B004V9FYIY EBOK

by Unknown

  As Hammond was finishing up a package to go out in the mail, there was a knock at the door.

  “Come!”

  The door opened and Patricia Crowell entered the cabin.

  Hammond came to his feet. “Patricia, what are you doing here? I didn’t hear you announced.”

  She was smiling and looked a little ill at ease. “I don’t know. I just felt like seeing you one more time,” she said. “I asked the OOD not to announce me because every time I do I get swamped by the crew. I really just wanted to see you.”

  He smiled back at her and took her hands in his. “I’m glad. I’m sorry we haven’t had much time to just sit and talk,” he said.

  “Oh, I know. You’re busy and I understand that. But, well, I just feel like….”

  Hammond put his arms around her and pulled her to him. “I wish it wouldn’t end either. I don’t know what it is, but I’ve grown very fond of you. I’m hoping you feel the same.”

  She squeezed him tightly and simply nodded her head. She stepped back slightly and wiped her eyes. “It just seems like I get to see you and you have to leave,” she said trying to smile.

  “One of these days, I may not,” he said looking her directly in the eyes. “You need to know I’ve always been a little shy around women. So just remember that even though I don’t say a lot, the feelings are there.” He pulled her close and kissed her gently. “That’s just a small hint,” he said.

  She kissed him again. “That’s a hint I can take.” She stepped back and wiped her eyes again.

  “Just keep sending me the occasional letter. One day, in my own way, I’ll tell you how I really feel. But I think you know already.”

  “The same way I do,” she said as she kissed him deeply. They heard the sound of the small door to the pantry closing and a box of Kleenex had magically appeared on the counter. They both laughed.

  “Seems there are no secrets,” she said taking two and drying her eyes. “Thank you,” she called out. “Well, care to walk me back out?”

  “My pleasure.” They walked out of the cabin door onto the O-2 level where the band was preparing to play as they left. The guys all greeted the Mayor. The drummer, an older sailor named Elvin, asked if there was something she’d like them to play.

  “I love the way you play “Blackwater,” she said. Elvin nodded. As they went down the ladder to the quarterdeck the band began to play. It was not one of those fast songs, but seemed to fit the mood as she left.

  At the brow she turned once more. “Just get home safe,” she said.

  He held both her hands in his. “I promise. Enjoy the rest of your stay.”

  She smiled and pulled herself away. “I’ll be waiting.” She left the ship and walked to the taxi waiting on the pier.

  The band got to the part she particularly liked and she stopped a moment.

  “By the hand, take me by the hand, pretty Mama,

  Gonna dance with your daddy all night long,

  We’re gonna play some funky Dixieland,

  Pretty Mama gonna take me by the hand.”

  Crowell waited through the music and waved as she got in the taxi. It turned around and left as the band continued to play. Hammond watched until he could see it no longer.

  Pyongyang, North Korea

  It began at 9 am. The leading elements of the South Korean Army marched into the city. They didn’t move in like invaders. The troops were in their best uniforms, marching twelve abreast down the main thoroughfares leading to the heart of the city. Bands played as they marched and the companies were separated by lines of tanks and other vehicles.

  Many people came out of their doors and shops to see the parade. Thinking it was the North Korean Army, they lined up to watch the spectacle. Only when they began to see flags and equipment that was far different from what they had seen in the past did they realize this was not their army. Now they didn’t know what to think or do. For so long they had been told exactly that – what to think and do. It was very confusing.

  Overhead soared flight after flight of all types of aircraft. They flew in echelons of five planes. All were armed and ready in case someone started to shoot. They continued to fly over the entire way to the center of the city and Kim Il Sung Square.

  The parade passed through the city, crossing the Island of May Day on the Taedong River and then turning right along the main boulevard up to Namsan Hill. Upon reaching Kim Il Sung Square, the men and formations began to line up. The parade itself had been four miles long. That meant the first of the troops were beginning to fill the square as the last of the troops had just begun the march. It took almost every man in the South Korean Army, but it was impressive as hell.

  After two hours, the square was full and the last of the troops filled in the areas surrounding the square. Tanks were positioned so they looked both impressive and menacing in case someone didn’t agree with what was going on.

  Suddenly the square got very quiet. A microphone was set up on the reviewing stand in front of the Grand People’s Study House. Several men came out of the Study House and approached the microphone including General Yao and two former ministers. The ministers were in their best gray communist attire, but looked old beyond their years. They clearly were uneasy doing what they were about to do.

  The Minister of the Treasury was chosen to make the announcement. He walked straight to the microphone and looked out over the thousands of troops there. He also saw the men on the rooftops with their weapons ready. He had been clearly warned what would happen if he screwed this up.

  “Citizens of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea! For many years your government has deceived you into thinking it was all powerful and its leaders deities. As a representative of that government, I am here to tell you that is wrong. Your government has been guilty of depriving you of your resources, your freedoms, and in some cases your lives so the leadership could do as they wished. Most recently, leaders in your government used nuclear weapons against not only other nations, but other Koreans as well. They caused us to be in a new conflict resulting in the deaths of many thousands of our soldiers – the best of our youth. Just a few days ago, most of the government leadership was killed in an explosion of their own nuclear weapons.

  Because of this, as one of the last representatives of that government, I am ordering all fighting to cease in place. I am ordering all people responsible for the use of these nuclear weapons be brought to justice along with anyone guilty of war crimes. I am also ordering that all nuclear weapons plants cease operations and, except for producing electrical power, be dismantled. I am also ordering all munitions and weapons facilities to cease operation. The fighting and the threat of this country shall end now.”

  “As our last official act, we are also ordering that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea cease to be and all governmental functions transfer. From this moment on, we shall all serve under the flag of the Republic of Korea. We are turning the reins of government over to General Yao, the representative for the government in Seoul.

  The cheer went up from the crowd on hand. The people in the government buildings were too stunned to move. Eventually, they abandoned their buildings and joined the rest.

  General Yao walked to the microphone. “People of Korea,” he started in a softer, calm voice. “On behalf of my government, I welcome you to a unified Korea. Beginning today, all political prisoners wherever they are, will be released. We are working with the people in your former government to make sure there will be plenty to eat and that no one will suffer through this transition.”

  “We ask that all government employees remain at their jobs so the trains and other transportation will continue to run, the electricity remains on, and people can get assistance when they need it. Government representatives will be here beginning tomorrow to help each department understand its new responsibilities and new guidelines. All basic freedoms shall be observed, including freedom to travel, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and all other freedoms
shared in the Republic of Korea.”

  “To the former citizens of North Korea, you have suffered for a long time. But you should not be ashamed of the people who served in your armed forces. They fought bravely and valiantly for what they were told was right and good. It is a shame that so many lost their lives, but as of today no more of those lives will be lost. General Moa shall enter the city in a few days with his troops and will be treated with honor and respect. His actions saved the lives of over 100,000 of your soldiers.”

  “Let us all now turn towards rebuilding our nation. What once was divided is now whole. What once was oppressive is now gentle. What once was despised is now welcomed. Let us rebuild Korea into what it should be; a land of free people building a better world for all,” he said closing out his short speech. There was much he hadn’t said, but long speeches were not his way. Through the applause, the men shook hands and headed back into the Study House.

  After they were dismissed, the soldiers spread out around the city, meeting people, shaking hands, and spreading goodwill. Although many were concerned about radical elements that might fight, not a single shot was fired. What had started with a loud bang ended in a whimper.

  Washington, D.C.

  Although the event in Pyongyang occurred at noon, it was only 11 pm in Washington. Despite that, the government interrupted the broadcasts for a special announcement. Once again the President would speak to the nation. There had been some earlier announcements that the President would speak, and many stayed up to hear and, in many cases, see the President, now that most of the transmitters and many receivers were operating.

  The announcer came on and introduced the President. The images were not like the ones before. He didn’t look so tired or so serious. People immediately knew something special had happened.

  “My fellow Americans, I come to you tonight to share some news. Just one minute ago government ministers in Pyongyang announced the end of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. The war is over. After a cease fire with North Korean forces remaining in the south, Allied forces surrounded the capital. This morning South Korean forces entered the city and the government collapsed. All of Korea is now the Republic of Korea, a unified nation for the first time in over 75 years.”

  “As a part of this event, comes a pledge to bring to justice anyone who had a part in the nuclear attack upon the United States and other nations. All people involved in war crimes will also be brought to justice. Political prisoners and POWs will be released and all weapons plants dismantled. In addition, all remaining weapons of mass destruction of any kind will be turned over to us for dismantling.”

  “I ask you to join me in prayer tonight for our soldiers, sailors, and airmen who have fought so bravely and so gallantly during this conflict. You have seen in the news some of their daring and their heroism. Although we will remain in Korea for about another month to help get things stabilized, we will be bringing all of our forces home.”

  “Let us also say a little prayer for the Republic of Korea. This small nation is going to be busy rebuilding after so much destruction and after decades of oppressive rule in the North. We will do everything we can to help.”

  “So tonight let us celebrate. I am declaring tomorrow a holiday. Let us all celebrate the end of a conflict and hopefully a long and prosperous period of peace. Good night.”

  It was reminiscent of photographs taken upon the announcement of the end of the Second World War. People came out of buildings all across the nation to celebrate in the streets. Lights burned brightly and confetti poured down on Times Square just as before and people hugged, kissed, and danced. In California it was only 7 pm and traffic stopped on all the streets for the celebration. On some streets, local bar owners brought their stock outside and served free drinks adding to the festivities. News crews happily shot footage of the people having a blast for use in later news stories. Still photographers all vied for the one photograph that might catch the essence of the moment much as Alfred Eisenstaedt did for LIFE magazine on VJ Day in 1945.

  In San Pedro, Jack Latham walked out of his office in the shipyard and into one of the main shops. It had no radio, only canned music so that men could concentrate on their jobs. He picked up the microphone on the overhead announcing system.

  “Can I have your attention, please. Stop all work for a moment if you can. I have an announcement.”

  The shop slowly fell silent as the men completed tasks and turned to look toward the front of the shop. They all recognized his voice.

  “Thanks, guys,” he said once it got quiet. “I just wanted to share the news. It’s a good thing we finished all those Navy jobs, because they just announced the war is over,” he said.

  A great whoop emerged from the voices in the shop. Work was abandoned and the men began slapping each other on the back and cheering. Latham walked from shop to shop to spread the news. After a couple of hours he walked onto the pier in front of the shipyard where one of the newer Navy ships was receiving an overhaul. Several of the sailors on the ship were celebrating too and he waved up at them.

  Latham continued to walk down the pier, eventually looking out along the river to the museum down the quay. It had all started there. This was where he had gotten the inspiration that had resulted in so much for the city and his shipyard. Mayor Pat was over in Korea even now probably on their ship celebrating with them. He wished he could have gone.

  They would be coming home soon. The brief time again as a warship would be over and the great ship would be relegated to being a museum again. At least she would be kept up. He would see to that. Who knew? Maybe she would be needed again in another twenty years or so. After tomorrow’s holiday he would concentrate on her homecoming. He already knew it would not be something to miss.

  USS Iowa

  The word of the end of the war came as no surprise to the Iowa crew. They already received a message to cease all aggressive activities. Instead they and the other ships were assigned the task of patrolling off the coasts once more. There was one exception. The North Carolina was to return to Yuktae-dong with a number of scientists and environmentalists to act as a base of operations as the effects of the nuclear blast were studied. Hustvedt sailed first to Sasebo to pick up the teams and then anchored off Yuktae-dong the next day. The ship would remain until another research ship, more properly equipped, could be sent from the United States.

  Hammond made the announcement to the crew and sat back in his seat on the bridge. It was actually over. A part of him was saddened because soon this ship and this crew would disband. The ship would return to San Pedro and the crew to their homes. He would miss these men. They had worked very hard to do his bidding. They faced the danger and hadn’t even flinched. It would be hard to say goodbye.

  Chapter 24

  October 30 - Wrapping Up

  Washington, D.C.

  “OK, now that the announcements are out and everybody’s happy, whose idea was it to do all this up in Pyongyang?” asked President O’Bannon. Seated around the table were the Joint Chiefs and the Secretary of State. Everyone thought the President was totally upset with the move.

  Black stood up. “Mister President, it was something worked out between General Richardson and the South Koreans. General Monahan was in on it too. Things were going very quickly as you know, but General Richardson felt it would be more effective if this was an all South Korean show. She told me this morning she was afraid of what might happen if a bunch of Marines started marching up the street, but she also figured North Koreans might be more cooperative if only Koreans were involved. She was right. It made things a lot easier to swallow for the North,” he said. “I am backing her to the hilt. She got the job done.”

  A hint of a smile appeared on O’Bannon’s face. “She wasn’t right. She was brilliant,” he said as he couldn’t hide his feelings any longer. “I hope you guys realize this lady is not your average grunt,” he said. The tension in the room was immediately released and the men and women were vis
ibly relieved. “Look, I know there was no way to coordinate all this and I’m very pleased with the result. How does it look at State?”

  “Having them capitulate without surrendering was a stroke of genius. General Yao, their army commander, even allowed the DPR army to return home with their rifles and sidearms. It should allow the North Koreans to retain some face. That won’t hurt in the long run,” said the Secretary.

  “Ok, what do we do now?”

  “Actually, except for a few units, I recommend we simply blend into the woodwork and not make a show of force. They all know we were there and they all know we did it. If we just ease away it will make a nice statement for our allies that we aren’t in this for our own glory. It will be there, but we won’t flaunt it,” the Secretary recommended.

  “I agree with that,” said Black. “I am recommending Claire stay there as Commander of US Forces in Korea. She can handle the low profile and still get things done. She can also make the arrangements for our units to start coming home.”

  “Does everyone agree?” the President asked. All heads nodded. “Good enough. Now Mister Secretary, what do you have up your sleeve?”

  “Mr. President, I have made arrangements for a state visit to Japan, China, and the Philippines with a quick stop in Seoul. The purpose of the visit is to further relations with these countries and cement a few bonds of friendship and trade. I have already made the diplomatic requests and have received invitations from these countries. Seoul has not responded yet since we did not know if the war would be over. The ambassador has assured me that the invitation is in the mail. Your Chief of Staff is setting up the itinerary with our ambassadors, and is setting aside plenty of time for other visits and side tours. I should have the final itinerary in a few days.”