The Hard Way Home

THE NEWBIE – part 2

Sergeant Anderson stuck his head inside the barracks occupied by first squad. “Cahill,” he called to the squad leader. “I’m looking for that newbie private, name of Wasson.”

“Hey Crybaby… Cherry Boy,” Cahill yelled to Wasson. “Get your ass up here.”

“Grab your gear soldier,” Zeke said looking at the boy, absently wondering what his connection to the LT was, “You’re moving in with third squad.”

Rudy hesitated, looking confused. “NOW Boy, grab your gear…MOVE IT,” Zeke yelled impatiently. Anderson was exhausted. The briefing had gone on way longer than expected and the sergeant still had not eaten or showered. Zeke figured he would make it just about in time for lunch.

“Yes Sir Sergeant,” Rudy said nervously.

“Sarge,” Cahill laughed. “You want the three other FNG’s too?”

“Nope, just this one,” Zeke said, not feeling much like laughing, his sense of humor momentarily gone.

“You know Sarge this cherry was crying out in the bush yesterday. The little FNG pissed his self too.” Zeke nodded, not all that interested. “I had to sit on him. Hell, I almost had to take out my weapon and shoot him myself to keep him quiet.” A couple of the men laughed but most were already dozing off. “Sarge, this cherry couldn’t… Zeke held up his hand before Cahill could finish.

“Cahill, if I had to spend three nights with you I’d cry too, and I’d do more than just piss myself.” That drew an even bigger laugh from the men.

Wasson appeared with his ruck, packed and ready. “Good night ladies,” Zeke said as he left the hootch, even though it was still morning. “What is your name soldier?” he asked the kid.

“Rudy, Sir.”

“Yeah well a…Rudy don’t pay that stuff no mind. It don’t mean nothin’, they do that to all the newbies.” Rudy nodded.

Zeke entered his own squad’s tent. Most of the guys were sleeping; only Johnson was awake, writing a letter. “What’s up Sarge?” he asked surprised to see the NCO.

“Johnson you know Rudy, Rudy Wasson. He just switched over to our squad. He’s going to be bunking down in here with y’all.”

“Yeah we met,” Johnson replied with no enthusiasm. “Take that cot over there,” Marvin said, pointing out the one at the far end of the tent. Rudy quickly obeyed. Johnson shook his head and lowered his voice, “Why’d we get him Sarge, it’s bad enough our platoon is full of FNG’s but now we got to get this one in our squad?”

“What’s wrong with him?” Zeke asked. The young private seemed like a nice enough kid.

“He lost it out there yesterday Sarge, crying and stuff, you know. Lieutenant had to go talk to him.”

So that was it. The LT must feel some responsibility toward the kid, which translated into “let old Zeke watch him.” The sergeant was too tired to muster up any real annoyance. “Johnson he just panicked--he’s a kid--it was his first time out--so let’s all just relax about it okay? You guys don’t have to worry about it. I’ll worry about it,” that said Anderson turned to leave.

“Y’all play nice now,” the sergeant added on his way out, making Marvin smile in spite of himself.

****************************

Later that afternoon Johnson appeared at Anderson’s tent. “Hey Sarge, you wanna go into Sin City with us?”

“No, not today, you boys go on ahead,” Zeke answered. “And stay out of trouble,” he added, as if saying it would help any.

Anderson stood in the open doorway of the tent and watched his squad pile into the truck. He did not see Doc or Horn, other than that it looked like they were all going, even Rudy, the new kid. Zeke had to fight an urge to grab his gear and join them. The sergeant did not want to go--he was just worried about what they would get themselves into left to their own devices.

Rudy sat on the hard bench of the truck between Taylor and Percell clutching his M-16, wondering why he would need it in Sin City, but knowing better than to ask. Rudy had already cleaned the weapon four times, but had yet to fire it. The kid was excited to be going out with his new squad. Watching them getting ready, lying on his cot, the teenage private had assumed that he was not invited.

Ironically enough it was Taylor who had asked him, the same Marcus Taylor who made the boy so nervous. “Hey you… Rudy… you coming?”

“Can I?” Rudy asked.

“Can you?” Marcus repeated. “I ain’t your momma boy, you’re in the Nam, you can do whatever you damn well please.”

Danny walked by and rubbed the black bristles of hair on the top of Rudy’s head. “Come on, we ain’t gonna to wait all day kid.”

Rudy jumped up, excited and ready to go. Taylor had sent him back in for the

M-16. “Rudy,” Marcus told him sternly. “You don’t go anywhere without that, understand?” Rudy nodded solemnly.

Retrieving his weapon, Rudy wondered why they had changed his assignment from first to third squad. Whatever the reason, he was glad they did. Embarrassed by what had happened in the field, the newbie private understood that he would just have to live with it. The whole platoon had heard about the incident, but mostly only the guys from first squad had witnessed it. Rudy had started crying out there lying in the brush waiting—the pressure had just gotten to him, and he had wet himself. If you asked him though, Cahill was the one who had overreacted, pulling him down and sitting on him. He had only wanted to change positions; Rudy had no intention of screaming or running out into the open. But nobody had asked him, so he kept quiet.

“How old are ya Rudy?” Percell asked, as the truck bounced them around.

“Seventeen,” Rudy answered.

“Seventeen,” Marcus let out a long low whistle. “You ever been with a woman Rudy?”

“Well, I been to the drive in with Paula Abernathy twice and I took Rose Wildman to a couple of dances,” Rudy said thoughtfully.

The men roared with laughter. Rudy was not sure what was so funny but he was glad to be able to entertain his new friends. “No, no,” Ruiz managed between the laughs, “Have you ever been with a woman?” The light was starting to go on in young private’s head.

Taylor, impatient as always could not wait another second. “Sex Rudy,” he yelled. “Have you ever had sex?”

This brought another wave of hysterically laughter from the guys while Rudy turned a deep shade of red. When they finally calmed themselves down, the boy replied, “To answer your question, no I haven’t.”

Danny put his hand on the newbie’s shoulder, “Would you like to?” He asked.

Rudy paused for a minute before answering, “Yes I would, I would like to. Why not, I could be dead tomorrow right?”

“Right,” they all answered back in unison. Third squad immediately started planning and arguing like a bunch of older brothers worrying over where to take their younger sibling. “No, no Marvin we are not going to that social club place,” Ruiz stated bluntly. “All of those mama-sans are old and nasty. We got to make this special for the kid.”

They all agreed and decided on a bar where the drinks were watered down but the girls were fine…fine for the Nam anyway. “Now Rudy.” Danny said. “We will all sit down and have a few drinks and then we will run the girls by you and you can pick the one you want. How does that sound?”

“Sounds good I guess,” Rudy answered, wondering what he had gotten himself into. “Hey, I’m not going to get some disease am I?” he asked nervously, thinking about all the “talks” he had sat through when he first arrived in country.

“Don’t worry about that,” Baker said expertly. “They got shots for that.” The others nodded in agreement.

How much money you got?” Taylor asked.

Rudy looked through his wallet. “Ten dollars, is that enough?” That set the men off laughing again.

“Don’t worry if it ain’t we’ll help you out won’t we guys?” Ruiz asked. “Yeah,” they all agreed.

“You relax and enjoy kid…” Johnson was cut off mid sentence by a single shot that rang out and slammed into the side of the truck. The men hit the floor except for Rudy who was too shocked to move. Percell grabbed Rudy down and lay on top of him. The driver gunned the accelerator as two more shots were heard and then nothing. “Everyone all right back there?” the driver, Sergeant Jacks, yelled not wanting to pull over.

“Yeah, we’re all fine Sarge,” Marvin answered as the men got up and found their seats again.

“Th th thanks Danny,” Rudy stuttered like he tended to do when he was scared or nervous.

Danny put his arm around Rudy’s shoulder. “That’s okay. We’re not gonna to let nothing happen to you Rudy, it’s your big day. And Rudy,” he added. “I hope you are a better lover than you are a soldier.”

“Yeah me too,” Rudy agreed.

Arriving in Sin City without further incident, the excited squad found a table in the back and commenced drinking. After three rounds, Taylor got up to start checking out Rudy’s options. It was a party atmosphere with the cherry private as the guest of honor. Rudy was already drunk after the three rounds and Spence was coming over with the fourth. None of the enthusiastic soldiers could stop themselves from giving the newbie more information and advice than he could possible process sober, much less bombed. Andy leaned across the table and talked into Rudy’s ear to be heard above the music and laughter. “You know, you don’t have to do this if you don’t want to Rudy.”

Rudy shook his head. “I do want to Andy,” he slurred.

Taylor finally brought back a girl he thought suitable for his new little buddy and introduced her to Rudy. “Well…what do you think?” he asked spreading his arms and wearing his charming “Marcus Taylor proud of himself” smile.

Rudy nodded and almost fell down when he stood up. “Whoa, easy there soldier,” Danny said, grabbing the boy’s arm to steady him. The girl took over from there and led Rudy to a room in the back.

“You make sure our friend has a good time,” Marcus yelled, as they disappeared from sight.

The guys sat around the table drinking more beer and discussing Rudy. They had learned that the kid was from a small town in North Dakota and had three older sisters. Marcus astutely pointed out that he didn’t think that there were any big towns in North Dakota. Rudy’s dad taught high school history and his mom gave piano lessons in their home. Rudy had never been out of North Dakota and had begged his parents to give their permission for him to enlist in the army as soon as he graduated high school at seventeen. Rudy had convinced his mom and dad by reasoning that he would be drafted in six months anyway and maybe by volunteering he could stay out of a combat unit--so much for that.

The teenage soldier confided in his new friends about how he knew he had made a mistake the first day of boot camp, but by then it was too late. Rudy also described how scared he felt out there in the jungle and how concerned he was about his abilities as a soldier and the doubts he had about his own courage.

Rudy Wasson’s earnestness and open honesty was a jolt to the young soldiers of Bravo Company. Unbeknownst to them, they reacted in much the same way their lieutenant had. They not only liked Rudy Wasson and thought of him as a little brother, but they felt an overwhelming desire to protect him. The squad decided Rudy would need all the help he could get--he really was not a good soldier, he was too naïve. “Too good,” Ruiz had said. As inebriated as Bravo Company was, they began to come up with ways to help the kid in the field--none of which would make any sense at all in the morning.

Andrew Egan hated these drunken binges with his buddies. Andy did not drink and hated being nursemaid to all of guys, the same role he had played in his last platoon. Egan wished that Sergeant Anderson had come along to share the enormous responsibility of taking care of everyone. Being a worrier, Egan was unable to unwind and enjoy himself. Until all the guys were safely back at the base, Andrew Egan knew that it would be impossible to relax. It was already getting late and Andy knew he would have to get them all out of here before dark. That was not a chore the private was looking forward to. Andrew Egan did not know how the drunks of Bravo Company would react to leaving, but he knew how Steven Spencer would, and he dreaded the task ahead of him.

Rudy rejoined his friends at the table, looking disheveled and wide-eyed. “Well?” Taylor asked barely able to contain himself.

“Wow!” was all Rudy had to say. That cracked up everyone at the table. Even Andy had to smile. It also lent itself to another round of drinks for everyone, courtesy of Marcus Taylor, who was congratulating himself on picking out the “right one.” Baker tried to get the next round but Andy interrupted. “Hey guys,” he said. “It’s almost dark, I think it’s time to go. What do you say?”

“No, we don’t have to meet the truck for at least fifteen more minutes,” Spence argued.

“Yeah, take it easy Superman,” Percell agreed. Andy rolled his eyes and braced himself for a confrontation. Spence had not been this lit in a long time and as mellow as his personality was sober, the opposite was true when drinking. Steven Spencer was a mean drunk. Andy looked around the table for some help.

“Johnson,” Andy said. “You want to help me out. We will never get him out of here if we don’t start now. Trust me.”

“Yeah okay,” Marvin agreed. “Danny gets like that too sometimes.” As if on cue Danny and Spence locked arms, stood up and started singing God Bless America. That drew a laugh from everyone …except Andy.

Marvin got Rue, Baker, Taylor and Rudy up and moving in the general direction of the door and told Andy that he would try his luck with Percell while Andy did the same with Spence. Marvin interrupted the second verse of “This Land Is Your Land” to coax Danny out of his seat.

Andy squatted down next to his drunken friend pleading with him, “Come on Spence we gotta go or we’ll miss our ride.” No answer. “The place will be crawling with VC soon, we gotta go.” When Spencer still did not move Andy decided he would have to risk pulling on the big man’s arm. Sometimes it worked and sometimes, like this time it only succeeded in pissing him off. Spence turned on Andy and punched him hard in the face, knocking him to the floor. That sobered up the other guys in a hurry.

Taylor went over to Spence, “What the hell are you doing man?” Spence nailed him as well. Baker went over to help Taylor subdue Spencer and that brought Percell to Spencer’s aid. It took Taylor, Johnson and Baker to render Steven Spencer helpless while Rue and Andy kept Percell in check. Rudy was too intoxicated to be of any help to anyone. The drunken soldiers made it back to their ride just in time.

“I was just get ready to leave without you boys,” Sergeant Jacks said. Studying them a little more closely he asked, “What the hell happened to you boys—VC?”

“No Sarge,” Rue answered. “It’s a long story.”

Andrew Egan was sporting a nasty bruise on his cheek and his teeth had cut through his lower lip and the gash was bleeding freely Sergeant Jacks threw Andy a towel and got in the driver’s seat. “Kids,” he thought shaking his head.

After a few minutes of struggling to hoist the dead weight of Percell and Spencer onto the truck, they were finally underway. Andy breathed a sigh of relief. About ten minutes into the ride Percell, who was propped up between Ruiz and the cab of the truck, started puking. “Oh God,” Rue yelled pushing Danny over to the floor, but not before getting splashed. “Now I am going to be sick,” Rue said and succumbed to his own involuntary retching.

Andy sat in the back end of the truck--the furthest from the driver and mercifully from Percell and Ruiz, and surveyed the damage. Holding a towel to his own face, Andy could see that it was already soaked in blood. Danny was lying on the floor of the truck in pool of his own vomit, with a cut on his forehead that was still dripping blood. Taylor was snoring in his seat across from where Percell had been sitting. Marcus didn’t know it yet, but he had some of Danny’s vomit on his pants and boots. A knot the size of an egg had swelled just above Taylor’s left eye where Spence had taken a whack at him. Baker was passed out drunk, with a swollen lip that Andy could not remember happening.

Rue was lying across the bench and passed out, after no doubt vomiting up all the beer he had just poured down. Andy could not tell if he had any injuries to show for the evening. Johnson was sitting across from him, with his eyes closed and Andy had no way of knowing if Marvin was sleeping, passed out, or just thinking. Rudy was sitting right next to Andy. Looking none the worse for wear—the kid seemed to be sleeping soundly. Andy had to turn and look past Rudy to see Spencer. Besides a slight bump on his head, the big private was resting peacefully.

“That’s it,” Andy thought angrily. “No more. I am not doing this anymore. Let them all take care of themselves. I’d rather take my chances in the bush with Charlie than spend another night in Sin City.” Andy knew his anger would not last. Once they were back out in the boonies, it would be Spence taking care of Andy – watching his back. “To hell with them tonight though,” Andy thought, wanting to hold on to his anger a little longer. Helping Rudy off the flatbed, Andy led the kid to his cot and then made his way to his own rack, leaving the rest of the squad snoring on the truck.

At 0600 Sergeant Anderson was making his way to the TOC for a briefing with Captain Wallace and Lieutenant Goldman to discuss the upcoming mission when he came across the truck full of passed out, drunken GI’s. “What the hell?” Anderson thought to himself, hearing the snoring and heavy breathing sounds, seemingly coming from nowhere. Listening closely, the sergeant moved around to the rear and discovered that the source of the noise was his own squad. The smell coming from in there was disgusting and Anderson wondered how any of them could sleep through it. “Ah too be young again,” Zeke sighed, shaking his head in amusement, wondering what they had gotten themselves into this time.

Zeke took a deep breath, put on his sternest sergeant demeanor and climbed up onto the flatbed. Slapping legs and shoulders, Anderson tried to get his men awake and moving as quickly as possible, before anyone else (mainly Lieutenant Goldman) happened by. “Come on, come on Taylor. Percell I’m talking to you now, let’s move it,” Zeke said as loud as he dared. As the hung over soldiers came back to life so did the pissing and moaning.

“Sarge can’t we sleep a little longer?” Percell whined groggily.

“Yeah Sarge, we ain’t going out this morning,” Taylor chimed in.

“Taylor you are in a vehicle,” Zeke explained as loud as he dared. “You have puke all over you! GIT UP!”

“Do you have to talk so loud?” Ruiz asked softly, rubbing his head. Anderson responded by grabbing Rue’s arm and pulling him to his feet.

Sergeant Anderson’s amusement was slowly turning into annoyance as he tried to get his troops up and moving. “You boys get yourselves off of this truck, cleaned up and ready for duty… NOW. If the lieutenant comes by you are all going to be in deep shit.”

Goldman came around the corner just in time to hear Anderson’s last remark. The lieutenant could see the truck and his men crawling around on it, and quickly deduced what was going on. Watching his drunken squad stumbling and whining, Myron took a step towards them. The CO stopped himself, wondering if he really wanted to get involved in all this. The lieutenant checked to be sure that no one had seen him and decided to cut his troops some slack. Ducking back behind the corner, Myron decided to let his sergeant handle this. Lieutenant Goldman gave his men a break, knowing he would never get any credit for it… besides Myron smiled to himself, “I would not want to ruin my hard ass reputation.”

As the men half jumped and half fell off the truck Zeke tried to grab an arm to steady them. Anderson grabbed Spencer to keep him from falling, “Spence, where is that newbie?” Zeke asked, for the first time sounding concerned.

“What Sarge…I don’t know,” Spence answered, still in a fog.

Rue, y’all didn’t leave that cherry boy in Sin City did ya?”

Rue shrugged his shoulders, not all that clear on the events of the previous evening.

Taylor jumped down next and gave Zeke his best “innocent Taylor” look. “Don’t look at me Sarge,” Marcus mumbled. “I don’t know where the boy is. But Sarge,” he added, “I do know that the boy ain’t no cherry, not any more he’s not.”

Zeke shook his head, once again amazed at how much trouble his squad could manage in just a few short hours. Anderson hustled over to the barracks just as Baker was jumping down, leaving the big private sprawling face first in the dirt. Zeke didn’t even notice. Running into the barracks, Anderson was relieved to find the newbie sleeping soundly in his rack along with Egan, Horn, Doc and Johnson. Johnson was fully clothed and sleeping almost sideways with his head at the foot of the cot. “Must have stumbled in at some point during the night and passed out,” the sergeant surmised correctly.

Zeke hustled over to the TOC for the briefing. “You are late,” Myron said. “Is everything okay Sergeant?”

“Yes Sir,” Zeke acknowledged.

“What did you oversleep or something?” Myron needled, enjoying his sergeant’s discomfort.

“Yes Sir, I guess I did,” Zeke mumbled. Captain Wallace came in and saved him from any more of the lieutenant’s prying questions. The platoon was going out tomorrow on another Search and Destroy mission the captain explained. They were to specifically look for signs of enemy build ups in their assigned sector. Zeke let out a sigh of relief that they were not going today.

“Stop by my hootch and we will go over the specifics, 1500 hours?” Myron asked, holding up the papers he had just received from the captain.

“Yes Sir,” Anderson nodded, heading back to his squad to check on their progress.

Zeke entered the barracks and got his men moving. “Johnson, Percell, Egan, you got guard duty on the perimeter. Ruiz your going to ride into town with Doc and bring back some supplies (everyone moaned at Rue’s good fortune) the rest of you men you are gonna be rewiring the perimeter with first squad. (The groaning became even louder) Zeke ignored the grumbling. “Let’s go, you’re gonna have to move it if you want to catch any chow.”

“Sarge please,” Ruiz muttered holding his stomach.

Danny Percell was sitting on his cot with his head in his hands. “Sarge I can’t, I think I’m sick,” he groaned. “Percell, Percell, Percell,” Zeke said softly approaching the young private. He bent down to get in Danny’s face. “This is a war Boy,” the sergeant said much louder. “YOU CAN’T CALL IN SICK!”

Danny closed is eyes, scrunched up his face and recoiling from the noise, fell back down on his bed.

“Sarge,” Taylor whined following Anderson to the door. “You sure the Doc doesn’t need anymore help?”

“I’m sure Taylor.”

“Well why’d you pick Ruiz anyway?” Marcus sulked.

Zeke turned to face him. “Because I did Taylor, I am the sergeant, I get to pick whoever I want. I don’t need to clear it with you first now do I?”

“I heard that,” Taylor muttered, unconsciously mimicking his sergeant.

“Y’all might want to consider stopping at the mess for some coffee,” Anderson advised as he left his squad to bemoan another day in the Nam. Johnson, Horn, Egan and Spencer headed to the mess hall to get some breakfast and to bring back some coffee, as per their sergeant’s advice.

The tension between Egan and Spencer was obvious and Horn asked Johnson what was the deal between the two friends. “See that bruise on Egan’s face?” Johnson whispered. Horn nodded. Marvin motioned toward Spence who was just a few feet ahead of them in the chow line and mouthed, “He did it.”

“No,” Horn replied shaking his head.

Marvin nodded, “Believe it,” he whispered.

Sitting across from Spencer, Andrew Egan grew angrier as he watched his best buddy eat. Spencer rarely had a hang over from his drinking binges and that fact always annoyed Andy. Thinking that Spence should at least suffer for his transgressions, Andy watched in disgust as Steven Spencer downed a full breakfast at a rapid pace.

Marvin and Horn made conversation to cover the tension, being mindful not to mention the previous night’s festivities. Not wanting to be late for guard duty, Johnson grabbed his gear and left. Horn looked at Spencer, “So what did happen last night?” He finally asked.

Ignoring the question Spencer looked directly at Egan. “Look Andy,” he said. “I know I must have done that. I don’t remember, but I am sorry.”

Andy cut him off. “Don’t bother, I got guard duty too.” Shoving his tray away, Egan grabbed his weapon and left abruptly.

“What did he do to you?” Horn asked confused, wondering what the small meek point man could have done to warrant the dark purple bruise on his face.

“Nothin’,” Spence replied miserably. “He didn’t do nothin’, I got drunk that’s what happened.”

***************************

It was another hot sweltering day and with the perimeter rewired to the lieutenant’s satisfaction Taylor and Rudy found themselves filling sandbags together in the afternoon sun. “So Rudy,” Taylor smiled, taking a break. “What did you think?”

“About what?” Rudy asked, concentrating on his digging. The boy had been avoiding Taylor all day, but there was no avoiding him now.

“Bout last night?” Taylor winked.

Rudy hesitated. He had been agonizing all day about the deception he had pulled off last night. Rudy Wasson had not had sex with Marcus Taylor’s handpicked girl. Marcus had been so proud of himself that Rudy did not have the heart to tell him the truth. “Marcus can I tell you something?” Rudy asked slowly, a worried look in his bright blue eyes. Taylor nodded. “I, I didn’t really d do anything with that girl,” he stammered.

“What do mean… why not?” Taylor asked, confused.

“I don’t know,” Rudy shook his head. “I fell down on the bed and she thought I was passed out so I just pretended I was. It just didn’t seem right…you know like I always thought it would be.” Taylor just stared at Rudy shaking his head in disbelief. “Besides Marcus,” Rudy continued. “What if she got pregnant or something?” There was a long silence.

“Are you mad at me?” Rudy worried.

“Hell no I ain’t mad at you,” Taylor answered. “I thought it was what you wanted.

“I thought I did too, but I really just wanted all the guys to like me. Do you think I should tell them?”

“No, you don’t have to tell them. Ain’t any of their business, is it?”

“I guess not,” Rudy answered relieved. “I just felt like I should tell you,” he added.

“Don’t worry, we’ll just keep it between us,” Marcus nodded, offering the childlike soldier from North Dakota some of his water. Rudy gratefully accepted and downed a big gulp, sealing the secret between them.

***************************

Sergeant Anderson stood outside Lieutenant Goldman’s quarters at precisely 1500 hours. Anderson did not want to be late again after his perceived tardiness this morning. “Come,” the LT yelled. Zeke entered the tent and was surprised by the change that had taken place since his last visit. The place was reorganized and seemed downright neat. As noticeable as that was, it was nothing compared to the transformation that the LT himself had undergone Zeke thought, recalling his last humiliating visit to his lieutenant’s quarters. This time there were two shot glasses on the desk along with a bottle of Jack and Zeke smiled in anticipation.

Myron wasted no time in going over the map with his sergeant, pointing out the LZ and the sector they would be searching, as well as possible pick up and resupply areas. They marked a few trails and possible spots for ambushes as well. It did not take long--the experienced sergeant being a quick study. Myron finished up and poured them each a refill before asking how the men were doing.

Anderson answered carefully, knowing that the lieutenant must have noticed all the bumps and bruises today, but had chosen to ignore them, leaving him to handle it. The staff sergeant appreciated that. “Well LT,” Zeke said thoughtfully. “They got themselves into some trouble in Sin City, but I guess it all got worked out.”

“With VC?” Myron asked, thinking how lucky they were that no one was seriously injured or worse.

“Not exactly,” Anderson replied. “More like …a family feud I guess you’d call it.”

“They did that to each other?” Myron asked, a surprised look on his face.

“That’s what I heard Sir,” Zeke nodded with a grin.

“Sergeant,” Myron said shaking his head. “Do you ever feel like you are playing scout leader to a bunch of boys?”

“Pretty much all the time,” Zeke laughed in agreement. “Hey now LT, what is up with that boy Rudy?”

Myron felt himself stiffen, thinking that Anderson was questioning his judgment. “As far as what?” he asked.

Anderson did not seem to notice. “Bout that transfer,” he winked. “Guess you expect me to baby-sit him for ya huh?”

“I expect you to do your job Sergeant,” Myron replied coolly. “It is my platoon and my men, they go where I assign them to go,” he snapped, reminding Zeke of his own answer to Taylor this morning. As soon as the words were out of Myron’s mouth, he regretted them. The surprise and confusion in Anderson’s eyes was quickly replaced by the sergeant’s army persona.

“Why am I so damn defensive?” Myron chided himself.

“Yes Sir,” Zeke replied, hastily downing what was left of his drink. “Thank you for the drink Lieutenant.” Anderson stood up and saluted, before turning to leave. Myron paused staring at Anderson, he could not decide if the salute was meant to be sarcastic or not, so he returned it and the sergeant left.

Myron knew he had the makings of a good lieutenant, but that did not translate into having good social skills or making friends. Taking the army and his responsibilities so seriously, it was often hard for the lieutenant to unwind and be comfortable around people when he wasn't commanding. Myron did not know if it would be appropriate to become friends with guys in his command, the sergeant for example, so he held back. When the conversation would get a little too friendly he would fall back on the familiar – giving orders and being in charge – in other words, back to being “the lieutenant.” "Hell," Myron thought, "I'm twenty-two years old, I’ve only been a lieutenant for a couple of months. I guess some things I'll just have to learn as I go."

Sergeant Anderson shook his head as he left Goldman’s hootch wondering what had just happened. Zeke prided himself on being able to read people and of knowing what approach worked best with them. The lieutenant was not an easy man to figure out. Replaying the conversation in his mind, Anderson tried to figure out what exactly had set off his moody CO. Maybe the boy thought I was questioning his orders about the newbie, he decided. “No big deal,” Zeke reflected. The lieutenant would soon learn that the sergeant had been in the army for quite awhile and he was used to following orders regardless. “Maybe I need to go back and reassure the boy that I will always follow his orders…no matter how friendly we get, how much we drink or… how stupid they are,” Zeke laughed to himself.

****************************

A tired second platoon sat down in the mess hall for the evening chow and to discuss tomorrow’s mission, but not before first examining their food.

“My God this meat is disgusting,” Taylor complained, mostly to himself.

“I don’t know Taylor,” Percell said. “I was just thinking it didn’t taste so bad today.”

“Yeah Danny,” Baker agreed. “I was thinking the same thing.”

Rue smiled looking over at Taylor. True to form, Marcus was already becoming irritated, shaking his head trying his best to ignore the meaningless conversation. Ruiz could not resist jumping in. “You know why it is?” Rue said slowly. “It’s because you can’t really tell what it’s supposed to be.”

“What do you mean Rue?” Rudy asked.

“Didn’t you ever notice that the chow always seems grosser when it looks like one thing and then ends up tasting like something else. When you’re not sure what it’s supposed to be you don’t have any expectations,” Rue said logically.

Marvin snuck a glance at Taylor and grinned. “You mean like when it looks like a big juicy hamburger but then it tastes like a dried up turd? Yeah, it’s a major disappointment,” he concurred.

“I see what you mean,” Horn nodded. “Maybe you’re on to something Ruiz.”

“I never thought about it that way Rue, but I’m going to watch for it,” Percell added thoughtfully. “Taylor, what do you think?” he asked, as innocently as he could.

Taylor exploded. “You want to know what I think? I think if you dumb ass boonie rats don't quit going on about it I’m going have to put my fist in someone’s face.”

“Now Taylor,” Percell said calmly. “If you didn’t want to talk about the chow you shouldn’t have brought it up.” The guys knew better than to laugh but it took every ounce of strength they had to hold it in.

**************************

The mood was more somber back in the barracks as Bravo Company readied themselves for the upcoming mission by cleaning weapons, loading magazines and packing up gear. Spencer and Egan had not been at chow and to everyone’s relief they appeared to have made peace over last night’s incident. Taylor casually strolled over to Rudy to check the newbie’s pack. Looking through Rudy’s ruck, Marcus was appalled by what he saw, or more accurately by what he did not see. “That’s all they gave me,” Rudy explained. “They said that was all they had.”

“We’ll see about that,” Taylor said angrily. “Come on.” Rudy hurriedly got up and followed after his agitated buddy.

The rest of the guys stared after Taylor as he left on his mission to scrounge up some supplies for his newbie friend. “What is up with that?” Marvin laughed. “It usually takes Taylor at least a couple of weeks before he even speaks civilly to a newbie.”

“I can attest to that,” Percell chuckled. They agreed that it was Rudy that evoked these brotherly feelings. The naïve seventeen year old from North Dakota was not a very good soldier… he needed them and they were determined to be there for him.

“We’ll take turns watching him, one of us should stay with him at all times,” Andy said. The others nodded. Doc agreed to make sure that Rudy drank enough water to avoid heat stroke. They decided to try to keep Rudy in the middle of the column, hoping it would be the safest position.

“Be sure to grab him if we get ambushed or mortared,” Percell added, remembering how Rudy had froze under fire on the truck. The guys nodded satisfied they would do what they could to help the kid out.

Taylor and Rudy returned with a laundry sack full of supplies. Rudy dumped the contents onto his bunk…two more canteens, a nylon rain poncho and liner, a standard issue flashlight and batteries, a weapon cleaning kit, six more magazines and three extra grenades to go with the two he had already been issued. Taylor showed the grateful kid how to tape the grenades and then helped him pack the items needed for the upcoming mission. Johnson and Ruiz shook their heads, sharing an amused glance at Taylor’s new found babysitting skills.

Heavy breathing and snoring quickly filled the barracks, but Rudy tossed and turned on his cot, too nervous and excited about tomorrow’s mission—only his second and his first with his new squad.

“Hey Rudy,” Andy asked sleepily from the neighboring bunk. “You okay?”

“I’m nervous about the mission Andy. I can’t sleep. What do you think the mission is?” he whispered.

“Don’t matter kid,” Egan answered slowly. “All the missions really come down to the same thing…we find Charlie or Charlie finds us. Don’t worry Sarge, will tell us what we need to know in the morning.”

“I just don’t want to let anyone down,” Rudy worried.

“Rudy,” Andy said firmly. “It’s your second mission. It’s not your job to worry about us – it’s our job to worry about you. Get some sleep.”

*********************************

Sergeant Anderson was sitting beside Rudy on the chopper, staring at that young innocent face. "Rudy," Zeke said loudly, leaning closer to be heard above the roar of the rotors, "Now you're going to be scared out there."

"I'm okay Sarge," Rudy answered keeping his eyes straight ahead.

Sergeant Anderson put his hand on Rudy's forearm. "Look at me now Son," he said. Rudy turned to look at his sergeant. "You’re going to be scared out there,” Zeke repeated, delivering the same speech he gave all the newbies. "Just remember we are all scared. Try to concentrate on doing your job. Just stay quiet and do what the rest of the guys do." Rudy nodded. "Watch where you step,” Zeke continued. "Just try and follow the man ahead of you.” Rudy nodded again. "Maintain noise discipline out there…and Rudy," Zeke said the boy's name for emphasis, "Keep your head down."

Rudy was listening intently to his sergeant, knowing that the guys thought Anderson was the best in the field. The newbie private was going to try to take all the sergeant’s advice seriously. "I'll try to keep an eye out for you," Zeke said finally. "If you get in trouble, yell Sarge I’ll find ya." Zeke nodded to him to signal the end of the conversation, Rudy nodded back.

Johnson leaned over, "Don't worry Sarge," he said. "I'll watch out for him--we all will." The chopper set down in the designated LZ.

"Follow me," Taylor yelled to Rudy as they jumped off the bird, running for the tree line and cover. Rudy followed. They stopped in a little clearing so the lieutenant could consult the map. Rudy started to say something. Marcus put his finger to his lips and shook his head slightly. "Oh yeah,” Rudy thought. “Noise discipline.” Smiling, Rudy nodded to Taylor that he understood. They were underway in about five minutes. Egan was on point followed by Spencer.

***********************************

The low monotonous buzzing of the insects was the only audible sound in the quiet jungle as third squad silently made their way through the dense foliage. Sweat dripped down Rudy’s face and stung his eyes as he intently followed the path set by Private Baker who was just ahead of him in the column of soldiers. The newbie’s mind raced and his stomach clenched, as he nervously tried to concentrate on his every step, and remember all of his sergeant’s advice.

Egan raised his right arm, making a fist, motioning to the right and the soldiers dove that way for cover. Lying perfectly still in the tall grass, Rudy Wasson held his breath as a squad of NVA regulars passed by. As the tension stretched the minutes into hours, Rudy tried unsuccessfully to regain control of his trembling body and to calm his racing heart. Determined not to make a sound and give away their position, the frightened boy tried to ignore the pulsating in his ears by inhaling deeply and slowly counting backward from one hundred. Taylor glanced over at Rudy and saw the fear in the kid’s eyes--the newbie was definitely spooked. Marcus tried to look confident and gave Rudy a slight nod.

The enemy passed by without incident. The lieutenant called for Anderson. As Zeke made his way up the line of anxious soldiers, he paused long enough to pat the pale teenager on the back. It did make Rudy feel somewhat better. After conferring with Anderson and the map for a few minutes, the lieutenant ordered second platoon to moved out, same as before. Rudy remembered what Egan had told him about the missions. Rudy Wasson was only seventeen years old, it was his second mission but he already understood. Egan was right. The actual mission didn’t matter, it was all the same to the boonie rats…they would find Charlie or Charlie would find them. When Egan put his fist up again, (the STOP signal) Rudy's heart automatically began pounding again. Rudy hated that he did not seem to have any control over his body--that had never happened to him before.

Lieutenant Goldman drew an excited breath as he studied the makeshift enemy camp his talented point man had spotted and gave his men their orders. “Johnson, Spencer set up a perimeter with the claymores and frags, put them on manual—when they go off the rest of us will know it’s time to haul ass.” The two soldiers nodded in agreement and set about their task. “Ruiz, Horn take the radio, set up the M-60, over there,” the CO ordered, pointing to their flank. “You guys are our way out,” he added. The rest of the platoon hid in the tall grass and waited for an opportunity to blow up the enemy ammo depot.

Rudy realized that if the lieutenant had given him any of those other orders he would not have had a clue what to do. Feeling young, vulnerable and totally helpless, the newbie private took some consolation in the fact that he was still with Taylor and Sergeant Anderson. Rudy lay on his belly between Doc and Taylor watching the enemy walking around, talking, just out of their sight line and tried not to think about how many of them would be dead in just a little while. The seventeen year old definitely did not allow the possibility of anyone from his own squad being dead to enter his mind, as he sat and waited quietly with the rest of his platoon.

Lieutenant Goldman signaled for Taylor to circle around and take out the two guards on the perimeter. Rudy watched in amazement as Taylor disappeared in the brush for a while and then resurfaced behind the enemy guards. Marcus crawled steadily towards the enemy and took them both out, one and then the other, quickly, quietly, with his knife. Rudy knew then that he would never be the soldier Taylor was…certain that he could never do something that brave.

"That's it," Goldman said. "Let's go."

The enemy had been totally surprised and second platoon was able to take out the rest of the guards with relative ease. Rudy noticed that some of the other men had joined them. The gunfire must have alerted other enemy troops in the area and the claymores and frags started going off behind them. That meant the enemy had hit the perimeter. "We're outta here," LT yelled. "Let’s go ...NOW. Sergeant, blow it up. Come on GO, GO, GO."

Anderson threw the last claymore in the ammunition depot and took off running. It made quite an explosion when it blew, throwing Rudy to the ground and although the boy knew he was not hurt he realized with horror that he could not get up. Rudy Wasson was so scared that he could not move…his mind unable to make his body do what he wanted it to. Shaking uncontrollably, Rudy was sure he was going to die out here in the jungle on just his second mission.

Taylor stopped when he realized that Rudy wasn't behind him. Looking back Marcus could not see the kid at all. The squad had not taken any fire yet, so Taylor did not think the boy could have been hit.

"Dammit," Marcus yelled out loud, running back toward the explosion--toward the enemy. Taylor spotted Rudy lying on the ground.

"C'mon," Marcus encouraged the frightened boy. "C'mon." The kid was not moving. Taylor ran over to him. "Are you hit?" he yelled. Rudy shook his head. Taylor saw the intense fear in Rudy's eyes and the trembling of his body. "All right," he said, as calmly as he could. "Let's get out of here now okay?" Rudy nodded.

Taylor pulled Rudy up by his arm and that seemed to snap the young private back to reality. The two soldiers ran hard for about half a click then stopped to get their bearings. Taylor was worried that he had not seen Johnson or Rue but did not have time to think about that now, knowing he and Rudy better just keep humping it to the LZ or they were not going to make it. Taylor was a fast runner so he kept checking behind him to make sure the kid was still with him. Rudy was keeping up just fine. Relief flooded through Taylor as he heard the beautiful flapping sound of the huey and spotted it in the distance. Sarge was sitting just inside the door, gun drawn, waiting for them.

"C'mon run," Sarge and the rest of the guys were yelling. Taylor realized all the guys were already on the helicopters; they were just waiting for him and the kid. By the way they were yelling, Taylor did not dare look behind him. The gunfire told him that the enemy must be getting closer. Running for all he was worth, Taylor prayed that the huey would not be forced to leave them behind. Rudy was sprinting as hard as he could too, trying to forget why he was running and just concentrating on the actual running.

Rudy fell about twenty feet from the chopper. Zeke jumped off and ran towards him. Anderson and Taylor grabbed Rudy under the arms and half ran, half dragged the shaken kid to safety. Pushing Rudy through the door, the rest of the guys pulled him inside. Taylor dove in and Sergeant Anderson jumped on last, pounding on side of the bird (the go signal)

"Let's go, let's go," Goldman yelled to the pilot. The helicopter lifted off the ground, everyone safely inside. Zeke looked down. Within seconds the ground they had just been standing on was covered with enemy soldiers.

Lieutenant Goldman looked at his men, they all seemed okay…breathing hard, trying to calm down--but okay. Myron forced himself to look at Rudy sitting across from him. The boy’s body was trembling, he had his head almost between his legs and his breathing was short and labored. Myron wanted to say something to the kid, to reach out to him and reassure him, but he was not at all sure how to do that.

The inexperienced lieutenant felt awkward and inept in these types of situations. Myron supposed it was because his own family had never been very demonstrative of their feelings, his father perceiving that as a sign of weakness. Lieutenant Myron Goldman was an emotional man but it was a side of himself that he had learned to keep well hidden. The lieutenant felt things deeply; he just lacked the means to express those emotions properly. Words of comfort did not come easy to the controlled young officer. Talk was never Myron’s means to convey his own emotions either. If you wanted to know what the lieutenant was feeling all you need do is look into his expressive brown eyes.

It was Sergeant Anderson who leaned over to Rudy, "Take a deep breath Son," he told him. "Good, now another one, that's good," Zeke said, first patting Rudy's shoulder and then his leg. "It's okay soldier, you’re going to be okay you did real good today."

Myron watched Rudy intently hoping that the sergeant’s soothing voice would calm the boy down. Rudy did seem to be breathing better and Myron noticed that Anderson kept his hand on Rudy's leg, occasionally patting it and that seemed to be helping too. The lieutenant was starting to understand why the men felt safer with their sergeant around…hell he was starting to feel that way himself.

Anderson was not afraid to put his hand on a troop's shoulder or neck to calm him down. When one of the men was wounded he was always there. It was always Anderson saying, "It's okay, you’re going to be okay Son. Give me your hand." Even when they were not going to be okay, even when they had lost a leg or were in fact, dying. Myron admired that about his sergeant because it was something he just was not comfortable with. “That’s okay,” Myron reasoned to himself. “Everybody isn’t good at everything.”

"Hey," Johnson said holding out his fist to Rudy. "Congratulations on completing your second mission." Rudy hit Johnson's fist with his own, like he had seen Taylor do and let Johnson return the gesture.

"Yeah Rudy congratulations," added Percell, rubbing Rudy's head.

"You come out to the club with us tonight Rudy and you'll get to see some real action,” Spence added, much to Andy’s chagrin.

When the chopper set down, it was early evening and the young soldiers of Bravo Company were still pumped up from their narrow escape and the good fortune of finding an ammunition dump on the first day out. They had been expected to be out for weeks not one day.

The troops expounded on their good fortune…sleeping in their own bunks and no c-rats for dinner. “They will probably send us back out tomorrow or the day after,” Johnson observed. “But at least it’s not tonight! Let’s get some chow.”

Taylor brought up the rear, not all that interested in their enthusiastic conversation. “I don’t know what y’all are so exciting about, ain’t like the food is good in there,” he mumbled following after his friends.

Lieutenant Goldman and Sergeant Anderson had to give Major Rigby and Captain Wallace the standard briefing before the lieutenant wrote out his full after action report on the mission. The briefing turned out to be surprisingly short.

The lieutenant glanced at Anderson trying to get a read on him. Myron’s adrenaline was still up and he needed to talk to someone just as much as his men did. Hoping Anderson would join him after dinner, Myron invited the sergeant to stop by for a few drinks and some conversation. The lieutenant promised himself that this would be one visit with his sergeant that would not end badly. “Sergeant, I'm going to shower and get something to eat but if you want to stop by later for a drink I'll break out the good stuff," Myron offered casually.

Zeke knew that the mission had been an intense one and that the kid probably needed someone to talk to, but he really wanted to go check on the guys, Rudy in particular. "Thank you Sir but I think I'll go into town with the men," Zeke answered.

"Stop by if you change your mind Sergeant I'll be here." Myron said lightly, trying to cover the disappointment in his voice.

****************************

Anderson joined Rudy, Taylor and Johnson at a table. Pulling up a chair next to Rudy, the Sergeant straddled it backwards. "Hey, how ya feeling?" he asked.

"I'm feeling great Sarge," Rudy said beaming. Lowering his voice he asked, "Did I really do okay today?"

"Oh yeah," Zeke nodded. "For being new…you did great."

Zeke meant it too. Rudy had done okay. First of all he came back alive, but even that aside he had not done anything stupid to endanger someone else's life, and he had sincerely tried to follow the advice he had been given. Zeke told him as much.

“Told ya,” Taylor smiled, slapping the young private on the back before getting up to get the next round.

As soon as Taylor was out of earshot Rudy whispered, "Sarge, I was really afraid."

The truth in those few words made Zeke better understand the lieutenant’s protective instincts towards the private. Anderson recalled the fear in Rudy’s eyes and the uncontrollable shakes on the chopper and it was all Zeke could do to keep from hugging the boy. Instead he smiled and said, "I know."

"No Sarge," Rudy confided. Zeke had to lean closer to hear him. "I mean I was REALLY scared. I kind of froze out there. I'm afraid that I am not very brave."

"Now Rudy," Zeke reassured him. "We are all really afraid every time out there, every time," he emphasized. "How scared you are has nothing to do with how brave you are. What you DO proves your courage not how you FEEL okay?" Rudy nodded thinking hard about that statement.

Finishing his beer and ordering another, Zeke noted that Rudy was still nursing the same one he had started out with. The sergeant was glad that Rudy did not appear to be a big drinker--that would be one less problem he would have to deal with. Anderson usually did not worry too much about his men because he knew that they took care of each other, but Private Rudy Wasson was another matter all together. Not only had the lieutenant all but ordered Zeke to watch out for the newbie, but the boy was only seventeen years old, and like his men, the sergeant had developed a natural affection for the naïve kid from North Dakota. Zeke decided to assign one of his men to specifically look after Private Rudy Wasson. Not in the bush, but on the base, in the clubs, and in Sin City.

Not sure who to ask, Zeke decided that Doc, Horn or Egan were the only logical choices. Using the process of elimination, the sergeant determined that Doc did not always go out with the guys and on occasion Horn would get too drunk to care for anyone but himself. Zeke acknowledged that most of his squad were really just kids themselves, and although they were more than competent in the jungle, most did not have a clue about life outside of soldiering. The sergeant settled on Andrew Egan.

Although Egan was one of the newest members of the platoon, Zeke thought he could trust him the most with the Rudy problem. Egan did not drink, but he almost always stayed at the bar until closing. Being twenty-one years old and a natural worrier, Zeke thought Egan might best understand the responsibility of taking care of someone else. The sergeant got up, walked behind Egan and tapped him on the shoulder. "Got a minute?" He asked nodding towards an empty table in the corner.

"Sure Sarge," Andy said easily.

"I need you to help me out with something," Zeke offered slowly.

"Sure Sarge," Andy said again. "Anything."

"I want you to keep an eye on Rudy." Andy started to nod but the sergeant cut him off. "Hold on now, hear me out. I want you to do more than keep an eye on him. I want you to make sure he gets back to the barracks every night, whether you are on the base or at the Club wherever. I want you to always know where the boy is."

Sergeant Anderson looked Egan right in the eye. "If it’s too much responsibility for you Egan, just tell me now. I'll understand."

"No Sarge, it's fine. I'll watch Rudy, I really like Rudy." Andy smiled, happy that he could do something for his sergeant.

"All right," Zeke said. "You can start now, tonight. Remember, make sure he gets back safe every night…especially if he starts drinking, he doesn't look like much of a drinker."

Nodding, Andy knew that was true from the night spent in Sin City. "You got it Sarge," Andy answered, touched by Anderson's concern for the new seventeen-year-old grunt and for the trust the sergeant had placed in him.

Getting up from the table, Anderson stuck his hand out to Andy and they shook on it. "One more thing Egan," Zeke said holding the handshake a few seconds longer.

"Yeah Sarge?"

"This stays between you and me"

"Right Sarge."

Zeke felt better, much better. After finishing up his beer, Sergeant Anderson left the bar with nothing on his mind but hitting his rack.

*************************************

To be continued