1Saints and Soldiers
Chapter 11 - Going Home
Several Germans stood with their hands in the air as the Americans stripped them of their weaponry and gear. After a long, hard battle, the Americans had prevailed. Rounding them up in small groups, they were prepared to be shipped to POW camps.
After being debriefed, Gould had returned to duty wearing the familiar arm bands and helmet with a red cross. Asking around, he was told where to find Deacon's body and so he walked down the muddy road.
Asking another Medic he was pointed to a blanket covered body lying beside the road. Kneeling down, he pulled the blanket back revealing Deacon's body. His arms were folded respectfully across his chest and, except for the blood stains on his shirt, looked as though he was sleeping.
"You saved my life," he spoke softly to him.
Pulling the Bible from Deacon's front pocket, he opened the cover revealing the picture of his wife. Taking the picture out, he placed it in Deacon's hand and stuck the Bible in his pocket.
"Rest in peace, Deac," he said, and covered him back up with the blanket.
Several P-40's flew overhead and Gould stood, watching them with a sense of awe and pride.
A group of Germans walked down the road, guarded by some Americans soldiers. Gould glanced over and saw Rudy walking with them. He wanted to run to him, tell him that Deacon was dead and to thank him for his help. When Rudy saw him he grinned and nodded. Gould returned the nod.
Several wounded Germans were grouped together under guard. One of them was a big German holding his shoulder. Gould recognized him as the German at Malmedy that Deacon had taken the rifle away from a week ago, the same one Deacon had just shot. Kneeling down, he checked his shoulder. The German's eyes widened when he recognized Gould. Pulling a bandage from his pack, Gould proceeded to care for him.
Later, the Americans began pulling out, heading to one of the most decisive battles of the European Theater.
THE END