September 17, 1944

Holland

When we jumped into occupied Holland, it was different. Not just because it was extremely dangerous because it was done in the daylight, but the feelings of the jump were different. It reminded me of better days during training, when all of our men were still alive and when jumping was fun. I jumped now, remembering all of the ones we had lost and having the knowledge that the enemy was watching our descent.

I tried to calm my nerves. I didn't need to stress out about things that hadn't happened yet, or wouldn't happen like getting attacked before we hit the ground. I knew that stressing over thoughts would only end badly for me and those around me in the end. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. When I opened my eyes again, I was almost on the ground.

When I landed, I quickly got out of my chute and ran to safety with the rest of the men. I didn't have to run far, as everyone was gathering in a ditch next to the road for cover.

I slid into the ditch next to Webster and Miller. I looked at Miller who seemed a little stressed. I asked, "How was your jump?"

He looked at me and nodded. "It was all right."

"Different than training, isn't it?" Webster asked with a smirk.

I heard someone behind me ask loudly, "Where'd you get that from, Hoobler?"

I turned around just as Hoobler was handing out bottles of alcohol to people. He handed me one as he sank into the ditch and stated, "I think I love Holland!"

I examined the bottle before handing it off to Miller. When the kid took it from me, I explained, "I don't drink."

I could tell that Miller didn't buy my explanation, but I didn't care. I wanted him to feel included, and if it took a small offering from me to do it, then I'd do it willingly.

Suddenly, some of our planes roared overhead, leaving us to our mission. Webster muttered, "Goodbye air support."

I glanced down at my watch. Lieutenant Peacock was in charge of the platoon, yet he was nowhere to be found. I sighed as I started to look across the fields, trying to figure out where everyone else was.

Footsteps approached from the road above us. Peacock knelt down and ordered, "There's some kind of hold up ahead. We're going through this field over here."

As the men started to follow orders, I caught up to Peacock, who was talking to Martin. I asked, "Where've you been, Lieutenant?"

Peacock looked flustered as he replied, "I got turned around, Lieutenant."

I glanced at Martin who stated, "We should be coming up to Eidenhoven soon."

Peacock stopped and looked at his map. "How can that be? We're going around-"

I grabbed the map from him and turned it around. I pointed to where we were and stated, "We're here. Eidenhoven is here. We're a quick strut from here."

Peacock put his map away and walked away, muttering something.

I looked at Martin and shook my head. He said, "I guess it's better than Sobel."

I chuckled and stated, "He's trying. That in itself is better than Sobel."

As we walked through the field, Martin asked, "What was going on with Sobel earlier?"

I shook my head as I explained, "He blames me for his transfer. Keep that between us, all right? I don't need all the men to be up in arms and against Sobel."

"Everyone hates that man more than the enemy and frankly, Sobel brought that on himself," Martin explained.

We approached a well kept fence that lay just on the outskirts of town and took a defensive position next to it.

I scanned the area, watching the residents of the town hanging orange flags from their windows. They didn't seem to be upset or worried like there were Germans in the town.

Martin asked, "Welcome committee?"

I shrugged as I replied, "Who knows..."

I heard some rustling approaching us from behind. I turned around and watched as Winters and Nixon bend down next to us.

Winters stated, "We've been told that there are some Germans still in the town. Welsh has some men out there scouting. We're being ordered to head in."

"Now? Without knowing where the enemy is?" I asked.

Winters nodded. "We're to stay in the courtyard of the town. Apparently, the people of Eidenhoven have decided to throw us a festival for liberating them."

"They're not liberated yet," I scoffed.

Winters looked at Martin and said, "Get them moving, Martin."

Martin nodded and left to fulfill his duty.

Winters stood up with me. He grabbed my arm before I could start walking. He waited until Nixon walked by before saying, "Kate. I want you to be careful when we get into town."

"I'm always careful," I jested slightly.

Dick sighed as he said, "I mean it, Kate. They are not expecting a female officer, let alone a female soldier to be here. It might stir up some drama."

"Drama? You don't want drama? Okay. I promise to remain fully clothed," I chuckled.

He let go of my arm but said sternly, "Kate. I want you to stay beside me at all times. I don't want something to happen to you."

I could see how serious and worried he was. I said, "You're serious...okay. I'll stay beside you. I'm sorry for joking around with you."

He nodded and led the way into Eidenhoven.