through most of their love making. Jack and Mary Clarke decided to take a run when it was a bit cooler. When they returned Andy was coming out for a run as well. Jack mentioned, I think there are more physical requirements then we thought, so I hope we’ll be up to the work. With that Andy took off. He looked to be in pretty good shape.

CHAPTER 3

JACK DECIDED TO CHANGE into freshly starched fatigues, polished jump boots and go over to the headquarters of the Leadership School. He’d be here for over three months, and it was a lot tougher than most thought. He decided he’d formally check in and pick up material about the curriculum they might have. After checking in he was told the command sergeant major wanted to see him. His office was just next to the commandants. Jack knocked on his door and was asked to come in. The CSM saluted Jack and shook hands. I wanted to introduce myself and tell you we’re quite proud to have you here and tell you we’ll do anything we can to make your stay with us as pleasant as possible.

Thank you, command sergeant major. From the looks of it we’ve chewed some of the same dirt.

LT, I think you may be right. I had two tours in Nam with the 44th as a company first sergeant than a battalion sergeant major.

I appreciate your welcome command sergeant major. I’m just another new lieutenant wanting to learn as much as I can. What I’ve done in the past is in the past and shouldn’t have anything to do with my current challenges. It’s my hope that’s how I’ll be treated, with my past left right here."

"I’m fine with that. I