Adie shifted uncomfortably and struggled with the translation.
As Colonel Bogie’s words sank in, Pete bent over and put his face in his hands.
The colonel went on. “None of us could bear the thought of what they had planned back there, but it was Adie who took me aside and insisted that we do something. It was Adie who bribed the partisan commander with the diamond her mother gave her. It was Adie who had every reason to hate Germans but instead found it in her heart to save one. And you know what? I’m glad she did. You seem like a fine young man.”
Pete slowly stood to his feet, leaned in and kissed Adie on the cheek. “Thank you,” he said softly. “You are like an angel to me.”
Adie blushed. “Oh, for goodness sake, who’s ever heard of a one-eyed angel?” she kidded, hugging his neck.
After a brief silence, Colonel Bogie continued. “Clearly we don’t know each other,” he said. “And true, you may be a prisoner of war, but to us you’re just a young man who needs our help.
“I think it’s important that you understand what‘s going on in the world right now. When the Allies landed in France a few months ago, I believe that signaled the beginning of the end for Germany. Since then the Allies have liberated Paris and are heading north. We have air superiority and now occupy half of Italy. The German army has taken a terrible beating in Russia—hundreds of thousands of soldiers lost. The way I see it, Pete, by this time next year, this war will be over. But in the meantime, many, many German soldiers will die. Can you see this?”
Pete acknowledged. “Soldiers in my unit fear what comes.”
“Well, Pete, the three of us are committed to seeing that you survive this war. But there are still a number of partisan units ahead, and if we are going to get you through, we need a plan. So tell me, do you happen to speak any language other than German?”
With a subtle nod, Pete said, “My mother was French. I speak it well.”
The colonel perked up and motioned for Raul to join them. “That’s excellent, Pete. Then from now on, no German—only French—no matter what; even if someone speaks to you in German. Can you do that?”
“Oui,” Pete replied.
“Raul knows French. He can translate for us.
“Now we need to have a believable story.” Colonel Bogie thought for a moment. “How about this: why don’t we say you’re a French national, that you were living with your parents in Milan? They were killed, and you found your way to a partisan camp. Then when we passed through, we offered to help you return to your relatives in France. How does that sound?”
Raul translated, and Pete gave a nod.
“Sounds good,” Adie said.
“All right, one final thing before we have something to eat,” the colonel said, “and Pete, this involves your future—what will happen to you if we make it through to our lines. I expect we’ll cross the French border about a week from now. Then it will take another week to pass through the Alps to Grenoble.
“We will maintain your story until we are well inside the Allied lines. Then we’ll turn you over as a prisoner of war. You will be joining other German soldiers in a temporary detention camp. When they have enough prisoners, they will put you all on a troop ship and take you to a camp in the United States. Of course, after the war you will be returned to Germany.”
Anxiety registered on Pete’s face.
“Listen, you have nothing to worry about,” the colonel continued. “I have seen how we treat our prisoners. Regardless of what you may have heard, German prisoners are comfortably housed, well fed, and treated with respect, even on-board ship. Do you understand?”
After a brief silence, Pete acknowledged.
# # #
“Seems like an awful difficult adjustment for Pete,” Merrick observed.
“It was,” Ari agreed, “though Col. Bogie spent considerable time nurturing the boy. Indeed, by the time they started through the Alps, they had formed an unexpected bond. I should also mention that those days were particularly grueling—long hours on the trail, and yet, despite the fact that Pete wasn’t in the best of shape, he never complained.”
“Reminds me of my earlier days,” Merrick reminisced. “I remember my father taking me for a day-hike up this twelve thousand foot mountain. All the way up I was constantly asking when we would get there. Then coming back down, I did the same thing, except with a bad attitude. I became so exhausted, I started crying—and we still had another mile to go. Later, my father told me how bad he felt for pushing me so hard.”
“Then you can understand how the colonel might have been impressed with the boy.”
“You said they spent their last week in the Alps. It was winter. Wasn’t there snow?”
Ari gave a nod. “As it turned out, the trail never rose much above six thousand feet. Some snow was on the ground, but nothing serious, at least until the cold snap on the last day. They spent that day descending into Grenoble with freezing temperatures and biting wind. Everyone fared well except Adie. She was slender and more susceptible to the cold. When they finally crossed the American lines, she was suffering from hypothermia. The colonel moved quickly to find blankets, and then arranged for a ride south to Nice in the back of an Army supply truck. During the trip, they huddled close to keep Adie’s temperature up. Thankfully, she had avoided frostbite. That evening, they arrived at the joint-use hospital in Nice. After explaining their situation, they turned Adie over to the nurses and waited in the lobby.”
“So with all of this, no one questioned who they were?”
Ari shook his head. “First of all, it was extremely cold. No one was much interested in asking questions, and once the colonel confirmed his identity, the soldiers just assumed he would vouch for the others.”
Merrick grinned. “That was fortunate.”
“Most fortunate…. In any event, while they were waiting for news on Adie, Col. Bogie paid a visit to the hospital radio room and sent a message off to his unit in Italy.”
“So how long did they keep Adie?” Merrick asked.
“The nurse came back a little later to say that Adie was improving, but they wanted to hold her overnight to treat her for dehydration and feed her a warm meal. So Col. Bogie took Raul and Pete to the mess hall for dinner. Later, when they returned, an orderly met them with a message from the radio room. The colonel’s unit was sending a plane up early the next day. So Col. Bogie made arrangements to pick up Adie in the morning, then took Raul and Pete to find a warm shower and a place to sleep.”
“Must have been quite a relief to be off the trail,” Merrick said.
“No doubt they felt some relief,” Ari said, “but between concern over Adie, the extreme cold, and all of the activity, they really had little time to think. And poor Pete, he didn’t know what to make of it. Everyone seemed so kind and helpful—nothing like the German Army…. Anyway, next morning, it was back to the hospital.”
> > >
The nurse led them down the hall to a room where Adie lay sleeping.
Colonel Bogie pulled a chair up next to her bed, leaned in close, and softly said, “Say, Princess, if you’ve had enough sleep, maybe you would care to join us. We have a plane to catch.”
Adie drew in a slow deep breath and took in the friendly faces. “Good morning,” she said, stretching.
“How you feeling?” the colonel asked.
“They gave me a warm bath. I feel won-der-ful.”
“Well, I hope you don’t mind,” the nurse said to Adie, “but I’m afraid we’re going to insist that you take things a little slow for a bit.” She drew the colonel aside. “As soon as you reach your destination, get her to the infirmary. She needs a thorough going-over. We washed her clothes and gave her some new underthings.”
“Thank you, nurse. I’ll see to it,” Colonel Bogie said, and he returned to Adie. “We’re going to step out while you get dressed. We’ll meet you in the lobby.”
# # #
“The boy was aware of the incoming plane,” Ari sai
d. “And earlier he had seen Raul and the colonel in a serious discussion, but they were speaking in English. Since then, his expression had been gloomy, like a cloud was hanging over his head. He had no idea that his future was in his own hands.”
Merrick raised an eyebrow. “What does that mean?”
“Ari gestured toward the display.”
> > >
It was a crisp sunny morning, with temperatures just above freezing. Colonel Bogie had borrowed a jeep to take them to the airport—about two miles away. Because the jeep was completely open, the colonel wrapped Adie in two blankets and sat her in the passenger seat. Raul and Pete rode in the back.
The local detention center was only a few blocks out of their way. As they approached the facility, the colonel struggled with his emotions and asked Raul to translate. “Pete, these buildings on the right up here...well, this is one of the places I spoke to you about.” The colonel brought the jeep to a stop in front of the entrance, and after some contemplation, got out and walked around to Pete.
A deep sadness came over the boy, and his eyes began to well up.
Colonel Bogie spoke with difficulty. “Pete, right now you are officially a prisoner of war. You know that. We all know that. But Pete, the people inside this building don’t know that, and no one in this city knows that. So if you want to do the official thing, I will take you inside and turn you over. However, if you would rather not, and prefer to do something else, you need to tell me now...and Pete, this is not the time to hide your feelings. I need to know exactly what’s in your heart.”
Adie temporarily shed her blankets, reached back, and took Pete’s hand.
With tears now running down both cheeks, the boy felt Adie’s gentle squeeze. He looked up into the colonel’s eyes and with a slight wavering in his voice, said, “I want you to be my papa.”
Colonel Bogie’s grim expression melted away. With both hands, he gently wiped away the boy’s tears. “Well, then guess what?” he said. “It just so happens that’s exactly what I wanted to hear.” He put his arm around the boy and pulled him close. “Listen, how would you like to go for a plane ride?”
An expression of deep satisfaction and happiness came over the boy, and he rapidly nodded his head.
“Then we’re off!” The colonel walked briskly around the jeep, hopped in, and they sped away.
# # # Ten Minutes Later > > >
The B-24 was parked on the ramp not far from the tower, the starboard inboard engine still running. Their jeep came to a stop outside the operations building.
“Grab your gear,” Colonel Bogie said. “Let’s go find the crew.”
Major Stewart, a tall, lanky, good-natured gentleman, was leaning on the scheduling counter at the back of the operations center. Hearing the commotion at the door, he turned, and with a welcoming smile, said, “Boy, aren’t you a sight for sore eyes?” He walked across the room, vigorously shook the colonel’s hand, and turned to address the others. “Maj. Jim Stewart—at your service,” he said, removing his headgear and taking a half bow. “Now Nate, you simply must introduce me to these fine folks.”
Raul quietly translated for the boy.
“This gentleman is Raul Santos,” the colonel said, “our guide and resistance fighter.”
The major extended his hand. “Raul, it’s a pleasure, my man; yes, a pleasure.” Then turning to Adie, “My heavens, who on Earth is this charming creature?”
“Jim, it is my great pleasure to introduce you to Miss Adie Behr, the young lady who saved my life—my guardian angel.”
Major Stewart lifted her hand and patted it softly. “Well, my dear, I can’t say as I’ve ever met an angel before,” he said, smiling warmly, “but if ever I saw one, I’m sure she’d look a lot like you. Now let me see...Adie...is that short for Adina?” Receiving a nod, he added, “A lovely name. I had a girlfriend named Adina. It’s Jewish, isn’t it?” Again, a nod. “Means gentle-natured, refined. You know, it’s always a mystery to me how the good Lord gives us names that so perfectly match our personality.”
Adie returned the smile, and Major Stewart shifted his attention to the boy. “Hey, little fella. Now, I may be wrong, but aren’t you kinda young to be a resistance fighter?”
“And you’re exactly right,” the colonel said. “This is Pete. He’s going to be my son.”
Major Stewart glanced at the colonel, surprised. “Now I know why you wanted the extra-small flight suit.” He bent and whispered into the boy’s ear loud enough for Raul to hear. “Now Pete, I just got to tell ya...I don’t think there’s a luckier boy on the face of the earth.” Major Stewart backed away, keeping his eyes on the boy as Raul translated.
Pete began to beam.
The major ruffled the boys hair and turned his attention back to Colonel Bogie. “What do you say we go punch a hole in the sky?”
“Sounds like a plan,” the colonel said.
“Then everyone follow me.”
The major led them out the door and onto the ramp. Nearing the aircraft, Colonel Bogie commented on a few gaping holes in the fuselage.
“Yeah, we took a little flak over the target. Copilot got a piece in the leg—lost some blood. You must have passed the ambulance on your way here.”
The Colonel paused to think. “We got off the main road for a few minutes, but I believe we did hear a siren…. So you guys are returning from a mission?”
“Yep.”
Colonel Bogie looked up as two fighter aircraft droned by, circling the airport. “I wonder what that’s all about?”
“Red Tails out of Ramitelli,” the major said. “Flew cover for us this morning—volunteered to escort us home.”
“Good men. We’re lucky to have them.”
“Yeah, I think it’s a fair bet we’ll make it back in one piece.”
A crewman waited at the aircraft, extra flight suit in hand.
Major Stewart put his hand on the boy’s shoulder. “Say, little fella, we’ve got a two-and-a-half hour flight back to Guilia, and it’s gonna get awful cold up there. Why don’t you hop on board and slip into that toasty flight suit?”
Hearing Raul’s translation, the boy smiled and followed the crewmember, ducking under the fuselage and boarding the plane through the belly hatch. Adie and Raul followed.
“Say, old man,” the major said, delaying the colonel briefly, “just out of curiosity, how you plan on managing this adoption business? I gather he’s French.”
“Yeah, thought I’d ask the DeWolfe sisters to take him in. You know how they’re always complaining about the lack of help out there. Besides, they speak French and English. Maybe they can get him up to speed on the language before we go stateside.”
“Ah, that’s perfect. They’re lonely, and the boy should find the vineyard interesting enough.”
“Yeah, that’s what I was thinking,” Colonel Bogie said. “Meanwhile, I’ll get started on the adoption papers.”
———————
Elaine and Marielle DeWolfe, both in their mid-fifties, were the surviving daughters of renowned Parisian art dealer, Pierre DeWolfe. They fled Paris in the spring of 1940, just ahead of the German invasion. Accompanying them on the train to Italy were hundreds of valuable paintings and sculptures. Their destination—the family vineyard in central Italy, where they remained out of the public eye until the Americans opened nearby Guilia Airfield in early 1944.
Deeply troubled over the fall of their beloved Paris, and hoping for France’s eventual deliverance, they felt compelled to do all they could for the newly arrived airmen. So they gave of what they had: Fine Italian wine, without charge—which soon came to the attention of Colonel Bogie, who was obliged to pay a visit and offer thanks on behalf of his squadron. Consequently, the sisters took an immediate liking to him, and in the months that followed, sent many a dinner invitation to him and his flyers...for the men, a welcome escape from the harsh realities of aerial combat.
———————
Major Stewart motione
d for Colonel Bogie to follow him up through the belly hatch. “Listen, if you don’t mind,” the major said, “I thought I’d put the little guy in the right seat for take-off. It would probably be a kick for him, don’t you think? Mr. Santos can take the jump seat and translate.”
Colonel Bogie’s expression was tentative. “That’s a great idea, but didn’t you say there was blood up there?”
“Already taken care of.”
“Good deal, then,” the colonel said. “I’ll get Adie settled.”
Upon entering, they found a somewhat bewildered Adie with several crewmen vying for her attention.
The major turned to Colonel Bogie. “Guess I should have expected this. They’re still a little keyed up from the mission...not used to having a female on-board.”
The colonel nodded and elevated his voice to get the men’s attention. “Gentlemen...Gentlemen!” The cabin went silent. “Three things: First, we have two fine Red Tails circling patiently upstairs, undoubtedly running low on fuel. If we don’t get this crate off the ground, and soon, we’re going to lose our escort.”
Major Stewart nudged Pete forward toward the flight deck and signaled Raul to follow.
“Second, I’m sure Miss Behr appreciates all the attention, but fact is, she’s just been through a horrible ordeal and spent last night in the hospital suffering from hypothermia. It was everything I could do to talk the nurses into letting her go this morning. And finally...Adie, I wonder if you would mind telling us your date of birth.”
The question was unexpected, and it took Adie a moment to respond. “August 17th, 1928,” she said in a somewhat frail voice.
The colonel looked around at the crew as they crunched the numbers. “That’s right gentlemen, she may be nearly six feet tall, but she turned sixteen just four months ago.” He paused for effect. “Now, I know some of you have little sisters that age, so let’s try to show some consideration. Lt. Franklin, perhaps you wouldn’t mind showing Adie forward to the bombardier station. She might appreciate a nice view of the take-off.” He turned to Adie. “Make sure you stay wrapped up in those blankets. I promised the nurses.”
Adie gave a quick nod and turned to follow the lieutenant.
To Earth and Back Page 14