The Matter of Honor Raid
desertpat51
Sergeant Sam Troy lays prone atop a sand dune scanning the desert beyond with binoculars. At the base of the dune the rest of his team, Moffitt, Hitch, and Tully, wait next to their two Jeeps, listening to the musical programs broadcast from the German-run radio station in Belgrade, Yugoslavia.
After several minutes Troy finally spots the approaching convoy they've been waiting for. The German vehicles include a halftrack in the lead, three supply trucks, a medical truck with a red cross on the side (one to avoid), a final supply truck, a tank and a second halftrack at the end of the convoy. They move along the sand track, which parallels a wadi, a dry river bed, their occupants cautious but still oblivious to the impending danger.
Captain Hans Dietrich stands on the passenger seat of the lead halftrack scanning the horizon with his binoculars and checking with soldiers in the vehicles behind. All seems clear, so far.
As the German convoy drives between the wadi, on their right, and the dune on their left, Troy slides down off the back of the dune and signals to the others. Their afternoon quarry has arrived.
Hitch turns off the radio. Tully and Moffitt climb into their Jeep as Hitch and Troy climb into theirs. Troy and Moffitt take their positions in the back of their Jeeps, grabbing the handles of their .50's. Hitch and Tully start their engines and Troy yells, "Shake it!" They head off to the right and around the far end of the dune so they will come at their prey from behind.
The two Allied Jeeps round the dune and speed towards the end of the German convoy, their mounted machineguns blazing. When the shooting starts Dietrich spins around on the seat, spots the Jeeps attacking and immediately barks orders through his head-set for all of his men to return fire.
Troy on the .50 starts strafing the last halftrack, hitting several of the soldiers, including the driver. Hitch lobs a group of several grenades. The pack lands just in front and as they drive over it, the concussion flips the vehicle on its side, spilling the occupants onto the sand. Tully stops abruptly as the tank turret starts to turn. Moffitt continues on his .50, while Tully grabs the bazooka propped up on the front seat. He lets loose on the tank, blowing one of the treads off, disabling it. Tully now guns the engine and they're off to join Hitch and Troy who are already sending gun fire into the third vehicle from the end, a supply truck, setting off the munitions inside with a tremendous set of explosions.
Though the last three vehicles are now out of commission, the surviving soldiers, on the ground and in the tank, take aim and start firing at their adversaries, but the Rats have sped ahead. They are careful to avoid hitting the medical truck, and take aim at the next truck in line. They riddle it with bullets causing the munitions inside to explode.
The driver of the medical truck swerves to the right to miss the exploding munitions truck but realizes, too late, that he's now pitching over into the wadi. He opens the door, tries to jump, but the steep bank causes the truck to flip quickly, throwing him up and over. Just as the truck is flipping, debris, flames, and fuel, from the exploding munitions truck directly ahead, hit the now exposed underside of the medical truck. Its fuel tank explodes in a huge fireball. Caught by the concussion of the explosion, the soldier, flailing in mid-air, is propelled further onto the far side of the wadi and into some brush.
The lead halftrack, has turned and is now heading back to attack the Jeeps. Just then, Dietrich spots the medical truck flip into the wadi, as if in slow motion… then it explodes. He's stunned but recovers fast, beats his fists on the frame and yells out in German for his men to heighten their attack on the Rats. Hitch swerves to avoid the increased gun fire, almost throwing Troy out of the Jeep. But Troy hangs on to the handles and swings the .50 back toward the incoming halftrack.
As the attack intensifies the first two supply trucks, so far untouched by the Rats, speed ahead. Dietrich's halftrack maneuvers to protect the fleeing trucks and heads straight for Hitch and Troy, guns blazing. The Jeep swerves away from the convoy and heads back toward the dune as bullets fly too close for comfort.
Tully is following the other Jeep, then also tries to swerve, but the disabled tank takes aim at his Jeep. A cannon shell hits just short of its mark and the blast causes the Jeep to flip off the ground. Moffitt is thrown clear and onto the sand. Tully ducks for the floorboards of the passenger side. As the Jeep comes down hard, the .50 is snapped off and it's post is driven deep into the soft sand. The Jeep crashes down, upside down and tilted to the passenger's side. Steam erupts from the punctured radiator.
Dietrich's halftrack speeds closer, guns blazing. Moffitt is hit in the right shoulder but forces himself off the sand and staggers towards his overturned Jeep. Tully is trapped under it, the passenger side panel pressing menacingly onto his neck with only his head showing. He's not moving. Moffitt slides onto his knees next to Tully's head, "Tully?... Tully!" But bullets from the halftrack interrupt him.
Hitch drives in close and skids to a stop in the soft sand as Troy provides cover with the .50. Troy quickly glances down at the other private then yells, "Moffitt! Moffitt!... He's gone… We've got to' go!" Moffitt starts pawing at the sand around Tully's head and yells back, "No! I can dig him out!" Troy pops off more rounds from the .50 as the halftrack closes in, "Hitch… Get Moffitt… If we don't leave now, we're all dead… Move it!" Hitch jumps from the Jeep as Troy pops off more rounds. The halftrack is returning fire and is almost upon them. Hitch is grazed in the left arm as he forces Moffitt into their remaining Jeep. He jumps into the driver's seat, guns the engine but the wheels spin in the soft sand until they finally gain traction and the Jeep speeds away.
Sergeant Moffitt looks back as the halftrack speeds by the overturned Jeep in hot pursuit. Guns blaze in both directions, with Troy firing back towards the Germans. But the Jeep outruns the halftrack, careens around the same end of the dune from where it had come, and disappears into the desert.
Dietrich calls a halt to the pursuit and watches as the lone Jeep fades into a cloud of dust. He then orders the driver to turn around and head back to the battleground and to the wadi.
As the halftrack stops, Dietrich jumps out and runs to the edge. The medical truck, upside down and still on fire, is becoming a blackened hulk. He stands, unmoving, starring at the devastation. A German officer comes up from behind and stands quietly next to Dietrich, then finally speaks, "Herr Hauptmann… I am truly sorry." He stands there a moment more, than turns and quietly walks away.
A while later, the remaining two trucks are parked next to Dietrich's halftrack which is near the destroyed munitions truck and the overturned blacked medical truck in the wadi. The German officer, Leutnant Becker, who survived the attack on the rear halftrack unscathed, is conversing with the remaining men as Hans Dietrich approaches. Becker turns, "Herr Hauptmann, ten men fit for duty, seven wounded, one dead and… one missing." Dietrich shakes his head, "He's dead." He looks at the devastation. There are too many emotions to process: anger, sorrow, rage, grief, contempt. He looks down, takes a deep breath… then gets back to business, "Form a burial detail. Assess the damage to the tank and halftrack. If repairable, you will come back tomorrow with a repair team… We leave within the hour." Becker nods solemnly but hesitates, "Hauptmann… There is another matter."
Becker leads Dietrich to the overturned Allied Jeep and points to Tully's pinned and unmoving head, "Do you want us to bury him?" Dietrich stares down at the Rat with loathing, "Leave him for the vultures." Becker nods and the two men turn and walk away.
As the three remaining German vehicles move off in their original direction, searching eyes high above begin to gather. Several vultures circle over the now silent battlefield. The smell of death has lured them in. From a bird's eye view, two munitions trucks still smolder. The medical truck, is jammed unnaturally upside down wedged into the wadi. Nearby, and just on the edge of the wadi, the tank is crippled with one tread blown off. Away from the wadi, the halftrack lays on its side and an Allied Jeep is upside down on the sand. What the winged scavengers are seeking are not these metal carcasses but any human bodies left behind.
On the far side of the wadi, and hidden behind rocks and under thick shrubs, a German soldier lays unmoving on the sand. The young man groans and winces. He blinks his brown eyes several times to clear the blurry image and looks out from under the brush. He sees two Egyptian vultures, with their naked, yellow orange heads and black and white feathers. They are sitting, on the edge of the wadi, watching him. He tries to shoo them away by waving his arm but a pain shoots through his shoulder. The birds hiss and almost growl then lazily fly off to find a more quiescent meal.
He sits up with some effort, aching all over. He looks around, sees he's on the other side of the wadi from the battle, but doesn't see any movement… except for the vultures. He takes a deep breath, then his minimal medical training kicks in. He starts going through the mental checklist to see if he has any injuries. He runs his hands through his tussled short brown hair to check for cuts or scrapes to his head but, amazingly, finds none. He then checks his neck, arms, chest, midsection and legs. But only a few scratches. His uniform is another matter. There are some rips, burn holes and soot, from being thrown by the flipping truck and singed by the explosion, but not bad for such a horrific crash.
He stands slowly, with some pain, and surveys the damage. He's very young, tall, lanky and not yet filled out. He walks to the edge of the wadi and looks down on the burned-out medical truck from which he had been thrown. On the far side, two destroyed trucks and the tank, with a tread blown off, sit silently.
The young soldier takes a deep breath then tries to remember his survival training. He makes his way slowly down one side of the wadi, skirting around the smoldering truck then scrambles up the far side.
There's a slight breeze, blowing the smoke in waves and, partially obscuring his view. Vultures are landing and investigating the field. He sees one sitting on the side of the overturned halftrack intent on something just beyond. He moves around the halftrack but stops short at the sight of a freshly dug grave. The bird is disturbed by his presence and lazily flies off.
Since his cap was lost during the crash, he shades his eyes from the blazing sun and searches the horizon. Nothing but hot empty desert. He takes another deep breath and now moves from vehicle to vehicle searching for critical survival items: water, food… and a working radio.
He first checks the least damaged vehicle, the halftrack. He finds some bread bags and a few canteens, but its radio is smashed on the sand. He takes a long drink then leaves his finds in a pile. Next he moves to the tank but notes that the antenna has been badly damaged. He climbs to the top and peers into the dark cavern. He doesn't want to encounter any bodies. He lowers himself slowly into the sweltering maw and finds the radio, but there's only static.
He climbs out of the tank then runs to the two destroyed trucks. But whatever provisions had been carried within are now burned beyond recognition. He kicks the sand in frustration, takes several angry breaths, then looks around the desolation… he's finally realizing… he's alone.
Then he hears it… a low moan. It's hard to tell from where the sound is coming. But he finally sees another vulture sitting atop an overturned Allied Jeep. He tries to run in the soft sand but only half lopes to the Jeep waving his arms. The bird lazily flies to the ground.
He walks more cautiously now as he approaches and shoos the bird away. He moves to the other side of the Jeep… and sees a head. It's jammed between the sand and the side panel of the passenger's side, just in front of the seat. The side panel is pressing down on the man's neck. If the Jeep were to move, even a bit, his neck would be crushed. The German hesitates not really wanting to know if the man is alive or dead. There's no movement. He approaches and finally kneels down and can barely get his hand in to check for a pulse on his neck. He pulls his hand away quickly… The man is alive.
The man, the Rat Patrol's Tully, winces and groans again. The German looks down at his enemy with distain, a man who has helped cause all of this destruction. He then remembers his Hauptmann's words to his men, just three days before, 'We must find and destroy this Rat Patrol. They must be killed or captured, now! I will have no more of them, do you understand?'
Tully is now groaning and trying to move. His eyes are open, his head cocked to the side. He's squinting then smiles and speaks with an odd accent, at least to German ears, "Blue… Is… is that you… old girl?" He takes a few labored breaths, "Come here, Blue… Blue?" He closes his eyes, winces in pain and groans. He comes back to reality. His neck is pinned though there is a little room under the Jeep for the rest of his body. He wriggles his hands towards his head and tries to push against the side panel, but there's too much weight, "Is… is anyone there?" He moans, closes his eyes, and strains against the Jeep.
The young German watches his enemy. But they have not always been enemies. Once they had a truce. It has been several months since they were all captured by Arabs. The Rat Patrol's leader escaped and was able to find and bring back his Hauptmann along with several armed soldiers. Together, they defeated the Arabs… and then the truce was over. The two groups, German and Allied, left the oasis, heading in opposite directions to begin a new day.
He looks down again at the American and realizes something else. His Hauptmann has also said these desert rats are very resourceful. Maybe the Rat… what was his name, something odd… could help somehow. At least he would no longer be alone.
The German kneels down next to Tully's head and speaks in fairly good English, "Can you hear me? I am here. I can help you." The Rat doesn't answer and the German tries again, "Please… can you hear me? Open your eyes… Please?"
Tully moans, opens his eyes, winces, and blinks. The two pairs of brown eyes meet and the young man looks down at him, "Can you hear me?" Tully can't quite nod but attempts a smile, "Yeah… But I… I can't get out… I need help." Erich hesitates, "We could make a truce, yes?" Tully attempts another smile, "Yeah… okay… I agree… a truce. But you have to help me… okay?"
The young man tries a smile, nods "I am going to try. Your name is… Tully, is that correct?" Tully frowns. He doesn't remember knowing any Germans that well. But there's something familiar about this kid. He sees Tully is trying to work it out, so he asks, "Do you remember me? Several months ago. We were captured by Arabs…. At the oasis." Tully squints, tries to see the German more clearly, "I… Are you…? You're Erich. Dietrich's nephew, right?" Erich nods. Tully takes a breath, "Well, it's good to see another face." He's hoping it's a friendly face.
Tully thinks, "Erich, my neck is pinned. Can you dig the sand out from around my head?" Erich kneels down, slowly removes a bit of sand but the Jeep starts to pivot on what's left of the .50's post and settles more on Tully's neck. Tully quickly says, "Stop!" He squirms under the pressure, "No good. We need to lift this thing off me. What… what we need to do…" He's thinking overtime through the pain in his body… "Yeah. What we need is a… a pole… and… something to wedge under it."
Erich thinks, "I believe I understand. A… what do you call it… a lever?" Tully attempts a nod. Erich is reassuring, "I am going to have to leave you for a few minutes. Will you be alright?" Tully closes his eyes as if to prepare himself then opens them and almost smiles, "Yeah… Just come back… Okay?" Erich looks at Tully, "I will come back." Tully watches as Erich disappears around the front of the Jeep.
It seems like an eternity. Tully watches as smoke from smoldering vehicles drifts by and an occasional vulture circles overhead. He hopes the birds don't find him before Erich gets back. He wouldn't be able to shoo them away and he has seen what these birds can do to human bodies… and heads.
Finally, Erich returns with a metal bar, pulled from the halftrack, and a water can. Tully smiles, relieved that Erich is back. The young German pushes the bar into the soft sand under the seat just behind Tully's head. He then slides the can, bottom first, under the bar. If he can use this makeshift lever system to lift this side just enough… Using the can as a fulcrum, he sets his foot against the end, so it won't slip, and pushes down on the bar. But as he pushes down, the water can begins to dent.
Tully watches and sees the can start to go, but also feels the Jeep start to rotate and move off his neck. He encourages Erich, "It's okay. It's lifting. Keep going. Just a little more." Erich pushes down a little more on the bar. The can holds and the Jeep pivots again on what's left of the .05's post. The side panel, wedged against Tully's neck, is rising. Tully turns his head to the side, "A little more…"
Then Erich sees Tully's head disappear under the Jeep… and hears a voice, "It's real tight but I'm okay. Let the Jeep down… slowly, but leave the bar under the Jeep. It'll act as a wedge and should keep the Jeep from settling." Erich lets the bar up slowly, pulls the can, and the Jeep settles onto the bar, "Are you alright?" Tully's voice calls out, "I'm okay. Get a shovel. Dig out the sand from the side."
Erich runs to the halftrack and retrieves a shovel. A few minutes of digging and Tully squirms out from under the Jeep. He sits on the sand up against the side panel. He's sore all over from the ordeal but looks up at the young man, "Thanks." Erich nods then asks, "Can you fix a radio?" Tully smiles, "I'll give it a try. I'm pretty good with radios." Erich seems a bit relieved. Tully rubs his neck which is red from the pressure, "Do you have any water?" Erich nods.
Erich extends a hand and helps Tully stand. He's still unsteady and bends over momentarily, putting hands to knees. He straightens slowly, steadying himself on the overturned Jeep, then nods to Erich that he's okay. Then he takes a second look at Erich and realizes he's almost as tall as he is, "Hey, you've grown." Erich smiles and nods, "A bit." Tully grabs the crumpled water can, "Can never have too much water." They then move to the supply stash by the halftrack. Erich hands Tully one of the canteens. He takes several swigs but stops short of emptying it, knowing the supply is limited.
The two now move from halftrack to trucks to tank. Tully is doing better as he inspects what's left of the Rat's attack. He sighs, shakes his head, "If the tank radio isn't damaged, I think we can get it working… if we can repair the antenna." He points to where the antenna should be, but it's almost gone.
A while later a makeshift antenna is jerry-rigged to the tank. Erich and Tully are stuffed into the belly of the beast and Tully is adjusting the radio dial. The radio crackles to life. Tully smiles then starts to speak, "This is Tully Pettigrew and Erich…" He looks at Erich, not knowing his last name. Erich speaks into the mic, "Erich Ziegler." Tully starts again, "This is Tully Pettigrew and Erich Ziegler calling Captain Dietrich and Sergeant Troy. Come in please. Over." He repeats the same message several times. But nothing.
Tully has been through this before, trying to contact someone who doesn't know to expect a call. He reassures Erich, "It may take a while. This is Tully Pettigrew and Erich Ziegler to anyone out there, please come in. Over." A couple more tries, then a crackle… and finally a voice, "Tully? Tully, is that you?" The familiar voice of his friend, Hitch, comes over the radio. Tully grins at Erich.
In a German field camp, Hauptmann Hans Dietrich sits on a wooden table with his boots on the bench, in front of his command tent and under a camo net. He's staring at nothing in particular and has forgotten about the cigarette he holds between his fingers, a long ash dangles off the end. A German soldier comes running up to the Captain, speaks in German. Dietrich is stunned, sits there a moment, looks at the man again who smiles and nods. He then tosses the smoke aside as he runs with the soldier back to the radio tent.
Back in the tank, Tully is smiling, though Erich is a little more reserved. Tully hangs up the mic, "It worked… Let's get out of this thing." Erich nods and gives a little smile. Tully and Erich climb out of the tank and head back to the halftrack on its side. Tully asks, "Do you have any food? It's going to be a couple of hours before anyone gets here." Erich points to the bread bags and they sit in the shade of the halftrack to eat.
Tully digs into one of the food bags and enjoys fruit and some dried fish. But Erich has pulled his knees to his chest and is staring out at the desert. Tully asks, "You okay?" Erich continues to stare, "I don't know." Tully asks, "Was this your first fight?" Erich nods. Tully says, "Hey. You've been through a lot. It's probably just the adrenalin. It'll pass. Eat something. You'll feel better."
Erich sits cross-legged, opens a bag and pulls out a piece of bread but hesitates, "Tully?" Tully glances at him, "Yeah?" Erich asks slowly, "When you were under the Jeep, were you… scared?" Tully now looks more carefully at the young man, and nods, "Yeah. Stuck under there, with all those buzzards around just waiting to peck out my eyes? You bet. Why? Weren't you scared? I mean, you must have thought you were all alone." Erich shakes his head and frowns, "I should not have been…. I am a German soldier. Besides, I am alone most of the time, so…" Tully asks, "Alone? What about your friend, that other guy at the oasis… Neumann something?" Erich sighs, "Franz was injured and then transferred." Tully then asks, "And the other guys in the unit?" Erich glances at Tully then looks away, "After the oasis… No one would talk to me. I think it is because I am Herr Hauptmann's nephew." Tully frowns, "No one talks to you? I don't know what I'd do if the other guys didn't talk to me. It's kind of what makes this war bearable." He smiles over at Erich, "Hey. I'm here. And if you have any questions, or want to talk about anything, feel free." Erich nods, "Danke... Thank you."
It's been a while. Tully is leaning up against what was the floor of the halftrack relaxing in the shade, swallowing a gulp of water. Erich glances over at him, "Tully?" Tully answers absently, "Yeah?" Erich asks, "Who is Blue?" Tully looks over at him, "Where did you hear that?" Erich says, "When I first found you, you were talking to someone named Blue. But that is a color. I do not understand." Tully smiles, "I guess I was seeing things. Blue was my hound dog." Erich has never heard this term before, "Hound… Dog?" Tully smiles, "You know, sort of droopy looking, big floppy ears… good for hunting… and real smart." Erich shakes his head. Tully smiles, "Anyway, Blue was a good old dog. I miss her."
He hesitates then asks, "Do you have any pets?" Erich nods, "We had a dog when I was young. My mother has a canary and my sister has a cat." Tully asks, "Older or younger?" Erich asks, "The cat?" Tully smiles, "No. Your sister. Is she older or younger?" Erich nods, "Oh. Ilse is four years younger, so thirteen… almost fourteen, now. I would have had a brother two years younger… but he died." Tully nods, "That happens… Sorry."
There's a pause then Erich asks, "Do you have any brothers or sisters?" Tully smiles, "Oh yeah. Lots. I come from a big family. So do my folks. So I've also got lots of aunts and… and uncles." Erich thinks, "I wish I came from a big family." Tully shakes his head slightly, "It has its ups and downs… Great for holidays, chores and hunting…" Erich looks at him, "What are the… downs?" Tully smiles, "Well, sometimes there were just too many of us kids for the folks to keep track of, and… sometimes we got in trouble." He doesn't continue. Erich asks, "Did you get into trouble?" Tully half smiles, "Sometimes."
Tully takes a drink from a canteen, hands it to Erich, then asks, "You said your mom has a bird and sister has a cat." Erich nods. Tully smiles, "My Ma had a bird, a parakeet… Tweety Bird. Those two were really close. She let it fly around the house and it would even land on her head." The two chuckle at that visual. Tully remembers, "But, living on a farm, we also have lots of cats. That bird loved to sit on the window sill and the cats would watch that bird. I swear, that bird knew those cats were there too, and that they couldn't get in. Well… One day, I think us kids were running in and out and one of those cats got in when no one was looking." He shakes his head, "That cat grabbed that bird so fast. I'm sure it was dead before we knew it. I've never seen such a wild look in a cat's eyes."
Erich thinks, "You said your family has a farm. Where is your farm?" Tully smiles, "Kentucky." Erich asks, "What is it like?" Tully thinks, "Kentucky? It has flatlands, rolling hills, mountains, rivers… green." Tully asks, "Where are you from, in Germany?" Erich says, "The north. It is mainly flat with some rolling hills, lakes, rivers… and green." They both smile. Tully says, "And we both end up here in the desert."
Tully looks over at Erich, "You… ah… mentioned your mom and sister… What about your dad?" Erich hesitates, "He is a pilot, with the Luftwaffe." He takes a long breath, "He was shot down during the Battle of Britain." Erich glances at Tully, "He is a prisoner of war… in England." Tully nods, "Sorry."
The smiles have faded as the two are brought back to reality. Erich looks down at the sand then over at the American, "Tully?" Tully has closed his eyes but answers, "Yeah?" Erich starts, "I do not want to… what is the word… interrupt… No… Ummm… Ask about something personal." Tully says, "Pry?" Erich nods. Tully smiles, "Hey, it's just us. What do you want to know?"
Erich hesitates, "Earlier, you said you got in trouble… What did you mean? But… You do not have to tell me… if you…" Tully smiles, "I don't mind." He takes a breath, "There was the usual kid stuff, you know. But then I got into the, ah, family business. I said my family has a farm. But farming doesn't pay much. So… A lot of farmers in the south… ah, southern states of America, turned to moonshining." Erich frowns, "Moon… shining. Does that have something to do with astronomy?"
Tully smiles and almost laughs, "No… Not exactly. You make homemade alcohol, using a still, at night, under the moon. But it's illegal alcohol." Erich frowns, "Illegal? Is alcohol not legal in America?" Tully thinks, this is going to take a while. "You see, it's legal now but, because of certain laws, the government gets to tax alcohol. And some people, well, they don't want to pay those taxes. So they make their own, under the radar, and then sell it to people. Understand?" Erich frowns, "I guess."
Tully continues, "Anyway, my family has been making the best moonshine in the county for years and… well, I used to deliver the stuff. But that means knowing all the back roads and driving real fast and getting past the revenuers." Erich frowns again, "Reve… what?" Tully smiles, "Revenuers. The government guys trying to catch us. And sometimes they'd get lucky and, well, I'd end up in jail. But I got to be pretty good at driving fast. Probably why the Army put me… with Troy's unit."
That brings them both back to reality again. Tully stands, "Forget it. We should probably start looking for the cavalry." Erich stands and frowns again, "Cavalry?" Tully smiles, "You know… The cavalry comes over the hill just in the nick of time to save the day?" But Erich is still in the dark and Tully shakes his head, "I guess you've never seen a Western." He grabs the binoculars, but hesitates, "Sorry. I usually don't talk this much. Must be the accident… and the adrenalin." He smiles slightly and walks to the overturned Jeep, stands next to the hulk and scans the horizon.
Erich is now watching Tully. He frowns and thinks… and again remembers his Hauptmann's words, 'We must find and destroy this Rat Patrol. They must be killed or captured, now!' He shakes his head slightly as his almost eighteen-year-old brain tries to reconcile his commanding officer's orders with what has transpired during the past couple of hours with this man. His face finally hardens as he decides. He slowly picks up a rock from the sand and approaches Tully from behind…
Erich is standing alone and waving as he recognizes his uncle standing on the passenger seat of the first of two halftracks. Captain Dietrich is searching the area with his binoculars when he spots the young soldier waving. He waves back, once, then directs the driver to head for the overturned Jeep. He waves the second halftrack, carrying a repair crew and spare parts, to the overturned halftrack and tank.
The first halftrack pulls up and Dietrich climbs down. Erich runs to him and almost gives him a hug, but stops short when he sees the other men watching, and decides he better salute. Dietrich smiles and takes Erich by the shoulders, "I thought you were dead." He notes the dirty uniform, "Are you alright?" Erich nods, "I am fine" then points to Tully, "Herr Hauptmann, I have a prisoner." The Captain frowns.
Tully is slumped on his side and tied at the wrists and ankles. He groans, winces, slowly opens his eyes and realizes his current predicament. He strains against the ties then struggles and finally sits up.
Erich proudly leads his uncle to where Tully is trussed up and gagged on the ground. Tully struggles then looks up at Dietrich, "…E… ha… a ruh…" Dietrich watches as Tully tries again, "…E… ha… a… ruh!"
The Captain frowns, then to Erich, "Let him speak." Erich hesitates but his Hauptmann's look is insistent. Erich slowly removes the gag. Tully looks straight at Dietrich, "We had a truce. " He's angry now and his head is pounding but he knows he may have only one chance to state his case. So in a more modulated tone, "Captain… we called a truce. Erich got me out from under the Jeep and I fixed the radio so we could contact you." He looks over at Erich, "Then, as we were waiting, he hit me, with something. When I woke up… I was trussed up like a Thanksgiving turkey! He broke our truce." Tully gives it one more try for good measure, "It's the honest truth, Captain… I give you my word."
Dietrich considers Tully's words then looks at Erich, "Is this true? Did you conclude a truce with this man and then break it?" Erich looks to Tully then avoids Dietrich, doesn't answer. But his Hauptmann wants an answer, "Speak up!" Erich flinches at his uncle's sharp tone but Tully has heard this voice before and now knows he's got a chance. Erich gets defensive, looks at his Hauptmann, "But, Sir, you told us to do whatever it takes to stop the Rat Patrol. To kill or capture them. That is what I did. I captured one."
Dietrich is not happy, looks sternly at Erich, "You must understand. Once you conclude a truce you must abide by it… It is a matter of honor." He shakes his head, "And once you concluded a truce with this man, you made me a part of it." Dietrich takes a deep breath, "Untie him." Erich is confused, "But…" Dietrich is calm but insistent, "Do as I say."
Erich hesitates but kneels down and unties Tully. He then stands and watches as Tully winces and rubs his wrists then also tries to stand. But he's dizzy, in pain, so goes first to his hands and knees. From his vantage point, standing above, Dietrich now sees the blood oozing into Tully's reddish blond hair.
Dietrich frowns, "Private. Stay down." But Tully doesn't understand for the pounding in his head. He sits back on his heels, puts a hand to his forehead and groans. He's dizzy and not hearing the Captain, who tries again, "Private? Private Pettigrew. Stay down." Tully puts a hand on the Jeep, tries to get up.
Through the pain, Tully suddenly feels a hand on his shoulder and hears Dietrich's calm voice, too close for comfort, "Tully?… Tully… Stay down." Tully turns his head, blinks and tries to clear the blur. He finally sees that Dietrich has knelt down next to him, "Tully… Your head is bleeding. Stay down." Tully focuses in on the Captain, frowns then puts a hand to the back of his head. It comes back red. He groans and settles back down onto the sand, "Good advice."
Tully leans up against the capsized Jeep. Dietrich sits back on his heels and looks up at Erich, "Get the medic." Erich hesitates then nods and moves off. Tully closes his eyes for a moment then asks, "May I have some water, please." Dietrich motions to the nearest soldier who hands him his canteen. The Captain removes the cap and hands the canteen to Tully, who slowly nods a thanks, then drinks.
Tully now looks over at the Captain, "He's a good kid. He's just a little… mixed up right now." Dietrich listens, but doesn't speak. Tully hands the canteen back to Dietrich who passes is back to the soldier. Tully takes a deep breath, "It's probably none of my business but… no one in your unit talks to him." He winces in pain, "I think he's kind a lonely… Heck. He'd have to be, to be talking to me." He smiles slightly and glances at Dietrich, "I know he wants you to be proud of him. But he doesn't know how." He hesitates, "I think he could really use a… an uncle right about now." That hits a nerve and Dietrich stands, glances down at Tully, "You're right, Private. It's none of your business." Tully almost smiles, then winces, "Sorry, Sir. Must be the hit on the head. I… I usually don't talk this much."
Just then Erich returns with the medic and, as he works, Dietrich asks Tully, "Are your friends here?" Tully takes a breath and answers, "I don't know, Captain. I've been a… a little tied up." Dietrich shakes his head slightly and almost smiles at the man's attempt at humor in this difficult situation, which is not lost on Tully, who relaxes just a bit. He looks around to the nearby dune, "I… I suppose, if you put up a white flag… you'd probably find out mighty quick." Dietrich studies Tully then looks at Erich, "Get the white flag." Erich nods and heads off to the halftrack to retrieve the flag.
Tully readjusts, at the medic's request. As he does, he feels his long knife on his thigh. He looks down, puts his hand on it. But Dietrich is also watching, "Do you intend to use it?" Tully looks up at him, "No, Sir. I just didn't expect I'd still have it." Dietrich says, "Obviously, an oversight…" then turns away.
Leutnant Becker walks up to give Dietrich a report on the vehicle repairs, "The tank tread should be repaired shortly. We've righted the halftrack but we will have to tow it back to camp." Dietrich nods, "Very well." Becker nods and leaves as the medic finishes dressing Tully's head wound. Erich has returned with the flag, stands near the Jeep and is waving it slowly back and forth. Dietrich, Erich, and the other German soldiers scan the horizon for a reply, not quite sure from where, or if, it might come.
A moment later, Dietrich looks down at Tully, "Why did you target the medical truck?" Tully frowns, "We didn't, Sir. We hit the trucks in front… and in back, but we don't hit medical trucks." Erich has been listening and moves closer as he holds the flag, "It was my fault." They both look at him and he continues, "I should have stopped the truck or turned to the left. But I wanted to get away from the fighting… so I turned to the right." Dietrich realizes, "Into the wadi." Erich nods, "I tried to jump but I guess I was thrown over the truck to the other side. That is where I was when I woke up." Tully thinks, "Flaming debris, from the truck in front… must have hit the fuel tank." Erich looks at Dietrich, "I am sorry." Dietrich nods. Tully takes a breath, tries to relax, and then closes his eyes.
About five minutes later, Tully, who's been resting, looks up at the Captain, "Anything?" Dietrich looks down at him, "No." A moment later, someone shouts, "There. On the dune." At the far end of the dune another white flag appears, held by a man. Dietrich looks through his binoculars, "Sergeant Troy."
Tully breaths a sigh of relief and starts to stand, but is still dizzy, "I… I think I'm going to need some help." Erich, speaks up, "I will help him." Dietrich hesitates then nods. Erich leans the flag up against the Jeep and helps Tully stand. The Captain now faces Tully, "This truce is over." Tully straightens as best he can and salutes, "Yes, Sir… Thanks." Dietrich returns Tully's salute. Tully then drapes his arm over Erich's shoulders but hesitates and nods towards Erich, "Captain, he'll be right back… safe and sound. I give you my word." Dietrich nods, as if to say, he had better be. Erich looks at the two realizing he could become a prisoner himself, if not for Tully's word.
As they walk, Erich suddenly blurts out, "I am very sorry I hit you on the head." Tully winces, "I know. Don't worry about it. Uncle Buzz always said I had a hard head… I'll be fine." Erich tries to explain, "It is just that Herr Hauptmann had said that he wanted to capture or… kill you and the others. I just thought that when I saved you and you fixed the radio… we were… how do you say… even? I thought he would be proud that I…" Tully interrupts, "Hey. You just called him Herr Hauptmann… Don't you ever call him Uncle Hans?" Erich shakes his head, "Not for a very long time. It is not… regulation." Tully quips, "Regulations are meant to be broken… What you two need is an uncle to nephew talk. You guys drink tea, right?" Erich nods. Tully winces again, "Okay… Here's what you do. After dinner tonight, and it has to be tonight, don't wait, you take him some tea. Make it fancy. Tea pot, cups on a tray, that kind of thing. Definitely start off with an apology. Then tell him you're still confused about what happened today." Tully smiles, "Uncles love to explain stuff." Erich tries to remember the details and nods.
Just as Tully is finishing, the two approach Troy who has walked down from the end of the dune. He smiles at Tully, "We thought you were dead." Erich realizes those are the same words spoken by his uncle about him. Tully smiles, "Not yet." He nods at his German crutch, "Hey Sarge… You remember Erich? Dietrich's nephew… from the oasis?" Tully transfers to Troy who does a double-take, "Erich? You've shot up a couple inches since then. I didn't even recognize you." Erich shyly smiles. Tully is tired now but takes the lead, "Yeah. He got me out from under the Jeep and I fixed the radio. We made a good team." Troy looks at the bandage, "What happened to your head?" Tully brushes it off, "It's nothing." He turns to Erich who is about to explain about the bandage, but Tully interrupts him, "You better get back before Herr Hauptmann starts to worry… and remember, never go back on your word." Erich smiles, "I will remember… and I will make tea tonight." Tully nods, "Good luck."
Erich turns and heads back to his unit while Troy helps Tully around the end of the dune to the single Jeep. Troy asks, "Tea? What was that all about?" Tully was expecting to see the others, "I'll tell you later. Where's the Doc and Hitch?" Troy smiles, "They're waiting for you. Come on." Tully is still a little dizzy, and Troy helps him into the passenger seat, "You're half way home, buddy." Troy pulls a matchstick from Tully's pocket and puts it in his mouth. Tully smiles and relaxes as the Jeep heads out.
That night, Hans Dietrich is sitting outside his tent, on the wooden table, with a nurse from the medical unit. They've been talking about the day's events. She sees Erich approaching with a tray and tea set. She smiles, nods toward Erich, and Dietrich turns, "You know what he needs right now? His uncle, not his commanding officer." He sighs, having heard almost the same thing earlier from his enemy. She stands and, following etiquette, so does the Captain. She smiles, puts a hand on his arm, "Good luck!"
She walks out from under the netting toward Erich and smiles, "You'll do fine. Tea is a good start." He smiles nervously and approaches Dietrich cautiously, "I am sorry, Sir, if I have… interrupted… I…" Dietrich raises his hand to stop him, "You are not interrupting. " Now looking at the tray, "That is very thoughtful of you to bring tea. Please." He motions for Erich to put the tray down, which he does. Then Erich stands at attention. He has come for a reason and he needs to speak now before he loses his courage, "Sir, I apologize for my actions today. They were… unbecoming of a German soldier." The captain's throat tightens a bit, then he takes a deep breath and smiles, "I accept your apology."
The tension is broken. Dietrich smiles then holds Erich by the shoulders, "When I saw the truck explode… I thought you were dead." He pulls Erich to him in a long hug…"I thought you were dead." He finally holds Erich at arm's length again, and for a moment studies the young man, then realizes, "Have you grown?" He smiles, shakes his head, "It seems I have missed too much." He then motions toward the table, "Come… Pour the tea. I would like us to speak… uncle to nephew." Erich smiles, "I would also like that, very much… Uncle Hans." And he carefully fills the cups.
Miles away, on the other side of an invisible line in the sand, Tully lays on his side on a cot with his head propped up on pillows. He's in an Allied medical tent surrounded by his fellow Rats. Moffitt's right arm is in a sling and Hitch's left arm is bandaged. Hitch is saying, "He actually put his hand on your shoulder?" Tully smiles, "Yeah. I guess I wasn't hearing too good. But that sure got my attention." Hitch quips, "I'd hate to be that close to him." Troy adds, "Yeah, well, try being chained to the guy!" Hitch says, "Hey Sarge, you never did finish that story." Troy avoids the comment, "Some other time."
He turns back to his bed-ridden Private, "Hey Tully, you've been awfully talkative tonight." Tully sighs, "Yeah. I know, Sarge. Must be the crash… and that knock on the head… all the adrenalin." Troy nods, knowingly, "Well, I'd still like to hear more about your adventure." Tully smiles, "Not much else to tell. Just that everything changed once the Captain knew that Erich and I had called a truce. Being his CO, I guess he decided he was part of it." Troy says in relief, "Well, I'm just glad he honored the truce." Tully nods, "Yeah. Me too."
Just then a civilian nurse, with blue eyes and curly brown hair, enters the tent, "All right you three… visiting hours are over. This soldier needs his rest… Come on, shoo!" Troy gives an abbreviated salute, "Yes, Ma'am." Hitch smiles, "I guess we'll have to hear more about your adventure tomorrow." Troy glances at the nurse then points at Tully, "You get some sleep!" Tully smiles and nods, "Right Sarge." Finally, Moffitt smiles warmly, as only he can do, and puts a hand on Tully's arm, "Good night, Tully." Tully smiles back, "Night, Doc." The three men leave the tent and head for the remaining Jeep.
The nurse goes to turn down the lantern but Tully asks, "Hey Jenny, would you do me a favor?" She hesitates, "Sure. What is it?" Tully then asks, "Could you turn down the light and pull the tent flap… but don't leave just yet?" She is skeptical but Tully continues, "Just watch their reactions… especially Hitch." She smiles, knowingly, "Sounds like fun… love to."
She now turns down the light, goes to the tent flap and, letting the other three see her, pulls the tent flap closed, but leaves a small gap so she can watch their reactions. They've been standing by the Jeep, waiting for Jenny to come out. But when they see her pull the flap…
Hitch frowns, watches a moment more, turns to his sergeants who are starting to smile, then turns back to the tent with his mouth agape. Troy and Moffitt try to contain their laughter. Then Moffitt says, "Well… I guess you're not the only Casanova in the group!" Hitch is flabbergasted, doesn't know what to say. Troy swings his hat at the Private, ruffling his hair, "Come on. Let's go."
Inside the tent, Jenny is smiling as they drive away, then turns and whispers, "Your little ploy worked. I think Hitch was really upset!" But there's no answer, "Tully?" She moves to the cot but Tully's eyes are closed and his breathing is regular. She sighs, leans down and kisses him on the cheek, then straightens again, "Good night, Tully. Sweet dreams." As she leaves, and the tent flap closes, Tully smiles.
Author's Notes:
-Egyptian Vultures, also called White Scavenger Vultures or Pharaoh's Chickens, are smallish carrion feeders ranging from southern Europe to northern Africa (including Libya) and southwestern Asia. They have naked, orange yellow heads and bills ending in a black, wickedly curved hook, perfect for tearing apart flesh. Their shoulder feathers are white with black trailing feathers. The white feathers on the head sometimes stand out. It is the world's only tool-using vulture: They hold a rock in their beaks and beat it against ostrich eggs to crack them open. These birds are currently endangered.
-Battle of Britain was the air war between Great Britain and Germany, fought between 10 July and 13 October 1940. RAF Fighter Command pilots fought against formations of Luftwaffe bombers and their fighter escorts. German forces lost the Battle of Britain due to several factors. Allied fliers who survived being shot down could return to combat, while German air crews, who survived, became POWs for the duration of the war.