Last chapter. All the questions will be answered in the chapter. Let's begin


Chapter 8:

August 15th 1945

Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands

Eric Murphy was sitting at a table. Eating a steak and drinking a cola. Mackenzie had done good on his promise and they had all heard news that the Japanese would be surrendering soon.

Murphy wasn't holding his breath to hear something like this but at any point he would wait to hear if the story was true or not. He also began to take out his journal but was prevented from doing so when a Marine entered he had a massive smile on his face that had threatened to split his cheeks in half as the Marine said, "It's over" everyone had stared his way as one had said, "What's over?" "The Japanese surrendered!" Everyone's attention had turned to the Marine as they all looked stunned some had a look of shell-shock on their face as he then clarified, "The war's over. It's absolutely over!"

Soon cheering had broken out into the crowd as everyone celebrated but Eric had stood there watching the celebrations go on as he left the mess hall. Unknown to him though Henry Reagan had watched his friend leave the tent heading outside.

Eric had made his way outside and had made his way up to a piece of rock and sat down on it. He then opened his journal and began writing in it.


"August 15th 1945, the war in the Pacific is finally over, everyone's celebrating this victory, but I didn't. I guess I didn't feel like celebrating considering the amount of men that had been lost in the war for the 1st Marine Division. I don't know who was celebrating but I think it was only myself that didn't celebrate. What happens now?

Will we be sent home, or will we be heading out for occupation duties? I just hope to high hell that we aren't sent back out there, I have been through too much as it is all I want to do is just go home and live my live serving as a firefighter with honor and marry the love of my life."


Murphy had stayed at the rock side looking out at sea until night time as Reagan had joined him saying, "Hey 1st Sgt, you not joining the party?" "Na, even though we won, I want to celebrate the right way with my family. With the veterans" "Amen to that, I get the 1st notice of a drink in Chicago." Murphy chuckled as he said, "You'll be there as will everyone." Reagan nodded as they were soon joined by somebody, "Not joining in?" they then stood to attention as they saw Colonel Puller joining them as Murphy said, "Colonel, I thought you were back states-side" "I'm not here, well officially" "This is Sgt Henry Reagan, served on the 'Canal, Peleliu and now Okinawa" "Heard a lot about you, Sgt Reagan" "Honor is mine, sir, to be in the presence of a Marine Legend" Puller nodded as the two remained at ease.

Puller then takes a breath as he then says, "Division is setting up a lottery for two men from each company in each regiment to be rotated stateside and discharged. First time that this has been done but you two have put in more than enough time. Especially since you both have been in Combat since Guadalcanal." "So, is there a chance we could be sent home together?" Murphy said hoping for the chance that it could happen. As he then noticed Puller was starting to smile, "Yes it could happen, though the lottery takes place in September though. So, you'll be stuck here until then, it could depend on who goes home" "Aye Sir" "Better go enjoy V-J Day Marines, remember, I was never here" "Easy to pretend you weren't here, sir" "Glad to know 1st Sgt" both NCOs then saluted Puller who had returned as Murphy had then shaken the hand of his old commanding officer as Puller walked away and Murphy and Reagan looked at each other with concern. Would they go home together? Or will they be separated?

They had then headed back to the rocks and joined Sledge, Burgin and Snafu who had heard the whole conversation as the three then shared a look while Murphy and Reagan shared a drink of the bottle of cola that had been handed to them by Burgin between them as they walked down a couple rocks celebrating in peace. Burgin then said, "Those 2 deserve to go home. If they don't go home they'll just be stuck here for another couple months" "I trust the 1st Sgt and Sgt Reagan with my life, they kept us alive through hell and back, I say we owe them one." Snafu said. Sledge nodded and said, "We're going through with this right?" "Right." Burgin and Snafu simultaneously said as they celebrated V-J Day in peace.


1 month later, September 27th 1945

The entire 3rd Battalion of the 5th Marines had assembled before the commanding officer and found out that 2 men would be sent home from each company and discharged honourably. The colonel had then wished everyone good luck in whoever would be the lucky Marines sent home.

The companies had then run down until it had reached King company and everyone's nerves had been running high specifically Murphy's and Reagan's nerves as they waited as the Colonel called out, "King Company, Heavy Weapons, 1st Sgt Eric Murphy and Sgt Henry Reagan."

They couldn't believe their ears as everyone crowded the two men cheering them on. Murphy and Reagan were finally going home together as they both promised each other since Peleliu as they then saluted the Colonel.

Later, their truck was getting ready to go as both Murphy and Reagan had all their stuff packed as they said a final goodbye to Sledge, Burgin and Snafu. Sledge had gone first saying, "It was real honor to serve under you guys, you're the definition of the old breed." "Thanks Sledge." Murphy had said as Reagan finished, "It was honor for us too." "You two stuck together through hell and back, we won't forget you guys" "We won't either."

Soon Burgin and Snafu had stepped forward and then shook the hands of the senior NCOs as they then wished their friends goodbye as they all saluted. Soon Reagan and Murphy had gotten on the truck as Murphy helped up Reagan and they shared one final salute with the younger members of their squad. It had been tearful for the young Marines but the veterans, kept a tear down their cheek, they were finally leaving the Pacific and going home.

They had gotten on the boat and had been given their dress uniforms they were all complete with their ribbons on the chest and the unit Citation on the right of the chest.


Henry Reagan Dress Uniform.

1st Row: 1 Navy Cross, 1 Silver Star

2nd Row: Purple Heart, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Navy Presidential Unit Citation 1 Star

3rd Row: Asiatic–Pacific Campaign Medal 3 Bronze Stars, World War 2 Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal.

Eric Murphy Dress Uniform.

1st Row: Navy Cross (x3), 1 Silver Star, Legion of Merit

2nd Row: Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, Navy Presidential Unit Citation 2 stars

3rd Row: Asiatic–Pacific Campaign Medal 4 Bronze Stars, World War 2 Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal

They were proud to wear the uniforms of the Marine Corps and it had shown that they were loyal and faithful to the United States Marine Corps.

The boat ride had been long to the San Francisco Bay and had arrived by October 4th the San Francisco bay was packed and civilians were standing cordoned off as they cheered the returning Marines, Murphy and Reagan had gotten their sea bags and walked below deck as they stood waiting for the door to be opened. It had been opened after 10 minutes and they had put their caps on as they took in the cheering of the civilians they had accepted handshakes, the women at the port had given them kisses as they accepted them before making their way to the main train station at San Francisco as Henry ordered his ticket, "Hello, One-way to Grand Central Station in New York please?" the ticket man got the ticket as Henry took his ticket saying thanks as Eric had gone next as he said, "One-way to Newark, New Jersey, please?" Murphy had gotten his ticket and paid the ticket man as they made their way to their designated train as they found a seat and just in time as the train departed.

They had then found their seat and sat down as they watched the train move forward as they began talking about what they were going to do when they reached their respective homes as Reagan said, "1st thing I'll do is go see Betty and take her out to Dinner" "Good luck with that, she seems like a nice gal for you" "That Charlotte for you as well, you been thinking about what you'll do" "I don't know yet, but my brother has been having a crisis on his hands, you know how I said his Betty, lost her parents in Chicago?" "Yeah, she took it hard and made her way to New York and loved it there." "Yeah, well once they get married, Betty asked if Donnie would leave Chicago for New York" "Why wouldn't Donnie leave?" Eric had said, "He loves Chicago, he met Betty in New York and he was thinking about seeing it as a second home to him" "What did you tell him?" "To follow his heart and not his brain." "Hopefully he won't over complicate it" "You never know with him."

The two had then shared a laugh as they then headed to get something to eat, it had contained, steaks and colas. They ate their meals as they shared some of their war stories and remembered fallen comrades with a clink of their glasses and a toast.


The train ride to Newark, New Jersey had taken 2 days as Murphy arrived in the Mid-Day as he collected his sea bag as he said to Henry, "I'll see you in Chicago soon" "Let me know when Donnie is back, I can't wait to see him." "I'll let you know in advance, see you soon, Marine" "See ya, Top."

Murphy had stepped off his train and had started walking, he walked out of the station and hailed a taxi which had pulled up in front of him as he got in. the taxi driver had then said, "Where to, Mac?" Eric had said the address and the driver had gotten moving. The drive had been silent as they drove to Raritan, New Jersey. They had arrived at the street where John Basilone's parents had lived as he got out of the taxi and picked up his sea bag as he proceeded to hand the driver money and the driver said, "I ain't touching it, I may have jumped into Sicily, France, and Holland but I still got some liberties in London and Paris. You Marines have nothing but jungle rot and Malaria, have a welcome home from me. It's free of charge."

Murphy had then saluted the driver recognising the fellow veteran as he returned it too as Murphy had begun to walk to Basilone's house.

He had stopped outside the house and contemplated going in as he said to himself softly, "I don't do this, it's going to haunt me."

He then approached the door stood straight and knocked on the door 3 times. He had then heard footsteps and the door opened revealing an elderly lady as he had then said, "Mrs Basilone, my name is Eric Murphy, I served with your son John on Guadalcanal in 1942" "I recognise you Sgt Murphy, please come on in." "Thank you, Ma'am," Murphy had then stepped in and took off his cap as he stepped in and noticed Mrs Basilone's husband sitting down as he spoke Italian to Murphy for which he couldn't understand as a somebody had then said, "He said, "Hello Sgt Murphy" Murphy had then turned and saw Cpl George Basilone standing there as Murphy replied, "Cpl Basilone" "1st Sgt Murphy, how are you Sergeant?" "I'm well thank you" "Would you like anything at all?" "No thank you, I only came as a promise." "Aye Sergeant."

George had then turned and saw Lena Basilone standing behind him as George had then said, "Sgt Murphy, meet Sgt Lena Basilone" Murphy had then saw the beautiful woman that was Lena Basilone as he then said, "Sgt Basilone" "Sgt Murphy, your reputation precedes you" "I'm sure you heard many good things" "How long are you here for?" "I got discharged before the division was sent to China, I came home on a lottery draw though I haven't stopped in Chicago yet" "John said many good things about you from your time on Guadalcanal" "I'm sure he did" "He said you were the most courageous Marine he ever knew apart from many others" "He was the best person I knew along with many others." He then turned to George and said, "How long you home for?" "4th Marines mustered out already, me and Lena are currently waiting for orders" "Hurry up and wait."

Murphy had then asked Mrs Basilone if he could sit down as he said, "You have a lovely home, Ma'am" "Thank you, how long was it till you found out about John's death?" Murphy had then looked at his hands before he said, "I found out a couple days after the Invasion" George had then spoken up, "I saw his grave on Iwo. He had- a lot of good Marines all sides of him" "He would appreciate it. I only came by to give you my condolences. John was a great person, he loved the Marines and he was a good friend. Not a man on Guadalcanal in our unit would have made it if it wasn't for him."

All the Basilone's had nodded as Murphy had stood and comforted Mrs Basilone as she nodded to him as Mr Basilone had then shook his hand saying, "Grazie" as Murphy nodded, he had then walked over to George and shook his hand before George saluted him as Murphy returned it saluting him.

Finally, he stopped at Lena and said, "Your husband was brave and a wise Marine, I was lucky to know him" "He was lucky too. Thank you for your kind words" "Of course Sergeant." Lena had then saluted Murphy as he returned it before walking to the door as Mrs Basilone said, "Thank you Sgt" "No worries Ma'am." He had then picked up his sea bag and exited the house.

He had walked away and headed onto the main street as he continued walking before he flagged down a Taxi as he got in saying, "Newark Train Station, please?" the driver nodded and headed for the train station they had arrived in 30 minutes as Murphy had gotten out and paid the driver as he headed for the ticket office he then said, "One-way to Chicago Union Station please?" he had gotten out money and collected his ticket before getting on the train.

The train had set out 5 minutes later and Murphy had placed his bag in the overhead baggage as he sat down. He felt tired and had slept finally and it was peaceful for him having not slept since he had been on a ship coming home from Okinawa. The train ride had taken him 12 hours as he finally got something to eat as he needed it when it was 6 hours into the journey.

Eric was frightened, he was afraid of how his family would react. The last letter he had got. They knew he had been discharged and were waiting for him to come home. There had been no news on when Donnie would be coming home. He was already fearful of knowing what Donnie had gone through in Europe and it frightened him he would have changed into something worse. Murphy had been getting a bad feeling since July since he was at Okinawa. He had sensed his younger brother's anger and hate, it worried him that throughout the night he felt his brother's anger, pain he had wondered what had made him turn into his father.

He had arrived in Chicago on a Saturday and from the letter his mother had sent him, the family had normally gone to see his father at the 9th District around Mid-Day before Margaret had gone to the hospital for the night shift.


He arrived in the morning and got off the train reaching for the sea-bag before exiting the train and the station he then flagged down a Taxi and said, "Canaryville at Saint Mary's of Perpetual" "The driver nodded and drove him throughout Chicago. The ride had once again been silent as they reached Saint Mary's of Perpetual as he handed the driver money before he walked down the road heading for the diner on 86th as he walked in and got a seat at the table as he flagged down a waitress as he ordered a coffee and a fry-up he then laid money on the counter as the waitress came back with the coffee and fry-up as he ate it in silence before looking at his watch, it was 11:30 and he knew that the family would be heading for the 9th District at the time as he focused on eating, it had helped him regain his strength and focus. He had finished the meal and coffee as he left the diner before walking to the 9th district.

It had been 30 minutes since he left the diner, he had been standing outside the district and was afraid about going in and was set to turn around until he had been ready to face his fear.

He walked up the steps and walked to the front desk and recognised Desk Sergeant Randall as Randall said without looking up, "Can I help you?" "Looking for Lieutenant Hank Murphy" Randall had looked up and saw Eric in his Marine uniform as he smiled widely and said, "Holy… you are a sight for sore eyes, kid!" Murphy chuckled as he shook his godfather's hand as he replied, "Been too long" "December '41, you look good, kid" "Thanks, Sarge, is everyone upstairs?" "They are, why don't I tell them you're here, I'm sure they'll like it." "Actually, could you say, that someone is here to see them, I don't want to ruin the surprise" "Of course, son, come on follow me up."

Randall had gotten out from the desk and said to one of the officers, "Ransom, take over for me, I'll be down in an hour." "Yes Sarge."

Murphy and Randall then headed up the steps. Murphy had then held back as Randall had gone on in.

Hank Murphy was talking with his family over some things when Hank had heard somebody knock at the door as he signalled for them to come in as Randall came in. Hank had seen how nervous he was and had said, "Everything ok, Derek?" "Yes Sir… there's a visitor outside sir, he wants to see you?" "Did he say what it was about?" "No Sir, actually he wants to meet all of you including Betty." "Let's go everyone."

The family had then walked out into hallway and noticed an olive-green suit was in front of them as they all looked confused as Hank then said, "Can we help you, Sir?" The man in the suit had turned as he said, "Looking for Lieutenant Hank Murphy."

Eric had turned, he saw the looks on his family's faces they looked stunned his father nearly dropped his jaw but had a smile forming. His mother and sister had tears forming in her eyes as they saw their son and brother look so handsome in his Dress Uniform the ribbons on his chest showed his bravery and heroism. His grandfather had tears forming seeing his first-born grandchild look so brave in uniform. Betty had tears forming. Both Eric and Donnie had looked incredibly handsome in their uniforms that she could have sworn they were twins.

Lizzie had begun to walk, it turned into a jog as she had embraced her older brother as she cried into his shoulder happily as she said whispering, "I missed you, big brother" "I missed you too, baby sister. You look so beautiful, you look like Mom" Lizzie blushed as Margaret chuckled.

Eric had then let go of his sister as Hank and Margaret walked towards their son as Margaret had embraced her son fully and nearly crushed him as Donnie struggled to breathe, "Ma, I think my ribs are hurting" "Hahaha, I know my son is back, well one of them at least."

Hank had then moved forward as Margaret moved backwards as Hank said to him as his voice broke, "I missed you son" "I missed you too Dad" "Your made me so proud, both you and your brother for us and for everyone in our extended family." "Thank you, Dad, though you might want to wait to tell me and Donnie together when he returns home." Hank then chuckles as he embraces his son hugging him tightly as Margaret, Matthew, Lizzie and Betty watch on with pride etched on their faces as they broke apart leaving Matthew to walk towards Eric.

Matthew walked towards his grandson, the younger Murphy had looked like his grandfather, the uniforms were different when Matthew was a Marine but the pride of being a Marine never left him it stayed with him. Loyalty to family is one thing, but loyal to the Marine Corps, you are a part of something. His grandfather hugged Eric as he said with his voice braking, "You made me proud to be a Marine" "Just doing my duty, 1st Sgt" "1st Sgt" the two then shared a salute as Murphy smiled as his Grandfather walked over to his son and daughter-in-law as Betty began to walk forward as Eric turned to her.

Betty walked forward and approached Eric and shook his hand which had surprised him as she said, "Nice to finally meet you, 1st Sgt Murphy" Murphy chuckled as he said, "Seeing as we are going to be family, call me Eric" "If you insist, Eric" "Likewise, Betty, I see my brother picked a winner" "Your brother is big-hearted, kind and one of a kind." "You described him to a T. My brother is a lucky guy and you are one lucky gal." Betty laughed as she hugged him surprising him as he said to her, "Welcome to the family, sis."

Soon the Murphy family except for Hank soon left as Hank still had a city to protect as they returned home as Margaret had opened the door and let everyone into their house as Eric had then gone up the stairs to his old room and stepped into the room.

It was left like it was before he left for the Pacific, the sports trophies were cleaned regularly. His bedside still looked the same as it had the same photo of Charlotte on a swing as she had a daisy in her hair that Eric had placed in there for her as he remembered the words that he said, "You're my daisy, Charlotte, a beautiful flower" he had also remembered her words to him as she said, "I love you, darling."

He was pulled out of memory lane as Lizzie had stood at the door as she said, "You ok?" "Took a walk down memory lane." "She'll be home soon. I remembered that you got a letter from somebody" "Who was it?" "I don't know, it was sent here, like they knew where you were." Eric then took the letter in his hand as he said to Lizzie, "When does Mr McCarthy head for the hospital?" "In an hour, why?" "I can still catch him. Excuse me please." Eric then jogged past as he headed for the table in the living room and headed for the top left drawer as he pulled out a small box and put it in his pocket as he said to Margaret, "Just heading out, mom" "Where are you going?" "The McCarthy's. Just going to find Mr McCarthy" "Better hurry son he leaves in an hour."

Murphy was already out the door as Margaret said to herself, "What got into him?" as she laughed to herself. Figuring that Eric was going to do it as she said, "Do what you have to do Eric."


Murphy was walking down to the bottom of the street to the second from last house on the corner as he walked up to the door and knocked on it he then heard a reply, "I got it" he then smoothed his uniform as the door opened and a teenaged girl answered it she wore a green patterned dress her hair came down past her shoulders the green eyes were light as she came into view and saw Eric at the door as she said, "Eric is that you?" "You know it is, Lisa."

Lisa then hugged Eric as she said to him, "Welcome home Eric" "Is your mom and dad here?" "Yeah, they are. Come in I'll go get them" Lisa disappeared upstairs as Eric waited in the hallway he was nervous as he patted his pocket that held his grandmother's engagement ring he then heard people coming down the stairs as he then saw Jimmy, Isabel and Lisa McCarthy come into view as he said, "Mr and Mrs McCarthy" "Eric Murphy, is that you?!" Jimmy said as Murphy replied, "Yes Sir it is."

"Great to have you home, son" "You don't have a minute, do you?" "I gotta get going in 10 minutes so I can make time" "You don't mind if I take a seat, do you?" "Let's go into the living room" "This requires you and Mrs McCarthy for this" "Of course, let's go Isabel."

The three then headed into the living room as Murphy had taken a seat opposite them as he said, "I apologise for coming down here on such short notice" "No worries, Eric" "I know I asked you before I left for the Marines in '41 for your blessing to marry your daughter." The McCarthy's then smiled as Eric continued, "I'm not sure it would be appropriate to propose to your daughter on a late 4-year blessing. So here I am today, to ask you for your blessing once again to marry your daughter." Jimmy and Isabel smiled, they had loved the young man and knew Eric was a respected man and worthy to marry their oldest daughter they had seen Charlotte become smitten with Eric since they were in kindergarten. Unfortunately, it had taken the 2 to face each other on their feelings when they were 16, it was something of fairy-tales for the 2 because they were strong together and nothing could break them apart.

The McCarthy's then took themselves out of their thoughts and looked at each other smiling, "Eric, we're very touched you wanted to ask for our blessing, a second time. You will and always have our blessing to marry Charlotte."

Eric had stood up at the same time as Jimmy and Isabel, as he shook Jimmy's hand and Isabel's included as she said, "You have always made our daughter proud, Eric. You always made her happy." "She made me smile Mrs McCarthy, I best be going, allow you to get to work." "Thank again Eric and welcome home, son." "Thank you." Eric had then walked to the door and walked out as he waved goodbye to the McCarthy's before walking down the street to the park.

He arrived at the park and walked to the gazebo where he and Charlotte had been on their first date as he smiled and said, "This is definitely going to happen" he then opened the letter that was in his jacket pocket and read it quietly.

"Dear Eric, I'm coming home, Eric, the war is over, we were still on occupation duty, we got word to pack up from Austria and head to the trucks departing from France, then to England. I haven't told anyone as I want it to be a surprise. I had to stop in New York, to visit a fallen comrade's family. I always wanted to see Betty in her red dress like the day I first met her. She looked so beautiful in it, Eric, you should have seen her. Please ask her to wear the red dress say that there is surprise for her coming to her soon on the 8th of October but don't tell her the date."

Eric had begun to ask the question when his brother was coming and if his brother had written the letter before he left Austria, and was in New York, he could have gotten on the train and arrived by morning in Chicago. He didn't have much time, he then continued reading the letter as it read.

"I heard you were on the way home. If I am correct you would have gotten home today or yesterday. I'll see you October 8th, Big brother, can't wait to see you. From 1st Sgt Donnie Murphy."

Eric had smiled his brother had gotten promoted and completed the family legacy of being a 1st Sergeant in the United States Armed Forces he then headed home and went to find Betty who was roommates with Lizzie as he knocked on the door and said, "Hey got a minute?" "Of course, Eric, what's up?" "Just curious, I was wondering how you met Donnie?" "I met Donnie at a club I was singing there and then I laid my eyes on him. He looked incredibly handsome, he was tall, and he had a sense about him like he had commanded respect and authority" "Donnie was always like that" "Next thing I know he comes to the room and he surprises me with a rose and an offer to go dancing with him."

Eric smiled, Donnie was always a good dancer having been taught by his mother and Charlotte, he knew that beneath the hard-ass Donnie was, there was a soft side to him. One filled with heart and romance. Eric continued to listen to Betty speak about his brother as he asked questions about all that they did and smiled at the answers as Betty looked at her watch and said, "I should be going, I have to work" "Of course. How long are you working till?" "Till the shop closes then I have a day off tomorrow" "Glad to hear, see you later, Betty" "See you later, Eric."

Eric nodded and had seen Betty leave the room as he left a bit of paper on her bed-stand that said, "You know that red dress you wore the night you met Don. I think that considering it is 4th year since you met him, there may be a surprise coming to Chicago tomorrow. Eric."

Eric had then left to go down stairs and saw his mother in the kitchen with his Grandfather Matthew as Eric said, "Hey, do you remember I told you about Henry Reagan?" "How is Henry by the way?" Matthew then spoke as Eric had said, "He's good… he wants to come up to Chicago he does and wants to see us all." I think we could put in another place at the table couldn't we, Margaret?" "I agree, I would love to see that boy again." Margaret said.

Eric smiled as he said, "He's currently in New York and already has a girl lined up" "At least, he'll be here soon." Eric nods as he sits with his Grandfather as they talk about Eric's time in the Marines.

Later on, everyone is at the table as Eric had insisted on helping Margaret cook Shepherd's pie Eric had brought the dish on in and they had said a blessing as they all dug in to the meal as Hank said, "Eric, this shepherd's pie is good, you and Margaret really did a great job on it" "Thanks Dad, but really Mom is who you should thank because I asked her if I could help and she wanted me to sit down." Margaret chuckled as she said to her eldest son, "Son, you didn't have to help but you agreed to help me" "Plus I felt restless" "I know your father was like that when he got back from WW1" "Murphy's always on their feet, pretty sure Donnie will be the same" "He will be."

The table erupted into laughter as Betty and Lizzie shook their heads in amusement as Eric asked his father something, "Hey Dad, how was work?" "Oh, it was quiet, only minor perps to bring in, though the city was unusually quiet though" "Maybe it's because with all the soldiers coming home it's only getting peaceful" "It's never peaceful, when you're a veteran, Eric." Matthew had said as he continued, "When I got home, I always wanted to live in peace but seeing the people of Chicago, like the firefighters, cops and Medical personnel go around making the city a safe place, you feel an obligation to make it safe for everyone" "It's what I want to do but as soon as I get married and I fully rest up" "You will be rested up with my help."

Hank smiled as he saw his father Matthew and son Eric chuckle as they kept eating.


After dinner Eric was in his room unpacking his sea-bag as he took out his M1911 sidearm and placed it under his bed-stand he had then took off his clothes and only wore his vest and his pants as he looked at his shoulder seeing the scar from his wound on Gloucester as he said to himself, "I'm lucky to be alive, thank you God."

He had then gotten into bed and fell asleep, but sleep didn't come easy he imagined he was still at war.

The island looked familiar. Guadalcanal. The battle of Henderson Airfield he heard the gunfire echoing. The sounds of the artillery exploding the deaths of four of his squad members, he remembered charging out into the middle and held off the Japanese forces he even remembered finding Manny his friend who died during the battle. The man who had saved his life, a man for which he owed a life debt to. Murphy kept firing until the explosion that had claimed 3 of his men and severely wounded 1 man.

He snapped out of the dream and took deep breaths controlling his breathing as he said to himself, "It's over, Eric. The war is over." Eric then got out of bed tip-toes downstairs into the living room as he made himself a drink of Marine Corps coffee and just sat up not even thinking of sleep. He flashed back to the moments that the Japs had tried to kill him and how he survived each encounter.

He had thought of his men, Sledge, Snafu, Burgin. They were the core of his squad, his best friends. He had been through hell with them since Gloucester and they survived Malaria, gunfire, artillery and god knows what else. He had heard that J.P. Morgan had not made it after he transferred out of the division and headed for Iwo Jima. He was captured, tortured and executed. He was now the last out of his friends from Guadalcanal that promised to make it through the war and back home to their families and only Murphy succeeded while others gave their lives for their country.

It was morning and Eric was still asleep on the floor he had a blanket over him and opened his eyes as he saw his father awake as he said, "Morning Dad" "Morning, you know son, I may have had a tough time coming home but sleeping on the floor, you just hit the nail on the head." "Don't be funny, just had a rough night sleeping on an actual bed." "Yeah, that always troubled me but not anymore." "You going to work?" "Yeah, I gotta be in for 0630, don't worry I let Mom know you have been sleeping down here" "Didn't laugh, did she?" Hank laughed as he said, "No, but she lightly smacked me on the arm" "When are we seeing you?" "Same time as yesterday, it's been a pretty common thing it has" "Yeah, hey dad, did ever feel anything back in July, like a spiritual feeling?" "Why do you ask?" "Donnie, I felt his fear, anger, the hate. I never seen anything so powerful, I thought it was you" "Now that you think about it, I felt the same thing too, what do you think happened?" "I don't know, I don't even want to know but I have a feeling that it was very bad."

Hank nodded he still remembered sensing Donnie's fear and anger. It frightened him that his son had turned absolutely frightening and wondered what had pushed him over the edge but wouldn't find out what until Donnie had gotten home from Europe.

Hank had waved goodbye to Eric and he watched as his father had gone to protect the city. Eric had gone into the kitchen and made himself a drink of coffee and sat at the table as he read the news reading the headlines, "6th Ranger Battalion, arrives home in San Francisco Bay!" Eric smiled reading, he had known his best friend Tommy was out there in the Philippines and knew what part he took in liberating the islands. He was proud of his friend for what he did and wondered when he would be returning home from combat. His thoughts were interrupted when his mother had walked in and said, "There he is." "Morning Ma, how's your morning been?" "Well I find out my 1st born child is sleeping on the floor in the living room and know that he might be going through something." "It's just thinking about everyone that didn't make it home and how I was the lucky one." "You remember I told you about your father and how he came home from the war differently?" "You said that he had it rough being away from home for 8 years." "Exactly, he loves you. And the only thing that got him through it was family. Me, you, Donnie and Lizzie helped him through it."

Eric smiled as Margaret cooked breakfast and everyone had joined him as they ate. An hour after Eric ate he then went down to the basement and began to work out on his punching bag he threw punch after punch sending shockwaves as he imagined himself back in the Pacific on Peleliu as he and Henry were securing the airfield as they headed into the base that the Japanese had occupied as they cleared the building but at a heavy cost to many lives in the 1st Marine Division.

It was 11 O'clock by the time Eric finished working out. He had jumped in the shower and dressed in his Marine dress uniform as Betty walked down the stairs in her red dress in which she looked beautiful, Donnie had been right for once about how beautiful Betty looked in red and it was happiness for his younger brother seeing the woman that would be his wife when Donnie had returned.

The family was out the door by 12 O'clock but in the distance Eric had seen a figure out the corner of his eye but the figure ducked out of sight as they continued on their journey to the 9th District.

Eric, he knew who it was as whispered to himself, "Welcome home Baby Brother."


We'll finish the reunion scene in A Company of Heroes. I would like to thank you all for your support, kindness and patience with the story. This has been an unforgettable project to write about. I appreciate your support as always. Please keep eyes on other stories that I have been writing and please like and review them, you made my day everyone!