U-Boat Scourge

by J Eugene Porter

  Bush greeted the tall ensign, who held a Ph.D. in Physics. “It is my honor to meet a young scientist who is helping to win the war in uniform. I have heard about your report to Admiral King. He is very impressed with your work so far on the submarine issues.”

  Brand was taken aback by the comment because of the secrecy of his work for the admiral but quickly realized Bush was the lead man for science in the war effort and knew much more than most people about what was going on in the war.

  Bush, being a good host turned to the other officers, introducing himself first to Jameson then to Flannigan. The others followed, but one was always nearby Brand to keep him company.

  A few minutes of small talk ensued until a door on the other side of the room opened. A very thin man entered the room followed by a man in a wheelchair pushed by a White House butler. The thin man was the sickly Harry Hopkins and the person in the wheelchair was the president of the United States, Franklin D. Roosevelt.

  The officers jumped to attention and the scientists stood straighter even though they had been acquaintances of the president for some time. President Roosevelt in his usual manner had a long cigarette holder perched in his teeth like a bird of prey and quickly took it out saying, “At ease, gentlemen, this is a social setting not a parade ground. That goes for you, too, Vannevar.”

  Each of the science leaders chuckled at the little jokes FDR was famous for and he had the butler push him to the table where he made his cocktails. He wheeled himself around looking at the three newcomers and smiling. “Well, this must be the famous Dr. Brand or shall I call you Ensign Brand?”

  “Sir, you may call me anything you wish, Mr. President.”

  “Yes, that is my prerogative, so I will call you James. Is that all right with you, James?”

  “I would be honored sir, thank you.” Brand blushed a bit as FDR motioned for him to come closer to shake his hand.

  “Vannevar, see what a well-trained scientist is capable of? Good manners and a very nice looking suit.”

  The science leaders laughed at the joke as did the other two officers. FDR shook Brand’s hand, then looking over at the other two officers said, “You must be Commander Jameson, and you must be my marine hero, Lieutenant Flannigan.”

  Both officers went back to attention and replied, “Yes sir, reporting as ordered.”

  FDR looked at Brand said, “Will you tell these two fine examples of Annapolis training they are not on duty now and to come over and shake my hand?”

  Brand did as asked, and the two officers came up to the president who offered his hand in a grip known to be close to a vise when he wanted to exert extreme pressure to someone. He made some quick comments to both men but especially to Flannigan.

  “Lieutenant, you know that my son Elliott is a marine as well and is now serving with Lt. Col. Evans Carlson. He is quite proud to be serving alongside marines such as yourself.”

  Flannigan quickly replied, “Sir, I did hear that your son Captain Roosevelt is serving, but I did not know that he is with Colonel Carlson. I served with him briefly in China. He is a very strong leader. I am sure your son will learn a lot from the colonel.”

  Roosevelt smiled, knowing more about Carlson than most in the Marine Corps, but did not comment further about his son. “I received a report about you from Admiral Hart back in January, and he was quite impressed by your heroics in the Philippines. I have ordered him back to the states because of the deteriorating situation in the Java campaign, so perhaps you will see him again soon.”

  “That would be good, sir. I would like to see the admiral again whenever possible.” As he backed away from the president, Flannigan wondered why Hart would be coming home from the campaign in the Java Sea. He had heard only scant reports on the issues facing what was known as the ABDA force. This force was commanded by General Wavell of the British army with Hart as the sea commander of the joint American, British, Dutch and Australian forces. From his own brief experience in Java, where he was sent following his departure from the Philippines, he knew there was no common operational plan, code, signals, or much regarding leadership. Unity of command was essential to any operation and with four countries involved, sharing various responsibilities and with the constant strife of competing interests, things were bound to go from bad to worse. He would make some inquiries as soon as possible to find out what was really going on. The president was famous for showing great charm and optimism in the face of almost all adversity and this was probably the case as well.

  The president began his ritual of making cocktails for his guests. The White House butler provided the glasses and the ice, but kept a good distance from the wheelchair-bound president who loved his nightly ritual of making drinks for his guests. Most of the cocktails were weak, and his Manhattans were famous for their poor quality. For a wealthy man, the president of the United States did not spend a lot of money on quality booze. He made drinks for each of the men, but offered Brand a Coca-Cola.

  The president did not talk shop during his cocktail hour and spent time asking Bush and Conant questions about some of their research programs. Brand heard about ongoing developments at MIT’s Radiation Lab, which was doing incredible work on increasing the power of the magnetron the British had provided back in 1940 and how they were working up new shipboard models and, like Brand had requested, new airborne models for the PBYs. Brand asked some technical questions of Conant but was quickly shut down by Bush who knew the details bored FDR. So, they talked about adding people and how the Harvard campus was changing with fewer men and lots of new women students plus workers. FDR was very proud of his Harvard background and hoped any new development would not detract from Harvard Square. Bush assured him he would not see any difference in the main parts of the campus, but outside areas were now being acquired for some of their research.

  This light banter continued for another fifteen minutes as the men slowly sipped their drinks to make sure they did not finish before the president. As Brand thought about the pace of the conversation and the topics, another door opened and in walked Admiral King and an army major general. The officers immediately snapped to attention as the big boss of the navy walked in with a perpetual scowl on his face.

  FDR immediately turned in his wheelchair to face the admiral and the general who came to attention in front of the president. “Admiral, you don’t have to come in here and be at attention every time you show up. You may scare our scientists.”

  Admiral King went to a more leisured posture and nodded his head in the direction of Jameson, Flannigan, and Brand. “Sir, I am sorry for being late. More war communique that will need to be reviewed with you came in an hour ago. General Watson is making sure these are posted in the map room.” Watson was Edwin Watson, who served as FDR’s senior military aide and appointment secretary. His nickname was Pa, and was close to the president and very protective of his time. Nothing moved or happened at the White House without his approval.

  “Ernie, I guess you and Pa and I need to talk about this after dinner if that is all right with you?”

  “Certainly, Mr. President, I’m happy to be of assistance in any manner I can.” King looked at Brand and gave what for him was a smile, but it was difficult to detect. His ability to be in a bad mood all the time did give way from time to time, especially to James Brand.

  “Well, since the admiral has some issues to discuss, why don’t we go in for dinner, and then I can find out what is going on that needs my attention.” The president looked over his right shoulder to the butler, who immediately began to wheel him towards the dining room. Every-one followed Roosevelt and found their places set with name tags. Interestingly, Bush and Brand were sitting at each side of the president who presided over the long table at one end and Admiral King sat at the other. General Watson sat next to Admiral King with Commander Jameson at his side. The butlers then began to serve a rather bland meal consisting of pot roast, one of FDR’s favorites, and green beans. The days of high cuisine in the White House were
a generation away.

  The president was in a jovial mood, acting the part of the “all is okay” leader of the Allied Powers and engaged people scattered around the table in small talk. Brand fell under his powers early on when asked about his work at the Lowell Observatory. He also commented about Brand losing his father as a young boy which was similar to FDR’s loss of his father. Brand was touched by this knowledge and thanked the president for his understanding and concern. The president then began a conversation with Lieutenant Flannigan about his time in the Philippines and Java. He was especially interested in the bombing attack at Cavite where Flannigan had been wounded. He pressed for details about the height of the Japanese bombers and the lack of anti-aircraft weapons that could hit the high-flying planes. Flannigan held nothing back and was concerned the commander in chief would not be happy about his commentary.

  FDR was more than interested in his discussion of the attack. As Flannigan answered more and more questions from the president, he noticed other conversations had ceased and everyone’s eyes were on him. This unnerved the young marine, and he tried to stop discussing the topic, but the president asked one more question.

  “Lieutenant, I want to thank you for your candor. I know Admiral King feels the same way. We cannot win this war without firsthand information from people who are doing the fighting. We need to know what works, what does not work, and what we should be doing to win this war.” As the president finished this last remark, everyone became silent. His voice went up in inflection just like one of his addresses to the nation. He was not being overly theatrical, but for once was being emotional about the reality of the war. “Tell me, Lieutenant, what went wrong in the Philippines and in Java from your viewpoint? Do not worry about what you say, for I have heard lots of viewpoints from the great to the small, but I have not heard from someone who was there.”

  Flannigan could see the president staring at him with his fork and knife down on his plate and knew he had to give President Roosevelt his best reply. He thought for a minute and took a sip of water. Thinking this would be the end of his career, he began, “Mr. President, I’m not sure of what happened when or who was in charge or not in charge, but it appears to this marine that coordination of command was lacking and is lacking to this day. In Manila, I heard the navy was making certain plans without benefit of what the army was doing and vice versa. The Air Corps wanted to be more aggressive, but failed to have enough spare parts or trained pilots for the role. The lack of communication between commands is a major problem, as well as the use of old equipment such as the three-inch anti-aircraft guns which could not get near the Jap bombers.”

  Flannigan stopped as he noticed Roosevelt’s frown deepening but the president waved him on. “Sir, when we lost Clark field on day one, we lost the ability to fight back. Air power is needed at every step of the battle going forward, and close communication between commands is essential. In Java, before I left at the end of December, no one on our side was sure of who was in control. We were blind and could not talk to anyone. Our patrol planes got out and fought as hard as possible, but there was no strike capability. The poor PBY pilots who tried to attack were chewed up in their slow planes, and it was usually a one-way mission for them. The old navy four-stack destroyers were in need of constant repair, and they had almost no anti-aircraft protection to boot. The radar systems Mr. Brand has been pushing for would have been of enormous help in knowing the enemy was on his way. But you cannot stop an attack when you have no weapons to fight with.”

  Flannigan again reached for his water glass as FDR looked right at him with a steel-eyed glare that would have killed a lesser man, motioning for the lieutenant to continue.

  “Sir, I don’t have much else to say, but the one thing I learned from the time I spent under attack by the Japanese is they are well trained, disciplined, supplied with the most modern weapons, and are very organized in their attack plans. I fear we have underestimated them, even though I had spent some time in China watching them at war with the Chinese. I thought the Chinese were just not putting up a good fight, but I now think the Chinese are hard fighters who are poorly led and poorly supplied. We can lick the Japs, sir, but it will take a lot of coordination at the top and training at the bottom to do it. I am sorry, sir, if I have said anything to upset you, I didn’t . . .”

  “Lieutenant,” FDR said holding up his hand, “you did nothing to offend me. I asked for your assessment and your candid comments, and you did exactly what I wanted. I think these gentlemen understand the gravity of the issues we are facing, but when a young man who has been under attack, fought back, and was wounded, tells you the truth as he sees it, all we can do is to commend you for your actions then and for your words today. Thank you, Lieutenant. I agree with everything you said, and I know Admiral King understands the issues you brought up. Isn’t that right, Admiral?”

  King looked at the president but directed his comments to Flannigan, “Lieutenant, what you shared with us tonight is exactly the kind of report I want to hear from every commander. I also want them to come to me with solutions to these problems and how we can never make the same mistake again. In war, there are many variables, some of which these distinguished men of science are helping us on, but it is up to you in the field to drive change and make the hard decisions that will win this war.”

  President Roosevelt gave King a quick nod of approval and looked back at Flannigan. “Lieutenant, I think some people may have short changed you in some of your recent experiences. I received a communique from Admiral Hart who informed me of your actions before and during your time in the Philippines. He was especially interested in your well-being after you left Java and the treatment you received at Pearl and San Diego. It seems you have several admirers in high places and now you have one more in me.” The president looked at General Watson who stood and moved to the president’s side.

  “First Lt. Robert J. Flannigan, attention to orders.” The general barked next to the president.

  Flannigan jumped up and looked at the army general.

  Pa Watson read from a piece of paper, “First Lt. Robert J. Flannigan, while serving with the Asiatic Fleet, Department of the Philippines, demonstrated tremendous courage, leadership, and initiative on December 10, 1941. While under attack by enemy forces, Lieutenant Flannigan rescued over twenty-three men who were in burning buildings and under constant bombings by enemy aircraft. He went into various naval buildings to find severely wounded men and bring them to safety. He also volunteered to remove vital naval equipment from these same buildings while they were on fire and under constant threat of explosion. He then supervised firefighting and secured weapons which were mounted on trucks to fight off the attacking planes. He was wounded several times and severely burned. He refused evacuation until he fell unconscious from his wounds. Therefore, the commendation of the Navy Cross is authorized this first day of March 1942.”

  Watson pulled out a small box and handed it to the president.

  “Lieutenant Flannigan, I think this award tells you and everyone else that you did a great job in the Philippines. You are an inspiration to all of us. Well done. Now, if you would lean down to my level, I will pin this on you.”

  Flannigan leaned down to the president who artfully pinned the second highest medal bestowed by the navy on the young marine. As he finished, FDR said, “Flannigan, I expect you not to take too many risks from now on, but I don’t think you will pay heed to my request.”

  Flannigan stood upright and shook the president’s hand. It was then he saw that all of the people around the table were standing as Admiral King started clapping his hands saying, “Hurrah! Semper Fidelis, Flannigan.”

  Flannigan, more than a bit embarrassed by all this attention, moved to sit down when FDR waved him back. “Marines are all hard heads you know. I will tell you when I am finished with you.” The president smiled again and looking at Admiral King who was in lock-step with the president’s plans, said, “It seems to me, Admiral, th
at as commander in chief of the United States military and naval forces, I can promote anyone I wish. Is that correct, Admiral?”

  King did not smile, but he was beaming inside because he liked to see men get recognition for honorable and brave service to the navy. “Sir, you have the authority to promote, fire and probably shoot anyone you want to, sir.” The last comment got a laugh from everyone including the president.

  “Shooting sounds like a good idea sometimes, Admiral, but I like promoting people more. So, Lieutenant Flannigan, you are now a captain in the United States Marine Corps, and I think Admiral King agrees wholeheartedly with me on this.” King nodded. FDR then made another announcement. “Seems that Captain Flannigan needs some help in the promotion department, so Admiral King and I discussed the other members of the team seated with us this day. Commander Jameson, you are now Captain Jameson and your mission will be expanded by Admiral King shortly. You may regret this day for you are about to get more troubles than you ever expected.” Another round of applause sounded, and King shook the hand of the new navy captain.

  “Finally, there is a very young ensign who ran off and joined the navy to fight the enemies of his country. It took the intercession of one of the world’s great scientists to find you and get you doing things that will really help the war effort, so it is also appropriate that you now become the youngest lieutenant junior grade in the U.S. Navy.”

  Everyone started to clap as FDR motioned for Brand to come over to stand next to him to receive the applause from his scientific colleagues as well as his navy comrades. The president shook his hand once more and whispered, “I have more plans for you, young man, and I look forward to your candid assessments in the future.”

  When the commotion subsided, the president motioned to General Watson and announced to the assembled group, “I have some things that I need to be made aware of, so I will give Admiral King my ear for a few minutes. Brand, stay around if you can so I can talk to you some more.” He looked over at Bush and added, “Vannevar, set up a time to bring young Brand up to date on some of the developments you and your colleagues are working on and what progress you are making.”