Chapter 9:
(West Point Military Academy: West Point, NY - May 11, 1927)
Captain Robert Hogan took in a deep breath as he anxiously waited to start his last final. He had one hand on his leg as he leaned forward and prepared to take off for the timed obstacle course in Major Beidleman's class. An intense exercise involving several combat situations he and his fellow classmates would face once in the fighting field should there ever be another world war. Planes on fire, tear gas bombs, thickening fog interfering with their range of sight, they had to get through that and more and in 20 minutes or under in order to pass the class. Rick had already completed the final the day prior, so he had come to cheer him and Mickey on from the sidelines.
Hogan turned to Mickey, who stood on his right, and gave him a kind smile for encouragement. "Good luck, Mickey," he said. He got a wink back for a response.
"Back at yah, man," Mickey answered. "Let's finish her up with a bang."
"On your mark," Beidleman cried out. "Get set…" He raised his arm up with a pistol in hand, then he fired a blank into the air and watched as seventeen cadets and Hogan took off running. He started the timer on his pocket watch and listened to Rick and about seven other men cheering on their classmates, about a third of them rooting for Hogan, much to the major's dismay.
Mickey was at the very front with four other cadets, and Hogan trailed not too far from behind them. The captain was not exactly a track and field star, but he had been able to pass all his running exams in an average time range throughout college. Time was on his side, his anxiety was subdued, and the image of his family standing in the audience as he walked across the stage next Friday evening was the energy booster that iced the cake for him. Even General Berkman had promised to be there to see his pupil graduate with honors and receive recognition from the Dean and Commandant themselves. And with the sound of Rick cheering him on from the finish line, Hogan was both invigorated and determined to finish this race with flying colors.
As the cadets and Hogan continued to complete each obstacle, none of them noticed that Berkman was standing off to the side watching the exam with two of his colonels on each side of him. The general could not help himself but grin as he watched his star pupil perform every task flawlessly. The shy and quiet cadet he had met on day one was now a confident and cunning captain about to graduate with honors. A subordinate that had become like the son he never got to have. His heart practically swelled with pride as he watched Hogan run his way to victory. He even noticed that his colonels, despite not saying anything, appeared impressed with Hogan and his skills. One was even taking notes to use as an example for his future classes.
Hogan was about halfway through the obstacle course as Mickey crossed the finish line at seven minutes and 47 seconds. He began to cheer and do a dance to celebrate his passing grade that bridged him to graduation.
"Oh yeah, that's what I'm talking about," Mickey cried. "I did it, I did it, I'm a lieutenant, lieutenant, do the Charleston now!" As he broke out into his victory dance, Rick approached him and placed a hand on his friend's shoulder to make him pause midway.
"Don't do that," Rick pleaded. "Ever again."
Mickey gave him a brief glare, then the duo turned around and started cheering on Hogan to victory. They could see him exiting the flaming aircraft and fighting his way through the fog of smoke to the final obstacle. So close to the finish line that Rick and Mickey started jumping up and down and screaming at their friend at the top of their lungs.
Hogan made a sprint for the fallen tree trunk he had left to jump over, a bright smile coming to his face as he could see graduation right across the white line, when he heard someone crying and paused in his run. He looked behind him and could just barely make out one of the freshmen cadets crying and begging for help in the aircraft fire. Paralyzing fear could be heard escaping with each of his sobs, terrified of being trapped and surrounded with his worst phobia of flames and smoke.
Hogan swallowed a large lump down his throat, his brain momentarily freezing as he tried to make a decision. He knew if he went back to help the young cadet he would get an automatic F for the exam. At the same time, though, he could not stand the idea of letting the poor kid suffer such horror all alone. And with no one to help him get through his fear, either.
He looked back at his friends, who were cheering him on to keep going, back in the direction of the frightened cadet, then felt his heart make the decision for him. Without a second thought, Hogan turned around and went back to the burning aircraft, making his friends go into a brief state of shock.
"Rob!" Rick hollered. "What the hell are you doing, man? Are you crazy?"
Mickey's eyes widened to the size of saucers as realization of what his friend was doing smacked him across the face. "Oh my God," he said. "He's going back for that freshman cadet."
Hogan fought his way back through the smoke and into the downed makeshift airplane, desperately searching for the frightened cadet. He found him clinging to one of the walls, uncertain of how to get around the nearby flames that terrorized him. He looked up as Hogan approached him, and his eyes dilated in size.
"Captain Hogan, what are you doing?"
"Helping you get out of here and to sophomore year, now let's go," Hogan ordered.
"Are you crazy? Beidleman will flunk you for this."
"General Berkman says a good officer never leaves his men behind. Now take my hand, I'll help you out of here. We'll finish this thing together."
The cadet frantically looked around at the flames and smoke, turned his gaze back to Hogan, and shook his head. "I can't, Hogan," he cried. "I'm scared."
A kind smile came to Hogan's face, his chocolate brown eyes twinkling with warmth. "You don't gotta be scared with me, kid," he said, and extended his hand out to the cadet.
The cadet swallowed a lump in his throat before latching onto the captain's hand, and Hogan led them out of the aircraft and through the thick cloud of smoke. Once their sight of vision had cleared, Hogan let go of the cadet's hand and shouted at him to run for it. The duo sprinted as much as their legs could carry them, focusing all their energy on jumping over the fallen tree stump that blocked their way to triumph. The cadet made it with flying colors, but Hogan landed on his right foot wrong and felt something pull in his ankle. He screamed out in agony as he collapsed to the ground and gripped his foot tenderly.
"Captain!" The cadet exclaimed, running to Hogan's side and reaching out his hand. "Take my hand, I'll help you up."
Hogan shook his head. "It's too late, Halsey. I couldn't finish this if I tried. No way in hell I can run on this thing...I think it's sprained."
"Then I'll help you to the finish line. We'll do it together, just like you said."
Hogan smiled up at the kid and shook his head again. "I wouldn't get an A either way, my friend. Go finish for me. I wanna see you make this country proud."
Halsey hesitated to leave the captain's side for a moment. Part of him wanted to see this race through and complete his hell of a freshman year, and the other part wanted to stay with Hogan and help him cross that finish line regardless. His eyes went from Hogan, to the finish line, then back to Hogan again. On sheer impulse, he knelt down and hugged the captain, tears streaming down his face.
"Thank you," he croaked. "I'll never ever forget you for this." He helped Hogan up into a standing position, then gave him the sharpest salute before parting for the white line.
A sad smile came to Hogan's face as he watched Halsey cross the finish line at 14 minutes on the dot and greet his friends congratulating him with slaps on the back and hugs. He knew graduation was gone for him, but his heart remained light knowing Halsey would pass and continue on his journey to becoming a terrific officer.
Hogan gritted his teeth as he took a step forward, limping the rest of his way to the finish line as Rick, Mickey, Halsey, and 11 other cadets stood there cheering him on. Tears began to burn down his face both from the searing pain in his foot and the overwhelming feeling of support he felt from his classmates' encouragement.
At 15 minutes and 24 seconds, Hogan finally crossed the finish line and was greeted with hugs, pats on the back, cheers of celebration, and Rick getting him a chair to sit in, while Mickey came running to his side with a bag of ice. Halsey grabbed another chair for Hogan to rest his foot on as Rick gently untied his friend's combat boot and removed it to lift pressure off of the swelling ankle. All the while Berkman stood there, a grin full of pride spreading across his lips as he realized Hogan had taken his words to heart and displayed the true colors of a great military officer. Firm and strong, but kind and compassionate. Willing to sacrifice himself for the sake of the men under his command, orders or otherwise. And it warmed the general's heart to the core knowing that someone would carry on that legacy for him.
"Well all be damned, Robert," he said to himself. "That a boy."
"You did it, Rob. You frickin' did it," Rick said, carefully placing the ice pack around Hogan's ankle.
The captain gave a small smile. "You and Mickey are gonna make great commissioned officers," he told them sincerely. "Walk across the stage grinning for me."
"Oh hell no," Mickey replied. "You're walking across that stage with us; I'll even write a letter to the Commandant and hand it to him personally to make a formal protest."
"You're gonna graduate, and you're gonna get the recognition you earned, my friend. We're not letting you go down that easily." Rick added.
Hogan's sad eyes brightened a bit, when the sound of nearing footsteps became louder, and he looked up to find Beidleman standing there with a livid look on his face, his clipboard tucked under his left arm.
"Hogan, you idiot," he snarled. "What did I say about you going back in the obstacle course for any reason? Did you hear me, or were you just lollygagging like your usual self?"
Hogan let out a soft sigh and closed his eyes before hanging his head. "I know, Sir. I couldn't stand knowing Cadet Halsey was alone back there trapped and afraid, though...A good officer doesn't leave his men behind, and I went back to help him through the rest of the course."
"You know what else you can go back to; being a cadet. Not only am I flunking you in this class, but I am stripping you of your rank of captain for disobeying my orders." A soft chuckle emerged from Beidleman's throat. "Oh, I have been waiting for this moment for years. Robert Hogan, you are nothing but a failure, and I officially strip you of your captain rank. Effective immediately."
The major was instantly greeted with shouting, arguing, and protests from the other cadets, demanding Hogan pass the exam and graduate like he deserved to. Everyone was hollering at once in defense of the comrade that it was practically impossible to make out what any of them were saying.
"SILENCE!" Beidleman finally barked.
"You can't flunk Rob. After all the effort he's put into the military the last four years!" Rick protested.
"He helped one of us succeed instead of pushing us down so he could get a good finish time. Good officers help those in need," another cadet said.
"My decision is made up," Beidleman answered. "Hogan failed to follow my orders of completing the course without going back to one of the obstacles, and he'll suffer the consequences of those actions."
"If you don't pass Captain Hogan and give him back his deserved rank, I'll, I'll...I'll report you to the Commandant for harassment!" Halsey exclaimed.
The other cadets cheered in agreement, causing Beidleman's color to turn a dark shade of red.
"I'll have all of you redo this class if you dare to question my orders any more," the major threatened.
Hogan's friends and the other cadets all joined arms, their eyes narrowed with rising anger, and they all stepped forward to surround Hogan protectively. They stared into Beidleman's eyes without an ounce of hesitation shining in them, all of them ready to go down with their comrade if he was denied to graduate and keep his rank of captain.
"Rob graduates," Mickey said.
"Or we walk," Rick hissed.
"To the Commandant's office to report you." A cadet added.
"That won't be necessary, Cadet," the sound of Berkman's voice called out.
Beidleman snapped his attention away from the group of cadets and stiffened in his boots as he watched the lieutenant general march forward, his two colonels in tow wearing disgruntled expressions.
"Not unless the Major would like me to report to the Commandant with this myself," the general continued, his eyes becoming dark with rage.
"Lieu, Lieu, Lieutenant General," Beidleman stuttered, doing his best to look as presentable as possible. "What are you doing here, Sir? Surely, you are busy with paperwork and what not."
"I finished my paperwork and grading. I came to see Captain Hogan complete his final exam before graduation with his fellow classmates. Good thing I came, too. An innocent officer just about lost his earned rank due to stupidity."
"Lieutenant General, I can explain myself, Sir." Beidleman pointed down at Hogan. "This man disobeyed my direct orders of not going back in the obstacle course set up for him to complete, therefore committing the act of insubordination. For these reasons, I not only must fail him in the class, but strip him of his captain rank if he can't act like one."
"Insubordination my a**," Berkman snapped, causing Beidleman to shiver under his fiery stare. "Captain Hogan violated orders to go back and help another cadet with less experience get through an obstacle he isn't trained to face yet. He didn't go back for a redo or any sort of cheating purposes, he willingly risked facing consequences for the safety and success of his fellow comrade." He gave a sharp point at Hogan. "I find your accusations preposterous, and I order you to pass Captain Hogan so he can graduate as he earned it."
"Sir, with all due respect here, I…"
"It wasn't a suggestion, Major. Pass this man at once, or I will order you to correctional custody for the next seven days. Which would you prefer?"
Beidleman momentarily felt his heart stop beating at the words 'correctional custody'. He made a loud gulp, turned to face Hogan, and grumbled something inaudible under his breath before addressing him. "Fine, you pass the class and can graduate." He gritted through his teeth, seeming as if it almost caused him physical pain to utter those words.
"And," Berkman cut in. "There's one more thing."
"One more thing; I passed him like you said to!" The major exclaimed.
"And that's a good start. But not enough to make up for the humiliation you made my pupil endure just now. Not only is Hogan to regain his rank as captain, but I want him promoted to major as well."
"WHAT?!"
"What?" Hogan gasped, his eyes nearly falling out of his head.
"Only a real commanding officer would give the example Hogan just presented here. He's loyal, he's kind hearted, and frankly, he's a lot more humble than you appear to be," Berkman said.
"But. But. But he, he's just, you're gon, wh, wh, what?" Beidleman asked, with a quiver.
"You heard me clear enough, Major. Also, I am ordering you back to the rank of captain until you can display the maturity needed to be a major yourself."
"CAPTAIN!"
"Would you like to make it lieutenant, Major?!"
"You...you think I'm ready to be a major, General?" Hogan asked, struggling to come out of the shock that engulfed his mind. A major. That was two ranks below his dream rank. Was he really ready for such an honorable state of authority? Had he truly earned the rank of major? He was more uncertain of his future than when he had gone back for Halsey, knowing the consequences he faced afterward for his violation. Now he was being rewarded for such an act. Being called brave and loyal and committed. Words he had never been told to be growing up with his father. His brain could hardly comprehend any of it.
"Mm mm," Berkman said, shaking his head. "I don't think; I know. Robert, you have grown so much these last four years here at West Point. In fact, I've never seen a man of your age accomplish so much in such a short time. You've turned into a very thoughtful and strong officer and an even better individual of society. If anyone's earned the rank of major here today, it's you, my boy. I'd be absolutely honored to have you as an officer under my command and even a confidant of mine."
The general dug into one of his service jacket pockets, pulled out a small cardboard square, and held it out to Hogan to show him a golden oak leaf pin to wear at graduation. The insignia symbol for his promoted rank. "What do you say, Hogan? Will you do me the honor?"
Hogan took the pin in his shaking hands and stared at it for what felt like eternity to him. The only thing that brought him back to reality were the hands of Rick and Mickey being placed on his shoulders for encouragement. He looked back up at the man that had become a father figure to him with glistening eyes and saw him wink at him. Hogan turned his gaze back down at the shiny pin in his hands, swallowed the large knot forming in his throat as his heart swelled, then looked again at Berkman and let a smile come to his face, a single tear rolling down his cheek. He nodded.
"It'd be my pleasure, General Berkman," he said.
Hogan's friends and classmates began to cheer and celebrate as Berkman pinned the major insignia to his new subordinate's white shirt. The newly promoted major gave Berkman as best of a salute he possibly could while sitting and got a side hug in response. Hogan made his eyes to Rick, Mickey, and the other cadets, who all stood there grinning at him.
"Attention!" Mickey cried.
Hogan watched as all of them straightened in posture and saluted him in perfect synchronization. He silently chuckled as his cheeks flushed bashfully, then saluted all of them back. He was excited for the next chapter in his life and military career, and he was even more thrilled that he would get to do it with his best friends and the great General Berkman at his side.