"Hilfe…bitte…".
Noelle was standing by the fence, staring out towards the river.
"Hilfe…".
She shouldn't have left that other German.
He was in a lot of pain.
"Bitte…".
Running a hand down her face, Noelle checked her watch.
She had to meet the guys down in the basement again.
They deserved words of comfort after last night and they had to listen to her give them those words, Noelle figured they deserved someone a lot better. But they'd just need to deal with her for that debrief and another patrol. After that, things would go back to normal.
Pulling her eyes away from the German and singing loudly in her head to keep his cries for help at bay, Noelle walked towards OP2, where the men would be waiting. They were going to be tired, no one slept, and they didn't even catch a few hours during the day either. Well, Noelle didn't, she had too much going on, but she did hope her friends caught a few hours.
Though, when Noelle entered the cellar, she caught Shifty yawning and Popeye rub his eyes.
Looks like they didn't sleep, after all.
"Hey, guys".
Stopping what they were doing, they all looked over at her.
Noelle took off her helmet and sat at the end of the table.
She set her helmet down and cleared her throat.
"Well – Captain Winters is really proud of everyone". Noelle began, "and 'a know sometimes it doesn't feel like enough but if we take away something good about last night it's that we all did what they wanted us to do…and we worked as a team, to do it".
They quietly agreed with her.
"Nelly?" Heffron asked, "is it true we're doing another one?"
Noelle gave a nod, "aye…we have to do it again".
He sighed heavily, shaking his head.
"But it's 'gonna be 'awright". Noelle said, "we'll take another two prisoners, use the same boats and get back as quickly as possible".
"Are you leading again?" Grant asked.
She sighed quietly, nodding. "Aye – 'am leading".
"Good".
Noelle looked over at him.
She scratched the end of her nose, "eh – right, so – once we get a briefing, 'a'll come up with a better plan. But 'a want the same firing and assault team. Hopefully, your boat won't fall in the fucking river this time".
Sisk smiled a little, "sorry, Nelly".
Rubbing her lips together, Noelle bobbed her head.
"Aye – you's were all brilliant. Thanks".
Noelle leaned back against the seat, hand pressed against the table.
Jones got up, walked to the back of the room and handed her a cup of coffee a few minutes later. She managed a little smile in thanks, secretly hoping he'd stick around for a little while longer. Malarkey was a great leader for 2nd Platoon but maybe having Jones around, would give him less stress. It wasn't an easy job, holding together a Platoon. And if Jones stuck around, he could help Malarkey because after last night, Noelle and the rest, they really liked the West Point Lieutenant.
"Who wrote out the battlefield report?" Noelle asked.
"Webster and I did". Jones told her.
She nodded, "thank you, sir, Web…I forgot about it".
Noelle checked her watch, it was early still.
She didn't expect their briefing to come any time soon.
So, everyone took that time to relax, get something to eat and wash it down with hot coffee and cigarettes. The men got their rifles sorted, Heffron and McClung were playing a game of cards, Jones watched the men, a spark of acceptance within him now. And Noelle watched them all, feeling her heart swell up with pride, because she was so damn proud of everyone. This must have been how her friends felt after leading a patrol. Guarnere and Toye, every time they took their men out and brought them back again, they must have felt proud. For all the times Toye had told her;
"Good job, kid".
Noelle wished she would have believed him back then.
Because she got it now.
"'Watcha looking at, Webster?"
Eyebrows twitching, she looked over at Webster, he quickly lowered his stare.
"Yeah…that's what I thought, collage boy".
Noelle sighed quietly.
Great, Cobb was drunk.
"Are you drunk, trooper?" Jones asked, just to be sure.
"Leave me alone". He slurred back.
Pursing her lips together, Noelle looked over at the Lieutenant.
"Answer the question". Jones said, holding a certain amount of firmness in his voice.
"Yes, sir…I am drunk, sir". Cobb said.
He was being arrogant and coming across aggressive.
"Drunk". He continued, "sick and tired of fucking patrols. Taking orders from the likes of-"
"Jesus, Cobb". Noelle said, shaking her head.
She turned to face him.
"You've really fucked up, eh?"
Cobb aimed to glare at her but staggered instead.
She got onto her feet, staring up at him.
"That's a shame, Cobb". Noelle said, "but get the fuck out of here".
"What?" He whispered, pulling a face.
"You're not on my patrol – get out of my sight".
Cobb huffed out a laugh, "gladly, your majesty".
Noelle looked a little disgusted.
And during the process of sitting back down, Cobb lobbed the bottle of schnapps at her.
Though, it flew right over her head and smashed against the wall, almost hitting Shifty.
Noelle sharply walked over to him, "Cobb – 'a swear to fucking God, 'a'll shoot you".
Cobb grinned, "yeah?"
"Piss off". She told him, "get fucking out, you're done, man. You're so fucking done".
He stared at her, not speaking for a few moments.
His voice lowered, "you're taking their side?"
Cobb was referring to Webster and Jones.
Noelle stared right back at him, "aye, 'am taking their side. You don't talk to an officer like that. Or any man from Easy, get it? Clear off".
Her stomach did tighten with pity.
Cobb was a good soldier, God, he was a great soldier.
And it was such a sorry sight, seeing him drink away his career in the army.
But Noelle couldn't have this version of Cobb on her patrol.
And he was beginning to realise this, for just a quick moment.
"I'm sorry". He whispered, so only she could hear.
Noelle nodded, "aye…me too, Cobb".
And Cobb left, she didn't have to kick him up the arse, he just left.
Rubbing her lips together, Noelle re-took her seat.
The room fell into silence.
She sighed, "it's 'awright, Foley will handle it".
A few of them were smiling at her.
Noelle cleared her throat, "what?"
Grant shrugged, "oh, nothing Nelly".
"Aye, well – just get back to playing cards or whatever".
…
Webster came down the stairs, announcing Speirs, Winters and Nixon were headed down.
Noelle nodded, a tiny smile on her lips.
"Ten-Hutt!" She called.
Everyone got onto their feet, without huffing and moaning like last time.
Noelle saluted the three officers, who walked into the room.
The rest followed after.
She gave Winters a tiny smirk, who looked a little surprised.
"At ease". He told them.
Noelle stood at ease with the rest.
"This everyone, Nelly?"
"Aye, sir". She told him, "everyone's here".
"Good".
Soon, they all gathered around the table, where Winters put down his helmet.
It was clear to see that no one wanted to do another patrol, but Noelle wanted them to remain focused and strong about it. A job was a job and if Sink wanted them to go across that river a second time, then they'd get across that fucking river a second time.
"You all did an excellent job last time". Winters told them, "I'm, uh, I'm proud". He said, and he truly meant that. "Yeah, I'm proud – I just spoke with Colonel Sink, he's proud too...in fact, he's so proud, that he would like you to do another patrol across the river tonight".
Noelle looked around at her friends.
Some looked more tired than others, while leaning heavily against the table.
Blinking, she turned back to look up at Winters.
The Captain looked at his watch.
"Any moment now, the outpost we hit last night will go up in flames, Nelly?"
He asked, looking over at her.
Noelle nodded, "yes, sir".
"It means we'll have to venture further into town this time".
She gave a tiny nod again.
"Captain Speirs, you have the map, please?"
"Yeah, Sargent Grant".
Speirs handed Grant the map, who folded it out onto the table.
Noelle took a tiny step forward and stood on the balls of her feet, stretching over to see the map.
"We have enemy movement here". Winters said, pointing to an area on the map.
Noelle took this in, trying to figure out another plan in her head.
"And here". He added.
Her eyes drifted to the next spot on the map.
"Which means this is our new house target, here".
She looked over at the marked spot on the map.
It was further away from the river this time, perhaps stretching for a mile or two.
She hoped Battalion would be covering their withdrawal again.
They could use the same effective covering fire.
"We recovered all the boats, so we'll be setting off from the same place we did last night".
Noelle frowned a little, looking back up towards him.
"We're 'no changing the plan, sir?" She asked him softly.
Winters looked over at her for a moment, "no, plan is the same".
Noelle nodded, staring back down at the map.
That was good, they were getting covering fire again.
She'd just need to find good spots from the firing team.
"It'll be 0200 hours instead of 0100". He told them, "is that clear?"
"Yes, sir".
A few of them mumbled, daunted by another patrol.
"Okay". Winters said quietly. "Good, because, uh…".
She frowned a little, while staring back at him.
"I want you all to get a full nights sleep tonight".
Noelle had to blink a few times.
What?
"Which means, in the morning, you will report to me that you made it across the river into German lines but were unable to secure any live prisoners".
She felt a swell of emotions hit her.
Noelle looked at her friends faces, they were smiling.
She rubbed her forehead, composing herself.
"Understand?" Winters asked them.
"Yes, sir".
The relief in those words, it was hard hitting.
What a man. What a wizard man.
Winters collected the map, "good".
He gave them a nod.
"Carry on".
When he left, everyone sunk in relief.
"Did I fucking hear that right?" Liebgott whispered.
Ramirez looked near tears, while he smiled in pure relief.
Noelle gave a small nod, before she walked up the stairs with Jones.
Once outside, just as they were heading towards CP, the outpost from across the river blew up.
Noelle jumped a little, turning to face it.
She simply stared at the falling building and gave herself a nod.
There, now the patrol was officially over.
Webster, who had soon joined them outside, grinned.
"Well, now it's over".
"Lieutenant Jones!" Speirs called, "join us at CP".
Jones cleared his throat and looked at Noelle and Webster.
"Won't you join me?"
"We will, sir".
CP was, like always, a little busy.
Poor Luz was still trying to guard the rations with Vest helping.
Noelle and Webster walked over to the counter, while Jones stood by an open doorway.
She looked over at him first but then her eyes caught sight of Lipton.
He was smiling, while Winters handed him a piece of paper.
"Your honourable discharge as an enlisted man". Winters told him, "and Battlefield commission as a 2nd Lieutenant".
Noelle felt her whole-body shudder with goose bumps.
She huffed out a tiny laugh, staring at him.
This same man she had met on the train going from Virginia to Georgia. The same man, who like the rest of them, started out as a Private but he raised to Sargent, her original squad leader, pretty quickly. He was 1st Sargent in Holland when Diel got promoted to Lieutenant and he was 1st Sargent in Bastogne, holding Easy together during that scary and miserable moment in combat. And he led 2nd Platoon during Foy and Noville.
Luz was smiling too, looking a little teary eyed.
Noelle looked back at him and when she faced Lipton again, he gave them both a nod.
Lipton was shaking everyone's hand, including Welsh.
Noelle smiled, it was good to see that man back.
Then, Winters walked in front of Jones.
"Lieutenant Jones". He said, "regiment has seen fit to promote you to 1st Lieutenant".
Noelle frowned and tilted her head to the side.
He was getting promoted after one patrol?
"They want you on staff up there".
And they were losing another officer?
Noelle shook her head with a sigh, Jesus, that was just their luck.
Jones had shown great potential out there and they were losing him.
"Looks like you've lost another Platoon leader, huh?" Luz commented.
Noelle snorted and turned to face him, "what luck, eh? Jesus, George".
"I'm sure you'll find another". He said, "good thing you've still got Malark".
Her face softened into a smile, "aye…we've still got Donnie".
…
Relief came for Easy Company when they headed back to Mourmelon on the 25th of February.
Which just happened to be the day Noelle turned nineteen.
However, they weren't to be billeted into barracks anymore. They were to stay in large, green, twelve-man tents. It was like being back in Toccoa once again, with the wet mud and the sour conditions. Still, it was better than being on the front line. At least here, they didn't have to be ducking from 88's or diving for cover. For Noelle, Mourmelon was the best birthday present she had ever received.
A few promotions were made when they got to camp.
Talbert was made 1st Sargent, replacing Lipton.
Carson became Company clerk.
Luz, a Platoon runner.
And the Platoon Sargent's were now, Amos Taylor from 3rd, Earl Hale from 1st and Charles Grant from 2nd.
Winters had been promoted to Major, which was a huge deal for the Toccoa guys. Lieutenant Colonel Strayer had been transferred to Regimental HQ, which put Winters in command of the entire 2nd Battalion. He appointed Captain Loyd as his exclusive officer. Captain Nixon joined as his operations officers. Lieutenant's Cowing and Richey were his logistical officers. And Welsh now served as his intelligence officer.
They were all made-up for Winters, he was a great leader, very respected.
The morning after Grant got promoted to Platoon Sargent, Noelle was called up.
Noelle felt happy to go along to the Battalion tent.
She had a warm shower earlier that morning; her uniform was cleaned, and she was polished up well. Though she had some idea of why she was being called up, Noelle tried not to think too much about it. It could have been something else, it could be that she was in trouble for leaving that wounded German behind, or that Speirs needed a runner for something.
Noelle didn't know but she kept her mind wide open.
Upon entering the tent, Winters and Speirs were both present.
She saluted the two officers, while Luz walked back outside the tent.
They saluted her back, looking as sharp as ever.
"At ease, Corporal".
Noelle stood with ease.
Well, as much as her nerves would let her.
"We read over your battle report from the patrol across the river". Winters began, "I was very impressed with how well you handled everything, Colonel Sink was impressed too".
She swallowed.
Sweat began to form on her hands and her heart was hammering against her chest.
Noelle felt anxious now, being inside this Battalion tent, standing in front of a Major and her Commanding Officer. It wasn't like last time, when Winters was their CO and he had pulled Noelle inside that massive house in Aldbourne, promoting her to Corporal. This was so different.
The Major tilted his head to the side.
"As you know, we've promoted Sargent Grant to Platoon Sargent. Which leaves 1st squad without a leader". He said, "you've been in 1st squad since Toccoa, correct?"
Noelle nodded.
"Yes, sir". She croaked.
"Well, we wouldn't want 1st squad to fall into the wrong hands now, would we?"
She shook her head.
No, they couldn't risk that.
All she had left from since Holland were Eddie Stein, Jim McMahon and of course, her close friend, Heffron. The squad was a lot smaller, Noelle saw each and every face since Toccoa and England in her head. Clyde and Jackson, of course. Her two good friends. And then Toye, who had been leading her for a long time. She missed him, she missed all of her friends.
Noelle would get sentimental with 1st squad.
Because out in combat and back in training, she was around them the most.
"I'm very proud to be promoting you to Sargent".
Winters told her quietly, with a kind smile.
"I sometimes see that girl who asked me if she could keep her worksheet back in Toccoa, because she didn't fail a test".
Noelle couldn't believe he remembered that.
He said, "you've worked extremely hard, Nelly. You've earned this promotion".
She was given a new badge, with three stripes.
Noelle sighed shakily, staring down at the badge in her hand.
A hard lump was lodged in her throat.
"Thank you, sir".
Noelle managed to squeeze out between that lump.
"I'm sure Joe will be happy to hear that you're now leading his old squad".
That did it for her.
Noelle closed her eyes and scratched her forehead.
Jesus. She thought.
"Now, you have some replacements coming in". Winters carried on, "they're 'gonna need a lot of good training from you, Sargent Stewart". He said, "which I'm sure you'll provide for them".
Opening her eyes, Noelle looked back up at him.
"Yes, sir".
Winters gave her shoulder a squeeze, "alright, Nelly. Carry on".
Giving them another salute, Noelle turned to leave.
"Oh, and Sargent?"
She looked back at him, "yes, sir?"
Winters smiled, "happy belated birthday".
Noelle felt her eyes sting a bit, while she continued to stare at him, surprised.
Speirs cleared his throat, "Nelly, say thank you and carry on".
"Eh – right, aye". Noelle whispered.
Clearing her throat, she gave Winters a nod.
"T-thank you, sir".
The Major smiled, "carry on, Nelly…you're welcome".
Still a little shocked, Noelle wondered away from the tent.
She looked back down at the badge and lifted her head, once heading into the NCO tent, where the others were. Malarkey got onto his feet and soon headed over to her.
"Did you?"
Noelle nodded, "'a did, aye".
She opened her hand, showing him the badge.
Malarkey smiled, "well done, Nelly".
"Aye?"
He nodded, "you deserve to be a squad leader, always thought that".
Noelle looked up at him, "'am just thinking about Joe".
Malarkey smiled a little.
"I wonder what he would 'a've said".
"Well…I think he'd feel pretty gutted about being demoted".
Noelle snorted, "nah – come on…".
Malarkey cleared his throat, "you know what he'd say, Nelly. He'd be proud and he'd say his squads in the right hands".
"Yeah…maybe".
"Now, I've got a few guys who's heading into your squad".
"'Awright…who?"
…
Private John Janovec was Noelle's first ever project.
In terms of being a Paratrooper, he sure fit the bill.
Confident, funny and reliable.
Perhaps, Janovec sometimes wasn't serious enough. But more often than not, Noelle would let it slide because no one wanted to be training at the moment. Winters had set up a few sporting activities for the guys to take part in, baseball, basketball and football. She would encourage her squad to try-out for the teams, Noelle believed doing sports was good for the mind and the body, of course. Not that she'd ever try-out.
Noelle was too short for basketball.
Too small for football.
And honestly, she didn't understand baseball.
So, during her free time, Noelle would sit around and relax.
Or, she'd go to PX and get drunk with the guys. She drank a lot of schnapps, whiskey and beer during her time in Mourmelon. One night, she got so drunk, that she passed out on the grass, right outside her tent, she almost made it. Grant had to carry her back inside, despite being so drunk himself. He ended up falling, they both came tumbling down.
She still had a bruise from that fall.
But if Noelle wasn't getting drunk, she'd spend a lot of time reflecting.
It probably wasn't the greatest idea, but she liked to remind herself of all the friends they had lost since stepping foot into combat. She liked to remind herself that before Easy, life wasn't great but she had Jimmy and Barry to keep her right.
"Everything happens for a reason".
That's what Jimmy would tell her, if he came home battered and bruised.
"Who I am today, is who I'll still be tomorrow. Because their anger and hatred, it fuels me".
Noelle had been lucky, she knew so many brave and heroic young men.
Her friends from Easy.
Winters, Nixon and Welsh.
Jimmy and Barry.
And her dad.
"Penny for your thoughts?"
Noelle blinked and looked away from the nights sky.
She looked at Lipton, who sat down next to her on the grass.
Noelle cleared her throat, "hey, sir".
"What are you doing out here?" He asked.
She shrugged, "'a was thinking, 'a like to think 'a do that from time to time".
Lipton smiled, "oh? Hope it's nothing too serious".
Noelle pursed her lips, looking back up towards the stars.
She swallowed, "'a never did say congratulations".
"You've been busy". Lipton said, "and you never had to say it".
Noelle's lips twitched, "it's mental, sir…like 'am happy and that but – 'a 'dunno. 'A'll miss you when you have to leave Easy".
The 2nd Lieutenant sighed, "yeah…I was thinking that".
"I don't think 'a ever thanked you".
He frowned a little.
"For a lot of things, really". Noelle said, "like how you looked after me in training and that. 'A couldn't have been easy, 'a was always digging holes".
Lipton's face broke out into a wonderful smile.
She sighed, "the army's pure stupid".
He huffed out a laugh, "Nelly!"
"It's true". She mumbled, "you should be our Platoon leader…if only they had a fucking brain".
Lipton's face softened, he nudged her arm.
"I'm proud of you too, Nelly". He said, "it's been…well, it's been an experience watching you grow into the soldier you are today".
Noelle's face turned into a sad frown, while she leaned against his arm.
"'Am no loosing you yet, right?"
Lipton wrapped his arm around her, shaking his head.
"Nah, you've still got me around".