The Patriot

by Dewey Goldsmith

  It was nearly ten o-clock when the first men started arriving at the campsite. Within an hour Tim and James and Joshua all reported their troops were all present and accounted for. Goldie advised have your men go to the supply tent, make certain each man has at least three days supply of rations, ammo, and a supply of grenades. Have your launcher teams stock up with missiles and make sure your medics have supplies if needed. Also have your men load all the excess ammo and rations on three of the army 3/4 tons . Assign drivers and security for each vehicle. Each of you will take one vehicle with you when we take up our positions. I don’t want any of you running short. Also Each of you take a jeep with drivers to use as command vehicles. Mac and I will ride with Tim. Tim turned to their unit commanders and said lets get it done men our rides will be here before long.

  By the time all had finished the transport vehicles had started arriving. Goldie said Mac we will go with Tim’s division so load them up first, followed by Joshua, then James. We will leave in that order then assign positions when all reach our destination. Mac wondered what the people along the way will think when they see a ten mile long truck convoy moving down the highway. Joshua said most will know their men are in these trucks so it won’t come as a surprise to anyone. And with one division leaving out at a time there will be some breaks in the traffic. Tim said mine are all aboard we can shove off. As Mac and Goldie got in their vehicle he turned to his sons waved then told the driver lets get underway.

  They started down the county road and onto the state highway heading north towards their destination. As they proceeded thru the rural village of Vienna the townspeople were coming out onto the sidewalks cheering and waving them on. Mac said the hometown folks know many of their loved ones are in these vehicles and they sure are with us all the way. It’s tough for them with shortened paychecks and all but these rural folks know how to weather a storm. We have to make certain we are successful and bring their men home safe. Goldie said a lot depends on how well equipped the UN forces are and how willing they are to sacrifice themselves for a bunch of would be world rulers. But if they come across our border they will learn about the will of a free people when their liberties are threatened.

  Within an hour they had bypassed the city of Dayton and were headed west towards Indianapolis. James came over the radio to advise Joshua’s division had departed and his convoy was getting underway. Mac said good work stay in contact we’ll meet you at the other end. An hour later they were clear of Indianapolis proceeding north on route 69 towards South Bend. Joshua came over the radio to advise they were now approaching Indianapolis followed by James who advised they were approaching Richmond. Mac said so far so good no transportation problems. Maybe we should contact Richard and bring him up to date on our progress.

  Before they could do so Richards voice came over the radio saying he had new information for you. We had one of our craft do an over flight over the northern Michigan territory. I need to advise you the UN command is moving out of Canada at the Sault Ste. Bridge into Michigan. Also they are dividing their forces. Some units are moving west assembling in Wisconsin while Others are moving south across the Mackinaw bridge and assembling on the Michigan side of the border. What is your position? Goldie advised our lead convoy is now one half hour south of South Bend, all forces can be in the South bend area within two hours and move forward to meet the enemy from there.

  Richard said were ok at this time. It will take them several hours to move all their forces into position for a march south. Our Illinois and Wisconsin force are in position to engage the enemy once they have all crossed over and start south towards Chicago. Goldie advised we already have the two Michigan Divisions in the Toledo area that gives us a force of fifty thousand once we are in place. I advise moving the Indiana force west to Wisconsin to supplement your troops there. If necessary the Pennsylvania troops can be diverted to our sector to reinforce us. Mac asked what do you estimate their total number to be. Richard said our spotters believe total UN forces approximate seventy thousand. Mac said if they divide their force in half we can expect thirty five thousand, more or less, to be approaching from both directions. That means we outnumber them on both fronts. Goldie asked did the flight see any indication of heavy armor or aircraft? Only light armored vehicles with their troops and several choppers on the ground on the Canadian side. Goldie said the light armor will pose no problem we can deal with those. Richard added if they bring the choppers into this we will respond with air power as well.

  Goldie advised so you will be aware of our troop movements here is my battle plan. I have ordered one division, commanded by James, to take up positions near Grand Rapids. They should be in position within the hour. Our division commanded by Joshua will be deployed in the Flint Michigan sector and should be in position within ninety minutes. I will take my lead division north and contact the enemy near Lansing. This will halt their advance where the other divisions can wage flank attacks from the east and the west. I will advise the Michigan forces at Detroit to hold their position and prepare to supplement our divisions as necessary. Have you sent out over flights since they started moving?

  Richard said our last over flight reports major troop movements now on our side of the border. Their lead units are holding at the juncture of Routes 75 and 27 waiting until all are across the border. They appear to be massing on the west side of route 27. Goldie said that will bring them right at us in Lansing just where we want them, so lets hope that is their plan. What about the Wisconsin situation. Richard replied our flight shows they have stalled north of Green Bay waiting for trail units to catch up. Our divisions are positioned on a line reaching from Milwaukee to Madison. Other units are in position to flank them from the Rochester and St Paul sectors. We are in good condition on both fronts, so I’ll sign off now but will keep you advised of their troop movements. Goldie replied we will do the same.

  An hour later found them in the Lansing area and Tim called his unit commanders together for a short briefing. He told them our command center will be our current location. Position your forces out over a fifty mile wide area half to either flank of our command center. You will position your troops in a defensive mode and initiate the enemy on our command only. Mac told them also, as you meet local citizens advise them of coming actions and advise our transports will assist them in relocating south out of the danger zone if they choose to do so. James called in to advise they had reached their destination and their forces were being positioned as planned with half his forces to the north and east of Grand Rapids. Once they are deployed we will wait for your orders. Thirty minuets later Joshua reported in to say he was in his sector and his forces were now being deployed as planned. We are prepared to move on your command. Mac said things are shaping up I will contact the Detroit blue skies command and advise of our positions and advise they are to hold their positions until needed as reinforcements. After he had completed his communications with all elements Goldie told the others now we wait until we have the foreigners in our sights.

  Nightfall found Goldie, Mac, and Tim seated near the communications van with the old squad members from Nam when Tim hesitantly asked, is there anything that concerns you guys. Goldie sensed the nervousness in Tim’s voice and sought to calm him down. Many of our men are former reservists and guardsmen with combat experience. A lot of the others are combat veterans of Viet Nam and Korea. They know what will be required of them and will meet the test. We also have the advantage in numbers and the cause of liberty to fight for. When these days are over we will have our victory Tim. And so we will the others said, tomorrow is another day tonight is a time to rest. One of the men said we have some of that pre-packaged coffee and chocolate in the trailer and they all said lets break it out. The men sat around relaxed and enjoying the refreshments before Mac said men it’s time to turn in. The air was warm but their blankets were a comfort as they settled in for the night.

  Invading United Nations

  Forces Defeated

  It was mid m
orning and after checking in with James and Joshua a call came in from Richard. He advised our Wisconsin forces have engaged the enemy force of about twenty five thousand troops and the fight is on in that sector. Our forces are advancing on that front and casualties thus far are light. Also, our last over-flight shows an estimated force of forty five thousand steadily advancing towards your positions. That is considerable larger force than was first thought. They are advancing along a front approximately twenty five miles in width spread on both sides of highway 27. That nine AM flight showed their advance elements are about thirty miles from your position. They appear to be halted waiting for their main force to catch up and regroup. We will continue to send our flights out and will keep you advised. Goldie thanked him for the information and said let us hope they continue their present direction. That could put them here by dusk if they keep on the move. We will be ready. Richard said I know you are, I’m signing off now but stay in contact. Goldie told his radio operator contact blue skies and bring them up to date on the enemy position, then get James and Joshua on the dish network I need to talk with them.

  Moments later Shrader said blue skies have been advised and I have James and Joshua on the screen. Morning boys, the old man said, got some information for you. He proceeded to tell them of Richards data concerning the enemy movements and the activity in Wisconsin. Are my old squad members with you? Both replied affirmative they are. Good I have a job for them. I want one of them from each of your units to pick five men and move out to observe your sectors. The enemy could be advancing thru your sectors in the next two hours. Do not engage, observe then report back to your command any enemy movement. James and Joshua said understood, patrols will be sent out as ordered. James asked how you doing dad? The old man said if I was any better I wouldn’t be able to stand myself. Joshua laughed and said yeah we know dad but just the same you take care of yourself. You do the same boys and we’ll have a party when this job is finished, meanwhile stay in contact.

  Mac laughed and said damn if they don’t sound just like you did thirty years ago. Just then Tim yelled come here guys the general is holding a news conference. Goldie grabbed a Pepsi and moved towards the communications truck saying this ought to be good. Mac and the others joined him and all gathered around to watch. A commentator announced we are told the commander in chief should be here momentarily. He is expected to address the situation in Wisconsin where united nations forces have crossed our borders from Canada and are reportedly engaged in heavy fighting with militia units. Reporters are trying to assess the fighting but have been unable to get near the fighting. They say from their positions miles from the fighting the noise is deafening from a continuous barrage of exploding bombs and gunfire. Local citizens were evacuated from the area by militia members hours before the battle commenced. Those citizens say thousands of militia members moved into the area yesterday and the fighting started soon afterwards. We are waiting the commander in chief and we are told he has arrived and will soon address the nation.

  The camera switched and general Sheridan and the joint chiefs were seen walking into the room. The air force chief spoke first introducing Sheridan who stepped up to the podium and started to speak. Citizens of America, as you know recently our president, our secretary of defense, the secretary of state, and the visiting secretary general of the united nations were recently ambushed and are being held captive by militia units in Ohio. Under such conditions the joint chiefs acted to appoint myself as commander in chief until order was restored and her release secured. It is important to remember that the secretary of the united nations was in our capital at the invitation of our president. In recent developments other united nations personnel have been taken prisoner at an Ohio air base and at other locations across our country. We are advised that united nations personnel taken prisoner at other locations have been taken to that Ohio base and all are being held there.

  Under these circumstances, our former president, now the united nations president, felt he had no choice but to order UN forces to move into Ohio and secure the release of all UN personnel. Prior to her capture by militia units our president had authorized the united nations to send civilian and military advisors into our country to assist our government in bringing order to our nation. United Nations leaders feel they have no recourse but to secure the release of their people being held captive against their will. We had advised they withhold military action until we could secure the release of all those being held captive but UN leaders felt they had no choice but to act now. I must now inform the American people that as united nations personnel entered our country they were met by heavily armed militia forces in Wisconsin and heavy fighting is being reported from that region.

  I ask all citizens to remain calm in these trying times. I assure you order will be restored to our nation. I ask all members of the organized militia to lay down their weapons and return to their homes and families. I ask you to help restore order and bring peace to our nation. I ask you to release all those who are being held, including our own president, so She can return to her elected office and guide us out of these uncertain times. Until that happens I have no choice but to uphold my oath to defend our country against all enemies, even those from within. I must as commander in chief acting for our president insure that all treaties with other states are honored and their citizens visiting our country be protected. The general then left followed by the others. The announcer excitedly started repeating what had been said and questioning what may lie ahead.

  Goldie said we know where he stands now. The son of a bitch took what he thinks is the easiest way out but he‘s in for a surprise. His stars turned him into a politician. Right now he doesn’t have enough troops in this country to respond to Wisconsin and he knows it. Washington has scattered our army all over the world and there’s nothing left of our reservist and guards. He’s playing a waiting game and hoping we will back down along the way. But he has forgotten that most of us are veterans who will not lay down our arms and run. He of all persons should know that a dedicated citizenry have more reason to fight than a paid military force.

  Just then Richard came over the air and asked did you see the generals conference. Goldie replied sure did and now we know what his thinking is. Right Richard said, right now he doesn’t have the manpower to meet us. Which brings me to the main reason I called. Our last over-flight showed UN forces are now moving again towards your position. We estimate they are about three hours from your position. We still see no armor only light armored vehicles and a considerable number of supply trucks. Goldie advised James and Joshua have scouts out so we will know well ahead of time when they enter our sector. We will advise you once contact is made. How does it look in Wisconsin? Richard said our units have hurt them bad. Heavy enemy body count, our casualties are lighter than expected. Our units are now advancing on the enemy and they are giving ground. I have a call so I’m signing off, stay in contact.

  Moments later James voice came over the radio saying our scouts have the enemy advance elements in sight. Scouts report a battalion size unit spread over a one half mile front is advancing in our sector. Scouts report a regimental size unit is close behind. Goldie said acknowledge, order your scouts to avoid contact and return and hold your positions. Mac said Joshua is on, scouts report battalion and regimental size units moving south towards our position. Advise scouts to return to their command and hold their positions until ordered to move. Mac said already ordered and acknowledged. Goldie said its time Brian. You have the reserve company. Keep the supplies and medical personnel secured. As we advance you move up assisting any casualties. Keep runners ready to furnish supplies and ammunition as needed. Tim, order your commands to full alert and prepare to engage enemy on sight, destroy all mobile armored vehicles first, but do not advance from their positions. We want the foreigners to bring all their troops forward.

  Tim issued the orders to his field commanders and said they are prepared to hold their positions and select targets as they become a
vailable. Mac said damn Goldie we were always the ones out front this rear command stuff is hard to take. I know Mac but this time we have to use our experience to give our guys the edge then we have to let the young guys do this, and be ready to back them up as necessary. He sat down by the supply truck, opened a can of Pepsi, lit up a cigarette and said now we wait.

  It wasn’t a long wait before the sound of rocket explosions could be heard followed by larger explosions and fifty caliber fire. From their position on the higher ground they could see the smoke from the explosions and follow the sound of the firing which was becoming heavier now. Brian advised he had supplies of ammunition and grenades loaded in the four wheel vehicles ready to re-supply forward units when needed, and Shrader and his men are manning the communications van. Goldie said our men have sufficient ammunition and rations to fight for a week without additional supplies if necessary and they have their own supply vehicles with them. They will be alright for several days to come.

  Dusk had fallen now and the flash of exploding grenades could be seen in the distance as they watched from their position. Mac said he expected the foreigners will try to push ahead rather than stay bottled up in one place. Goldie agreed saying they will come, and when they do we will test their will to fight for their corrupt leaders. But I don’t expect they will try to break out until daybreak. He added, we have time to get some rest men. One of us three need to be near the communications van at all times so I’ll take the first watch while you guys get some sleep in one of the trucks. Once they had moved to the truck Goldie walked over to the supply truck and got a field rations kit. He opened the canned heat and set a couple of sausage and egg patties on to warm up. The warm food and chocolate was great and as he ate he listened to the sporadic firing in the distance. Later he called Richard and colonel Wilson answered. He advised the colonel of the situation and said let Richard know things are proceeding much like we thought. No surprises. Wilson said he would advise Richard of the situation. Goldie said we will keep you informed of any changes in conditions so until later signing off.