The Sound of Courage

Part Four

James's plane landed at the naval base. He grabbed his bag and walked off the stairway. It was very humid outside with the sun beating down on him. James looked at the planes the base carried. They had heavy bombers like B-17s to fighter planes like YFM-1s and many single engine planes. "Lieutenant Forrester" shouted a man in the distance breaking James's admiration from the aircrafts. James quickly walked towards a man who was holding a clipboard.

"You James Forrester?"

"Yes sir" replied James.

The man looked at James from head to toe in slight confusion. "I thought you would be more taller. Anyways your platoon of fool-born morons are in barrack second to last on the base. Take a minute to greet yourself. You have your first mission in a few hours. Take three other men with men with you. Your job is to orbit around the Solomon Islands. We heard they may be setting up prisoner camps for captured soldiers. Don't get too close or you'll get shot down." The man dismissed James. Upon walking into the barrack James saw eight men relaxing and enjoying themselves. Two were playing with a dart board, another five soldiers playing with cards, and one reading a book by himself on a bed bunk. One soldier who was playing cards looked up noticing James standing in the middle of their barrack.

"You lost or something?" said the soldier critically making James's presence known to the other soldiers.

"Is that how you welcome your new lieutenant?" James responded. The soldiers jolted from surprise dropping whatever they were doing and lined up.

"I've been told I was given a platoon of idiots. I thought they were kidding but by your first impression that only proves that statement. My name is James Forrester and I'll be your lieutenant from now on. I will do everything to my ability to make sure you survive and return home safely. Do not waste my time. For every minute you waste a life is taken. I can be your friend or your enemy the choice is yours. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes sir" shouted the soldiers in unison. James went to his bunk and unpacked his bag. Later came more soldiers which he also greeted. Afterwards James picked three men to take with him for their first mission together. Whiling flying in the air James became acquainted with the men with him on the plane. He learn that one man, Ben, who graduated from Harvard Law and plans on becoming a lawyer after the war. There was John who was the one who didn't get on a great start with James in the barracks, which he later apologized for. There was also Stewart who goes by the name of Stewie. Everything seem to be fine until their deep conversation was abruptly cut off when bullets started to fire at their aircraft. James went through all the drills he was taught in his head, preparing to give orders to his men.

"John how's our engines?" shouted James.

"Secure and fully running sir, no direct hit"

James putted on his headset and turned to Stewie to turn the radio on to contact officials. While waiting for a connection James tried to steer the plane out of harm's way. James turn around and instructed Ben to take hold of the gun and shoot at the island. James finally got connected to the naval base.

"This is Lieutenant Forrester, We're south of the Solomon Islands. We're under heavy fire. I ask for official authority for bombing target " James shouted trying to stay calm over the loud noise of Ben firing and the plane itself being shot at. James waited for a response. He knew if he dropped the bomb without authority it could lead to disaster of their cover being blown and the Japanese seeking for revenge. Seconds seemed like minutes while James piloted the plane. "Lieutenant, you have approval to fire upon target" responded the naval official. James went south of the island and made a tight turn to get a clear target. James order Ben to prepare to get a good aim on the island. On James's go Ben dropped the M47. Once it touched the ground the shooting had stop. The island shined like a bright star in a midnight sky then turning into a small cloud within seconds. "That ought to show those damn Japs not to mess with us" exclaimed John. James returned safely to the  naval base with his men forever remembering his first encounter with death.

                                                                   ____________________

"How many times would you say you'd experience a near death experience" ask Jennifer.

"Well not a lot really. Just that time and one more time after that" responded James. James started to zone out thinking about his encounter with death. He started to shake his leg rapidly.

"I consider myself lucky actually. Part of my crew I lost four soldiers just after a few months I joined them. They went on a mission to pick up U.S. and British soldiers from another island. They got shot down and never return." James said looking at floor again in sorrow.

"Is there any other memories you'd like to share?" Jennifer ask in a gentle tone.