The Fox and the MadDawg
Chapter 14
By Captainkodak1
Ron came to full attention and gave him a salute.
"Mr. Dr. James Timothy Possible! Would you grant me your daughter's hand in marriage Sir?"
Ann's hand went to her mouth.
"Oh my WORD!"
James and Ann stood still for a moment. Then James held out his hand to Ron.
"Ron, son, granted with all my heart."
Ann burst out crying as she enveloped Kim in a hug. Ron dropped the salute he was holding and took Jame's hand. The two men held each other's hand for a moment then pulled each other into a hug. They broke apart after a moment and Kim jumped into her father's arms while Ann embraced Ron. Kim let her father go and moved beside Ron to take his hand while Ann wiped tears from her face.
"We are so happy for the two of you. But what now?"
Kim looked at Ron for a moment and gave him a quick kiss. Then she turned back to her mother.
"Well, Ron has three weeks leave. After being shot down for the third time, General Doolittle has decided to assign Ron to his staff. He will have to go to OCS for a few months, then he'll be stationed in London."
Ann held her hands up to her chest.
"How are we going to plan a wedding in that amount of time? Ron, what about your parents? What about your family? What about our family?"
Kim took her mom's hands.
"Mom, I don't know. Let's start making some calls. First I want to contact Monique to make my dress. We need to find a place for the wedding. Maybe some of Ron's family is still here and will stand in. Let's see what we can do."
Ron and James turned and got what little luggage was in the staff car and carried it into the house. The Sergeant and the Lieutenant in the front seat smiled. They had a report to make when they got back to headquarters.
Monique smiled broadly as she waved from her table at little restaurant that was a favorite of her and Kim's. Kim had called earlier and wanted to have lunch and suggested meeting at their favorite spot. Her smile broadened when she noticed that Ron was with Kim and that they held hands as they approached the table. She and Kim squeled and ran to meet each other in a crushing hug. They made their way back to the table and waited for Ron to catch up. He held each of their chairs for them to take a seat and they ordered quickly. After the waiter left Kim took her hand.
''Monique, I've got two questions for you.''
Ron leaned back and placed his hands over his ears. Monique looked at him and then back at Kim as she continued.
''First, how would you like to be my maid of honor?''
Monique's eyes went big as she looked at the smile on Kim's face and the grimace on Ron's as they waited for her answer.
Maurice, the head chef and owner of the restaurant was just finishing a crepe jumped and tossed the crepe across the kitchen when the air was shattered by a loud but clear shriek. Several glasses on neighboring tables shattered. The mayor, who had just sat down at another table and put on his reading glasses to read the menu watched as they cracked. The shriek was followed by a sentence that nearly reached the bells of the nearby Cathedral.
''You are getting MARRIED?''
Kim's face turned red as she looked around and noticed everyone looking at them. Ron put down his hands that he had held over his ears.
''Okay, her shriek is definitely louder than German flak. But a lot more welcome.''
Monique could not speak for a moment as the entire restaurant burst out in applause. As the applause died down the Mayor approached the table.
''Miss Possible, I would assume that this young man has asked you the questions that many of our townspeople hoped he would ask one day.''
Ron and Kim smiled as Ron stood. He took the Mayor's hand.
''Yes sir, I asked and she accepted. But we need a lot of help. I have only three weeks leave and that is not a lot of time to get a wedding planned. We were hoping to come by your office some time in the future and see if you could help.''
The Mayor grinned.
''Lt...no Captain now I see, let this city show its appreciation for what you two have done. I will have someone from my office by your house later today. Now, I will let the three of you continue.''
Ron sat back down and face Kim and Monique as Monique regained her ability to speak.
''Kim girl, like you have to ask of course I'll be your Maid of Honor. What was the other question and it better be that you want me to make your dress. PLEASE let it be that you want to make your dress.''
Kim nodded.
''Yes, that is it. I need you to make my dress.''
Monique's eyes went wide.
''Oh, I just remembered. Dad and I were going through some of the stuff we brought in from your Nana's farm. There was a parachute in there. Lots and lots of silk.''
Ron's eyes went wide.
''Parachute? That must have been mine.''
Monique glowed.
''Oh girl, that will be fine, the silk of your dress will be from the parachute that brought him back into your life.''
Tears filled Kim's eyes as she reached out and took Ron's hand. They leaned over for a quick kiss as the waiter arrived with the food. He bowed to Kim and Ron.
''Please accept this meal from the owner and management of our establishment. With many thanks for what you have done. It is with gladness that we hear of your coming wedding and we all wish the best for you. Please accept that we and others shall provide the catering for all of the festivities.''
He turned to Monique.
''Miss, please know that we shall be sending a bill to your father for the damage.''
He turned and left as they sat looking at each other, then they burst out into laughter. Monique glanced over to Kim as she started her meal.
"So, who are you inviting to the wedding?"
Kim paused and glanced over to Ron who had stopped eating. She reached over and gave his hand a squeeze.
"Well, Mon we are going to invite all of my family that we can contact. Of course all our friends here are invitied. But..."
Kim paused.
"Ron's parents will not be able to be here. It's just too far and there is no way to make arrangements for them to get here. Some of his family is still here."
Monique got up and gave Ron a hug.
"Sorry Ron, I can't imagine what that would mean to you."
Ron shrugged.
"It will okay. I was able to get a telegram to them. They knew about Kim and everything. I know my mom will be happy. She thought the world of Kim when they lived there. We will have to do something. "
He looked over at Kim and grinned.
"Maybe I should invite General Patton, General Doolittle and General DeGualle. They are almost family to me now."
Kim nearly choked on her food.
"Ron, we can't ask them. They have a lot of important things to do."
Kim's heart missed a beat when Ron smiled.
"Ron! What did you do?"
Ron glanced over to her in a way she had already learned to be the look of a man who had been caught doing something he was not supposed to do.
"I sent a telegram to General Doolittle and General Patton inviting them to the wedding. You know that telegram I got this morning."
Kim nodded as he continued.
"Well, it seems that General Doolittle cannot be there. But General Patton said in so many colorful words that the very hounds of Hell could not keep him away. He is also bringing an honor guard from General Doolittle."
Kim started to say something then stopped.
"No, these men are about the only family you have here. They and he will the welcome."
Kim and Ron took a break on the swing on the Possible's front porch. The past week had been very busy. Once the word got out their worries about the planning had gone out the window. Everything they needed, everything that they asked was granted and taken care of by the people of the city. The Rector of the Cathedral of Chartres had given the use of the Cathedral for the wedding. The Stoppable's old Rabbi had stepped in and joined in the planning of the ceremony. The jewelers of the the city were competing with each other to produce the rings. Finally they selected one of the stores that had lost family members fighting for the Resisitance. Josh's family had offered to cover all the groom's expenses and planned to provide any and all tuxedos that might be needed. It all was a little overwhelming.
Ron had been able to send a priority cable to his parents but that was about all he could do. Kim knew it was hard on him not having his family here. Her mother had been able to get in contact with her Uncle Slim and her Aunt Janice. They and all the families would be there. For Ron, he could only contact Brick and a few of the men he had gotten close to.
Now, they were just enjoying the quiet, what little they could get, of just being on the front porch. They would only have a few days of honeymoon before he would have to return to London. The plan was for Kim to stay at her parents until he could arrange for a place in London. If he got sent overseas to the Pacific was something else. They were about to go inside when two motorcycles with sirens pulled onto the street followed by a staff car. The motorcycles stopped in front of the home and the staff car pulled to a stop. The driver got out and opened the door. A tall blonde haired woman along with a shorter blonde man got out. Ron leapt over the porch railing.
"MOM, DAD! What are you doing here?"
The three collided in a mass hugs of tears and kisses. Kim made her way down the walk to them. Mrs. Stoppable stopped and looked at her and sighed.
"Oh Kimberly, what a beautiful woman you have become. Come here, it is so good to see you."
She enveloped Kim in a hug and quick kiss. Kim's parents came running out the door and there was a wonderful reunion of friends and families. After a few moments Ron finally got everyone calmed down to ask.
"Mom? Dad? How did you get here?"
Mr. Stoppable put his hand on his son's shoulder.
"Son, you have friends in some mighty high places. The day after we got your cable an Air Force Officer showed up on our doorstep. He said he was under orders from General Dolittle and General Patton to get us to you as soon as possible. It has been a whirlwind time but here we are."
The day shown clear and bright and the city gleamed in the sunlight. The Cathedral's interior had been scrubbed till the floors shown and light gleamed through the repaired windows. Pews lined the main way all the way to the front. Flowers cascaded from the pews, the walls and the front of the church. A white chuppah was standing in the front. Townspeople in the very best had come to honor the couple getting married. U.S. military men filled the rows including several of the men Ron had flown with. The men and women of the Resisitance also lined the rows. Several men from the 101st Airborne came to honor the couple who had fought with them in the mud and snow. What really caught several eyes was when General Patton arrived in his full dress uniform gleaming helmet, pistols and all. He was given a special place of honor. Representatives of General DeGualle sat opposite.
Ron paced back and forth as he waited for his time to enter. Brick smiled as his friend paced back and forth.
"Ron, calm down. This place is hundreds of years old but you are about to wear a trench in the floor if you don't stop.
Ron stopped and glared at him then broke into a grin.
"Sorry Brick, just really, REALLY nervous."
Brick laughed.
"Ron, I haven't seen you this nervous even when you were in your ball fighting off a dozen ME-109s."
Ron laughed.
"Yeah, I guess you are right."
Ron's dad placed his hand on his shoulder.
"Son, I just want to tell you how proud I am of you. Look at you. You left Middleton just a year or so ago. Now, you are an officer, a decorated soldier. I can't tell you how we felt when we got the letter that said you were missing in action. Then out of the blue you show up alive. Not only alive but with someone very dear to us. Hearing that Kim and her family were okay and that you saved them. Then you went back into combat. I just can't say what I want to say."
Ron stood tall before his dad.
"Dad, I can't say myself what hearing you say that means to me. You and mom taught me to stand up for those who couldn't stand up for themselves. Then I came over here to stop a madman that wants to kill all of us who are Jews. I have seen horrible things. I will keep the fight up as long as there is breath in my lungs. I literally fell back into Kim's life. What I felt for her came back only stronger. I will never let her down and I know she feels the same for me."
A knock at the door came as it opened. One of the persons from the Cathedral was there.
"It is time gentleman. Captain Stoppable. We thank you for your service and for saving this cathedral. We will forever be in your debt."
Before Ron could reply, the man walked off. Brick gave Ron a quick shove behind his dad and they made there way into the cathedral. Music swelled and filled the room and the three men made their way to the front. Ron could see his mom sitting at the front with tears in her eyes. Ann was sitting in her place beaming and smiling. The music continued as a radiant Monique walked down the aisle. She had worked tirelessly on Kim's gown. She said it was her masterpiece. The fact that the remains of his parachute that dropped him back into Kim's life now was the major part of her dress. The music swelled and everyone stood. Kim and her father appeared at the back. Ron could barely breathe. Kim appeared to float down the aisle, a tiered veil covering her face. As they arrived at the front the ceremony started.
" And now I pronounce you husband and wife. What God has joined together let no man put asunder. And now by the powers invested in me by God and by France. I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride."
Kim and Ron joined into a kiss that lasted but a moment. Then breaking their kiss they turned and faced the assembled guest. The Rabbi stood behind them.
"I would like to present to you for the first time, Captain and Mrs. Ron Stoppable."
The music sprang into a sound that rattled the windows of the Cathedral. The two of them walked up the aisle smiling and waving to the assembled guests. Patton stood and snapped a salute with the riding crop as they passed. He yelled out.
"Well done son, damn well done."
Ron settled down in his chair next to a radiant Kim. The refreshments were beyond wonderful as all the best restaurant had sent in their best cooks and helpers to help prepare and serve the food. Music was being provided by the best musicians in the area. They had been dancing and enjoying the day. The parents sat back enjoying the happiness of their childeren.
One of General Patton's aide spoke to the two fathers and they walked over to Ron. James handed Ron his hat and motioned him to follow. Ron groaned as he put his uniform hat on.
"Awww, Mr. Dr. P? More pictures?"
General Patton walked up.
"Attention!"
All the soldiers in the room snapped to attention as a group of officers approached from behind the General. One was carrying a tray with a box on it. One of Patton's aides picked up a piece of paper of the tray and began to read.
" This Citation was awarded to Ronald Stoppable for "Conspicuous Gallantry and Intrepidity Involving Risk of Life Above and Beyond the Call of Duty In Action With the Enemy", 26 January 1945. The citation reads:
2nd Lt. Ronald Stoppable, United States Army Air Corps, was assisting units around Bastogne after being shot down for the third time in his duties with the 8th Air Force. Lt. Stoppable was repairing some of the heavy weapons for the unit when a group of German tanks supported by infantry attacked. Lt. Stoppable took over command of the unit when the commanding officer was killed. He rallied the soldiers to attempt to hold the line. When he realized that the unit was going to be overrun, he commanded the men of the unit to retreat while he called in artillery on the advancing tanks and troops. He continued to call down the artillery fire even to the point of calling it down on his own position. One tank passed over the foxhole he occupied. Lt. Stoppable allowed the tank to pass then destroyed it with bazooka fire while he was under fire by German troops. The destruction of the last tank stopped the attack. Lt. Stoppable's actions prevented the German attack from breaking the line in that section and prevented the unit surrounding him from being destroyed.
Lt. Stoppable, for your actions of said date you are awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor."
Patton turned and picked up the award from the platter and turned to the group.
"Mrs. Stoppable? Would you like to place the award around his neck?"
Everyone waiting looking at Kim. Anne gave her a slight shove. She turned to her mom with a perplexed face.
"Mom what are...oh yeah...you are right. I guess I need to get used to being called that."
Blushing deeply she stepped over and took the award from Gen. Patton. She turned and placed the award around Ron's neck. Her eyes full of love and pride. She whispered to him.
"and I plan to be answering to that name for a long, long time."
All of the guests cheered as the assembled soldiers saluted Ron. Patton nodded as he saluted Ron.
"Well done son."
Ron placed his clothes in his B-4 bag. Kim sat forlornly on their bed across the room. His leave would be up the next day and he had to return to London where he would join the next OCS class. While he was there Kim would stay with her parents in Chartres. Then, after OCS, he would be stationed in London. Kim would join him then after he had found a place for them. They had barely had just a few days that they tried to call a Honeymoon but the war and other things got in the way. Now, they would be separated again. Ron closed up his bag and crossed the room and sat beside her.
"Well KP, I guess I am all packed."
Kim took his hand and kissed it.
"I'll miss you."
Ron cupped her cheek and used his thumb to wipe away the tear that was rolling down her face.
"I'll write every chance I get. I should be able to find a place of us as soon as OCS is over."
Kim sighed as she nodded.
"I know. It's just frustrating that we can't be together. I'll being going crazy while you are in the course."
Ron rolled his eyes.
"I am not looking forward to it. Remember, a lot of those guys will not like me, a former enlisted man, to even be there. I'll be the uncouth uneducated lowlife who will need to be taught his place in the world."
Kim's eye hardened as she balled up her fists.
"You just let me tell..."
Ron grabbed her hands.
"Hold on there KP! Don't worry. It is nothing I haven't had to deal with anymore. Besides, most of the guys in the course will not have even seen combat yet. Annnd, when the group graduates, I'll already outrank all of them. I can handle it."
Kim smiled as she wrapped her arms around his neck.
"I know you will. Now let's spend a little time together while we can."
She pulled him down into a kiss.
As Dolittle wanted Ron back on his staff as soon as possible he placed him in a U.S. Army OCS class. All of the Air Corps classes were back in the states. Dolittle needed Ron through the OCS. He would already know the differences between the Air Corps and the Army. As he had been fighting on the ground almost as much as he had fought in the air he fell right in with the infantry men of the class.
Ron walked into the classroom and noticed the sandbox had been built to recreate another battle scene. They had been going over many situations over the sandbox recreating battle scenes and discussing the command tactics necessary for the situation. As he looked closer, and picked up the information he would need for the scene he realized that it recreated the battle where he blew up the tank. He swallowed nervously as everyone gathered around the sandbox. There was a mixed group around the table. Most were new men directly from the U.S.. There were a few who had seen combat and even three others who had been sargents like himself before getting battlefield commissions. The four of them kept mostly to themselves while the men directly from the states collected together. Almost all were college grads who had finished college or almost finished before enlisting or drafted.
As Ron predicted, they looked down on those who had not gone to school before. They treated Ron and the other three like something below them. That didn't bother him or the other two. They had already seen a great deal and taking a bunch of junk from a group of "school boys" was something they took in stride. The four of them did keep to themselves for the most part. They did stay together at meals and what little free time them had. Also, if one of them had been hassled by the "college boys", the other three would step in. There had been a couple of fights soon after the class started and the "college boys" found out quick that there were less painful ways to pass their time than to hassle the four veterans. The instructors never said anything when a few of the new men would show up with black eyes and numerous bruises.
Ron just glanced over the information about the battle. He knew it by heart. The men gathered around as the Major in charge started the class.
"Men, you have read your information, and the battle scene is before you. Your forces are a platoon of men with the support of some heavy weapons. Your ammunition is low but resupply is coming. The opposition force is two tanks with two platoons of supporting infantry. You have artillery on call. Now, your decisions."
They walked through the sceanero several times with each of the members of the class taking "command" of the problem. Some started to fight then retreated only to be over run by the attacking force. Others stood and fought but then all retreated at the approach of the final tank. Before Ron could add his opinion the Major ended the scenario.
"You all have some ideas on how to handle the situation. Let me tell you this was an actual combat scene. It occurred outside of Bastogne. A Lieutenant was in the area with the troops in the sector when the attack occurred. The Lieutenant commanding the troops in the sector was killed at the start. The visiting officer took command of the troops settling them in their positions by moving under fire from position to position directing their fire. A ammunition resupply made its way through at this time and the officer had the new ammo supplied to the fighting holes. During this phase of the battle the heavy weapon, a .50 cal, was destroyed. The officer had already been directing artillery fire when he ordered the men to start a fighting withdrawal. He stayed in his position with a member of the Resistance. He continued to call in the artillery even to the point of calling it onto his position. The attacking infantry and one tank had either be killed or turned back. One tank approached and passed over his position. As the member of the Resisitance gave him cover he fired two bazooka rounds into the tank, destroying it."
One of the men in the class sneered
"Sir, why would someone do that? Fighting alone in a foxhole against a tank. Letting it pass over you the shooting it with a bazooka."
The Major gave the man a stern look.
"What Mr. Harper? You think that the Germans will always just line up for you? You think that this is a no-win situation? You think you will never face a possibly no-win situation?"
The Major waited for a moment to let the thoughts sink in.
"As I said, this was an actual combat situation. It occurred outside of Bastogne just before the relief by Patton. Oh by the way, that Lieutenant that took command of the unit. He was actually U.S. Army Air Corps. He had been shot down over Bastogne and was in the area repairing the .50 cal for the unit. This was third time he had been shot down. After the second time he was shot down he spent months behind enemy lines fighting with the Resistance on the ground. I bring this up to make a point. It does not matter who you are fighting with or even if it is your unit. You are an officer in this Army and it is your duty to fight."
One of the other men in the group asked.
"Major, just who is this man?"
The Major looked around the group.
"I won't reveal the man's name because it doesn't matter, but you might hear stories of a man called "MadDawg". He is a decorated soldier for bravery. He also received the Medal of Honor for that last fight."
Another man asked.
"What is he doing now?"
The Major shrugged his sholders.
"I am not sure. But here is another bit of information. That Lieutenant, he was previously a sargent manning a ball-turrent in a B-17. He got his commission on the battlefield. So when you are leading your troops in the field, you need to know that there are men who can step up and fight. Maybe even better than you can. Do the service a favor and look out for these men. Encourage them and get them the recognition they deserve. The service needs men like that."
Ron just nodded with the rest of the men. Then the Major nodded to all of them.
"That is enough for today. Look over everything for tommorrow. We start heavy weapons and expolsives training tomorrow. Mr. Stoppable, I may need your assistance sometime tommorrow, would you be able to help?"
Ron saluted him and said.
"It would be a pleasure Major."
The Major returned the salute and left the room. Ron picked up his materials and left the room as the rest of the class just stared at him. The two veterans followed him out and stepped up on either side of him as they walked up the hall. One spoke up.
"I think we could all use a drink. The first round is on me. Let's head for the Red Dragon."
Ron smiled.
"Sounds good to me. Let's put our stuff in our rooms and meet out front. Maybe we can get something good to eat."
Kim sat on the front porch of her parents home with a special delivery letter that had just been delivered. She had been around Chartres for the past couple of weeks after Ron had left. There was the work at the Cathedral and also around town. Many of the townspeople thought of her as a coming leader, the mayor and several of the town council were always calling for her opinion on one thing or another.
Even while she had been busy, she still missed him very much. Just to hear his voice, feel his touch would mean so much to her. She wrote him just about everyday. He didn't send as many back but she understood that the course was very hard. He had only completed high school and he had to struggle through parts of the course. The combat leadership parts he had no trouble with, but some of the paperwork and rules and regulations parts were hard to deal with.
She opened the letter. It was a request for her to sit on a tribunal panel to sit in judgement against those who had been collaborators during the occupation. She sighed and closed her eyes. She knew this was coming. The incident in town where she had stopped the people from beating and harassing Bonnie and some of the other women who had collaborated with the Germans had been remembered. Those who had been a little closer to the Germans wanted to be lenient with them. This group hoped that she would be lenient with the collaborators. Those who hated the collaborators remembered Kim as one of the best Resisitance leaders responsible for the deaths of several Germans. They also remembered that the Germans had killed several members of her family. They thought she would be very hard on the collaborators. Kim didn't know how she felt. But it looked like she had a job to do and she hoped it would help heal her city. Her mom came out on the front porch and sat down beside her.
"Heard from Ron?"
Kim nodded.
"Yes, the class is hard and some of the men are giving him a hard time because he was not a college graduate. Some of the men are veterans, so he spends most of his off time with them."
Ann sat back looking into the darkening sky.
"That's good. I am sure he will be okay. What's that letter about?"
Kim shifted the letter.
"What makes you think that this letter means anything?"
Ann turned and looked at her.
"Kimmie give your mother some credit. I noticed the look on your face when I came out here. It is about the tribunal isn't it."
Kim turned her head quickly to face her mom.
"How did you know?"
Ann looked down at her hands.
"Some people came to your father and I asking if we thought you would serve on the tribunal. I told them to leave you alone that you and done enough for this city. They said they thought if there was anyone who could help more to heal this city and get through the tribunal, they would be asking. So Kimmie, what are you going to do?"
Kim sighed and closed her eyes.
"I am going to do it."
Ron and the other veterans were gathered in a corner of one of the bigger pubs. Tomorrow was graduation day and they were celebrating. So were all the other men in the group but there was a difference in the way they were celebrating. Ron and the other veterans were just quietly having a few drinks and a good meal in their little corner. The most of the others in the class, the so-called college boys were wooping it up in their section of the pub. Noisy and boisterous they were bragging about how they would do when they got to their units. Ron and the vets just didn't say anything. They were not so eager to return to combat. They had seen enough. Ron knew he would be going back to Dolittle's headquarters but the others would be going back to combat. One of the other group came over.
"Come on guys, join the party. Or are you too good for us? You veterans think you are so special. I ought to..."
Ron stood up and faced the man.
"Ought to what?"
Before the man could answer a loud voice rang out in the room.
"RON! Hey guys, it's the MadDawg himself."
Ron turned his head to see Brick and several airmen coming over to him. They were from his original group. Brick ran over and gave Ron a big bear hug.
"How are you doing MadDawg?"
Ron returned the hug.
"Doing good Brick. Ended up going to OCS, then it's back to Doolittle. What are you doing now?"
Brick turned his shoulder to him. There were several more stripes on his sleeve than when they had last met.
"Senior Sargent now. I don't have to fly anymore."
Ron punched him in his shoulder.
"That's great Brick. Let me introduce you to by cohorts here from OCS."
He turned and pointed to each of the men with him.
"This is Rick Davis, John Franklin, and Leonard Price. Guys this is Brick. We flew together for awhile till we were shot down. Later we met up on the ground and made the Krauts miserable."
Brick laughed and grabbed Ron while rustling his hair.
"Flew with me? Ron seriously kept those fighters off of us. Did you know he shot down 10 Kraut fighters. Yep best ball-turrent gunner in the 8th Air Force. Then..."
Ron put up his hand.
"Not now Brick, we were just having a quiet little drink. We have graduation tomorrow then it is back to our units. Rick, John, and Leonard here go back to the front and I go back to Dolittle. You are welcome to join us."
Brick shook his head.
"Naw, we got a big party to hit. I'll catch up to you later. Later MadDawg."
Ron watched Brick and his buddies leave and then turned to the man from the other group.
"As you were saying?"
The man turned slightly white and backed up. All of that group were staring at them. The other three stood up and and pulled Ron back to the table. Ron smiled at the sweating man as he returned to his table.
"Why don't you go back to your friends. You leave us alone and we will leave you alone, and nobody will end up with any broken bones or bruises. We will see you at Graduation in the morning."
He turned around and sat down at the table. Rick handed Ron a fresh bottle of beer.
"So you ARE the Mad Dawg. I had my suspisions. The way you handled the .50 cal during training. Got to hand it to you, you got guts. Salud."
He held up his bottle and they all clicked them together.
Kim sat back in her seat as one of the collaborators had been led away. The judgement on this one had been easy. The man had been directly active with the Gestapo and acted as a local "policeman" under the orders of the Germans. He had shot a number of the town citizens when they ran from him. He also had informed on several people that got them sent to the camps never to come back. He had been given the death sentence and was to be turned over to the U.S. Army.
She glanced down at the next folder and closed her eyes. The name of Bonnie Rene Rockwaller was on the top of the file. This one one case she had been dreading. This would be worse than Eric's trial had been. His trial had been a couple of days before. She had excused herself from that trial as she didn't want any personal feelings to get in the way. Not that she ever cared for him and that he had caused her and Josh a lot of pain. There were enough people on the panel that she could step back. Still she had to sit there to hear all the testimony.
Now, because one of the other members of the tribunal had excused themselves from Bonnie's trial as there were some family relations. She raised her head and watched as the guards brought Bonnie into the room. Several people cursed at her but quickly quieted down. The citizens had learned that Kim and the other members of the tribunal would not tolerate any misbehaveor in the courtroom. A couple of women and one man had spent sometime in the local jail for acting up in the courtroom.
The guards brought Bonnie to the front of the courtroom and seated her at the defense table. Her defense attorney stepped to her side. The prosecution arranged their papers and the head of the tribunal, Leon LaClere, rapped his gavel.
"This court is called to order. Is the Prosecution ready?"
The head Prosecutor stood.
"The Prosecution is ready."
LaClere to to Bonnie and the other standed at their table.
"Is the defense ready?"
Bonnie's attorney stood.
"The defense is ready."
LeClere nodded.
"Please read the charges."
The lead prosecutor stood with a sheaf of papers in his hand.
"The Court brings Bonnie Rene Rockwaller before the court with charges of collaboration with the forces of Germany. We also charge her with Treason against France by giving aid and comfort to the enemy. We further charge her with Treason by giving information to German forces that caused the arrest, injury and/or death of citizens of the City of Chartres and the Republic of France."
LeClere nodded to the defense.
"How does the defendant plead?"
Bonnie's attorney started to say something when she whispered something to him. He stopped and talked quietly but urgently to her. She shook her head and jabbed her finger into his chest and repeated what she said. LeClere asked again.
"How does the defendant plead?"
Bonnie's attorney turned to face the tribunal.
"May the court understand that my client has changed her mind on her plea. She wishes to plead guilty to all charges and place herself on the mercy of the court. She only asks to be able to make a statement."
There was mummering in the court room as LeClere rapped his gavel. Kim noticed that Bonnie was looking directly at her. Kim gave her a questioning look and raised her hand as if asking a question. Bonnie continued to stare at her but nodded. The court settled down as LeClere spoke.
"Does your client realize the severity of the charges being brought against her? That pleading guilty would not save her from the firing squad?"
Bonnie's attorney nodded.
"Yes she does."
LeClere faced the members of the tribunal and Kim spoke.
"Let us hear what she has to say. I would like to hear it."
LeClere looked at each member of the tribunal and each nodded their head. He turned back to Bonnie.
"Okay Madamoselle Rockwaller, please make your statement. However, I caution you that anything and everything you say will be considered for your sentencing."
Bonnie stood straight.
"I understand your Honor. I was going to fight the charges to the fullest extent, but as I came in here I saw something that made me think about what I had done. I thought at that point I would do what I did. You are probably wondering what did I see that made me change my mind. It was Kim... Kim Poss... no that's not right. It is Kim Stoppable now if I heard right. When I saw her up there on the bench. I knew what I had to do. You see, of anyone in this room she has the right shoot me, kill me or anything she wanted to do. But you see, she wouldn't because of what she has already done. When the town was retaken by the Allied troops several people beside myself were captured by some of the townspeople. They beat us, cut off our hair and generally nearly killed us and would have killed us if Kim had not stopped them. She came right into the crowd and stuck a gun in the face of the mob leader."
Bonnie paused for a moment.
"She stopped all of them and had the U.S. Army take us. She didn't have to do that. And now here she sits in judgement again. I can't go back and undo what I have done. But she showed me mercy when she didn't have to. So I am returning the favor. Maybe if I get what everyone thinks I deserve it will help heal the city and country. I am guilty of giving information to the Germans. It was I that told the Germans that Kim and the Americans were in the Cathedral. By the way Kim, that is one fine hunk of man you have there. Before that, I did everything I could to help the Germans. I liked being on the top of the heap. I liked that the Germans treated me well and asked me to their parties. Kim, also, I was the one who gave the information to the Germans that led them to your Grandmother's farm. I was also the one who told them about your parents and Josh. I did it because I wanted Du to be my friend, but he only had eyes for you. I figured with you out of the way maybe he would be my special friend. Sorry Kim. So that is the whole story. I did it. So do with me what you want to do."
Bonnie sat down and put her head in her hands. LaClere looked around the silent room. Glancing ovet to a ashen faced Kim he rapped his gavel.
"Will the guards please remove the prisoner. The court will consider the plea and pronounce the sentence."
Ron brushed some dust off of his uniform as he approached Dolittle's office. There had been a request that he report to the General as soon as he got to headquarters. Graduation had been the day before and he had made his way to back as soon as he could. The sargent at the desk motioned for Ron to go straight in. Ron stopped and knocked on the door.
"Come."
He opened the door and walked straight into Doolittle's office and saluted.
"Captain Stoppable reporting as requested."
Doolittle returned the salute.
"At ease Captain Stoppable. I have two things for you. First, your new assignment for me will be to go to the concentration camps of the flight crews. There you are to assist the crews in their release, investigate any war crimes, to interrogate any captured guards, and see if any of our men cooperated with the Germans. But first, I think you might want to know that the camp that held your former crew of the MadDawg was liberated yesterday. Your first assignment is to head for that camp. I thought you would like to help these men back. But, there is one thing."
Ron waited for a moment before asking.
"What is that sir?"
Doolittle handed a manila folder. Ron recognized it as a personnel folder that held all the records for a particular service man. He glanced at the name and took in a breath. The name on the cover was
'Rodeghan, Wallace Raymond'
Ron held onto the file for a moment.
"What is this all about sir?"
Doolittle stared at him.
"You recognize the name?"
Ron stared back at him.
"You know I do Sir."
Doolittle nodded.
"We have heard some stories coming back that this officer has been cooperating with the Germans to the detriment of his fellow detainees. I know you filed a report based on information you gathered from the French Resistance."
Ron nodded.
"Yes sir."
Doolittle waited for a moment then nodded to him.
"Get out there. You will command the investigative and releaf unit. You have full authority to make arrests if you see the need. Help get those men back to where they belong."
Ron stood and saluted.
"Yes sir."
Ron did an about face and marched out of the office.
LaClere rapped his gavel as the guards brought Bonnie back into the courtroom. The crowded room became very quiet as she approached the front of the room and stepped up to the table. Her attorney stood beside her as she stood at the table with her head down. A very pale Kim sat motionless in her seat. LaClere set the gavel down and picked up some papers from the desk in front of him.
"Madamoselle Bonnie Rene Rockwaller, you have been charged with treason against the Republic of France. You have admitted giving aid and comfort to the armed forces of Germany. You have also admitted giving citizens and troops over to the armed forces of Germany. You have caused great harm to many. The punishement for your crimes could be up to 30 years in prison. If your charges were to be served one after the other you would spend the rest of your life in prison."
LaClere paused for a moment and looked around the room before continuing.
"However, this court had decided to sentence you to 15 years with the possiblity of parole in three years. One of the court has asked to speak as a part of your sentencing. Madam Stoppable, will you speak now."
Ron stepped out of the jeep as it pulled to a stop in front of an open barbed wire gate. U.S. MP's were guarding the gate of the former POW camp. Ron walked up to the gate and showed his ID to the MP manning the gate. The MP saluted.
"Captain Stoppable, we were expecting you. Our Colonel Rivers is waiting for you in the former Commandant's office."
He turned to the man next to him.
"Corporal Simms, will you escort Captain Stoppable to the Colonel's office?"
The corporal saluted Ron and gestured into the camp.
"Will you follow me Captain?"
Ron followed the soldier across the compound and into a building sitting in the midst of some others. A soldier stood up at a desk and saluted when Ron walked in. Ron returned the salute.
"I am Captain Stoppable, I am to see Col. Rivers."
The corporal at the desk nodded and reached down to press a button on a intercom.
"Col. Rivers, there is a Captain Stoppable here to see you."
A voice responded.
"Yes, I have been expecting him. Have him come in."
The corporal stepped from behind the desk and opened the door behind him. Ron walked in and saluted. The officer behind the desk stood and returned the salute then stuck out his hand.
"Captain Stoppable, welcome. I am glad you are here. There are some men here ready to go somewhere besides here. Also, we need to find out is anything went on here that we need to know about. We have talked to some of the men but you are one of them. They'll probably talk to you more. Also, we need someone to talk to the German troops that were here. They were Luftwaffe. We have them in another area of the camp. But first, I think you will want to see a certain group of men. They are in the back. We knew you were coming today so we gathered them together. They do not know who is coming. Just a special officer was coming to speak to them."
Ron nodded and stood up.
"Thanks Colonel, I would like to see them."
The corporal at the desk led him down the hall to a room in the back of the building, then returned to his desk. Ron hesitated at the door and listened. The men in the room were talking.
"Captain, who did they say we were waiting on?"
"I don't know some officer from Dolittle's headquarters."
Before there was another comment he knocked and opened the door. The men in the room looked over at him for a moment. Ron was shocked at their condition. All were very thin and gaunt. The room was very quiet until his former pilot, Captain Donald Graham spoke up.
"Ron? Ron Stoppable?"
Ron grinned and turned to him.
"In the flesh Captain, it is good to see you."
The room exploded in yells as the men jumped up and ran to grab him and hug him. After a few moments they realized they were hugging an officer. They stepped back and looked him up and down and especially the Captain bars on his shoulders. Then, their eyes trailed down to the ribbons stretching across his left breast. Graham's eyes grew wide when he spotted a particular one.
"Th..the Medal of Honor? Ron, what the hell?"
Ron put his hand on Graham's shoulder.
"Captain, it is a long story. But first how are all of you doing? Where is Wally?"
The men exchanged grim looks until Graham spoke up.
"Ron, that name is not one appreciated here. I guess you know."
Ron nodded.
"I know a little but that's one of the reasons I am here. Also to interrogate any of the guards. Did any them give you major problems?'
Jonathan glared out the window.
"There were a couple that really did a few nasty things. We have already given the names to the MPs."
Then his eyes softened.
"But there was one guard who really went out of his way to help us. He caught some flak but he really looked out for us. You can't miss him. He is a big fat sargeant by the name of Schultz."
Ron nodded with a smile.
"I'll make a note of that. Now what has been going on with all of you. Tell me what happened after we jumped."
Graham shook his head.
" Well, they picked us up almost as soon as we hit the ground. They took us into some building in town, beat the hell out of us for a day or so while questioning us then brought us here. The rest is for later. Right now I think all of us want to know how our little sargeant who jumped with us, disappeared into the French countryside, then walks back into us as a Captain with a shit load of medals including the Medal of Honor."
Ron grinned.
"Let's just say that my life got really interesting after we jumped."
Greg Brown spoke up.
"How did the Krauts miss you? You jumped right after me. I landed near a farm. I guess you landed right on the farm. What happened?"
Ron giggled.
"Would you believe that I landed in the well on the farm? The wind was banging me around in the well so I cut loose the chute. Apparently the wind blew my chute into the trees behing the farm. The Krauts thought I had landed in the trees and was trying to get away. They didn't look in the well."
Henry O'Connell joined in.
"How did you get out of the well?"
Ron took off his hat and rubbed his head.
"Would you believe that after the Germans left, a girl whose grandmother owned the farm came to the well and dropped a bucket on my head. She and they got me out. It ended up that she, her grandmother, and some of her family were members of the resisitance. I ended up fighting with them."
Philip pointed to Ron's left hand and the ring on his finger.
"And the ring that I see?"
Ron blushed.
"Yeah, well, I guess things just worked out. This has been great but I have work to do. First thing I need to do is see Rodeghan."
Steven smirked.
"He stays over in hut 3. That is where the Krauts let all those who cooperated stay. One to make them for comfortable and two to keep the men here from killing them."
Ron stood up and the men all stood with him. They all saluted and Ron returned them. He turned and walked out of the room. He headed out of the back of the headquarters building and made his way across the compound. As he cross the compound he came across some German troops being led across the compound. One of them was a particularly fat sargeant. It was Shultz. He stumbled and fell as he tried to keep up with the others. A young private stepped over and kicked him.
"Get your fat ass up you Nazi before I blow your head off."
Ron yelled out.
"Leave him alone!"
The private started to turn around.
"Yeah and just who is going to make..."
The private's word stuck in his mouth when he realized he was talking to an officer. A full Captain with a pile of ribbons on his uniform. The private snapped to attention.
"Sorry Sir. I was just..."
Ron stepped up and got right in the Private's face.
"Private, those men are prisoners of war. You will treat them so. You will not mistreat them, strike them or kick them. That sargeant. I wish to interrogate him. Is there a room where you can hold him? Is there an area where you can hold him?"
A Lieutenant came up and nodded to Ron.
"Yes sir! We have a number of rooms where we are holding a number of guards."
Ron shook his head.
"I'll tell you what. Take him to my quarters and put a guard on the door. I am familiar with this man and was looking for him."
The Lieutenant saluted.
"Yes Sir! Collins, Roberts, take this prisoner to the Captain's room and one of you stay there."
The two men stood on each side of Schultz, who had gotten up by now. Ron nodded to Schultz, who didn't say anything. The two men escorted him toward another building. Ron turned and continued on his way. The Lieutenant turned to the Private.
"Private Haskins, I believe I have spoken to you about your treatment of the prisoners."
Haskins stood at attention as he spoke.
"I know sir, but I just lost my patientance. I wanted to be in combat, not shepherding these Krauts. By the way sir, just who was that officer?"
The Lieutenant smiled.
"That Haskins, was an unusual officer. Did you see his uniform?"
Haskins nodded.
"Yes sir, I recognized a couple of the ribbons."
The Lieutenant continued.
"I bet you did. He is probably the most decorated man here. Believe or not but that officer started out as a sargent flying in the 8th Air Force. He has been shot down three times, spent months behind the line fighting with the Frence Resistance and some other activities. I would say he has spent more time in combat than you have been in the Army. Now get your ass out of here and out of trouble. Mistreat another prisoner and I'll let that Captain take care of you."
Ron was walking toward the building when he noticed an U.S. Air Officer walking toward him. Unlike the other officers in the camp his uniform was pristine and he appeared to be well-fed. Another closer look confirmed it. It was Rodeghan. Rodeghan appeared to recognize him then looked away. He keep staring in the other direction appearing to ignore Ron. Ron let him pass before calling him out.
"Lt. Rodeghan, halt."
Rodeghan stopped but still had his back to Ron. Ron stood facing him.
"Lt. Rodeghan, we salute the rank not the man."
Rodeghan turned and saluted Ron. Ron returned the salute.
"Lt. Rodeghan, I will need to speak with you about a few matters."
Rodeghan appeared to start sweating.
"Yes, Sir. When?"
Ron thought for a second. Rodeghan was not going anywhere and he needed to interview some of the prisoners about him.
"I will let you know."
Ron turned and headed back to the building where his room was. As he walked down the hall he saw the guard standing at the door. Saluting the soldier he opened the door and walked in. Schultz was sitting in a chair looking out the window. He started to get up when Ron waved for him to sit.
"Keep your seat Schultzy."
Ron took off his cap and tossed it on the bed. Schultz's eyes went wide.
"Ronald, my friend. Where did you come from. I didn't recognize you. You have changed and you are now a Captain."
Ron opened his arms and the two friends hugged. Schultz sat down smiling.
"It is so good to see you! Where is Kimberly? How is she doing?"
Ron held up his left hand where the gold band gleamed.
"She is doing well, she is staying with her parents."
Schutlz smiled.
"I am so happy for both of you."
Ron sat down on his bed.
"Now what am I going to do with you? Do you have a job or something waiting for you?"
Schultz smiled.
"Yes, my friend. I have a job at the Schatze Toy Company in Heidelburg."
Ron shook his head.
"Are you sure you can get your job back?"
Schultz nodded.
"Of course, I'm the boss!"
Ron laughed.
"Okay Shultzy, we just took Heidelburg recently. So I am going to release you and give you some papers that will allow you to go home and get back to making toys."
Tears came to Shultz's eyes as he stood and saluted Ron.
"My friend, I don't know what to say."
Ron returned the salute.
"Schultz, after all that you have done for us? This is small. Now hold on a moment."
Ron turned and pulled out a briefcase from under the bed. Pulling a few sheets of papers out he quickly filled out several then handed them to Schultz.
"Here you go, these will get you home with no questions asked. How are you on money?"
Schultz patted his breast pocket.
"I have enough till I get home. My friend, I don't know what to say."
Ron looked him in the eye.
"Sir, you saved our lives at the extreme risk of your own on several occasions. Kim and I will cherish you for as long as we live."
A tear creased down Schutz's face, then a smile cracked across the same.
"Your children will never lack any toys. You just let me know, and they'll have the best the Schatze Toy Company can produce."
Schultz got ready to salute again but opened his arms. Ron gratefully accepted the hug.
The guard escorted Kim past the guard station and through the gate of bars at the end of the hall. She stopped for a moment as the other guard locked the gate behind her. She sped up her walking to catch up with the first guard as they walked down the corridor. The first guard stopped at one door knocked on it.
"You have a visitor."
Kim walked up to the door as the guard opened it and she stepped in the door. Bonnie was sitting on the bunk in her cell. She looked up at Kim and smirked.
Kim turned to the guard.
"I'll be fine. You can close the door."
The guard nodded.
"I am required to stand just outside the door. Just knock or call out if you need me."
She nodded as he closed the door. Turning back to Bonnie she collected herself.
Bonnie turned and stared at the wall.
"Hey K. What are you doing here? Come to gloat a little?"
"You me better than that Bonnie. I am here to see someone I care about."
Bonnie rolled her eyes.
"Right K, whatever you say."
Kim looked around and took a seat in the chair next to a small desk.
"What is wrong Bonnie?"
Bonnie continued to stare at the wall. Then started to talk.
"What is wrong you ask K? Everything is wrong. You are free, and I am stuck here for a good while. You have a great guy in your life, mine took off and left me. When he did speak about me he sang like a bird to save his own skin. I had it all, I was top of the heap. I had all the important friends, I went to all the important parties. Everything was going my way."
She paused for a moment and wiped away tears that were forming.
"Now, you have all the important friends. You are going to all the parties. Your guy will and has literally killed for you."
Kim shook her head.
"I have news for you Bonnie, I rarely 'talk' to those so called important friends much less see them. I don't have time to go to any fancy parties. Besides, without Ron here I wouldn't go anyway."
Bonnie continued to stare into space.
"Oh, where is he?"
Kim fingered her wedding ring as she paused for a moment.
"He is somewhere out there helping evacuate air crew prisoners of war back to the states and investigating their mistreatment. He is a Captain now."
Bonnie turned to look at her and smiled.
"If he looks better in an American uniform than he did in that German one you better be ready to beat off the other women."
Kim grinned for a moment.
"Oh yeah, you bet I will, starting with you."
Kim and Bonnie looked at each other for a moment until Bonnie started to giggle. They both broke out into laughter. Bonnie stopped laughing after a few moments and gave Kim a slight smile.
"Thanks Kim. I needed that."
Ron was working at the desk in his room. After spendning a few days talking with some of the former prisoners and several of the german guards. He had a clear picture of what had happened. It appeared that Rodeghan had been very cooperative with the Germans. He informed on the prisoners and helped the guards at every turn. The prisoners had excluded him so the Germans moved him into protected quarters and used him as a propaganda figure to lord over the prisoners and try and get them to defect. There were enough evidence to send Rodeghan to military prison for some years. He was about to call the M.P.s to arrest him when one of them knocked on his door.
Ron turned to the door.
"Come."
The M.P. saluted as he came in.
"Captain, there is a Colonel Bains that needs you in a town near here. They found something, and well you speak German and you have some other experience that they think is needed. There is a jeep waiting for you."
Ron grabbed his cap and followed the MP outside and got in a jeep that was running. As soon as he was seated it took off out of the camp. They drove quickly through the forest and roads for several minutes till they came to what appeared to be another POW camp. But this one was different. The buildings were different and there was a strong stinking smell. Ron had smelled it before. It was the smell of burnt bodies. The jeep pulled up beside a command car and stopped in front of the gate. Ron recognized one of Patton's staff officers. Ron got out of the jeep and approached him.
"Sir, Captain Stoppable. I..."
The Major turned and saluted.
"Nice to see you Captain. General Patton found out you were in the area and wanted you to see this. He thought you would need to see this."
"What type of camp is it Sir?"
The Major pointed into the open gate.
"Go ahead and go in. Be ready, it...it..."
The Major couldn't talk anymore and just pointed into the camp.
Ron turned and made his way into the camp past the gate. He started to see what could only be living skeletons of people walking around. The gaunt thin faces seemed to stare out into space. He noticed with horror that the Star of David was sewn onto what was left of their clothing. An old woman, or a woman who appeared to be old walked up to him and spoke in Yiddish."
"Who are you? Can you help me find my little boy?"
A little boy walked up to him and took his hand. Ron looked down into the child's eye. They were sunken into his face. Ron picked him up, he weighted next to nothing. Digging out a piece of cheese that he had in his pocket he gave it to the little boy. He then put the little boy on his shoulders and kept walking through the camp. He mind could barely register on what he was seeing. Time seem to stop for him as he walked. He had no idea how long he had been there when a medic came up to him.
"I'll take him sir."
Ron realized that the little boy was totally limp on his shoulders still clutching that piece of cheese. He slid the boy down off his shoulders and noticed the blank gaze on the little boy's face. Ron laid the little boy down and touched his face. When slowly and tenderly shut the boy's eyes. Tears filled his eyes as he stood and looked around.
"Oh MY God!"
Hi everyone. I didn't mean to take this long to post but I just got busy. I hope you liked this chapter. The story is coming to a close soon. I hope you stand by for the conclusion.
Right Hand Salute
Roger and Out
Captainkodak1