by M. L. Maki
“Yes, Spike. We’re going home. I’ve been thinking. Where is home? My folks are kids. I’ve been corresponding with my grandparents, which is cool, but feels funny.”
“I know what you mean. I’m having the same problem. We all are, I guess. We’ll just have to wait and see.”
Lizard, “The first thing I’m doing when I go on leave is sleep. Maybe sleep for a week. I don’t know. I’d sure like a cheeseburger with onion rings and a huge chocolate milk shake, you know?”
“Oh yeah. And then, there’s my grandmothers cooking. Mom was busy running the farm, so grandmother did the cooking.”
Lizard groans, “Spike, we need to stop talking about food. My tummy’s grumbling.”
Spike laughs, “You bet. Me, too. So, what’s your favorite book?”
“I know all about your book addiction. We all do. How many boxes of books are yours on the transport?”
“Just two. I’m not that bad. So?”
“Okay, I like poetry and philosophy. I like to read fiction that makes you think.”
“I agree. I’ve never asked. What’s your degree and alma mater?”
“Poly Sci from Yale.”
“Oh. Wow.”
CHAPTER 12
NAS PATUXENT RIVER
0721, 21 October, 1942
The transports touch down first. Then the ‘14s land, two by two, kissing the tarmac smoothly in perfect formation. As the sun rises to the east, the waters of Chesapeake Bay are bathed in golden painter’s light. Spike and Thud are last planes down, landing in tight formation and making it look good. They see a barrier with a band and a line of reporters, some with movie cameras, just off the flight line.
Spike and Thud are directed by ground crews to park their jets in front of the crowd. Spike, “Oh, great. A dog and pony show. Oh well.” They finish the shutdown check list, “It’s been good flying with you, Lizard. I wish you the very best. And, I’ll miss you.”
“We’ll fly together again, Spike.”
“It would be nice, but I highly doubt it.” She opens the canopy. A ground crewman climbs up and helps them disconnect. She and Lizard climb down. When she gets on the tarmac, she stretches. Flash bulbs pop off and she blinks. She turns away from the cameras and sees Lee standing by a car. The band starts playing ‘The Stars and Stripes.’ She catches Lee’s gaze and nods, then heads into the hanger looking for the head.
When she gets out, she heads straight for Lee. He smiles, “Hello, Darling.”
“Hey, Dad. We need to talk. I need to get my bags.”
“They’ll be taken care of.”
“No, sir. In Britain, they would have been. Now, I have it to do.” She walks toward the C-57s.
Lee walks with her, “Samantha, I’m so sorry. I didn’t give clear enough direction to personnel.”
“Dad, I’m confused. Why were there no orders?”
“Samantha, you have an assignment.”
“No, sir. I don’t. If I had, I would have received them when I turned over.” She stops and turns to him, “What is going on?”
“You are being assigned to me.”
“Am I?”
They get to the transport and Cooper is unloading her bags and boxes. Cooper, “Spike, I have your bags. Where do they go?”
Lee, “Chief, put them in my car. Thank you.”
“Yes, sir.”
Lee, “Samantha, please. Let me explain.”
She stops walking, “Okay, Dad.”
Lee catches his breath, “Damn, you can walk fast.” They move away from the C-57, “Darling, I fucked up. I fucked up massively. I sent a letter explaining what’s going on.”
“I didn’t get, sir. They stopped our mail.”
“I found out, after I screwed up. Look, the President wants you to do a bond tour.”
She looks at him, stunned. “A bond tour? I see.”
“They want you to do demonstration flights in our jet.”
“Who else is getting saddled with this?”
He takes a breath, “Just you.”
She turns away, working to stay calm.
“Samantha, please.”
She turns to face him, her face impassive, “So, I turn over a flag command to accept a position as what? A cheer leader? ‘Buy bonds so the brave young MEN can fight the war?’ Bull shit, sir.”
“Darlin, I fought against it and lost. It’s only for a month.”
“Then what, sir? Back to Tennessee and raising horses?”
“After the tour, I’m giving you CAG on the George Washington. You’ll get Air Wing 12.”
She finally turns to face him, finally making eye contact. “This sucks, sir. I was a leader. What did I do to deserve this? Why am I being demoted and Carpenter is getting a permanent star? You know what that said to me? It said, that I’d done a piss poor job of leading my command. It said that it doesn’t matter how hard I work, what I do…that nothing I do matters. I can only surmise that this is happening because I’m a woman. Am I right?”
Lee looks at her, shame in his eyes.
“I’m right. Do you know how it felt to stand up there and turn over my command and be treated like I’d done nothing? It hurts so bad, sometimes I can’t breathe. I know if Papa had lived, they would have given him a permanent star and kicked him upstairs. Given him a battle group, maybe. But me, I get nothing but a stupid bond tour. I get to be a cheerleader for the MEN.” She stops and takes a deep breath. “I’m done. I don’t feel better. I feel betrayed by my leadership. I feel betrayed by the Navy. I don’t know, maybe I’m so burned out, I should just resign. It’s what they want, isn’t it?”
Lee, “Samantha, they want you on the bond tour because you’re a hero.”
“Right, Dad. A hero. A hero so respected they decided I wasn’t worth promoting. I get it. I really do. Use me while they can. Then throw me away. What about the other women in my command? They’re being shit on, too. Probably. Why not. Use us and throw us out.” She feels tears well up. “Oh, damn. I’m sorry. It’s not your fault. It’s being in this medieval culture. It’s demoralizing. I never wanted to take it out on you. Sorry”
Lee, “It’s alright, honey. It’s alright. I’m glad you could tell me. I don’t know what to do about it. Look, The President wants it. I argued hard against it and lost. Now, let’s go home. I want you to meet Ashley. Tomorrow, we do the award ceremony and release everyone for their leave. Please stick around for a few days, I really want you to stand up for me when I get married.”
Cheeks wet with tears, she digs out a hanky and wipes her face, “I’m sorry, Dad. I’m really sorry.”
“Honey, you need a break. You really do.”
She nods, “It’s been really hard.”
Lee, “Darling, I love you. Let’s go home.”
Cooper is waiting by the car, “Your bags are in the car, Spike.”
“Thank you, Radar. For me, you were indispensable. Please take care.”
He grins, “I’ll be around.”
She shakes his hand, “I hope so.”
She and Lee get into the car. Lee, “Jeff, back to the house.” He turns to Sam, “How did your date with the Brit go?”
“It was a magical night. The Brits went all out. Princess Elizabeth gave us a tour of Windsor and she picked my brain. It was a great thank you. You know, Dad, it started as banter on the radio, then turned into this huge thing. He has a girlfriend.” She pauses, “You know, one of the reasons this was so hard was my whole command thought I was being fired. I was a commodore in command of sixteen squadrons and fifteen ships, then nothing. It’s a slap in the face. Shutting up now. I’m done. Sorry.”
“You’re not being fired. By the way, I heard about your last flight.”
“I figured, if they’re firing me anyway, why not. It didn’t matter. I was done. So, I flew. Besides, they really needed the help. We got the air crew out. We also got a plane load of interned servicemen out of Switzerland.”
“I didn’t know about that. Can you forgive me
?”
“Dad, it’s not your fault. It’s just going to take me time to adjust. I still feel like all I did means nothing to the Navy. If it did, I wouldn’t be getting kicked in the nuts.”
His mouth opens, then shuts like a trap, “I’ll make this right. I will.”
“Dad, everyone knows you adopted me. Don’t wreck your career. Please, don’t.”
“Your old man can get some stuff done. I’ll make it right.”
“Thank you, Dad.”
They pull into the driveway of a home in Arlington, Virginia. It’s a white clap board, two story salt-box with a wrap-around porch and a detached garage.
Spike, “You’re not in base housing?”
“No, it’s filled up. Anyway, I prefer off base. Plus, when the Pentagon opens, I’m closer.”
They get out and the driver grabs her bags and takes them into the house. When they’re inside, Lee says, “Put her bags in the master bedroom upstairs. Thank you.”
“Yes, sir.”
Sam, “Where are you sleeping?”
“I have a master downstairs off the study.”
A beautiful brunette, in a teal day dress and apron, comes out of the kitchen. Lee, “Ashley, my daughter, Samantha. Samantha, my fiancée, Ashley.” He heads into the back of the house.
Ashley, “Samantha, I’m so glad I get to finally meet you. Rick had told me so much about you. Please, come into the kitchen. Tea or coffee?”
Sam smiles, “Tea, please. May I help?”
“No, I’m almost ready. I’m hoping we’ll get along. Rick loves you so much.”
Sam, “I love him, too. I’m so happy for him, for both of you. He deserves happiness.”
“He does. He’s such a good man. Look, I know I’m not that much older than you, so this may seem awkward. It means so much to both of us that you and I are alright. I just…please know, you are welcome in our home always.”
“Thank you. The opposite is true, you know, if I ever have a home.”
Ashley smiles, “I already know the question you’re too polite to ask. No. Until we’re married, I live with my parents. They’re only a few miles away.”
Sam grins, “No problem. You’re from Kentucky, yes?”
“Yes, I am. I know you’re from Tennessee, but you practically have no accent.”
“Well…” Sam puts on her drawl, “It’s like this. I’ve been away a long time and I’ve been in Britain, so it’s smoothed out some. But, you know, I think you and I will get along like peas and carrots. We both love him.”
Ashley laughs, “That’s good.” She puts the tea service on the kitchen table. “Lunch will be ready in a minute. It’s just soup and sandwiches.”
“Sounds good. I’m starved.” Sam pours a cup of tea and doctors it.
Lee knocks on the door frame, “Is it okay to inject some testosterone into this soiree?”
Ashley laughs and gives him a hug, “It is, love.”
“Good. What smells so good?”
“I’m boiling your socks.”
“Well, the wool might be a bit fibrous, but if they smell that good, I’ll eat them.”
“It’s tomato soup and chicken salad sandwiches.”
“Yum. Baby, do I have time to change?”
“You both do. Scoot.”
Sam goes up to her room, a large master bedroom. Her bags are on the bed. She digs out a pair of jeans and a sweater. “I guess I’m home. It’s strange, but home.” She changes out of her flight suit. She realizes the jeans and sweater are just a tad loose on her. “I’m going to hear about this. Oh well.”
When she goes downstairs and into the kitchen, Ashley is ladling the soup into bowls. There’s a large platter of sandwiches in the middle of the table and three places are set. Ashley looks up, “Oh, I like the jeans. They look like they’re cut for you.”
Sam smiles, “They are. In the sixties, they finally gave up forcing women into skirts and dresses. Jeans are pretty much standard casual wear.”
Lee comes in and they sit down. Lee says grace. Sam tastes the soup. “Umm, good.”
Ashley, “Thank you. My mom’s recipe. So, women stop wearing dresses?”
Sam, “Some wear them, for work, and evening. It’s expected. But most women wear pants for day to day.”
Ashley looks over at Rick, “I think I like the idea of wearing pants.”
Rick grins, “Wear whatever you wish.”
“White blouse and pants for the wedding?” She grins impishly.
He smiles, “As long as you say ‘I do.’”
“Well, it’s tempting, but father would blow his top and mother would come unglued. Sam, when you get married, will you wear a dress, or slacks.”
“If I ever get married, I would prefer a dress. I see no need to come off as masculine in that situation.”
Ashely, “If? But, you’re beautiful. Don’t you have guys beating down the door?”
“No. I intimidate most men. Those who are not intimidated, want my power. Dad, I…I intimidate most men. I…I…Damn it. Dad, for a host of reasons, I doubt I’ll ever marry.”
“I understand, honey. It’s unfortunate, but senior female officers are discouraged from marrying and senior male officers are practically required to marry.”
Sam, “Good thing I’m no longer senior.”
“You will be, honey.”
Sam shakes her head, “Don’t die on that hill, Dad. You’ve important work to do and in the greater scheme of things, I don’t matter much.”
“You matter to me.”
“I know, Dad. The inherent contradiction is maddening. I’m being held up as some hero on one hand, and I’m being punished for my success on the other.”
“I know. It’s been extraordinarily hard to get awards through the bureaucracy for women. Tomorrow, I’ll be pinning you with your second distinguished flying cross, the legion of merit with v, and the bronze star.”
Sam frowns, “What about the others?”
“Except for the women, every award and promotion you submitted was approved. I’m still fighting to upgrade the exceptions.”
“Including Thud and Swede?”
“Yes, including them. The issue, once again, was medals for the women. I can’t get anything above a bronze star and a DFC for them.”
“I’m not surprised. Thank you for telling me.”
PARADE GROUND, CAMP BALCOMBE, SOUTH OF MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA
1000, 22 October, 1942
2nd Lieutenant John Hunt stands in front of his platoon. The battalion is in formation as awards are being bestowed by Lt. Colonel Puller. The battalion sergeant major announces each award. The colonel comes to Hunt’s company. Hunt’s company commander receives the Navy Cross and a promotion to Major. 1st platoon’s lieutenant, Larry Tomkins, is promoted to captain.
The sergeant major announces, “2nd Lieutenant John Hunt.” Hunt walks up to Puller and salutes. “For taking decisive initiative during the initial invasion of Guadalcanal, then Private Hunt cleaned the runway of explosive debris while under fire. His actions saved the life of a naval pilot whose aircraft was damaged in the battle. For his actions, Lieutenant Hunt is awarded the Bronze star. In this action, he also received a Purple Heart.
“For conspicuous gallantry before the enemy while defending Tambea, Guadalcanal against overwhelming odds. Lieutenant Hunt’s platoon was the first to arrive at the action. They were the first to apply effective fire on the enemy, and played a decisive role in the overwhelming victory. For his superb combat leadership Lieutenant Hunt receives the Navy Cross and promotion to First Lieutenant.”
Colonel Puller pins on his silver bars and medals. “Thank you, son.”
“Thank you, sir.”
MAINTENANCE HANGER, NAS PATUXENT RIVER
1100, 22 October, 1942
Commander Samantha Hunt, in her dress blues, stands in front of her squadrons. Present are two fixed Movie-tone cameras, and one mobile one, along with several journalists. Sam recognizes Ernest Hemingway in the
back.
Admiral Lee walks in and they snap to attention. He walks to a microphone. “At ease. I’m honored to stand here before you. Never has such a small group of people had such a huge impact on the events of history. I am here to issue individual, as well as group awards. I’m also here to recognize promotions and announce assignments. Contrary to rumor, the Black Knights and the White Knights are not being disbanded. We will be reassigning officers to stand up new squadrons, or leaven other squadrons, in the hope that your success may spread throughout the fleet. This means that we’ll be standing here a while, so let’s get to it. Per your commander’s request, we’ll start with the enlisted members.
He starts with the smaller units, issuing sailors Navy Commendation Medals and Navy Achievement Medals, all with the V device. Many are also promoted. The male officers receive Silver Stars and Distinguished Flying Crosses. The women receive the Bronze Star and the DFC.
He comes to the Valkyries. All the pilots with at least one submarine kill, receive the DFC. The male pilots get the Silver Star; the women pilots get the Bronze Star. Lieutenant Commander Lowendowski, who flew the second helicopter through it all, receives the Navy Cross. Commander Sandra Douglas, their commander, receives the Bronze Star and her second DFC. About half the squadron receive orders to other units.
When he gets to the White Knights, he issues a Navy Cross to Gonzalez and Standley. Most of the other male pilots receive Silver Stars. The DFC is given to all with at least five kills. Houlihan, Cash, and Mulligan receive the Bronze Star and DFC. He pins the DFC and Legion of Merit on Commander Frank Jackson. “Thud, you’ll be getting your other award at the White House this afternoon.”
“Yes, sir. What about Spike?”
“I’m doing what I can.” Lee continues, “Lieutenant Commander David McCampbell, you have orders to report to pick up a new jet and report to NAS Miramar to stand up a new Tomcat squadron. Lt. Hiam Alberts, you are assigned as his XO.” He pins them both. About a third of this squadron receive orders to report to new squadrons.
Then he moves to the Black Knights. Jacobs, Boxter, Mossberg, Hardin, and Boyington get the Navy Cross. Again, the male officers receive Silver Stars and the woman receive Bronze Stars. Master Chief Bond receives the Silver Star for his leadership and the DFC for taking down a German jet. He pins the DFC and the Legion of Merit with V on Commander Swedenborg. “Swede, you’ll be getting your other award at the White House this afternoon.”