“Commander, do you have enough information from Mr. Brand to support your indictment and prosecution?”
“Sir, I believe we have a solid case against both defendants. I just want to ask Brand a few more questions.”
Lee was trying to continue when Admiral Bridges walked over to stand next to Admiral Turner.
“Lee, if you have enough information from all of the other witnesses and the outstanding documentation by Dr. Feldman, I think you should begin your prosecution. Mr. Brand needs his rest, and Admiral Turner has got to get on a plane to Pearl, but he needs to finish his conversation with Mr. Brand.”
The last comment was a definite signal to Lee that the case was closed concerning Brand and additional questions would not be appreciated.
Lee stood by the bed, picked up his folder, and said, “Admiral, I will keep your aide informed about the case and its resolution.” He snapped to attention. “Thank you for your answers, Mr. Brand. I hope to meet you again in the future under much better circumstances.”
The commander snapped to attention once more, did a smart turn, and marched out of the hospital room. He was followed by the admiral’s aide.
Once they were outside, Lieutenant Haslett said softly, “Commander Lee, may I have a moment of your time.”
“Certainly,” came the reply from Lee.
“The admiral would like a word with you in a few minutes. Sir, if you would wait in this room,” pointing across the hall, “the admiral will be with you shortly.”
Commander Lee sat down but wasn’t too sure about what had occurred. Two admirals, some scientist commander, and a dangerous looking marine lieutenant had been in the hospital room of what had been an ordinary seaman recruit who was now an ensign. Top secret files had been spread around. Admiral Turner whom he knew only by reputation was evidently briefing a young kid who didn’t look old enough to be out of high school. None of this made any sense. Now, the former head JAG admiral, the personal hatchet man for Admiral King, wanted to speak to him.
After what seemed like an eternity, Admiral Bridges entered the room. Lee jumped to attention, but the admiral said “At ease and sit down, Lee. I wanted to have a chat with you about what you just saw and explain a few things although I cannot discuss everything. Will you listen to me for a moment without asking any questions?”
Lee was taken aback by the friendly manner of the admiral’s voice and the almost fatherly way he had voiced those words.
“Of course, Admiral,” Lee said as he studied the older man’s face in a new light.
“Lee, I asked you in there about having enough information in which to convict those two SOBs as well as anyone involved in the cover-up.”
“Yes sir. I believe I have sufficient information to put both Dugard and Wright in Portsmouth for at least forty years to life.”
“Good, Commander. Now do you have enough information without using the testimony of Mr. Brand or of even bringing his name up in the trial?” The admiral now stared into Lee’s face with a steely look of power.
Lee thought for a moment and decided to go with his gut instinct by saying, “Sir, I have enough information to get both men convicted for ten to twenty years if I do not use any references to the Brand incident. Without his inclusion in the case, the defense could whittle away at some of the testimony, but I think we would get a conviction.”
“Lee, I am not telling you how to run your case. If it is of great significance, you may use the Brand situation, but Brand will not stand in testimony before any court proceeding. As you ponder that information, I want to suggest you use the Brand information in a pre-trial meeting with each of the accused counsels and offer them a deal. Twenty years minimum with no chance of parole and a dishonorable discharge. If they balk, tell them because of the nature of the crimes, the current national situation, and the good of the naval service, you will go for life without parole and you will win it. I think the other side will work very hard to convince their clients it’s a no-win situation and this is their best deal.”
Lee thought for a minute, and asked, “Sir, I take it that Mr. Brand is not who I assume he is and his situation requires a high degree of secrecy?”
Bridges thought for a moment. Finally, his face turned hard. “Commander Lee, I am about to impart knowledge that is more than top secret. Any discussion or mention of this information to anyone without the express knowledge of the commander in chief of the U.S. Fleet, the chief of naval operations and the secretary of the navy could be considered an act of treason. Do you understand this and do you wish me to continue?”
Lee now was in over his head and had never been faced with knowledge so high to cause the word treason to be used in any conversation. Lee sat ramrod straight and said, “Yes sir, I understand. I would never compromise the security of the nation or bring disgrace to the United States Navy.”
Bridges continued to stare at the commander, then backed away. “Commander, I know you as being a man of his word. So here is what you need to know, then you will forget what you heard.”
“Mr. Brand joined the navy in December as an act of great patriotism, demonstrating his love for country and willingness to put his life on the line if necessary. He did not disclose his entire record or abilities to the recruiting station so he could slip into the navy and away from his civilian career. Mr. Brand is considered by many to be the smartest person in the world and at the age of eighteen already possesses three college degrees including a Ph.D. in physics, holds over a dozen patents in technologies that will be very important to winning this war, and has one of the greatest mathematical minds in the world. He sees answers to the most complex problems before most people could even begin writing the problem down. He is fluent in five or six languages including German and Japanese. And, most importantly, he is now a possession of the U.S. Navy for the duration. I was told by Admiral King two days ago that Brand will be used to the utmost to beat the enemy.”
“Lee, I cannot tell you more because even I don’t have the need to know. Admiral Turner just left and wants Brand assigned to his War Plans Division exclusively. The admiral told me as he left, young Brand gave him a dozen suggestions on how to fix bottlenecks in supply, reconfigure submarine escort duties, and how to improve range finding for naval gunfire. He was astounded at Brand’s ability to quickly grasp a situation and examine it by using both logic and science. I have known Turner since he was a plebe and I have never seen him so impressed with anyone.”
“So, Commander, speaking for the navy, we do not want Brand’s name out in the public domain, nor do we want him in any public testimony. If you cannot get a conviction on these two or any others without Brand’s help, then we will find other ways to remove these people for the good of the service.”
Lee’s eyes must have increased in size when he heard the last comment, and as he looked into the admiral’s eyes, knew what he had just heard was a real option.
“Sir, I can assure you that we will gain convictions of Dugard and Wright and any others without using Brand’s name, testimony or appearance in any court. I also assure you again of my complete loyalty to the navy and the country and will abide by your wishes of secrecy.”
The admiral rose slowly. “I knew it all along, Commander, that you would find a way to rid our navy of these bastards, and at the same time keep the secret of Mr. Brand. Keep Mr. Haslett informed of your progress. If you have any setbacks, let me know personally. Is that clear, Commander?”
“Aye, aye sir,” the commander said, quickly standing at attention.
“Good seeing you again, Lee. I hope I don’t have to see you again on this issue.”
Lee said nothing as the admiral left. As the door shut, Lee sat down on the chair and began tearing up his notes. No one would ever hear of a seaman recruit named Brand.
8
3 February 1942
San Diego Naval Hospital
• Submarine Trout delivers ammunition to Corregidor and removes gold, silver, securities and ma
il.
• Japanese bomb Surabaya, Java, Netherlands East Indies.
“So, how is our patient this morning?” Dr. Feldman with his ever-quizzical grin began. “Are we ready to leave this white palace?”
Brand looked up and enthusiastically said, “Yes sir! Can I get into some regular clothes and out of these pajamas or whatever you call this thing?”
Feldman let out a short laugh and replied, “Yes, but we must get you some new uniforms. Flannigan went out yesterday with a shopping list from the commander and is supposed to be returning today with all of the uniforms a young ensign should have plus some suitable luggage.”
“As I recall,” the newly minted ensign said, “I must pay for my clothes so I’ll need to get some of my money. By the way, how about my navy pay?”
The doctor smiled again, “Well, I’m not much on naval protocol, but I started getting paid about forty-five days after I was called up. We had a few classes on navy procedures and who gets saluted and when, then they sent me here. I am thankful I had some money with me from my prewar life or it would be a matter of borrowing from others, which reminds me, I’m owed some money from at least two colleagues.”
“Doc, I saw a lot of recruits get in trouble on the first day of training because they had no money. They fell in debt to some bad people very quickly. I had a small stash with me that I hid in my locker. I don’t think it was found. I believe the good Sergeant Laird got my locker articles and amazingly everything was still there.”
“How much did you have stashed?” Feldman asked.
“I think I had $300 with me and it all showed up,” Brand replied.
“That’s a tidy sum for a recruit, but again, you were no normal recruit,” Feldman retorted.
Brand looked at the man who saved his life and said, “If you need something, anything, Doc, just let me know.”
Dr. Feldman smiled. “Brand, unless you can end this war today, you don’t owe me a thing. Getting you out of that brig and on your feet, is all the thanks I need. Also, it is my job, and I think I do it quite well.”
Just as Brand was going to reply, the door opened and in came Lieutenant Flannigan followed by Sergeant Laird who was carrying a set of large boxes. Flannigan also carried a square canvas duffel bag with a handle on it just like those toted by officers on the train that brought Brand to San Diego. They were much nicer than the big green duffel bags the navy issued, but they were not nice leather suitcases like the ones he had back in New York City.
“The ensign is up I see and ready to do some work for once,” said the marine officer. “I have brought you gifts from the navy stores in town. Laird, put the boxes on the end of the bed so we can bedazzle Mr. Brand.”
Laird did as asked and smiled approvingly of Brand who he now knew was a very special young man and one in which a lot of people, including him, had worked hard to save.
“Thank you, Martin, I appreciate you helping out the lieutenant,” Brand said in his usual non-navy way.
“My pleasure, Mr. Brand, anytime you need something, you let me know.” Laird backed up and stood by the door.
“Well,” the doctor said, “let’s open all of this stuff and get Brand outfitted as an officer and maybe even a gentleman. Sergeant Laird, please stay because we may need your help in getting him up and dressed. I don’t want him to fall and hurt himself again and spending more time making eyes at Lieutenant Commander Watkins.”
Everyone in the room but Brand chuckled, although he smiled sheepishly at the joke. Nurse Watkins was the chief floor nurse and was about as tough as any battleship. She didn’t take kind to fools, especially young fools. She had been upset about a recruit being put on her officer floor and had a chance to complain only once to the chief medical officer before she understood the importance of the young man. Admiral Bridges had taken her aside on his first visit and kindly informed her the young man would soon be an officer and was a national security asset of the first order. Nothing was to be discussed outside of the hospital floor about the patient. Those providing his care were to be in their top form. For a full week, the admiral dropped by with his aide. A few days later a second admiral appeared and spent quite a long time with the now young ensign.
Before he left for Washington, Admiral Bridges came by the hospital. He spoke with Nurse Watkins and all the nursing staff who had cared for Brand and expressed his personal appreciation. He told them he was going to see the chief medical officer of the navy to personally commend their performance.
Since her first meeting with the admiral, she and her staff of nurses could not be more helpful, and Watkins personally took charge of most of the daytime duties, including giving the young ensign baths. His condition would not allow him to move for several days so she would come in, strip him of his pajamas, and slowly wash the young man like an infant. She would talk to him like he was her own son. No doctor, including Feldman, would cross her in her duties.
Flannigan had been the first person to rib Brand about his special relationship and soon the entire team, including the non-coms, were asking how he was doing and how was his girlfriend, Eunice Watkins. Brand could take a joke well, but it was getting a bit weary so he was grateful to soon be leaving the hospital.
The first order of business was to get Brand out of bed and standing on his own. He had done this each day for the past week, and now with the surgical sutures removed he was ready for regular clothes. Feldman helped him stand with Flannigan close by to steady him, but Brand got on his feet with no major problem. Everyone could see the young man grimace with each step, mostly because of the taped ribs, which would take a long time to heal. The doc had him walk around the room with everyone waiting in apprehension of his falling, but he did fine. After a minute of standing, Dr. Feldman asked, “So how are you feeling? Any shortness of breath or lightheadedness?”
Brand said, “No, Doc, it’s all good. It still hurts to take a big breath, but all the equipment is in order.”
Flannigan could not help himself and asked, “Shall we call in Nurse Watkins to check out all of your equipment?”
Everyone including Brand laughed, but then Brand stopped and commented, “Damn, it hurts to laugh, but one day, Lieutenant Flannigan, sir, I will get you for that.”
More good humor ensued and this time Feldman noticed more evidence of pain as Brand laughed. He moved closer, holding Brand by his good arm.
“Let’s get on with the dressing of our young knight of the seven seas so we can get him out of here.”
It took a while but, Ensign James E. Brand was now looking like a young ensign in the U.S. Navy. They had put on his hat and showed him how to adjust it when Commander Jameson walked in.
Everyone, including Brand, jumped to attention, and Jameson quickly said, “At ease and carry on. So, this is what a new ensign looks like? How do you think you look, James?”
“Well, sir, except for getting this cast through the sleeve, it looks very fine indeed.”
“Doc, when can we move Brand? I would like to get him back to Washington as soon as possible.”
The doctor, now in his true element, looked at the commander then at Brand, saying slowly, “Commander, he is still in a lot of pain from the ribs. His last sutures will be removed tomorrow, his eyes have healed well, but the bruising will take at least another week or so to go away. He is still shaky on his feet, but otherwise he appears to be in good spirits.”
The commander gave his familiar “give me more” sign with his hand.
The doctor continued, “I would prefer to keep him here for another week, but after tomorrow he should be out of all danger. His injuries will take time to heal, but I think in about two or three more days he should be good to travel.”
The commander was hoping for less time and Rear Adm. Russel Willson, chief of staff to Admiral King, wanted Brand out of San Diego and working on a myriad of projects essential to the war effort. Admiral Turner had sent a report on his meeting with Brand to Admiral King stating in part, “This y
oung man is even more than you had suggested. Incredibly insightful, not afraid to confront anyone to secure more information and has the uncanny ability to do the highest level of math in his head. He provided me with three suggestions on combat loading ships that would increase the speed of loading as well as how a ship should be configured for seaworthiness that took him a few minutes instead of a few days. I would like him assigned to the Plans Division as soon as possible. And he did all of this while in great pain after having been terribly beaten.”
King thought Turner to be one of his top officers; a man possessed of keen mind, not as good as his of course, but one of the top thinkers in the navy. If Turner thought this highly of the young man and wanted him for his command, then King knew, he had a very valuable addition to the navy. He might loan this young man out to War Plans, but he would retain control. King had told his chief of staff to let him know immediately of Brand’s status and to tell Commander Jameson to ensure his safe arrival in D.C. at the earliest possible moment.
Jameson had been on the phone earlier that day with Admiral Willson who had asked again when Brand would be able to come to Washington. Jameson replied that Brand was still in the hospital but expected to be released in a few days. Willson repeated King’s impatience with delays and wanted this “whiz kid” under his control immediately. Jameson said he couldn’t work miracles but would do his best to comply, thus his questions to Dr. Feldman.
“Okay, Doc, let’s say we can go back east in three or four days. I will need to get a plane set up to take us, although that shouldn’t be a problem with the priority I’ve received.”
Feldman ruined Jameson’s plans by stating most emphatically, “Sir, Mr. Brand cannot fly for at least two weeks, possibly more. The higher altitude would place a burden on his breathing and more importantly on the pressure in his chest, causing severe pain and discomfort. The only way Brand is going anyplace is by train.” Jameson started to speak but the doctor, now in control, continued. “Brand will need to be kept comfortable, and that means a sleeping compartment so he can lie down. A trip like this will help him recover as well, and we can keep an eye on him to see how he is doing.”
U-Boat Scourge Page 7