by Ed Nelson
We holed up for what we hoped would be our last night on the road. I was looking forward to a hot shower and a shave. I had to stink something terrible.
After dark that night we moved north. The border was easy to see when we reached it. Along their side of the border, the Chinese had a road. It had trucks with their lights on parked every fifty yards. Kind of hard to miss.
I would like to tell you how we made a desperate run to the border with NK border guards shooting at us all the way. There wasn’t a guard in sight. We strolled across the imaginary borderline and stood there waiting to be noticed.
It didn’t take long. First, a jeep came up to us. A captain in the Chinese army confirmed it was us. He then radioed to his command. From there it was being handed off to ever higher-ranking officers. Along the way, we picked up soldiers to carry our gear.
Best of all, we were offered coffee
Chapter 42
We were put in a van and taken to the local airport where we flew to Beijing. At the airport, we were taken to an army barracks on site and allowed to shower and shave.
We were given new working uniforms, but they were on the small side. Only Harry Beal had one that fit. Once we were presentable, we were taken to the Forbidden City.
I still felt gritty and needed a haircut, but my appearance was a lot better than an hour ago. The team and I were taken to a private audience room where the Empress waited.
She told us she was happy to see us make it out safely. They had been unable to find out why the soldiers had been moved next to the resort. They were still there and showed no sign of moving.
Daily overflights would continue, both because of Haoran and they wanted to know what that unit was up to. The unit was near Pyongyang, were they in a position for a coup or to prevent one?
Our airplane ruse had worked. The NK had shot it down over water but had recovered the two bodies and the wooden box loaded with heroin. The official reports stated that it was two Chinese smugglers who had become disoriented and flew into NK airspace.
The report by the unit commander who had found the wreckage gave the amount of heroin recovered. It was listed as only half the actual amount.
The Empress was pleased with this because they now could blackmail that commander at need in the future.
Since we had regular radio contact there had been no great concern about our lives.
My largest concern at the moment was where I could get a real meal. Not something with chopsticks. Bacon, eggs over easy, toast, and hashed browns come to mind.
I mentioned this to Harry Beal, and he invited me to the American Embassy with the rest of his team. Since this would be my best chance at an American-style meal I begged off from the Empress and went with them.
She commented that they would be importing an American Chef for the Palace.
I asked her about the possibility of a McDonald’s franchise. She didn’t say no.
I had my meal at the Embassy, it was wonderful. I finished up my plate and asked if I could have a second helping just like the first. The SEAL team was eating just as much, so I didn’t even feel guilty.
After the meal, we went to the Ambassador’s office. All he knew was we had been on a black mission. He informed the guys that they were needed back in the States as soon as possible.
I realized that I now had nothing that needed to be done immediately and had things to do in the States, so volunteered to take them back to Little River. They had a choice, military transport, or ride in luxury.
We would leave first thing in the morning.
They were staying at the Embassy while I went back to the Palace. I had to spend the evening there alone.
Harold had the latest scoop of why I wasn’t invited to the formal dinner that was being held.
It seemed there were several young men there that could be considered suitors for May-ling’s hand. It was thought that I would scare them away, being so big and all.
I didn’t know how to take that. Wasn’t I good enough? Not that I wanted to marry her. Well maybe. I found my thoughts to be very confused.
I used the time wisely and caught up on my sleep.
About mid-day the next day we loaded up the 707 and took off on our journey back to the States. It was more fun than usual because a couple of the guys had not been on the plane before, and the others gave a tour.
Harry Beal opted out of the tour and spent his time with Marjorie, one of our long-time stewardesses. I think they were sweet on each other. They are both good people and I wish them the best.
Somehow Harold had rounded up the proper size uniforms for the SEALs. They each had a small bag with them containing all their badges so when we got off the plane at Andrews, we were sharp looking.
I even wore my Coldstream Guards uniform, the working version, not the mess dress. I didn’t argue with Harold about what to wear. It gave me a chance to wear my new Dragon parachute wings.
I would have to get back to England and go to Whitehall to get permission to put up the lightbulb. I could see the reasoning behind the award, but it still seemed silly.
We were flown down to Norfolk in a small ten-seater. From there a van out to the base at Little River. I hadn’t intended to go with them but everyone from Harold to the SEALs acted as though it was what I had to do.
I didn’t think about it a lot, I figured they wanted me to be part of a debriefing. They did besides other things.
The debriefing was first. We had to go over the plan as it was developed before the insertion. Then finding that our target zone was occupied. The steps taken to recover the jump possibility.
The American brass was interested in what we knew about the bodies left on the plane. As I told them, for all we knew they came from Bodies-R-Us. My humor was not appreciated.
Then there was the jump itself. They wanted to know how the lights on the helmet worked out as this was a new development. We all agreed that it worked well.
Next, we had to describe scouting out the immediate area around the resort and finding our target.
Then the decision that the mission couldn’t be carried out. We were questioned seven different ways. Almost to the point of accusing us of cowardice.
At that point, I had had it.
“I’m not a member of your armed forces and I don’t need to take this abuse, Lieutenant.”
It doesn’t hurt to remind them who the senior officer is.
“Furthermore, these men risked their lives on this mission and deserve better treatment.”
A Navy Commander who had been listening in smoothly stepped in.
“No insult was meant, Colonel; we have to make certain that they made the correct decision.”
“Well, I Colonel Richard Jackson, Duke of Hong Kong is telling you that the mission couldn’t be accomplished. If you want to question me on this any further take it up with my direct superior and the mission sponsor.”
The Lieutenant fell right into my little trap.
“And who are they, we will need to talk to them.”
“The Queen of England and the Empress of China.”
The Commander sharply told the Lieutenant, “That’s enough!”
The debriefing continued with us describing our trip out. The tension had gone down in the room when the Lieutenant exited the room. He gave no excuse. He just left.
My best guess is he had been told to be the bad guy in the debrief but had exceeded the bad guy part. I noticed my SEALs were trying to keep straight faces but you could tell they liked an officer getting his comeuppance.
When the Commander was told about my bow, he was very interested. He wondered if they should carry one just like it on missions. Harry told him that a modified one would be handy.
“Why would it have to be modified?”
“None of us could draw the one hundred and fifty pounds required. Maybe a hundred, but not that one.”
I modestly kept my eyes down.
It took five hours, but we finally were allowed to go.
It was considered a shame that it didn’t work out, but none of it was our fault and we had done the best that could be done to carry out the mission.
We were wrapping up when the door opened. We were told, “Attention.” We all rose to stand at attention.
In walked President John Kennedy. He almost barked, “At Ease.”
He shook hands all around and asked everyone how they were doing. He saved me for last.
“Rick, you give me more headaches than I can count and do so much for our country. After hearing about the mission, I’m pleased to award these.”
He pinned a set of US parachutist wings below my Chinese Dragon wings. They had a bronze star pinned over the parachute. He explained that the army was lobbying to make the star an official part of the wings. The troops had been using them since World War II and it was time to make them legal.
The bronze star on the wings indicated the wearer had been on an assault combat jump. If jumping with an NK regiment occupying your jump zone wasn’t a combat jump nothing was. That was when I remembered that the US and NK were still officially at war.
I couldn’t wait to apply for the lightbulb.
Chapter 43
The guys and I had dinner together and reminisced about the mission. For some reason, the highlight appeared to be when I shot an arrow completely through a deer. It was within fifty yards and the arrow dropped it dead in its tracks.
They marveled at what it took to pull that bow. I got it then, talking about an officer to another officer, even from a different country, was not the thing to do. But by alluding to my strength in bending that bow they could chuckle at the Lieutenant's expense.
Knowing that I said, “Lieutenant Allen was so interested in my bow, maybe I should send him a beginner's bow, say a twenty-five-pound pull?”
They roared with laughter. No breach of etiquette but humor anyway. On a more serious note, I was told that I was welcome to team with them anytime.
I thanked them for the invitation but told them their lives were too exciting for me. This really got them going. They started asking me questions about some of the high-profile events in my life.
Remembering something that Popeye had told me about sea stories I started with, “No shit; this is what happened”
The next four hours of beer drinking, and tale-telling was the most fun I had had in a long time. I can’t share my stories with many people because they come across as bragging. This group accepted them and had tales of their own which made mine pale by comparison.
The next morning wasn’t so much fun.
I ran, hangover and all. I had to stop and puke at the halfway point. I still would do that night all over again.
I had no real plans at this point so decided to go to England and report in, I hadn’t done this in a while. I called my Chief Pilot and arranged to fly later tonight. I spent the rest of the day napping and eating lightly.
In the early evening, we took off for London. I slept a good part of the trip. When I woke up by the time I showered and shaved, dressed, and had breakfast we were getting into the landing pattern.
Since I didn’t have a real schedule, I wore a uniform, so I was ready for anything. No medals just ribbons and of course my new wings.
I smiled at the thought and took the limo that was waiting for me. I think there is a limo fairy as I don’t even have to ask for them anymore. They just appear. I’m pretty certain it is the flight crew doing it, but don’t want to ask. I prefer to think of a limo fairy.
My first destination was Whitehall. I hadn’t an appointment so had to wait for my contact to be available. It was weird sitting in a waiting room full of military officers in full uniform. It made me think of the Admiralty waiting room in a Hornblower novel.
My turn came and I was escorted to the Brigadier's office. He was attached to the Imperial Staff, and I think his charges were odds and sods like me. None of us fit neatly into the command hierarchy and thus viewed with suspicion.
I marched in, stood at attention, and saluted. That is what one does in the army. He waved back at me in a half-hearted salute. I had probably broken some rule about saluting indoors without a cap on. In my mind, it never hurt to salute a superior.
He didn’t seem upset, so it was okay. He probably thought that I wasn’t real army anyway.
“Colonel Jackson, how may I help you today?”
“Several things Sir, I need to know if I’m allowed to wear these foreign badges?”
“I recognize the US parachute wings, and we recognize those. It is unusual to see a combat star though. As for the others, what are they?”
“They are the new wings of the Chinese army parachute brigade.”
“Didn’t know they have one.”
“It is being formed as we speak. I have the honor of being the first qualified.”
“What is considered qualified?”
“Four daytime jumps and one at night.”
“The same as us, so yes I would think so. Why didn’t you ask your direct Commander?”
“I hesitate to put her Majesty in a position of going against army regulations.
“Oh yes, I forgot you’re an aide de camp to Her Majesty.”
“Yes, you can see how that could become awkward if she said yes, and regulations said no.”
“Thank you for helping us all to avoid a potential problem. Tell me more about the Chinese wings.”
“They call them Dragon wings. This is the first pair issued.”
“How did that happen?”
“It was for a combined mission between the US Navy and the Chinese Army. Very black. Her Majesty was made aware and gave her permission to the US President, and Chinese Empress.”
“I don’t think I want to know anymore. I suspect that has a direct bearing on the other set of wings.”
“It does, Sir.”
“We need to get you a set of British ones,”
“I’m afraid I’m only eligible for the lightbulb.”
“We can’t have that; I will cut orders to have the Coldstream Guards second you to a SAS unit. Then you can wear the full set of wings.”
“Then if I may be so bold, I would like to point out that I’m also a qualified pilot on a multi-engine plane and am about to take a check ride on my 707.”
“Then we need to see about getting you a set of RAF wings. Could you provide your logbooks for our examination?”
“Yes, Sir, they are on board my plane which is at Heathrow. I will have them delivered here.”
Inside I was jumping up and down with glee the RAF hadn’t treated me well, so I was glad to get their wings behind their back.
“Follow me.”
We went down a hall, several flights of stairs, and then another long hall. All painted in that wonderful institutional green.
We barged into an office, the Brigadier barged, I followed in his wake.
He knew the occupant because he called him by his first name, Billy.
“Billy, I got a man for your roster. He’s being seconded from the Coldstream Guards to the SAS so we can give him a full set of parachutist wings, rather than that embarrassing lightbulb thing.”
Billy didn’t seem thrilled about all this. Even after he heard who I was he wasn’t happy. He did ask about the strange pair of wings I was wearing. When did I tell them he sat up?
“Then it's true, the Chinese are setting up a parachute regiment.”
I saw no reason that it would be a secret so affirmed it.
“We will have to wait … we already have!”
“What?”
“We have a tradition in the SAS that between all of our members we wear a set of every wing in the world. Since you’re being seconded you tick that box.”
“Glad to be of service.”
“Any chance we could get some other blokes through their course?”
“I don’t see why not; I’ll ask the Empress tonight when I call her.”
He stopped for a moment, and you could see it click.
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br /> “You’re the Duke of Hong Kong.”
“I have that honor.”
“The is better and better. It will put us one up on the SBS.”
I kept my mouth shut, not wanting to get involved in any interservice rivalry.
“Where will you be staying, transient officers’ barracks?”
The Brigadier spoke up, “I suspect Buck House.”
“I will be in my suite at the Plaza on the Strand.”
“I’ll have the shoulder flash and badges delivered there. Now one more thing.”
“The special forces community has a lot of backchannel talks. There is a rumor that a US Seal team went into North Korea. Do you know anything about that?”
Again, I hadn’t signed anything or been told I couldn’t talk so I briefed the SAS Brigadier on the failed mission.
“I wouldn’t call it a failed mission. No one has ever been able to get a team in and out of there. I originally thought you were a badge hunter, any chance you would be available for missions?”
“Only if Her Majesty approves.”
“Now I read in the papers about that nonsense in Siberia. How much of that it is true?”
It took the rest of the afternoon and two cups of coffee to retell that adventure. I was surprised that I had to go all through it. I thought my VC and other awards spoke to that. I guess not.
The day was getting away from us, and the day was now starting in China so I asked if I could use the phone for an International call.
I was put through in short order to the Empress's Chief of Staff. Speaking in Mandarin I asked if we could get some British SAS operatives through their parachute course.
He thought it an excellent idea as it would show the world their program and forces were real.
When I hung up, I gave the SAS officer the contact information and told him they were approved to go through the course.
Eying my distinctive wings he told me he planned to attend the course.
Chapter 44
I was at loose ends for a while. I didn’t have anything on my schedule. That is, unless Haoran turned up.
Just to have something to do, I drove to Pinewood Studios. I hadn’t had any contact with them for some months now. We had parted on good terms, and it was a shame the movies that I was to be in fell through.