The next five days went by faster than anyone thought possible. And today was to be the big day for all of them to meet His Majesty, King George in his residence; the Buckingham Palace. After a long warm shower, the men all changed into their respective militaries' dress uniforms. Hogan, Baker and Carter wore the dress greens of the USAAF; Newkirk wore the dress blues of the RAF and LeBeau wore the light dress browns of the Free French Forces. Schultz and Klink also changed into their new dress uniforms, to start their new work at Allied Headquarters in London. Both wore the dress greens of the USAAF and they both kept their ranks, which they'd had in the German Army. Klink was more than grateful and he knew that somehow Hogan had a say in this, that he'd once again managed to save him and Schultz; only this time he saved them from the firing squad, not the Russian front.
Schultz and Klink were the first to leave the room, as they had to be at work earlier than the heroes' audience with the king. An Army sergeant came to pick them up and drive them over. Both Germans said their goodbyes to Hogan and his men and left with smiles on their faces. Now Hogan and his men had at least a half hour left before they would be picked up, so they started a lively card game, biding their time.
LeBeau had managed to make them some coffee in a pot that Newkirk smuggled in from the mess hall. It brought smiles to all of their faces, reminding them of their home away from home at the Stalag. Hogan sans dress tunic took his usual place at the head of the table and drank his coffee, savoring the taste of it and smiling brightly at his men's antics. Sometimes he felt like a father with a bunch of overgrown boys, but he cared for all of them deeply and he would lay down his life for any one of them without a moment's hesitation.
Having enough of the card game, LeBeau stood up and got something out of his own bag and then went over to take something out of his commander's bag. With both items in hand he returned to the head of the table, coming to a stand right behind Hogan. Carter, Newkirk and Baker stopped their play to watch what their mate plans on doing. LeBeau held one of the items out for all to see, before he began using it. It was a hair brush and with it he smoothed some of the errant strands of his general's black hair back into place. Hogan leaned back further in his chair, giving LeBeau a nonverbal permission to carry on and closed his eyes. The soothing, gentle motion of the brush through his hair and Louis' whispered words to him, relaxed him even more and before he knew it, he had dozed off. Realizing his charge fell asleep, the little Frenchman gave a sign to his mates to keep quiet.
Finishing the combing of his general's hair, LeBeau set the brush aside and picked up the second item, a small box. He opened it and inside were four sets of shiny, silver two general stars and underneath were two small leather patches also with two stars on them, most likely those were for the leather bomber jacket. LeBeau handed the two leather patches to Newkirk, so he could sew them onto Hogan's new bomber jacket later. Newkirk pocketed them. Meanwhile LeBeau got the old colonel's eagles off of Hogan's shirt and set them aside, together with the branch of service insignia he had on his collar. Then he grabbed the first set of general's stars and fastened them onto the collar, but very carefully so as not to wake the sleeping man.
Newkirk stepped forward to help and with his magic fingers, managed to easily fasten the second set onto the other side of the shirt collar. Afterwards he took the dress tunic and fastened the stars onto the shoulders. While doing so he was surprised to see a fifth row of ribbon bars adorning the left side of the jacket. Also this bar wasn't full yet; the third and fourth ribbon bars were still missing.
Newkirk thought to himself, "You deserved every single one of those medals, Gov'ner; for your bravery and selflessness. And you also have bled for your country, so I think it's about damn time for them to thank you properly."
Setting the dress tunic aside, Newkirk rejoined his mates at the table for another round of cards. This time around they were quiet about it, not wishing to wake up their commander, who seemingly wasn't well yet. The bandage around his head was a testament to that as were the still evident bruises on the left side of his face. And they knew that beneath the uniform were two more wounds that were still giving Hogan trouble. He was recovering more slowly than usual and that worried his men.
A few minutes later a powerful knock sounded on the door and it roused Hogan from his short nap. He blinked his eyes a few times to orient himself and then he stood up, halting his men with a hand sign and got the door. It was their escort to the palace. Hogan told him they will be out in a few and closed the door. His men had already gotten up from the table and checked their appearances in the small mirror on the wall. Laughing heartily at their antics, Hogan picked up his dress tunic and put it on, buttoning it up. He too saw the new ribbon bar and shrugged it off as nothing important. He fought for his country and his beliefs, not to get some fancy medals to show off. Grabbing his new crush cap he sat it atop his head, regulation wise and ordered his men to do the same. Under some grumbling they did as they were told and all of them piled out of the room, full of anxious anticipation of what was to come now. They were all nervous, especially Newkirk. For him it was unthinkable that a former guttersnipe like him would meet anyone of the Royals face to face; but here he was, about to do just that. He shook his head and followed his mates and his colonel, eh, general out of the building to the waiting staff car.
As the staff car reached the palace, it stopped at a side entrance and they were ushered inside. A servant led them through a maze of corridors and rooms, until they reached what looked like a library. A small podium was standing on one end and before it were two rows of chairs. The servant told them to take their places in the first row and left. Hogan and his four core team members were at awe, seeing the rich tapestry on the walls, the big oil paintings and the century old rugs they walked on. Somehow they felt misplaced. Just as they had taken their seats, a wooden side door opened and General Butler walked in, followed by two American generals. One of them was the former head of all daylight bombings, General Barton, the one who called Hogan a sell-out and a disgrace to the uniform. The other general was a very prominent figure, who took time out of his busy schedule to honor a fellow officer, General Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Hogan and his men stood to attention and saluted the three generals. Only as Eisenhower told them to stand at ease, did the men do so. As he didn't have that much time, the four-star general got right down to business; he asked Hogan to please come onto the podium. Saying a few words with lots of meaning, Eisenhower opened a small case and got out a medal that hung from a light blue ribbon band. He stepped around Hogan and tied the ribbon around Hogan's neck. Then he came back around and saluted the young officer, before shaking his hand in congratulation. General Barton also saluted and congratulated him, but also apologizing for his harsh words back at their first meeting in Stalag-13. Hogan waved the apology off, saying any other officer would have done and said the same under the circumstances. Barton smiled in thanks and made way for General Butler. He stepped up to his protégé and added another ribbon to the fifth ribbon bar, the counterpart of the one he was wearing around his neck; the Medal of Honor.
His men applauded and whistled in appreciation, more than happy for their commander and knowing first hand that he truly deserved this special medal for the countless lives he had already saved, risking his own in the process.
Before they were allowed to leave this room, a photographer took pictures of the newly awarded general, much to his chagrin. Hogan hated to be the center of this kind of attention, but he had to go through this process, as it was a direct order from the High Command. With a weary sigh, Hogan allowed the pictures to be taken and afterwards, he and his men were escorted by a traditional clothed Horse Guard to another grander room in the palace. Again they were showed by a servant where they have to sit and again it was in the first row of seats. The room started to fill with many people from the old British society, the upper class. The women were dressed in beautiful gowns and the men wore classic suits. The couples all took their designated places and started talking among each other, quietly. The three generals, the two American and the one British also took their seats in the front row, to the other side of Hogan and his men. Minutes later the first VIP guest entered the grand room, Prime Minister Winston Churchill and his aide. He took a seat in one of the big upholstery chairs that was standing on a slightly erased part of the floor opposite the rows of chairs that filled out the rest of the room.
Right between the erased floor part and the first row of chairs, a dark red cushion was placed center stage on the floor. Hogan and his men were softly discussing what it meant. Suddenly another door opened and an old man dressed in the traditional garb of a ceremonial master, announced the arrival of His Majesty, King George. Everyone in the room stood up and Hogan, his men and the three generals saluted the monarch. King George welcomed everyone and allowed them all to sit back down, before he took a seat himself; but not for too long. After a short exchange of words with Churchill, King George stood up again. The ceremonial master called Hogan's name and asked him to come forward. When he did so, the ceremonial master gave Hogan a sign to get down on his knees, on the red cushion and to take off his cap. Swallowing hard, Hogan slowly kneeled down, careful not to aggravate his still healing injuries and put his crush cap aside.
Then King George walked up to the kneeling general. The ceremonial master handed him a ceremonial sword and the king raised it. Hogan's men held their collective breaths, anxious for their commander. But Newkirk, being English, had an inkling as to what might happen now and he told it to his mates. He was proven right as King George started the words that would lift Hogan up into knighthood, using the sword to put the blunt side on each of Hogan's shoulders and on his head. Then he gave a sign for Hogan to rise and finally said with a slight smile, "Congratulations. You will now be called Sir Robert Hogan, son." Holding his hand out for a shake, King George patted Hogan's arm gently with his other and meant knowingly, "Don't worry, general; I know that this is highly unusual. But I have studied your whole military career and I know that you do have the British citizenship, as well as your American one. You took this step when you had asked for transfer to our RAF, making it far easier for you to fly for us. You've proven yourself time and time again, have saved thousands of lives of British citizens through the years. This is our way of thanking you. Well, it is the first step of our thanks. The second will come right after this little ceremony, General Hogan."
The ceremonial master came forward again with a small red cushion on his hands. On it was a medal, the Victoria Cross. Churchill stood up and also stood before Hogan, smiling encouragingly at the young nervous officer. King George held another short speech and fastened the Cross on the left pocket of Hogan's dress tunic, saluting him. Hogan saluted back, still overwhelmed with the whole process. Churchill took the small ribbon and it added it to the last ribbon row on the left chest of the general's jacket, saying softly, "You earned this reward, son. Your parents can be very proud of you, as we all are. We are glad to have you on our side in this war and not Jerry. So, let's celebrate and be merry for a little while before going back to fight in this damn war."
Hogan's men came forward and put their commander in a group hug, congratulating him. After a few minutes of this ruckus, Hogan had enough and shouted in his best command voice, "Knock it off!"
Immediately his men quieted down and looked eagerly to their CO, awaiting his next orders. Showing them his big boyish grin, Hogan only said, "Churchill wants us to celebrate. So what are you waiting for? Let's get out of here and into the next best pub. Food and drinks will be on my tab, guys."
With shouts of joy, Newkirk, Carter, LeBeau and Baker made their way out of the room and out of the palace. Hogan dutifully said goodbye to the big shots and after receiving a last minute gift from King George, followed his men out. Thanks to a servant, he found his way to the exit, where his men were already waiting for him. Seeing the large, black box in the hands of his general, Newkirk wanted to know, "Hey, Gov'ner; care to tell us what's inside that box you got there? Or is it a secret?"
"What? This? I have no idea, Newkirk. It was a last minute gift from your king. But we can look inside together once we are on our way."
His men nodded in agreement and together they got back into the staff car. Hogan told the driver to get them into town and to the best pub around for food and drink. The driver promised to get them there and started the drive. Crammed in the back seat between his men, Hogan managed to open the box and lift the lid. The inside was stuffed with red velvet and on it laid a beautifully carved sword, the hand guard decorated with a squad of B-17s and P-51s. Newkirk found a note inside and read it aloud. "To General Sir Robert Hogan, a true patriot, an excellent pilot, a great tactician and absolute genius, an exceptional drummer and all in all a wonderful human being. Never change your ways and stay true to yourself. This sword has been made especially for you, by a man whose family has been in the sword making process for centuries. It is a heavy cavalry sword, which was first made around 1796. This is a replica of that sword. As you are a man of action this type of sword seemed more appropriate than the usual ceremonial one for your knighthood. The scabbard and belt are already on their way to your air base. Keep this sword always sharp, like your brilliant mind. Once again, many, many thanks for all you did for Britain. Best regards, King George."
Newkirk put the note back into the box and noted, just like the rest of his mates that his commander had gone very quiet. Hogan was once again overcome with emotion and unable to stop them; silent tears were running down his cheeks. He was still a wreck and this emotional rollercoaster he had been on over the last days, not to say weeks, once again made him lose control over his normally well-kept emotions. Hogan hated himself for allowing this weakness to show in front of his men. He was supposed to be the one in control; to be always calm, cool and collected as their commanding officer. But instead, he wept again like a person that was born too close to the water. Newkirk and LeBeau put their hands on his back and started to make soothing circles, while LeBeau also whispered a few words into his general's ear. It seemed to work again. Moments later the tears stopped and Hogan leaned back with his eyes closed, taking deep calming breaths.
They were taken to the "Red Lion" pub in London's west end. Inside they were shown to a secluded corner table. They thanked the waitress and ordered their first round of beers. When they beers came, the waitress was a person well known by their Englishman; it was his older sister Mavis. He made the introductions and Hogan being a true gentleman, stood up, took Mavis's hand into his larger one and kissed the back of it, smiling up at her. "Glad to finally make your acquaintance, Miss Mavis. Newkirk told me so much about you that I had to meet you one day. And here we are. I hope you are not disappointed. Newkirk likes to exaggerate things quite a bit, you know."
Mavis smiled shyly up at this very handsome American officer, the one her brother told her so much about in his letters. And he looked even better in real life than what her little bro had written to her; not even the bandage around his head or the bruises could deviate from his gorgeous good looks. She was completely mesmerized by his deep brown eyes, which conveyed so many emotions at once. Mavis had never seen a darker pair of brown eyes than his and they were looking right at her. Shaking herself out of her stupor, Mavis replied, "That's my brother for you, general. But he didn't exaggerate your good looks. Actually, I must say he was nearly spot on." Batting her eyelashes at him, she asked, "How about we leave the rest of them here and have our own little party? What do you say to that, General Hogan?"
Unfortunately for both of them, Newkirk had heard the little exchange. He got up and laid a hand on his CO's arm, seething to him, "Don't you dare get fresh with my sis, Gov'ner, or I may forget who and what you are and deck ye."
Putting her hands on her hips, Mavis then got in her brother's face, "Don't you dare ruin my evening for me, little bro. I have taken care of myself long enough and of you and your siblings. I certainly don't need your protection now, especially not from your own commanding officer. Or don't you trust General Hogan with me? Is that it, little bro…do you fear he'd do something to me and leave me with a broken heart? You really believe he could be that cold hearted?"
Looking at his sister and knowing deep down she was right about everything, Newkirk let go of Hogan's arm and apologized. "Sorry, Sir; don't know what bee got in my bonnet just now. You go and take my sister out to a nice place and indulge her, while me and the rest of the guys enjoy our beers and a good meal. You have my permission to court my sister, but don't play games with her, Gov'ner."
Hogan put his hand on Newkirk's shoulder and reassured him, "You don't have to worry about that, Newkirk. My intentions regarding your sister are genuine and I would never play with another person's feelings. I thought you would know that by now; but thanks for your permission to court your older sister. Knowing you are okay with it means a lot to me."
With those words he grabbed a small stash of cash and put it on the table. "This is for your food and drinks, guys. Enjoy yourselves, but don't get drunk…and that's an order. Understood?"
His men nodded and Newkirk pocketed the money for later use. Mavis informed the barkeep about her leaving earlier and together with Hogan she exited the pub, after saying bye to her brother and his mates.
