A Song For Lisa

by Clifton La Bree

  Jonathon checked in at the ROTC offices to introduce himself to the staff. The secretary assigned to the unit by the University told him that Sergeant Clymer was in the conference room grading papers. Jonathon walked in on him.

  “Good day, Sergeant Clymer. I’m Colonel Wright.”

  The sergeant came to attention when he heard Jonathon speak. “I’m sorry, I didn’t hear you come in, Colonel. Welcome to the campus. I hope you like what we’ve been doing here.”

  “Please, stand easy, Sergeant. I’m simply familiarizing myself with the layout. I look forward to working with you and the others. I have much to learn, so please, if you see that I’m stepping out of line and beginning to make an ass of myself, I beg of you to confront me directly and promptly. If you do that with honest convictions, you will have earned my sincere gratitude. I don’t like or tolerate ‘yes’ men.”

  Sergeant Clymer checked the ribbons Jonathon wore. “That Medal of Honor ribbon has already won my respect, sir.”

  Jonathon noted the Combat Infantryman Badge the Sergeant wore. “That CIB you wear, Sergeant, make us part of a select fraternity. I’ll be proud to work with you.”

  “Do you want me to show you around, Colonel?”

  “Thanks, but I’ll manage,” replied Jonathon. “By the way, Sergeant. I would like your advice on how we should conduct ourselves in uniform on campus, especially in basic military courtesy.”

  “Well, sir, I’ve always thought of it this way. Around campus, the students watch our every move. I think we should put our best foot forward. A reasonable amount of spit and polish in how we present ourselves never does any harm. Proper and respectful salutes between officers and enlisted men is a must. The students have a tendency to look upon us as role models and they can learn much in the way we interact. May I speak freely and unofficially, sir?”

  “Please do.”

  “Over the past twenty years I’ve been in the army, I’ve served under some of the finest officers that ever lived. I’ve also served under some of the most pompous assholes that ever walked. In my opinion, campuses are no place for the latter category of officer. Another thing, sir, in front of students in or out of the classroom, I would resent it if you looked down on me as an inferior. I’m a subordinate yes, but I’m good at my job. Some officers I’ve served with always belittle enlisted men in order to make them look more important. Am I making myself clear, sir?”

  Jonathon appraised the sturdy plain-speaking professional soldier standing in front of him and smiled. He was the embodiment of the American soldier that Jonathon had come to love and respect. “I read you loud and clear, Sergeant Clymer, and I agree with every word. I’m glad we had this conversation. The army functions as a team organization. Every part of the organization is important for the whole to work. That implies that respect comes from the top down. If you ever detect that I have violated that code of respect, I’ll appreciate your bringing it to my attention. Have a good day, Sergeant.”

  “And you too, sir.”

  Jonathon left the office and continued to tour around the campus and streets close to the university. The Commons building housed the cafeteria where he stopped and went through the line selecting macaroni and cheese, a fruit cup, and a glass of milk. Surveying the dining area for an empty table, he took one near the windows overlooking a terrace facing south. It gave him an opportunity to observe the flow of students, staff, and faculty as they entered and left the cafeteria. He was impressed with the maturity of the seasoned veterans going to school under the G.I. Bill of Rights. They displayed an intensity of purpose that was visibly lacking in the younger non-veteran student body. He had to admit that the horrors of combat matured a person beyond their years.

  Two women about Jonathon’s age scanned the dining hall for a seat and spotted him sitting alone. They approached the table and casually asked if he would mind sharing the table with them.

  “Please, sit down,” Jonathon said, standing to greet them. “I’m Colonel Wright, the new ROTC commander. This is my first day on the job.”

  “I’m Alice Raney. I teach English literature. This is Grace Mellon our language specialist.”

  “I’m glad to meet you.” The two ladies were studies in contrast. Miss Mellon had black hair and was slightly overweight. She smiled a lot and seemed content to let the more outspoken Alice Raney dominate the conversation. Alice Raney was tall, slender and showy with blonde hair and a confident air. There was a boldness about her that made Jonathon uncomfortable.

  “How nice it is that we had a chance to meet, Colonel,” Miss Raney said, eyeing his ribbons. She wore a lot of makeup and looked as if she belonged on a stage with models instead of a classroom filled with students. “Is the rumor true going around the campus that you’re a Medal of Honor winner?”

  “I don’t know where the rumor came from,” Jonathon replied, eating his meal. “To answer your question, Miss Raney, yes, I do wear the Medal of Honor for action in Manila, but I wear it as a symbol for those who sacrificed and suffered and were never honored.”

  Miss Mellon noted his CIB. “My brother earned one of those badges with the long Kentucky rifle. He was more proud of that than of any other ribbon or medal.”

  “Your brother thinks the same as I, Miss Mellon.” Jonathon finished his lunch and excused himself. “It’s been nice meeting you two. I understand there’s a faculty meeting this afternoon, maybe I’ll see you there.”

  “Yes, we’ll be there,” said Miss Raney.

  Miss Mellon continued to smile at him. “It’s good that the army has filled the post that’s been open for so long.”

  Jonathon chuckled to himself as he left the cafeteria. A poster on a bulletin next to the entrance caught his eye:

  Annual Spring Concert

  The New Hampshire Symphony Orchestra

  March 15, 1951

  Featuring The Internationally Acclaimed Violinist From Japan

  Horio Taniguchi

  He read the poster and smiled, thinking how modest it was of Lisa to not be listed. The featured performer Horio Taniguchi, quickened his pulse and started him asking questions to himself. Did Taniguchi know about Lisa? Thinking back to his visit with Taniguchi, he was certain that he never declared her name, and the letter she had asked him to send was signed “Madame X.” Was it a coincidence? He was unsure! Lisa had mentioned the concert to him several times and even became excited about the chance to have a famous violinist visit New Hampshire. Little did he dream that it could be Mister Taniguchi!

  Should he alert Lisa? His first instinct was that she had a right to know. If he was to tell her before the performance, it might have an adverse affect on her ability to perform and that would have been awkward to explain to the rest of the musicians in the orchestra. He had mailed Lisa’s letter to Taniguchi and so far, there was no follow-up correspondence. He rode around the area for a long time troubled by the knowledge he had kept from Lisa.

  Checking his watch, Jonathon drove to the building where the faculty meeting was scheduled to take place. He had prepared a short speech to deliver in case he was asked to make a statement. He had planned to review it that afternoon, but his head and heart were too busily focused elsewhere.

  Most of the faculty were in the auditorium. He walked down the center of the aisle to the front row of seats where the president of the university had requested that he position himself. He scanned the seats on both sides trying to locate where Lisa was sitting, but did not see her.

  The president made a few remarks to the gathered audience pertaining to some changes in the curriculum and about summer school itineraries. Then he announced two appointments to the faculty; a forestry professor named Doctor Bert Hunt, and Army Colonel Jonathon Wright. “It gives me great pleasure to announce that the university is graced by the presence of an army officer who has been awarded the Medal of Honor. Ladies and gentlemen, how about a warm welcome to Colonel Jonathon Wright.” The President waved his arm towards Jonathon and the audience rose as one
to welcome him.

  Jonathon walked to the podium to shake hands with the president and the dean of the College of Liberal Arts. Using that opportunity to locate Lisa, he saw her in the back row directly in front of the podium. Raising both arms to the audience, Jonathon wanted them to see the mechanical arm and pair of tongs, so that they would know who and what he was. Several members of the faculty were surprised that such an injured man was allowed to continue in the Army.

  “Mr. President, deans of the different colleges, faculty, and staff members. Your warm welcome is appreciated. I’m humbled to become a part of the faculty of the University I graduated from in 1941. This is my first post at an institution of higher learning. The main job of a soldier is to defend our nation against all enemies and to teach others, the young men and women, who shoulder that burden with their blood. I’m open to any suggestions or criticisms you may have about what I do in the classroom and how my performance might be improved or altered. Constructive criticism of ideas, tactics, doctrine, etc. is one of the ways our army improves its performance, so don’t be afraid to speak up. Change is a constant process with soldiers. After I graduated from the university in 1941, I went to the Pacific theater of operations where I stayed for the duration of the war. I was wounded again in Korea eight months ago. I already feel that I’ve come home for good. Thank you for allowing me to become a part of the faculty as a soldier.”

  The forestry professor made a few remarks after Jonathon sat down and the President reclaimed the podium. “Before we adjourn this get-together, I want to inform you about a very special occasion that is coming up. You’ve probably already seen the posters around campus about our recently established New Hampshire Symphony Orchestra concert. I’ve been impressed by the hard work of our very own Miss Lisa Carter, who has been deeply involved in making it all possible. Stand up Miss Carter wherever you are.” Lisa stood up and waved her hand. “I just wanted to say thank you on behalf of the university and the people of the state for your fine work. It is enriching the lives of each and every one of us. Thank you.”

  Minutes later, Jonathon was inundated by people wishing him well in his new post. They were sincere and heartfelt. It was comforting to be so warmly received. Slowly, he was able to make some headway to the back of the auditorium to Lisa. She was all smiles and extended her hand to shake with him. “You’ve made a successful beginning, Colonel.” She squeezed his hand. He returned the pressure and grinned.

  The auditorium was almost empty except for Alice Raney, who was waiting for a chance to speak to Jonathon. “So you’re an alumnus, Colonel, we meet again.” she said boldly.

  Lisa knew the English instructor and noted her attempt at familiarity with Jonathon. At first it amused her until she heard the coy and provocative Miss Raney invite him to her place for dinner some evening at his convenience.

  Jonathon was unprepared for such an invitation and had no intention of starting his debut at the college accepting invitations from strangers. “Thank you, Miss Raney. For now, I’ve got my hands full with my new quarters and my daughter. I’m also committed to therapy sessions each week, so I’ll have little time for socializing, but thanks for asking.”

  Miss Raney picked up on the list of excuses and left feeling disappointed. Lisa heard the exchange between them and walked silently to the parking lot with him. “You handled that situation beautifully. She has a reputation around the campus, so tread softly, if you know what I mean.”

  “I know what you mean,” Jonathon laughed. “How are we going to handle this? We can’t pretend to be strangers and never talk to each other. I suggest that we be natural with each other and be discreet at public appearances.”

  “I agree. It’s childish to hide what I don’t want to hide,” she said. “I was so proud of you, Jonathon.”

  “Now you know how proud I am of a certain lady when I see posters all over the campus about a concert next month.”

  “I meant to tell you about that. We’re all so excited about the violinist that’s scheduled to appear. One of the musicians in the orchestra had played years ago with this Mister Taniguchi, and had nice things to say about him. The agency that’s handling his bookings has already given us a repertoire that he’ll perform. I’m familiar with the selections. It should be a time to forget the war.” Lisa looked at Jonathon and saw a troubled look on his face. “What’s wrong, Jon?”

  “Nothing, I was just thinking how wonderful it is to see your enthusiasm for a Japanese musician. I’d say that you’ve grown a lot, Lisa Carter. Do you know how much I love you?”

  “You’re going to make me cry right here in front of everybody,” Lisa whispered. “Come to the house for supper tonight if you want.”

  “Thanks for the invite. Just think I’ve been on campus for only one day and I’ve already gotten two invitations for dinner.” Jon laughed and continued, “Seriously though, I won’t be able to make it for dinner. Instead could I bum a ride to Portsmouth tonight? My mother and Faith are meeting me at Warren’s restaurant in Kittery. You and Terry could join us. Faith has a week off from school and wants to spend it with me in Durham. I’m thrilled about that.”

  “You mean you need a ride to Kittery,” Lisa asked teasingly.

  “Yes, but I refuse to beg,” he grinned. “I’ve got a surprise to show you tonight.”

  “Can Terry come?”

  “Of course,” he answered, stepping close to her. “If you don’t stop bugging me, I’m going to give you a hug and kiss right here.”

  “In that case, I’ll cancel supper and meet you at your house at five-thirty. Is that all right?”

  “That’ll be fine, beautiful, I love you,” announced Jonathon in a whisper and walked confidently away from her.

  Lisa watched him with a happy heart. How nice it was to have someone to share her life with. “I love you, Colonel Wright, more than you think,” she whispered to herself and continued on her way.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Lisa pulled into Jonathon’s driveway at five-thirty on the button. He was waiting on the porch for them and climbed into the front seat with Terry between them.

  “What’s your surprise?” she asked on the way to Kittery.

  “I can’t tell you until later in the evening after Mother leaves,” Jon answered with a smirk on his face.

  Faith and Mrs. Wright were waiting in the parking lot at Warren’s restaurant. Lisa enjoyed seeing Faith and Jon interact. They were bonding more and more with each other and their joy was obvious. They went into the restaurant, ordered lobsters and shrimp, and sat back to relax and enjoy the evening.

  Jonathon was sitting beside his mother and leaned over to whisper something in her ear. She smiled at him. “That’s so nice. I’m glad for you Jon, you should reward yourself more. I’ll be fine on the way back home. Don’t worry about me. The Nash is running great. Faith has been looking forward to this vacation for a long time. The two of you need to be together more.”

  Lisa watched the exchange between mother and son and was reminded of the concern a mother always has for her child, regardless of age.

  An hour and a half later, Jonathon checked his watch and announced that they had to be going. They said good-byes to Mrs. Wright and watched her leave the parking lot and head north. Jonathon asked Lisa to drive through the main street in Portsmouth on their way to Durham. After they left the heart of the city proper, he asked Lisa to turn into the Studebaker dealer’s lot.

  Jonathon was all excited. “The surprise I have is that I have ordered a brand new Studebaker Landcruiser sedan with an automatic transmission and their new V/8 engine.”

  “My, this is a surprise. I’m so glad for you,” she said getting out of the car. “Is that it?” she pointed to a shiny new black cherry sedan with a windshield visor.

  “It sure is. I was hoping that I could pick it up without you knowing and really surprise you,” exclaimed Jon. “It’s my first new car and I’ve had this model in mind ever since you mentioned it to me, Lisa.”


  They walked into the showroom and looked at several models on display while Jonathon completed signing the paperwork. He came out of the salesman’s office dangling the keys in his hand, smiling from ear to ear. They went outside to his new vehicle. Faith and Terry opened all four doors to look it over. The coachwork was beautiful. The wine colored seats were soft and roomy. It smelled fresh and clean inside.

  “Why don’t I take Faith and Terry with me and you can follow behind us?” suggested Jonathon. “I’ll be driving a little slower for a while until it’s broken in.”

  “I can do that. It’s a beauty, Jon. I agree with your mom, you deserve it and more,” Lisa exclaimed, placing an arm around him.

  “The army sedan is strictly for official travel, so I needed a car for personal use. I’m glad you like it. Now I can take my best girl out on a date,” he whispered, lightly kissing her on the top of the head. “Okay gang let’s mount up and head for home!” Terry and Faith climbed into the front seat of the Studebaker “bulletnose.”

  Jonathon sat behind the wheel, adjusted the seat and rear view mirrors to suit him, and touched the starter button on the dash. The powerful V/8 engine ran smooth and quiet. A feeling of contentment and pride came over him as he placed the shift selector in “D” and drove his new car out of the dealer’s lot onto the street.

  Later that night, after Jonathon had shown Faith around their new house and she had fallen asleep in her new bedroom, he thumbed through his bundle of mail. It was his first mail delivery at the new address. One letter with a Japanese postmark grabbed his attention. It was from Horio Taniguchi. The letter had been to a dozen or so different addresses and was dated six weeks ago! Jonathon sat at the kitchen table and read: