"LT we're here." Caje said as he pulled the tent flap back so that Hanley could take Brockmeyer through.
Caje steered Hanley to the nearest exam table working together they soon had the unconscious man settled, as the weight was removed from his arms Lt. Hanley staggered backwards. Caje grabbed him by the arm to help steady him. "I'm alright Caje." Hanley said as he moved to an empty cot and sat down. "Just a little tired." He said as he leaned forward, pressing his right hand against his left side, rubbing at the weeks worth of stubble on his chin with the other.
"Sir, I'll go let the Doctor know we have a man in need of his services, you sit still for a minute I'll be right back." At Hanley's nod, Caje went to find the Doctor.
When Caje disappeared from view Hanley stood and moved toward Brockmeyer, examined the unconscious man's features. then checked the temporary bandage he had placed on the man's wounded side, the bleeding had stopped and for that Hanley was grateful as the PVT had lost enough blood during the trip back. Brockmeyer was pale and dark circles shadowed his eyes, placing a trembling hand on the PVT's forehead Hanley spoke.
"You did good Soldier and the Doc will have you on your feet in no time."
Feeling all of his 39 years, Lt. Hanley walked back to the cot and slowly sat down. It had been a long week, as he sat waiting for Caje to bring the Doctor he thought about the mission.
They had been outnumbered by the Germans at the school and as a result, two men from Love Company were killed and Baker and Phillips from King Company had been injured but the mission had been successful. Lieutenant Harper was the ranking officer staying with the rest of his squad to set up a temporary Command Post at the school until Battalion moved in. Lt. Hanley had left Little John, Billy Nelson, Carson and Michaels to help with the wounded, while he led the rest of his men back to 2nd Platoons camp.
They ran into a group of German Soldiers five miles south of the school, Hanley saw Saunders go down but was engaged in a hand to hand battle with a soldier who had tried to sneak up on him. He caught a glimpse of Caje moving in to check the Sergeant, then his attention was taken by the German he was fighting when the sun glinted off a steel blade. Quickly disarming the soldier, Hanley thrust the knife into the man's chest taking a moment to make sure the solder was dead, he then made his way over to where Caje was working on Saunders.
Kneeling beside the scout, Hanley watched as Caje finished bandaging a wound in the man's side. "How is he?"
"He's out for the count Sir." Caje said, "Bullitt caught him high in the shoulder and low on his side, the bleeding is under control for now but the lead is still in there.
Looking around Hanley checked his other men, Kirby, McCall and Brockmeyer were checking bodies scanning the area around them as they moved. Seeing no other threats Hanley called the men over.
"Alright men, we're going to build a litter for Saunders." Hanley began. "Kirby, McCall see if you can find some strong branches on those trees to make it." As the two men moved to find the framing, Hanley turned to Brockmeyer and Caje telling them to strip the jackets off the bodies to act as canvas to carry the Sergeant on. Hanley kept watch and once the litter was ready and Saunders had been placed on it Hanley spoke to the men.
"Alright, Brockmeyer, McCall you take the litter, we'll switch off as we go, Caje you scout ahead but stay within a few miles of us at all times, Kirby you have flank stay within visual range, I'll take point. Once every one was in place Hanley gave the order to move out.
An hour later Caje stepped in beside the LT.
"It look's clear ahead Sir." Caje reported.
"Good, did you see a good stopping point while you were scouting?
"There's a small clearing about a mile ahead, it's well hidden among the trees." Caje answered.
"Sounds good." Hanley said as he looked toward Brockmeyer and MCCall. "Will be stopping for a short break up ahead continue following Caje, I need to check with Kirby.
"Yes, Sir." Both men replied as they moved in behind the Scout.
Hanley made his way toward Kirby and as he approached the B.A.R Man, noticed the tense set of his shoulders, keeping a few feet between them he called out softly.
Kirby, what is it? He asked.
"I don't know Sir." Kirby answered voice low. "Somethings got the hair on my neck standing up."
Have you seen any movement? Hanley asked stepping to the man's side, sharp eyes scanning the back trail, moving from tree to tree, running over the high brush, finally the greens eyes focused on Kirby's profile. The man was tight as a bow, eyes locked on an area they had passed not long ago. "We're going to take a break up ahead, Kirby why don't you take point til we get there and I'll watch our back trail."
Kirby glanced over at the LT holding his gaze for a moment, then with a nod moved toward the other men.
After Kirby left, Lt. Hanley stood for a moment looking in the direction they had come, {could someone be on their trail he thought}, if so it could only be the Germans. With a frown he turned and made his way toward his men maintaining visual as he moved.
Once the men stopped to break, Caje and Hanley checked on Saunders who had yet to come to, the wounds had bled a little and other than a wince or two while Hanley pressed down to stop the bleeding Sgt. Saunders remained still. When the wounds were clean and redressed Hanley brought the men in for a huddle, McCall keeping watch as the LT spoke.
"Caje, I want you to keep moving and get Saunders back to King Company…McCall, Kirby you'll carry the litter." Hanley said. "Brockmeyer, you'll be staying with me to keep watch on the back trail." Taking out a map Hanley indicated their current position. "2nd Platoon is camped here, that's about seven miles from where we are you know the trail men, stay close to the tree lines and move as quickly as you can.
"There's only two of you LT." Caje began...
"Caje, there may be no one behind us but if there is I don't intend to let them try an ambush." Hanley said. "If we run into any of our German friends, Brockmeyer and I will employ a little misdirection to keep them from following your trail, so it may take longer for us to reach camp. Your orders are to keep moving toward camp and get Saunders to a Medic ASAP."
"Yes Sir." Caje responded.
Turning to McCall and Kirby, "Alright you heard the LT, let's move out." As the two men lift the litter the scout turned back to Hanley and Brockmeyer. "You two be careful, I don't wanna have to tell Saunders you didn't make it back."
"We'll see you at camp, now get moving." Hanley said.
With one more glance at Hanley and Brockmeyer (who now stood beside the LT) Caje led his group out.