Hello Everyone, here is another relating to Band of Brothers this is in the Pacific about Eric Murphy so sit back and read on in the story

Chapter 1:

December 18th 1941

It was peaceful hot day in California, Camp Pendleton. The US Military Base for the United States Marine Corps Detachment as a Marine was sitting in the mess hall as he opened his journal and began writing, his green eyes reflected on Marine combat jacket he had on. The Globe and Anchor shined pristine in afternoon sun. he smiled as he began to write,

"I never thought I would be here, in a Marine Corp Uniform made it through the 3 months of boot camp it wasn't easy but I did it. My name is Eric Murphy, I'm a Corporal in the Marine Corp assigned to the 7th Marine Regiment of the 1st Marine Division under Lieutenant Colonel Puller. In my heavy weapons platoon involves Sgt John Basilone he's one of those lifers in the corps he served in Manila with the doggies he knows the drill best man to count on in Battle, another guy is Sgt Manuel Rodriguez he's a good guy to be around, another good marine to be around. The third and final guy is Sgt J.P Morgan he has one hell of a temper and hates the enemy more than anybody complains a lot too. Anyway, this is my story as a Marine.

20th December 1941 – California – Camp Pendleton – Briefing Room

Eric Murphy (dark hair green eyes) and Manny Rodriguez are talking about a subject on something related to the war Eric listens then asked, "Jesus, what do you reckon the boys in the Philippines are doing right now?" "Hopefully holding their own against the Japs" "I know a couple buddies up there fighting joined up before Pearl Harbour was hit" "Heard from them" "No they are the same age but I know their brothers and sisters as well" "Just looking at that map lot of territory to take back" "They had a head start on us we'll hit back twice as hard"

Just as Murphy was finishing what he said he heard Rodriguez call out, "Basilone over here!" As he saw Basilone come up from behind, "Hey didn't miss anything did I?" "No, movie hasn't started yet" "Hey Murph" Murphy smiled as he replied, "Hey Manila" "I ever hear that again it ain't gonna be a happy conversation" "Sorry about that" "How's your brother doing?" "Not good, he's been unhappy ever since I joined up" "He still holding a grudge against you going for the Corps?" "No, he was a little disappointed when I announced it but he got over it he wants to join up though" Basilone looked at him as he was joking but he wasn't, "Kid's what 14?" "Yeah he wants to join up for the Army though and continue the fight that Dad started" "Can't blame him for the choice" "I know but he's been acting out getting into more fights than a chicken" "You know what they say about the Irish temper" "Yeah I know he's acting like a child though but remains insistent on serving" "Anybody seem JP yet?"

Both Rodriguez and Murphy looked at each other before replying, "No haven't seen him yet" soon JP hears his name as he walks behind Basilone, "Hey don't tell me I missed this thing" "Chesty just left" Rodriguez then said, "Yeah, he's a little unhappy not everybody was here" Murphy then added "I think you screwed up no Marine should be late for a Briefing you know that" the other three men nodded as he said that as they heard a booming voice, "Attention on Deck!"

Everybody stood to Ramrod straight as they saw Colonel Puller come into the room saying, "Carry on" as they stood easy JP whispered to the three men, "Fuck you" as they turned towards Puller waiting for him to speak, "The uniform that you wear. The globe and anchor that you have earned. Will make the difference between the freedom of the world and its enslavement. December 7th was quite a day in Pearl Harbour, Hawaii. On the same day December 8th, in places called Guam, Wake, the Malay Peninsula, Hong Kong and the Philippine Islands were also attacked by the Army, Air Force and Navy of the Empire of Japan. The Japanese are in the process of taking over half of the world and they mean to keep it with death from the air, land or sea. But here is what the Japs are not expecting. The United States Marine Corps. Now never mind Europe, The Nazis and Mussolini. Hitler is not our job, not until they can't whip him without us."

The men laughed at what Puller said as he put up a hand and continued with his speech, "The Pacific will be our theatre of war, The Marines will do battle with the Japs on tiny specks of turf that we have never heard of. You Non-Commissioned Officers. You are the sinew and the muscle of the Corps. The orders come from the brass and you get it done. And whenever this war is over, when we have swept upon the main islands of Japan and destroyed every scrap of that empire the victory will have been won by you. You, the N.C.O.S, with the chevrons on your sleeves and the instincts in your guts and the blood on your boots. Those of you who were lucky enough to get home for Christmas hold your loved ones dearly and join them in prayers for peace on Earth and goodwill to all men. Then report back here ready to sail across God's vast ocean where we will meet our enemy and kill them all. Merry Christmas. Happy 1942."

Puller departed down the steps just as a Marine then said "Squad, atten-hut!" every man stood to attention before hearing "Carry on" and the men resumed conversations of their own while Basilone and Murphy walked towards the map and studied it intensively as Basilone asked Murphy, "So you heading to Canaryville for Christmas?" "Yeah that's what I'm going to do, maybe try and talk to Donnie as well" "You gonna try and convince him to wait until he's old enough to sign up" "I'm gonna do more than try I'll knock some sense into the little bastard if I must" "Haha, enjoy your Christmas as well" "Yeah, you too John. Say hi to the family from me" "No problem." Later that day they left the base and headed back to their families Eric left on the train to Chicago arriving a day later.

Chicago

Eric arrived in Union station at 3'o clock in the afternoon as he walked through the station and looked for a taxi soon finding one he then set out for Canaryville he then got out on the outskirts as he walked the streets saying Hi to his friends and people he knew he was turning into an alleyway when he heard what sounded like a fist fight going on there as he saw a crowd of what looked to 13-14 years olds along with an 18 year old crowd as well crowding 2 fighters one he instantly recognised as Donnie (dark hair brown eyes athletics build) who was taking a beating and giving one back in hatred and anger as he saw the sibling tearing his fighter (18 year old blonde hair blue eyes) a new asshole as Eric looked on and saw his brother fighting well as he thought to himself,

"I got to step in otherwise this kid isn't gonna last another 2 minutes in this" as he pushed through the crowd and called out "OK! Fight's over everyone go home" everybody groaned as they saw the older Murphy giving everybody a death glare as somebody then said, "Screw you" "Shut up or you'll see a side of me nobody wants to see" Donnie then got onto one knee before he said, "He's right mac, last guy that said another word he wound up getting hurt bad" everybody else then backed away and left the alleyway leaving only the two brothers in said alleyway as Donnie was helped up by Eric who said, "Damn it kid" "I had it under control" "Well no doubt about that but kid he wasn't going to last 2 minutes in the ring at the rate you were fighting" "Wouldn't look good would it?" "No, it wouldn't. What was the fight about?" "It was basically about disrespect" "That's it?" "No, he was saying stuff about us about Dad, about Lizzie about our family."

Eric nodded knowing that Donnie got older he loved his family with a loyalty that hurt many times that was expected but he also had an anger problem that wasn't to be rivalled with as he got back to the matter at hand,

"What was said about Lizzie?" "You know the guy I was fighting?" "Yeah" "it was basically about that and the guy started shouting insults behind her and kept bugging her about some stuff" "What an idiot" "He practically made her cry I came to her defence and forced him to fight" "And here we are now" "Yeah here we are" "I thought you turned to Boxing to challenge that anger of yours?" "I have and it has been working" "Didn't work today though" "No" "Ok let's get you on home. I hear from Mom you have been trying to enlist" "She told you about that" "Do realise that your attempts to enlist have been documented" "I tried enlisting for the Army Airforce, the Marines" "You tried enlisting for the Marines?" "It wasn't the best plan I had but I had to try" "Oh I am sure and Little Brother Marine Corp has the toughest training regime there is are you sure you would have made it through"

Donnie raised an eyebrow and Eric realised he asked a stupid question realising that this was Donnie who was resilient, stubborn and had a knack for a tough fight as he looked at his brother and said, "Right, stupid question" "You should know that by now Eric" "I do I asked a stupid question" "What do you reckon Dad would have said if he knew I had been enlisting?" "He would have said you are the craziest kid he ever raised" "Watch it" "Come on let's go home I smell something good" "I bet"

The brothers then raced home as they reached the house they then came through the door and saw their Mother (Margaret) (light black hair, brown eyes) working in the kitchen as she heard the door close and turned around seeing the Murphy sons standing in front of her as she walked towards them turning to Eric first saying, "Welcome home son" "Hey ma" "How was the journey home" "Tiring but it was ok" "I'm glad" Catherine then turned and saw Donnie as his bruised face showed a little blood coming from his lip as she took her son's head in his hand and sighed, "What am I going to do with you Donnie?" "I'm sorry Mom" "What happened this time?" "Some guy was talking about our family and I got a little angry about it" "The amount of fights you have been I'm surprised you haven't been caught" "I know" "But I understand because your loyalty to the family has been unrivalled" "Eric said the same thing as well" the three laughed and Margaret went to hug her eldest sons as well as Lizzie (Dark hair, hazel eyes) who came down and saw Eric standing in his Marine Corps uniform as she said, "Hey Eric, welcome home" "Not home forever little sister and your still getting taller" "Runs in the family" "Sure does"

The reunion dinner was underway as Eric and the family ate Shepherds pie as Eric was asking a question, "So how is the local district?" "Pretty good they are asking about you well the Desk Sargent is" Sgt Derek Randall at the 9th District was a legend in the Chicago Police Department he had served in World War One alongside their father Hank Murphy at the Argonne Forest the two walked their beats together after the war and Derek was named godfather for the 3 Murphy kids and he basically looked out for them when their father left unexpectedly when Lizzie was under three years old Eric got back to the matter and said, "That's good he always said he was proud of me" "He sure is" "How's his wife?" "She's well haven't spoken to her since she found out about her son" "Wait Tommy, what happened to Tommy?" Margaret looked at Donnie who then turned to Eric and said, "Tommy's missing in action in the Philippines he was in Vigan when it happened" "Poor Tommy, I'll go by the district tomorrow and give my prayers to the Sarge" "He would like that" Margaret said.

During the Dinner Eric noticed that Donnie was picking at most of his food and left the table to clear up as did Lizzie leaving Eric and Margaret in the dining room alone as Eric said, "Donnie still angry?" "He has been upset since he was declined to join the air force and Marines" "The air force I'm having a hard time wondering that" "Ever since the maths qualifications question came up he hightailed it out of there" "The Marines and the Army I can understand he's always been a down and hard fighter" "Takes after you and your father" "I noticed I hate seeing him like this" "You and me both" "I'll talk to him tonight" "I know you'll try and do it but what happens if you can't persuade him?" "Haven't got that far yet".

Later that night Donnie came down the stairs and went into the garage where he pulled up a chair and started to read a book before he lit 3 candles then suddenly he heard the garage light come on and Eric is at the door as he says, "What you doing you up?" "Didn't feel like going to sleep" "So, you came down to read?" "Only thing that can help" "Yeah reading a Life Magazine really helps" "Knock it off" "You are not looking at those models, are you?" "Please that's something you would do" "Fair point". As the brothers sat down on either side the silence was deafening between them as Eric spoke first, "How's Theresa?"

Theresa Milano was from a wealthy family living in main Chicago in one of those fancy penthouses after she moved from Los Angeles her father was a corrupt politician before continuing his illegal activities and wasn't even catholic which was important in the Murphy family and their beliefs (Light brown hair, blue eyes) "Remember when you told me I shouldn't date a girl from Los Angeles?" "I remember a small conversation about it" "Yes and it ended in the two of us going at each other in a boxing gym" Eric laughed at the memory as he replied, "You gave me a run for my money" "We had about nearly 50 cops from all the Canaryville districts and 40 firefighters as well cheering us on" "Hell even from main city too" "Fun time that was" "How are things going between you two?" "Ever since I tried to join up we have been fighting she doesn't believe in military service being a part of our rite of passage" "It always has been baby brother" "I just want to end it with her but how do I do it" "Be honest and truthful" "You are insane" "Do you want to head down the gym and fight it out" "Tomorrow I have a session then. We'll go after we visit the 9th District" Eric nodded, "By the way, how did we ever settle that dispute?" "I managed to get you to go after Charlotte McCarthy"

Charlotte McCarthy was a family friend of the Murphy family and Eric's best friend the two had been dating each other right before Eric joined the Corps which Charlotte had been supportive of after that happened they decided to put their relationship on hold as Charlotte went into the Army nurse corps (Eric was also supportive) and had been at Pearl Harbour surviving the surprise attack that had happened. Both the McCarthy and Murphy families came together on the day to pray for Charlotte's safe return to them all and their prayers had been answered a week later (Brown hair green eyes).

Eric smiled as she heard her name and the two had gone to many dances in high school as he brought himself out of the thought, "How is Charlotte by the way?" "Misses you she will be in town for the Christmas and New Year" "Sounds like fun" "Yeah, but first she had to make some condolence calls for some of her friends didn't make it at Pearl Harbour so she is making condolence calls to the families" "Hard thing to do" "Too hard" "Kid, I wanted to come down and talk to you about something" "Ok what is it?" "I know you have been angry about wanting to serve and you would do anything to get in" "I'm not waiting till I am 18 to serve and the war is over too soon that is not me Eric" "You telling me you want to join up straight away you just got into High School" "You told me the day before you left for Pendleton I was meant to be a soldier and to do the right thing" "I'm looking out for you kid I know and honestly I said that but how would Mom feel knowing you are out there fighting everyday knowing you would get hurt" Donnie closed his eyes and took a deep breath as he replied angrily, "I prayed every night while Dad was a cop that he would come home to us after every day he was on the streets hell even Mom as a nurse they knew the risks it's what they drilled into us every day on what's it like to protect our City from all domestic threats and what dad told the two of us about being soldiers" Eric stood wide eyed knowing Donnie had made a dozen valid points and knew he would not win this argument so he put his hands up saying, "Damn, you are stubborn as hell" "Runs in the family wise one" "I'm the wise one and you are the idiot" "Get some sleep Eric because Round 2 is tomorrow and you better not let up" "Challenging your brother to go all the way" "Like old times" Eric laughed as the brothers headed up to bed just before Eric then looked in on his siblings starting with Lizzie as he watched he from the door as she slept peacefully holding a stuffed animal that their Dad brought for her second birthday Eric smiled as he whispered, "Sweet Dreams little one" to his sister as he closed the door quietly.

He then went to his room closing the door and looking around his bedroom neat and tidy a bedside stand (made by Donnie in 1939 for his birthday) 2 photo frames one showing a the Star of Courage inside it and the other frame showing a picture of his sweetheart Charlotte as he laid on the bed and drifted off to sleep.

The next day he woke up and saw the Chicago weather lightly snowing he chuckled as he said, "It's like I never left" as he slipped out of bed and walked down to the Kitchen and said to his Mom, "Morning" "Hey how did you sleep?" "Hard to tell" Margaret raised an eyebrow, "What does that mean?" "When I was sleeping on a Marine Corps bed it was like a marshmallow and so was the bed here now I can't tell the difference" "Maybe you like both beds" "Maybe" "How did your talk go last night" She said laying down a plate of breakfast on the table. Eric sighed and reluctantly replied, "I won't lie to you. He is insistent on being a soldier he's stubborn as a bull" "Runs in the family" "Yeah it does" "Donnie has a boxing session today you going with him?" "Yeah, I am going with him anyway figured I could burn off this breakfast to keep me all muscle" "Call down your brother or I will give you the rest" As soon as the words left her mouth both Donnie and Lizzie then entered the kitchen and sat down at the table as they waited expectedly for Breakfast as Donnie got up to get a glass of water and sit down at the table as the plate approached him he thanked his mom and said Grace for breakfast quietly as he picked up his fork and started eating his scrambled eggs as he ate quietly till nothing was left on his plate he then picked it up and then headed for the sink washing the plate and knife and fork leaving it all shiny and clean packing it away as well as he then went to the garage to pull out his gym bag as he said to Eric, "Want to head off?" "Yeah let me get my jacket and gym bag then we'll head off" "Alright" Eric then headed upstairs to get his Marine Corps overcoat and gym bag and then headed out the door with Donnie and headed straight for the 9th District they then reached the destination and headed for the front desk and saw the Desk Sgt Randall issuing out orders to the closest patrolmen towards them that once they left the two brothers then walked towards the desk and the Sgt not looking up then said, "Can I help you?" "I don't know Sarge but Mom must have told you that 2 of your godchildren were heading to see you" The Sargent looked up and saw the 2 Murphy boys smiling as he smiled back and replied, "I'll be damned Eric Murphy how are you Kid?" "I'm good Sarge, I heard about Tommy I'll keep praying for his return" Derek's face then turned into sadness as he nodded and said, "Thanks Eric, He loved being a soldier" "How's Madison?" "She's upset now that she has to carry his baby alone" "She's got you and Mrs Randall for help" "She does her own parents aren't even happy about her carrying his baby" "He loved her very much and married straight out of High School" "Just an awful deal" "In war, it always is"

Donnie then looked at his watch and said, "Hey Eric, we gotta go and get down there otherwise we won't get a moment to ourselves" "Round 2 of the Murphy Brothers today?" "Yeah it's only a sparring" "Don't get beaten too badly Eric. The Marines need you fit and healthy. I'll see you Christmas Day boys" "See you there" The two brothers then left the Sargent to head to the gym.

They arrived an hour later and changed instantly into their Gym kits as they met their respective trainers both were retired cops and began doing sparring at 3 o'clock and were going 20 rounds in the ring passing the record they had held the last time they fought it was nearing 6 o'clock when the bell rung and both the brothers were exhausted, weary and nearly looked ready to drop but neither were willing to do so and declared it a tie. They then headed for the changing rooms and showered changing back into their clothing.

Christmas Day was an exciting affair for the Murphy's as the Murphy kids, and the McCarthy kids as well went around singing Carols on people's doorsteps while Margaret had been at work prepping the Christmas meal with the help of the Randall matriarch and the McCarthy matriarch and Eric's grandmother and Grandfather as the three families were viewed as family who looked after each other very much.

Everybody soon sat around the table as Donnie lead saying Grace, "We thank you O Lord for these gifts as we celebrate the birth of your child, Jesus Christ…" As the prayer went on all the family present said the blessings and hopes for the new year and began to dig into their dinner soon there was a knock at the door and Donnie had gone to answer it and found Charlotte McCarthy standing outside the door as he went to hug her and said, "Hey Charlotte" "Hey I was waiting outside for quite a while I didn't know how to go in" "Well everybody is sitting down at the table and enjoying dinner and Eric does not know you are here but unless you want to freeze out here you might want to step in" "Then let's go on in" "Here let me get your coat" "Such a gentleman" "Just being polite which you obviously appreciate" "Your brother and Dad taught you well" Donnie smiled and replied, "Wait here and when I give the signal come out from behind here and let Eric come to you" "Ok" Donnie then went back into the room where his mother then asked him, "Who was outside the door?" "Turns out we have a familiar guest who Eric knows very well" "Who?" "You can come on out now" Charlotte then stepped out from her hiding spot and came up next to Donnie as Eric looked wide eyed and smiled while the McCarthy family came up to her and smothered her with hugs then the Murphy mom and sister came up to see her and so did the Randall family and Madison too who was her best friend throughout their childhood when it came to Eric he simply stood there before walking over to her and hugging her and at that moment said, "I missed you Charlotte" "I missed you too Eric" at the top of their eyes they then saw a bit of mistletoe hanging above them and then looked to see the joint families trying not to laugh as they then turned towards Donnie who was dangling it from a bit of string as if he was fishing.

Eric then looked at his brother and glared as he said. "I'll get you Donnie" "Come on, what are you waiting for?" "Alright hold your horses" Eric said as he then turned towards Charlotte and said, "Kid does have a point" "What are you waiting for then?" Eric shook his head as he chuckled and leaned in to kiss her as the families then cheered as Charlotte joined them round the table for Christmas dinner and she filled them in on her duties as a nurse.

At the end of dinner, the Randall and the McCarthy families then headed for home except for Charlotte who stayed behind to be with Eric and the two were sitting in the living room talking about Pearl Harbour and what went on only for Charlotte to freeze up and try changing the subject to Eric's training in the Marine Corps and all the friends he had made too. Eric then went to the record player and decided to play a little jazz which Charlotte found relaxing and the two started dancing Donnie was halfway down the stairs and watched the two dance as he imagined himself with his dream girl but it wasn't Theresa Milano who had no patience for romantic displays he even wondered how he ended up dating her when there was nearly half a dozen girls wanting to dancing with him he shook his head sadly and headed to bed as he pulled a Life Magazine out from the bed and saw an article about the Paratroopers that had toughest training and were the best fighting unit that could be created in the US Army he fell asleep putting the magazine underneath the bed as he struggled to sleep.

New Years Eve, December 31st 1941

Eric Murphy had spent the entire day preparing his Marine Corps Dress Blues to the perfect standard of all Marines and was shining his shoes to perfection his days he spent shining shoes as work when he was kid to help his mother put food on the table and how he taught his younger brother the art of shoe shining as he was growing up. Tonight, had seen his entire family dressed to their finest Donnie in a smart navy suit, Margaret in a Blue dress and Lizzie in a green dress. The family prepared themselves ready and Eric led his family out with Charlotte on his arm in a red dress.

The family arrived at the Chicago city hall where they had been invited by the Mayor every year who knew the Murphy family because the Murphy boys always shined his shoes every day. They arrived and handed their coats over to the coat check people and headed for the ball room that the party was held at the Drake Hotel Eric walked in with Charlotte and had gone to see some of their old friends from high school while Donnie had the distinct honour of guiding both Lizzie and their mother to a table where they could watch the dancing going on.

Once the reunion between Eric and Charlotte's friends had ended Charlotte headed back to the table and Eric went to get drinks for everyone and was placing the drinks on the table when he spotted 3 marines come into the room (John Basilone, Manny Rodriguez and J.P Morgan) as he asked his family to excuse him a moment as he walked up and said, "Oh no and I thought New Jersey was having a New Year party" Basilone heard the comment and laughed as he said, "Thought we come up to Chicago and surprise our good friend. By the way New Jersey is having a party but it's a quiet one" "Good to see you fellas here come meet my family" "Let's go"

Murphy led the 3 other marines towards the table where the family was sitting and said to his family, "Family these are the guys I told you about. John Basilone, Manuel Rodriguez and J.P. Morgan" the family then got up to say their hellos and shake the hands of Eric's buddies as Donnie stood behind everyone as Eric then comes up and says, "Guys this is my little brother Donnie" Rodriguez and Morgan shake Donnie's hand as Basilone watches him as he says, "How do you do kid?" "I do good Sargent" as Eric raised a hand to salute the 3 Marines as they smiled and returned it.

Eric smiled as the three marines made conversation with the Murphy's and Charlotte as he saw Basilone stand and walk over to him as they began a conversation, "How did your conversation in trying to get Donnie to wait to enlist for the Army?" "I gave it a go and talked some sense into Donnie but he still is resilient as a gnat" "Can't imagine if he would enlist early to fight" "All of the Murphy's have served this country with honour and Valour it started in the civil war with Mexico began in 1879 and continues today…" Eric stopped talking and soon saw a familiar face one he had not seen since 1932 as he muttered to himself, "Son of a…" Basilone noting the fear on Eric's then inquired, "What?" "My father walked in" "How long has it been?" "Too long" "You want to go and talk to him?" "What do I say? "Hey dad long time no see how you been?" I don't know" "If you don't talk to him you will only feel bitter about it" Eric nodded and then turned to Basilone and said, "Can you pull Donnie to one side and try to get a reason as to why he wants to join up" "I'll do what I can" "Thanks"

Eric then left Basilone and walked across the ballroom and pulled a seat next to his father saying, "Hey Pop" "Hello Son, I hear through the grapevine you joined up" "Which Grapevine is that?" "Friend of mine in the War Department" "Following our legacy" "Doing right of course" "How you been?" "I have been well" "Where have you been?" "I was working in New York City" "I thought you had a drinking problem" "I don't never had a problem" "But mom told us you did" "I left Chicago to protect you and your siblings there was a hit out on me and I couldn't take the risk of drawing you into the danger" "Who put the hit out on you" "Someone Donnie knows" The realisation hits Eric as his eyes widen knowing Theresa Milano was responsible for a hit out on their father as he then said, "Did her father know about it?" "Her father, brother and Theresa knew about it and planned it when I started getting close that is when they started pressuring me. Why I had to leave the 9th District and tell your Mom about it" "Damn I knew something was off about the Milano family I should have warned him away from it" "The Milano's are they here?" "Theresa and her brother Antonio are here" "How old's Antonio?" "18 he was 8 he got heavily involved in his father's activities that's why there was no record" "Alright you got to tell him about this" "Can't you?" "I'm not even here" "Ok, Donnie needs to join up in the Army" "Why" "I have tried everything to stop him joining up and so has Mom he's like us he was born to be a soldier the longer he's with Milano he will want no part of our path and the family trade" "I'll meet with my guy tonight and forge some papers to get him in" "Thank you pop"

Hank then slipped away into the crowd and left the ballroom and then headed over to talk to Donnie and Basilone he then reached them and said, "Hey Donnie and Sarge I need to talk to you for a second" "Ok let's step out onto the balcony" the 3 men then left to walk out into the cold Chicago air blowing quietly as Eric soon lent up against the wall and didn't know how to tell Donnie what he had heard from their dad as he said, "Donnie do you remember when Dad left?" "Yeah, I do, why?" "Well I recently spoke to an old friend of our Dad's he told us the reason why Dad had left us" "I thought it was because he had a drinking problem" "That wasn't the reason. He had a problem. He had a hit out on him courtesy of somebody that you know very well" "Who?" "Milano" "You are joking no… no way Theresa had anything to do with it" "I wish it were true but her brother and father were in on it" Donnie just kept shaking his saying no as he then said, "Son of a… I want Antonio at my feet begging for me" "You and me will go" "I want 5 minutes alone with Theresa" "Ok, Basilone I will need you to get this Antonio" "You got it"

The three men then split up and headed out back into the ballroom as Donnie headed towards Theresa and said, "Theresa you got time on your hands" "Not really, but I hear your tone is not a happy one" "Let's go and where's your brother" "At the bar and I see your brother is heading there with somebody" "He's a friend of our family" "Ok let's talk in private"

Both Donnie and Theresa headed out into somewhere private and soon Donnie blew out a breath and said, "15th May 1932" "What about it" "You, your brother and your dad put a hit out on my old man" "Listen to me" "Whatever you know I want the truth" "My father was a corrupt politician he made a lot of dealings with every mob crew in Chicago we started getting involved in the activities and soon Antonio started becoming one of the mob and that is why my father was prepared to keep my brother out of military service" "I will never understand why you forced my father out of Chicago all her ever did in his life was serve his country and his City and missed out on all of his kids lives because of your corrupted life" "I'm sorry" "As far as I am concerned we are done we are nothing. Now if you'll excuse me I got some more business to attend to"

Donnie left to find Eric, Basilone and Antonio walking out of the floor and down towards the Hotel parking lot as Eric then went to the family car and pulling out of the parking space as Basilone handed Antonio over to Donnie as he said, "So what happens now?" "We go for a ride" "Ok" "You get to watch how Chicago handles its problems privately"

Everybody had got into the car and Donnie was sitting in the front stone faced knowing that Eric had lied about what he found out and kept it too himself the drive from the Drake Hotel to the harbour at Navy Pier took 9 minutes as Antonio then spoke, "Listen if this is about what happened with your old man just know he shouldn't have gotten involved" "Shut up" "Just saying he was warned" "Next word you say I'll knock your teeth in" Antonio shuts his mouth as Eric then pulls up outside a warehouse that Basilone then gets out to open it with Antonio while the Murphy brothers stay in car as Eric says, "You sure you want to do this?" "That bastard drove our father out of Chicago I'd rather let him burn in hell for all I care" "Take him and his father down" "Kill a lot of birds with one massive stone" "I spoke with Sgt Randall, he's got all the cops going for the Milano's and anybody else that was associated with him" "Good" the Murphy's then drove into the garage as Basilone kept a hold of the guy as both brothers got out with Donnie taking his jacket off and rolling up the sleeves on his shirt as Eric handed over brass knuckles to Donnie and began exacting out his own brand of punishment towards Antonio it took him 30 minutes for that all to happen. Once it was done he walked out off the building and headed towards his brother and friend and headed for the Drake Hotel to enjoy the celebrations and ringing in the New Year.

January 5th 1942

In 2 weeks, Eric was due to leave Chicago and head out for the theatre of war in the Pacific he woke up and dressed in his Marine uniform only not to wear his Jacket and heard the mail box open as he went over to it and picked up the mail that was on the floor and instantly saw a letter with the US Army letterhead on it and opened it seeing his father had come through for him and saw the unit he had enlisted him to that was the Airborne Infantry. Eric then went upstairs to Donnie's room and pulled out a Life magazine that had the Airborne Infantry section taken out as he then went downstairs and then went into the kitchen where Margaret was busy cleaning and when she saw her son walk in he didn't look too happy as she spied the letter out of his hand and read it, "Dear Mr Donald Murphy, you have been enlisted for the United States Army as a part of the Airborne Infantry." Margaret put the letter down on the table and put her hands to her face as she started crying quietly as Eric put his hands around his mom and hugged her as he silently prayed for both him and his brother.

When Donnie and Lizzie came home both Eric and Margaret looked at Donnie with anger on their faces only Eric was displaying false anger as they then went ballistic towards Donnie and heard his reasons for wanting to be in the Service and they realised that it would be too late to get Donnie out of the military and decided to support Donnie in his decision.

2 weeks late the Murphy's said goodbye to Donnie as he made his way to Toccoa, Georgia for the Airborne. An hour later, Eric then boarded the train to head for the Marine base in Guantanamo Bay in Cuba as a part of the 3rd Marine Brigade as they prepared for the battle of Samoa. Eric performed well during the skirmish and was promoted to Sargent with heavy weapons in Dog Company.

August 18th 1942 – Guadalcanal

News had come through that the 7th Marine Regiment had been folded into the 1st Marine Division and had landed onto the Guadalcanal island with no enemy fire and were walking through the Jungle until they came across the 1st Marine Regiment as Basilone, Rodriguez and Morgan exchanged banter with several of the marines from the 1st as Eric noticed their scruffy appearances, facial hair, torn fatigues noticing how much hell they had been through compared to the hell in Samoa months earlier knowing that hell and their war was just beginning.

Hello everyone at last here is "From Guadalcanal to Okinawa" please do like and review this story.