Vannevar replied, “More than happy to and I think his input will be helpful regarding our priorities.”
FDR waved back as he was pushed into his study followed by Admiral King, Harry Hopkins, and General Watson. The assembled men, officers, and scientists all stood at attention while the commander in chief was wheeled away. As soon as the door closed, Bush asked Brand, Jameson, and Flannigan to sit down at the table followed by Dr. Conant and Dr. Compton who both had opened briefcases and pulled out binders marked “Top Secret” in at least three places, all in red.
Bush began to give an update on the radar programs, followed by the proximity fuse and radar guided gunnery, including synchronizing the radar to the proximity fuse. They also discussed the proposal Brand had provided on the 3.5-inch aerial rocket for anti-submarine attacks. They liked his work, especially improving propellants that would be helpful to other munitions projects. The group also discussed the need for faster-calculating machines and Bush discussed his work with Conant on getting a “computational computer” program going. Brand agreed in principle to the concept whereby machines could somehow be programmed to run lengthy mathematical calculations and somehow maintain records of these for future use. Currently, hundreds of mainly female mathematicians were being recruited to work in Boston building gunnery tables, using mostly mechanical calculating machines and pencils. This slowed down the process and as Brand stated to Conant, “The more people you add, you only get an incremental improvement because of the sheer force of will. We need a new and better way to do complex mathematics and to be able to quickly adapt this to our scientific challenges.”
Conant briefed the group on the work currently underway at Harvard and MIT using the hundreds of new people being hired to create the math tables for use by the army and the navy. He agreed the initial design for any machine that could do it faster and provide some sort of recall would be of immense help. Bush also brought up some of the aeronautical issues since he was the president of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics of which he was extremely proud. Bush asked about Brand’s knowledge of airfoil designs specifically about wind drag and coefficients used to address stall and high-speed flight. Brand gave a brief overview of his knowledge which was extensive and Bush looked at his colleagues with a nod of agreement and satisfaction.
Conant smiled saying, “Brand has a better understanding of drag, stall, and high-speed shudder than most of the people who hold doctorates in Aeronautics. Only later did I find out he had a pilot’s license and had flown more hours than most of our military pilots.” He then asked Brand if he would like to look at some of the newest research in aircraft design. Brand said he would be very happy to see what was being developed.
Jameson finally spoke after what seemed to be only a few minutes but forty minutes had already passed. “Gentlemen, please remember that Ensign, sorry, Lieutenant Brand has lots of commitments and as he stated in his report, setting priorities will be the father of success in the war. So please, let’s get some clarity around what is most important and I will run it past Admiral King for approval.”
Bush immediately backtracked knowing his enthusiasm in having some very bright and fresh young eyes looking at projects could be immensely important but also knew Brand was first and foremost a naval officer and reported to Admiral King.
“Jameson, I am sorry for my overt enthusiasm involving young Brand. I understand the chain of command and know we can ask but don’t always receive approval for every project or the use of every individual. I will make a concerted effort to work through you first to get the admiral’s permission.”
At that moment, the door of the study opened and General Watson appeared. “Lieutenant Brand, the president will see you now.” He held the door as Brand walked through alone. Jameson and Flannigan knew if they were to meet with the president, they would have been called by name.
Brand found Admiral King sitting next to the president’s desk, both smoking cigarettes. Brand did not like smoking and would never take it up, if he could hold out from the constant pressure from his friends, superiors, and now the president, to start the habit.
Watson pulled a chair around to sit next to the president, while he motioned Brand to sit next to Admiral King. Presidential advisor, Harry Hopkins leaned on the president’s desk looking like a man in need of a new suit.
“James, I wanted to have a private chat with you and Admiral King about your future. We had talked a bit about it before you came in. Both Harry and Pa gave us some other perspectives we had not breached. Here is what we have decided to do with you. First, you will continue to report to Captain Jameson who will be appointed senior science aide to the admiral. You will both work through Admiral Willson, but you report to Admiral King. Do you understand what I am saying, son?”
Brand looked at the president and Admiral King replying, “Sir, I guess what you mean is that on paper I report to Captain Jameson then to Admiral Willson, but unofficially I report to Admiral King. Is that correct, sir?”
FDR smiled and said, “Damn, Ernie, this kid is smarter than his years. He will make a great politician someday or even an admiral.”
King smiled at the joke but did not like references to his high office and duty to the navy and the country by being lumped in with politicians. Vice Chief of Naval Operations Vice Adm. F. J. Horne would be his point man with all the bureaus, commissions, and the Congress. He detested having to testify and attend the rubber chicken dinners for which Washington was famous. King had requested Admiral Horne be named to this new role as soon as it was announced he would be replacing Admiral Stark as chief of naval operations. Stark would be named commander of Naval Forces, Europe, and begin operations in London in support of the U.S. offensives against Germany.
“James, you have it correct. On paper, you report to Jameson and then to Admiral Willson and then to Admiral King. You need to connect the dots further, young man. You also report to me, through Admiral King. Your job is to continue what you have been doing. Looking at what is possible, examining options not yet on the table, looking for new ways to use science, engineering, mathematics, whatever, to win the war. You will make your normal reports to Jameson who will move them up the chain of command.” FDR took a long drag on his cigarette and continued. “If for whatever reason you see something that needs to be given top priority or needs new leadership, or perhaps a project will fail where success is possible but misguided, you are to get in contact directly with Admiral King and to me. Admiral King and General Watson will work up a protocol on how this is to be accomplished without upsetting anyone else or anyone else even knowing. You are going to be our eyes and ears. You are not out to ruin a man’s career, but if someone is blundering his command or could be detrimental to the war effort, it is your duty to let us know. You may be wrong in your assessment, but we have a feeling you will probably be right. This could mean weeks or months of lost time and more importantly lost lives.”
King took over for the president, “Mr. Brand, I am ordering you to do something most officers would not want to do. You are to report on conduct, decision making, leadership, and all other aspects of operations that concern the prosecution of the war effort. You will be allowed free reign to go anywhere and look at anything. The cover for this will be Jameson, who will be given similar instructions but not to the extent we are giving you. As a junior officer, most senior men will not even notice your existence. That is what I am hoping for. You are a staff officer, a non-academy man and a scientist. This is a perfect cover for what needs to be accomplished. You have proven to the president and to me that you can handle just about anything in regard to the mission and with your intellect and scientific methodology, you will be very helpful in focusing on what needs to be done and when we should do it. Do you understand the mission?”
Brand glanced at the president who was peering over his glasses, looking just as serious as the admiral, as they awaited an answer. “Admiral, I believe I understand the mission and the issues you
want me to examine. I understand there are a lot of variables in building the war effort and some men are often the reason for slow progress. I will do my best to inform you whenever I see something that needs addressing. When do I start?”
FDR smiled at Admiral King. “Ernie, our young lion is ready, and he should also be made aware his initial report, which contained many of the items we wanted information on, has been acted upon. Most of the things in the report on the U-boat attacks we were aware of. You made a better case than everyone else and were not afraid of telling us the truth as you saw it, but also how to start solving the problem. I wish I had more people like you in senior positions.”
Admiral King looked at his watch, and the president picked up the hint. “Pa, go get the new captains and bring them in here.”
General Watson returned in a few moments followed by the two newly promoted officers. They came to attention upon entering the room, just like two good academy graduates should. As they stood at attention, they saw Admiral King sitting on a chair next to Brand engaged in a whispering conversation that neither could hear and saw the president leaning in to hear what was being said. FDR looked up and saw the two navy officers standing at attention at the doorway and exclaimed, “How many times do I have to tell you that this is not a parade ground, Captain Jameson? Come in and take a seat.”
Pa Watson had moved two more chairs into a semi-circle in front of the president’s desk. As they sat down, they saw King patting the back of young Brand and giving him a weak smile, which is more than almost anyone in the navy received.
FDR looked at the two new arrivals and began his little speech. “Captain Jameson and Captain Flannigan, again congratulations on your promotions. Each of you will have additional responsibilities, and I am sure Admiral Willson will be briefing you both on what these are. I wanted to tell you a bit more, so you understand the orders you will receive. Is that all right with you both?”
Jameson and Flannigan answered in unison, “Yes sir, Mr. President.” They knew that was all they should say until asked something else.
“Good, here is the story on what you are going to be asked to do for the country. Get that meaning gentlemen, the country. Not Admiral King or your president. Not the navy or the army. It is the country you serve first, and you should always use that as your rudder in all future endeavors. First, Captain Jameson, you are going to be appointed as Senior Science Aide to Admiral King. You will report directly to Admiral Willson, and he will provide you specific orders. Captain Flannigan, you will continue to serve as the security officer for the Science Advisory Team led by Captain Jameson. You will be entrusted with a significant amount of secret information, and you will ensure it is secure at all times. You and your team will provide a security screen for Lieutenant Brand. He is not to be placed in any harmful situation unless it is of the utmost importance. Both of you will receive additional written orders that you will divulge to the team so they have a set of cover stories for those who might get nosy. Your communications chief will be provided additional security information that will be known only to Admiral Willson. Understood?”
Again, in unison, “Yes sir, Mr. President.”
“You and your team may be sent any place in the world with very little notice. You should be careful in granting leaves, including medical leaves. If someone leaves the team and cannot catch up with a movement, they will be dropped, and a replacement found. Captain Flannigan, you will make sure each member of the team is above reproach and can maintain secrecy. Anyone who violates this policy will be court-martialed, and charges could include treason. Again, any questions?”
“No sir, we understand,” Jameson spoke and Flannigan nodded his understanding.
King added, “Jameson, you will perform duties as my science aide but many times people will wonder where you are. Whoever makes persistent requests should be reported to Admiral Willson. Same goes for you Captain Flannigan.”
Both agreed but wondered to themselves what the hell was going on. King added more to the story. “The president and I have a lot of faith in you, as well as Mr. Brand. You are to pay close attention to whatever Lieutenant Brand is doing and support his actions. From time to time, he will be in contact with Admiral Willson or myself, and you will not question what he is reporting or doing. Understood?”
“Yes sir, we understand completely.”
FDR now turned on his famous charm. “I hate to get serious men, but these are not normal times. I want to assure you that you are supporting the war effort in a unique and very substantial way. Your efforts along with Lieutenant Brand will help us win the war. Just keep an eye on what he is doing but unless he offers, do not ask.”
He looked at General Watson and said, “Pa, I think we need to go down to the map room before it gets too much later.” Watson moved toward the president to take hold of the wheelchair handles. As he did, everyone stood at attention.
“James, it was grand meeting you and remember what I said. Don’t let Bush and his people get too much of your skin in their game. You work for Admiral King and me first.” With this last comment, he was wheeled out saying, “Good night gentlemen and get some sleep. I need every man in the navy awake and at the helm.”
King turned to Jameson saying, “Captain, report to Admiral Willson at 0800. I will have him make some time available on my schedule so we can review some of the actions the president wants you and your team involved in within the next few weeks.”
“Yes sir, Admiral. I will be at Admiral Willson’s office at 0800. Anything else, sir?”
King turned as he was leaving the room, “Get some sleep, and that goes for you, Brand. That is an order.”
Jameson watched King’s back as he walked away and turned to Flannigan. “Damn, this was a strange night. James, can you provide us some details on what is going on?”
Brand looked at his mentor and immediate boss and at Flannigan, his bodyguard and friend. “Sir, I can tell you a few things about what went on, but not everything. I need to run this through my brain before we can talk about it. Is that all right?”
Jameson smiled and replied, “Sure thing, James, we can discuss it tomorrow.”
“Now, all we have to do is get out of this fort and get back to the house. That’s what the president ordered, and I think that’s a good idea for all of us,” remarked Captain Flannigan.
*****
While the young navy officers were escorted by a secret service agent out of the White House and into their waiting car, President Roosevelt had General Watson take him to the Map Room on the first floor. At one time, it was a billiards room with a table and a supply of cues mounted on the wall. Eleanor detested pool, billiards, snooker, etc., and had the room turned into a small meeting room until Winston Churchill had shown up in late December 1941. The first request he made of the president was a place to put his war maps so he could track the progress of his armies and fleets, as well as the Nazis and the Japanese. Winston had shown Roosevelt all the map details and how they were updated several times a day. It was important for Churchill to see locations of convoys to Russia as well as the ones to Britain. Now with the disasters unfolding in the Far East, he was looking globally at all his assets and threats.
Roosevelt ordered a map room of his own and the old billiard room was renovated to meet the need. Several officers and enlisted men manned the room twenty-four hours a day, updating the maps to show movement or position of not only American forces but also Allied forces and the location of enemy dispositions and intentions. FDR found having access to the maps provided him a better overview of the situation and how Allied forces could be better utilized to meet enemy threats. Upon entering the room which was guarded by a marine sentry, all activity stopped, and all personnel snapped to attention.
“At ease, carry on,” barked General Watson as he wheeled the president close to the map of the Pacific theater of operations.
“Any news, Commander?” Roosevelt asked a navy commander who had the evening watch.
“Sir, we have had a few developments from the Philippines, plus a communication from the ADBA command.”
Watson went over to the commander’s desk and was handed the communiques in question. He read the ones on the beleaguered garrison of Bataan and knew they were barely holding on and running low on supplies from food to ammunition to medicine, everything but Japs. He looked up at FDR and shook his head which was his way of letting the president know there were no changes occurring on the far away battlefield on the other side of the world. He looked at the other message from ABDA command. This one made his face curl into a scowl. He walked over to the president who was staring intently at the map of the Philippines. When General Watson neared, he held out his hand for what was certain to be worse news.
The message dated February 28 detailed the complete rout and destruction of the combined ABDA fleet under the command of Dutch Admiral Doorman at what would become known as the Battle of the Java Sea. Two Dutch cruisers were sunk as were three destroyers, one from Britain and two from Holland. The report continued with damage reports on the British cruiser Exeter, the hero of the Battle of the River Platte, and the Grey Ghost of the Java Coast, the USS Houston. Both ships along with a few destroyers and the Australian light cruiser HMAS Perth were trying to exit the Java Sea from two different directions. The American destroyer Pope was providing cover to the Exeter which was moving very slowly and had little in the way of defensive firepower remaining. The Houston was previously damaged from a bombing attack a few weeks previous and only had two operational turrets.
“Anything else on the Houston?” asked Roosevelt.
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