Saving Private Whitman
(AKA, Dick Whitman pays it forward)
Blurb: Lieutenant Donald F. Draper resolves to help young Dick Whitman have a better life. AU. Dick Whitman, Lt. Donald F. Draper, Anna Draper, Adam Whitman, Betty Hofstadt, Roger Sterling, Pete Campbell, Freddy Rumsen, Joan Holloway, Peggy Olson. *I OWN NOTHING. MATTHEW WEINER AND LIONSGATE OWN EVERYTHING.
Author's Notes: Dick Whitman (in my mind anyway) is a MUCH better guy than the Don Draper we all know and love/hate. Bear this in mind as you read this story.
Chapter 1
Korea, 1950
Lieutenant Donald Francis Draper had nearly finished his tour of duty in the army when he was assigned to set up a field hospital in Korea. He was relieved that he wasn't being sent to the front lines to fight during the three months he had left before he was to be discharged. He knew that it would require a lot of manpower to build the hospital and dig the trenches so he asked for twenty soldiers to be sent to help him with the assignment. When the transport vehicle arrived carrying only one soldier, a twenty four year-old Private by the name of Dick Whitman, Lt. Draper couldn't have been more disappointed. "This is going to take a month when it should only take a few days!" He exclaimed.
Digging the trenches was a slow and arduous task, but Pvt. Whitman was a good worker and was always very respectful. Lt. Draper could tell that Whitman had some experience working with his hands and he was pleased to see that the kid never complained. Whitman hardly ever spoke and when he did it was like pulling teeth to get him to talk about himself. The little information Lt. Draper was able to glean from him was that Whitman had lived on a farm as a boy, but he was not forthcoming about what he had been up to prior to volunteering for service.
One night before they were going to turn in for the evening, Lt. Draper asked Pvt. Whitman what had compelled him to volunteer for service.
"I had to get out of there sir." Dick said.
Lt. Draper was confused and asked, "What could have been so bad that you would rather risk you life half-way around the world than be safe at home with your family?"
Dick took a deep breath and swallowed before speaking. "I am an orphan sir, I have no real family."
Don frowned, "I'm sorry to hear that. If you don't mind me asking, what happened to your parents?"
"My mother died having me, and my father was kicked by a horse when I was ten years old." Dick said quietly.
"Jesus, Whitman that's terrible!" Don exclaimed. "I'm sorry, I don't mean to pry, but who have you been living with since then?"
Dick shook his head. "It's fine sir. My stepmother was with child and we went to live with her sister in Pennsylvania."
"Was it a nice place?" Don asked.
Dick shook his head. "Not really. it was a house of...ill repute."
Don's eyes widened in surprise. "You were raised in a whorehouse Whitman?" Don said incredulously.
Dick looked down in shame. "Yes...Lieutenant, if you don't mind I'd like to get some sleep."
Lt. Draper could tell that he had hit a nerve and he didn't want to press the kid any further right then. "Certainly Private. Get some rest kid, I'll keep watch."
Lt. Draper was able to find out a few more facts about Dick while they worked digging the trenches. Dick reluctantly shared that his mother had been a prostitute herself, and that when she died, Dick had been given to his father and stepmother to raise. He also shared that his stepmother resented him and never let him forget that he was a 'whore child'. Dick also admitted that his father and stepmother both beat the hell out of him. Don felt terrible for the kid and he could only imagine how miserable Dick's childhood had been.
Despite Dick's troubled past, he was a good kid and he had a good head on his shoulders. After a month or so, they had completed digging the trenches and began assembling the structures that were to become the field hospital. Lt. Draper was grateful that the army had sent Dick to him, because their assignment may not have been as successful if the army had sent a different soldier.
Two Months Later:
It was with great relief that Lt. Draper finished his tour and was being sent back to the United States. He was looking forward to returning home to his wife and his real career designing swimming pools...a far cry from digging trenches in the battlefield. It was with regret that he left Pvt. Whitman, who would likely end up seeing real action soon. The closest they had come to combat during the last three months was when the enemy had fired on them in broad daylight and then disappeared. They hid from the enemy in the newly dug trenches, but poor Whitman had pissed himself. Lt. Draper hoped that if his young friend did go into battle, that he would fare well.
Lt. Draper had grown quite fond of the gangly kid. He felt sorry for him. It seemed like Whitman had been dealt a poor hand and never had a fair shot. The thought that a life in the army was a step up for him was mind boggling. Lt. Draper had no idea how long this conflict would continue, but he hoped that when it ended and if Pvt. Whitman survived, that he might be in the position to help the young man have a shot at a better life.
As they rode in the transport vehicle that was taking Dick to his new assignment and Lt. Draper to the base where he would eventually head home, Lt. Draper had a few things he wished to say to the young soldier.
"Listen kid, there is no reason that you have to go back there...to that place where you grew up. I know you feel like you owe them, but you don't. Send them money if you want, help out your brother when he's old enough but please don't go back to that place. When this is all over and you get discharged, please look me and the Mrs up. We're in San Pedro, California. You can stay with us and come work for me. I always need men like you who are willing to work."
Lt. Draper handed Dick a piece of paper with his name and address on it. "I'm serious, Dick. Look me up."
Dick looked the older man in the eyes and smiled, grateful that his superior had taken an interest in him. "Thank you sir, I will." Dick said gratefully.
Lt. Draper slapped Dick on the back in encouragement. "You're going to be fine kid. Just keep your head down and don't do anything stupid."
Dick grinned, "I'll try not to sir."