Chapter Seven
Hanley motioned for his men to halt when they were within 100 yards of the town, while his men huddled in a tight circle behind a tree, Lt. Hanley scanned the area ahead, only cover he could see would be when they made it inside. Using binoculars he did a sweep then focused on the checkpoint which was set up about thirty yards from the entrance to Warwick. One German Soldier was visible, pacing back in forth carrying a rifle and radio.
"We need to find out how many of the buildings are being used." Hanley said making a sweep over the back of the structures. Caje…you're up, looks like a few of them have rear windows." Holding the Scouts gaze he continued. "See if you can get a look inside, move quick but silent, stay low and close to the shadows." (Checking his watch) "You have thirty minutes to get as much information as you can."
"Don't worry LT." Caje said with a grin. "I'll get what we need."
"We need you to get back safe with the information…see that you do." Hanley said as he placed a hand on the Scouts back and with one last glance at his watch…gave Caje a gentle push…Go!
As the rest of the men watched the Cajun took off not making a sound, moving quickly into the shadows a few minutes later the scout was out of sight.
"That little guy, sure is fast." Commented McCall.
"That 'little guy'" would tear you apart if you ever call him that to his face." Kirby stated.
"Alright," Hanley said with a grin. "Let's keep it down…take a break but stay alert…we can't move in, until Caje gets back." Hanley pressed a hand lightly over the bandage on his arm, took a seat under one of the trees, leaning against it's trunk and surveyed the town, from his position he could see the checkpoint. Using the binoculars, he did a sweep of the buildings making note of back doors and low level windows, checking the time, estimated that Caje would return within fifteen minutes and hopefully with the information the scout provided they could put Hanley's plan in action.
Twelve minutes later Caje made his way to Lt. Hanley, kneeling beside him…Kirby, McCall and Brockmeyer moved in as well when they caught sight of the scout. Caje relayed the information he had gathered and when he was finished Hanley favored the men with a tired grin.
"Looks like the odds might be improving." He said. For a moment Lt. Hanley was quiet going over the plan he had discussed with the men again in his head, incorporating the information Caje had provided.
The men double checked their uniforms and weapons. Brockmeyer checked over the radio's insuring they were in working order and as he was adjusting the volume on one they had taken from the Germans earlier…it came to life…taking a moment to listen he glanced at the LT…
"Sir, the German Commander ordered all patrols to return to base within the hour."
"Alright men." Checking his watch one more time. "It's 2130…we move out in thirty." Hanley walked off coming to a stop a few yards from where the other men stood.
When the LT moved away Caje turned to Brockmeyer...handing him the garand. "It will hit the targets with more accuracy from where you'll be positioned…there's six clips…so try to make each shot count." He said with a smile, Brock was one of the best shots in the squad…so Caje had no doubt the man would hit his mark.
Brockmeyer grinned. "Thanks, but it's not me you should worry about…keep your head down and let McCall do the talking when you get to the checkpoint."
"I'll do that." Turning to Kirby…Caje passed him the second radio. "Brockmeyer has it set to the frequency Lt. Hanley will be using…keep your eyes and ears open."
"Don't worry…if something unexpected comes up I'll let the LT know." Thoughtfully he glanced in Hanley's direction. "What do you think is going through his mind right about now?
McCall glanced at the dark silhouette for a few minutes before answering. "I bet our LT is going over options…coming up with backups for his backups." Frowning he continued. "No matter how good his plan is, there's always a chance it'll fall through…but I think his plan is pretty damn good…considering how little time and limited resources he has to work with." McCall looked around at his squad mates only to find them staring at him. "What?" He asked.
Exchanging grins Kirby, Caje and Brockmeyer, just shook their heads. "Nothing McCall." The three men replied in unison, watching as LT. Hanley spoke into the radio but he was too far away for them to hear what was being said, a few minutes later the LT was walking toward them.
Hanley took a long, deep breath as he checked the time…flexing his shoulders he adjusted the pack on his back…tightened his grip on the carbine then turned and moved back to his men…looking each one in the eye…he spoke. "Sgt. Saunders is still out but the surgery went smooth and the Doc is keeping watch over him…Captain Jampel is about an hour and a half out…so we have to clear the town and get into position before he gets here or the whole Platoon will be open targets for our German friends."
After synchronizing watches one more time, Hanley gave the order. "Let's go take a town."
By the time Capt. Jampel and 2nd Platoon arrived…the town was clear and Lt. Hanley had set up a temporary command center in the North side building Brockmeyer had used as a sniper roost.
McCall had taken up position at the West entrance of the town after taking out the German soldier who had been manning the checkpoint with Kirby taking up the East side.
Brockmeyer was kneeling on the roof of the TC building scanning all four directions through his binoculars. His vantage point had allowed him to take out several German soldiers when Hanley put his plan into action over an hour ago. Once he had gained the roof Brock found a good position to pick off the soldiers manning the launchers while the LT took out the communications building. Caje and Hanley lobbed grenades into the buildings that were occupied, then they would find cover, picking off soldiers as they tried to run from the smoke.
Kirby using the B.A.R maintained cover fire moving from the west end to the east end taking out the launchers as Brockmeyer took out the soldiers. McCall secured the west entrance, maintaining his position at the checkpoint after making sure that the few injured Germans left near his position were out of commission.
Brockmeyer was currently keeping an eye on the LT who had met up with Caje and together they started checking each building. Brock caught movement in a window of the structure Hanley was approaching...he wouldn't be able to warn the LT…not without giving away his position to the enemy…taking a steadying breath...sharp eyes focused on the target...hands steady...he zeroed in and took the shot.
