by Unknown
The aircraft went up in great plumes of flame as the fuel tanks were punctured and ignited. The heat became so intense the paint on the nearby buildings began to burn and the aluminum skin of the aircraft caught fire. Soon the ordnance on the airplanes baked off, adding to the carnage. The transports became pyres as the men were trapped inside. The few still outside the aircraft fared no better. Most were doused with flaming fuel, some running for over 100 meters before succumbing to the burns being inflicted. Trucks that just finished fueling the airplanes also went up. Nothing was spared.
Across the field the men working on the old bombers watched in horror as the airport was hit repeatedly. For a while it seemed that the opposite side of the airport had become a volcano. The heat seared the men’s clothing and forced several to seek shelter in the air raid trenches. Debris from the explosions rained down on the old bombers. In one case a large door from one of the transports had come down through a wing. Every time the men came out it seemed another bomb would bake off, sending them back into their trench. It took an hour before the explosions finally ceased and the fires died down.
When the mechanics ventured out of their trenches, nothing remained that was recognizable. The terminal building was gone – burned to cinders with only a few metal ribs giving evidence it was ever there. The hangars were blasted apart from within. The thin sheet metal on the walls had been blown outward. Only a skeleton remained. Of the aircraft, only bits and pieces remained. Not a single airplane was untouched. Even the row of attack helicopters was gone. Interestingly, the rotors of the helicopters remained in position lying on the concrete of the ramp. They appeared centered on a pile of cinders and burned metal. What few men who remained didn’t even have a place to sleep. They gathered near one of the old bombers and wondered what to do next.
The next wave came from the west. USS Harry S. Truman launched her complete deckload of fighters and attack aircraft. The F-4 Phantoms and A-6 Intruders were salvaged from the Davis-Monthan boneyard simply because they flew without the fly-by-wire systems of the newer aircraft. Their systems might be damaged by EMP, but the planes would get the pilots home. In most cases, they could even continue their mission. The Truman was overloaded with aircraft. As the deck was cleared, more were brought up for launch. Just over ninety aircraft were on the way to their target. Even half of the Phantoms were carrying bombs. The rest were ready just in case the morning raids had not completed the job.
The pilots were old timers. Most had served when their airplanes were operational and knew the aircraft systems. Nearing the coast, the pilots and crews were nervous. The EA-6B was doing its job, but no one was sure what would be waiting. As they passed the coast, all eyes scanned the area for incoming missiles and aircraft. The threat receivers were operating but remained silent. Crossing just north of Changch'an-ni, the pilots saw the remnants of an air base. Smoke still rose from one of the buildings. A few rounds of anti-aircraft fire came up to greet them, but the tracers didn’t come close. Their primary target was only about twenty miles away.
Just a few missile batteries had been restored around Pyongyang in the 24 hours since the first strikes. A telephone warning had been received from the coast and the local commanders switched on their search radars. Almost immediately they saw the incoming aircraft, activated their guidance radars, and prepared to launch. When they did, the lead Phantoms launched a total of 12 HARM missiles against the six sites. The High Speed Anti-Radiation missiles immediately homed in on the guidance radars, covering the twenty miles in just a few seconds. The missiles slammed into the sites, knocking out the radars or destroying the missiles nearby, but not before three missiles were successfully launched. The missiles streaked skyward only to find there was no guidance coming from the ground. They automatically began scanning with their onboard radar, and two of the missiles acquired a target – two of the leading F-4s. The lead jets all began maneuvering radically to throw the missiles off and fired infrared flairs to distract them. The electronic warfare systems were activated, but it was too little, too late. Only one of the missiles lost its target, flying away over the mountains. The second homed in on an F-4, exploding just under the nose of the aircraft. The resulting shrapnel tore the nose off the plane and sent hot metal into both engine intakes. The F-4 erupted into a ball of flame, its pilot and rear seater never even knowing what hit them.
The rest of the flight flew into the city and found their targets. The purpose of the raid was to cut the head off the snake. The main communications lines were cut. The telephones, radio, television, and military antenna farms were bombed to rubble. What was left of the defense ministry building was hit once more and deep penetration bombs dropped to take care of anything below ground. The train lines were bombed for a two kilometer distance to ensure no more train traffic, then bombs were dropped on all the bridges across the Taedong river. The rest of the government buildings were also bombed to disrupt any governmental action. Finally, the Korea Computer Center was hit by several bombs, knocking out their main computing and data center. Losing just two aircraft, the rest joined up and headed for home.
Pusan, South Korea
Ricks slowly stirred from a deep sleep. He was warm and felt the most secure he had ever felt, especially in this country. He felt a stirring at his side and a set of arms reach around him. Su Lynn nestled herself into Ricks’ side as she dozed. Both had been exhausted the night before when they returned from the hospital. Ricks was surprised when she led him back to the shelter. Even more so when she put him in bed, then joined him there. Neither spoke a word, but the love they shared simply poured out. Despite the exhaustion, sweat, and pain from the past few days the passions shared between them engulfed them and spread. Sleep finally took hold for a few hours, yet Ricks felt as if he had slept for a week. He felt renewed and refreshed. She did all this for him. He wrapped his arms around her naked form and held her close.
Su Lynn felt Ricks pull her closer. Her eyes flickered open and looked up into his. He wore a smile on his face. Su Lynn had grown to love that face. Even though he was a soldier and a man who could inflict violence, with her he was gentle and caring. She chose to believe this was the real man beneath. She had known him for only a few weeks, yet it was enough to know how she felt. Last night she had let down the last barriers between them and was not disappointed.
“We need to get up. People will talk,” Ricks said without making a move.
“I no want to move. I stay right here,” she said.
He pulled her over on top of him and kissed her warmly. “I don’t really want to either,” Ricks said. He couldn’t believe the feelings he was having. He couldn’t believe he could be so happy. She moved over him and kissed him passionately.
They were interrupted by the sounds of pots falling in the kitchen outside. The kitchen staff was obviously just outside the door.
Ricks gave a sigh. “I guess we’ll need to finish this later,” he said. Glancing at his watch he looked back into her eyes. “And I do need to go check in and see how Paul is doing this morning. Then maybe we need to try and find a place where we can be together.”
Su Lynn looked at him. “I not think there is a place in the city. They specially not give rooms to people not married.” Her disappointment was plainly evident.
He smiled at her. “Then maybe we need to take care of that, too.” He marveled at the joy that appeared on her face. “Su Lynn, I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Would you share your life with me?”
Through tears she nodded. “Yes, Dale,” she choked out before he kissed her again.
After a moment of tenderness, both left the bed and began dressing. Ricks took a moment to look at Su Lynn as she stood naked beside him. She was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. He reached around her and gave her one more hug, kissing her on the neck.
They both dressed quickly and opened the door into the kitchen. The people busied themselves preparing the morning meal. Occasionally one would look over at them and smil
e. Su Lynn was afraid of what people would say, but everyone was acting as if they had been married for years. That one small token lifted her spirits even more.
Ricks took her hands. “I’ll go check in and should be back by lunch. Then we’ll go out and do a few things together,” he said.
She nodded and he kissed her lightly. Ricks put his cover on his head and walked out the back door, stopping only briefly to give a wave. Su Lynn turned back to her duties. As she worked, her assistants smiled at her and helped her as before. The old woman who helped her long before came over and gave her a slight hug. The twinkle in her eyes told more than could be said.
Military Hospital, Pusan
Ricks entered the hospital and walked up to Hufham’s room. He could hear him from down the hall.
“I don’t need to stay here for this. I can go back to the BEQ!” he demanded.
“Master Sergeant, you will remain in this room for at least one more day so I can make sure you don’t have some kind if infection,” said the doctor in a patient voice. “That is an order,” he said as he snapped the chart shut and glared at him.
“Look, Doc, it won’t be so bad in the BEQ. I can sit in my bed and read or something for a few days,” he said almost pleading.
“That’s good,” the doctor said. “It will wait for at least 24 hours, and then you can do just exactly that. You need to know that if that bullet hadn’t bounced off the rib the way it did you wouldn’t even be here talking to me so disrespectfully,” he chided. “An inch to the left and you would have swallowed the damn thing when it went through your esophagus. So far, you have been one lucky guy. Don’t blow it by being stupid. Besides, at least here you can look at the nurses,” he said with a grin.
Hufham gave up. He didn’t really feel like arguing. The pain in his arm was dull but there. It was propped up by a soft cast that allowed the wound to heal. “I can’t argue with that,” he grunted.
Ricks walked in the door. “You tell him, Doc. But I would have those nurses duct tape him to the bed to make sure he stays. Or better yet, for their own protection,” he said.
Hufham gave a disgusted look. “See what I have to put up with? Can’t you find something for this guy to do?”
“I’m sure he has plenty to keep him busy,” the doctor said. “I’ll check back in with you a little later,” he said as he left the room.
Ricks walked over and sat down beside the bed. “You get nasty when you’re hurt.”
“Kiss my ass,” he said with a smile. “What did you do last night?”
“Went to bed,” Ricks said in mock hurt. “I checked into the BEQ. I have at least five days before I have to return. They’re giving us old guys a break while the youngsters get a handle on things,” he said sitting back in the chair.
Hufham looked at Ricks closely. Something was changed about him. He looked happy – something neither of them had looked in weeks. It became obvious Ricks had not slept in his BEQ bed. He started grinning at him.
“What?” Ricks questioned.
“Oh nothing. How’s Su Lynn?”
“Great. Still at the shelter. I’m going to check on a few things and get back with her at lunch,” he said. His face beamed when he mentioned her.
“She’s a great girl. You two should have a great family,” he said easing deeper into the pillows.
Ricks got a look on his face like a deer looking into some headlights. He sputtered a second.
“Don’t give me that innocent look. Look, Dale, we’ve both known Su Lynn for a while now and you are my best friend. Don’t you think I can read the tea leaves?”
“Yea, but I just…”
“About damn time, too. You go take care of business. I gotta sit here in this glorified brothel for another day anyway. Do this for yourself, Dale. I’ll be around to be your best man.”
Ricks looked over at the man who had once been someone he aspired to be like. If Hufham approved, he must be on the right track. He nodded at Hufham. “Okay. I need to stop by and see the Colonel anyway. I was also going to see a chaplain to see what I needed to do.”
“Good. You might go by the old Lodge and see if they have a room somewhere. At least you might find a place to be alone. The BEQ is no place for a honeymoon,” Hufham said.
Ricks stood. “You need anything? Su Lynn and I will come by later.”
Hufham waved him off. “Nah. I’m okay, but I would like to see her again. If they cut me loose later I might need a little help.”
“Good enough. I’ll be back,” he said with a wave.
Hufham watched the young man leave the room. Both men had grown close over the months since that night at the DMZ. Ricks had turned into what the Army would consider a poster boy. He was a natural born leader. Too bad it took a war to bring it out, but what better way to temper steel. He thought about the things they had gone through together and smiled. Maybe they could get stationed together again. He looked around for the remote for the TV, then remembered it didn’t work. “Shit,” he said to the empty room.
Lt. Colonel Peterson was preparing to leave. The doctors had sewn him up and made sure there was no infection. He was getting ready to walk over to the BOQ when Ricks walked in. “Well look what the cat dragged in,” Peterson said.
“Hello, Colonel. I just wanted to check in on you. You getting reprieved?”
Peterson nodded. “Yeah, they don’t keep people who get shot in the ass. Throw a bandage on it and walk home,” he joked. “Have you seen Hufham?”
“Yes, sir. He has to stay another day, but he’s fine. I heard the Doc say he was lucky as hell. In the mean time I was told we have a week to recuperate,” Ricks said.
“Maybe more than that, Ricks. You and Hufham have been at it hard since the beginning. I talked to the Division Commander. He said the way this is going it could end pretty quick. ‘Till then we are to rest. What do you have planned?”
Ricks looked a little sheepish. He looked at the floor and shuffled around a little. “Well, sir, that’s something I wanted to ask you about. Sir, is it still required for me to get permission to get married?”
Peterson stopped at that one. He looked at the young man standing before him. “Well I’ll be damned! Su Lynn?” he asked.
“Yes, sir.”
“Anybody else I’d say no. Permission granted. Dale, this is great. When’s the day?”
“I don’t know, Colonel. I need to check with the chaplain. But with all this going on, I’d like it to happen real soon.”
Peterson chuckled and slapped Ricks on the shoulder. “Talk to Chaplain Henderson and tell him I said OK. There are some forms to fill out and all, but nobody can really stop you. Henderson has ways of cutting through the BS anyway,” he said.
“Thanks, Colonel,” Ricks said.
“My pleasure, Dale. Su Lynn’s a really nice girl. I’ll be at the BOQ. Let me know how things go. If I can do anything, come see me. And if somebody gives you any shit at all, I’ll make them wish they were never born,” Peterson said with an evil grin.
“I appreciate it, sir.”
“Now get out of here and marry that girl. Make something good come out of this crap,” Peterson said extending his hand.
Ricks shook the Colonel’s hand warmly. “Take it easy, Colonel.”
As Ricks left his room Peterson chuckled to himself. Of all the places to fall in love, he thought. He winced in pain as he bent over to pick up his cover. Damn pain in the ass. Well, at least I don’t have to stay in the hospital. Peterson centered his cover on his head and walked out the door.
Chapter 16
September 15 – Advance
USS Iowa
It had been a month since the task force had arrived in Korea. The ground forces made their way up the peninsula and were in heavy action for the last few days. At sea, Admiral Thacke kept busy hitting any target that came within twenty miles of the coast. It meant the ship’s crews had to remain alert and at increased readiness for long periods of time. It had also meant the shi
ps remained on station longer than Thacke had planned. Underway replenishments were starting to get old. As the ground forces moved toward the original DMZ, fewer and fewer targets came within gun range.
“I’m sending you and the North Carolina in to Sasebo for three days,” said Admiral Thacke. “I need you to get refueled and rearmed and back here as soon as you can. I’ll be changing ships while we’re there. Not that you’ll miss me,” he joked to Hammond.
Hammond chuckled. “I’m not complaining. My guys have been pushing it for months now, not like the others haven’t. But I do need some bullets,” he said.
Thacke shrugged. “Well, except for the North Carolina, you guys shot more than the rest. Your idea of keeping ships on station was right on. I’m making sure we have some ships on station all the time, but that means some of you guys need some down time. I’m looking at ships that can make a dash up or down the coast as needed. Since you guys can make thirty knots that makes it a little easier. The older ships are a little slower and that kind of limits their patrol area. So you guys are first, then the New Jersey and Wisconsin, then I’ll rifle through the rest,” Thacke said.
“Makes sense. I take it you saw the intelligence report this morning?”
Thacke broke into a big grin. “I thought I would have small kittens. It confirms what we’ve thought. They’ve moved almost everything inland twenty-five miles. That concentrates their efforts where we can’t get at them. But it also means the Army and Air Force types have them a little more boxed in. From here on, we might not have as many targets, but they’ll still get hit,” he said. “That Marine general, Richardson, has been sending people up the coast roads for the last week. That should give us a little break. So take Iowa to Sasebo for a couple of days to refuel and rearm. We got a job to do.”