Thunderbirds and the Tracy Family are the creation of Gerry and Sylvia Anderson
Author's Note: It is with grateful thanks I acknowledge the help of the CMOHS – Congressional Medal of Honor Society for all information given, both sent and that gleaned from their website, on the Medal of Honor and my thanks also goes to my Veteran's Counselling Advisor, JamesTKent, for his valuable information regarding the Medal of Honor ceremony. The wording for the latter part of Scott's Citation is the actual wording used on genuine Citations.
And for all those who are wondering when and wishing that we would get back to the present. Well, sometimes, if you wish hard enough, wishes do come true!
Chapter 92
Scott drew in a breath and winced an acknowledgement. Father and son embraced one last time in the few quiet moments they had left and with that Scott was gone, whisked away from the love and support of his family into the bosom of his other 'family', that tight-knit and enclosed world of the Air Force, as they claimed him for their own. He was taken from a private underground entrance of the hotel in a blacked-out official car, having been given, as usual, a smart salute and taken straight to the White House, official residence in the Capitol of the President of the United States, to be coached in the protocol and official proceedings of the ceremony.
This was to be a truly momentous occasion and a great exercise in PR for the Air Force, since most of the Medal's of Honor that had been given went to the land-based forces, added to that the fact very few medals had ever been awarded in this day and age and only then they had been given posthumously, so they were going to make the very most of this. One of their own was to be given the highest honor and a young man at that for at the age of 24, Scott Carpenter Tracy was to be the youngest recipient in nearly 100 years to be decorated with the Congressional Medal of Honor.
The family, having all gathered again as promised, were also accorded the VIP treatment and escorted by official transport from their hotel to the White House, where they were shown to a suite of rooms to await being taken to their designated seating for the afternoon's ceremony. As the recipient's family they were shown every courtesy and, as such, were accorded the best seating in the ceremonial function room, regardless of the fact that this was also Jefferson Grant Tracy, billionaire and ex-astronaut legend. Such was the high honor that accompanied this medal that rank, wealth or position, either of the recipient or their family, was not taken into account but that even should a lowly Private or Airman be receiving this medal his family would be treated with the same importance and courtesy.
This was, indeed, a proud moment for the Tracy Family as they took their seats; hushed and reverential whispers, as though in some sacred place, passing between them as the many different dignitaries were pointed out. Everybody who was anybody was there, including the top brass from the Air Force, obviously, as well as representatives from the other Armed Forces. The members, too, of The Congress were also present, as it was a medal awarded by Congress and so named the Congressional Medal of Honor and was the only medal given by the President on their behalf.
But of course the gathering wouldn't have been complete without close friends of the recipient being present as well so it was a very proud day for all Scott's friends from his squadron, led by Major Brad Hollis, to be there to witness the medal being hung round his neck. But it was an even prouder and emotional day for one particular young man; a young man, who without his friend's exceptional courage, bravery and determination, would not be sitting here today, that young man being none other than Lieutenant Jez Numann.
His was the first face that had greeted the Tracy Family on being shown into the waiting area and it proved to be an emotional reunion for all concerned.
"How are you all….Mr Tracy….Virgil….?" Jez greeted each and every one warmly with the sentiment being returned. They wanted to know, of course, how Jez was coming along, noticing he was still in a cast and using support but he was able to tell them he was healing well after a lot of corrective surgery. But there was only one thing on Jez's mind.
"How is he, Virgil?" Jez asked anxiously. "They wouldn't let me see him…..they're keepin him well under wraps until all this is over."
Both Virgil and John drew him to one side, out of earshot of Gordon, Alan and Grandma, who along with Tin-Tin, Brains and their father were chatting away to Brad Hollis and the guys in the squadron.
"He hasn't been great, Jez…..he was really distant when he came home….been gettin flashbacks…real bad nightmares…you know," Virgil informed him quietly.
Jez nodded sympathetically. "Tell me about it…..though I imagine for Scott it's a lot worse," he responded, understanding only all too well.
"Jez…we need a favor. Gordon and Alan….well…they don't know the whole story…what went on out there…and Scott doesn't want them to know. Same goes for the rest of the family….except Dad of course. Hell….we only know because we dug it out of him after one of his nightmares….," John began in a lowered voice.
"Yeah, sure….look you don't need to worry. I won't say a thing….other than how he carried me outta there," Jez promised faithfully but there was something else he just had to know. "Virgil….I've been talkin to the guys….and they've been telling me…..well, I mean is it really true….about that Major Bauer!" Jez asked, still finding it hard to believe after what his buddy had already went through.
The two boys exchanged glances then sadly confirmed what he had been told. "Yeah…it's all true, Jez."
Jez suddenly felt hit by a fresh wave of emotion and he fought hard to keep his composure as comforting and supportive hands from Virgil and John went about his shoulders.
It was shortly after that they had all been called and shown to their respective seats with Jez and their squadron buddies being seated next to the family. And what of the guest of honor himself! Well, he was firmly ensconced between top brass officials of the United States Air Force, Major General Steve Ryder included, in the party on the raised dais. Scott sat impassively, offering no show of emotion whatsoever, no acknowledging of his family or comrades and looking neither to the right or left but straight ahead, concentrating his gaze on some fixed point in the room.
He cut a sad and lonely figure and it broke a father's heart to see him so, knowing that his son would go through the motions and do his duty with quiet dignity.
"Gee, you'd think he could show some flicker of emotion. He looks like he's waiting to be handed a death sentence….not the Medal of Honor!" Alan whispered to Gordon, though loud enough for those near by to hear. His father shot him a disapproving glance.
Both Virgil and John frowned with annoyance at their youngest brother. "Can it Al….this isn't easy for him," Virgil hissed in a protective tone, knowing now just what this medal really meant to his eldest brother.
"I was just sayin….," Alan pouted at having been admonished by his older brother.
"Well don't," Virgil responded sharply.
"He just doesn't want to break his concentration…..that's all, Alan," Jez explained, as he leant over and gave the youngest Tracy a weak smile, though in his heart he knew how his friend would be hating every moment of this public spectacle.
A buzz of energy and excitement then began to filter through the room as an official looking gentleman approached the central lectern for there was one rather notable person still absent.
"Ladies and gentlemen……please be upstanding for the President of the United States of America," the President's Aide announced formally. The ceremony was about to get under way.
The assembled gathering rose as the President made his way into the room and once having taken his place the Anthem was struck up. Automatically and with pride every person in the room stood to attention, placing their right hand over their heart as a mark of respect and love for their country.
Once over everyone took their seats and then began, what Alan and Gordon considered anyway, to be the most boring part of the proceedings, the formal speech, given by the Speaker of the House. Well, to be fair, it was their award and Congress just love speeches.
Eventually, though, it came to the part they had all waited for and Grandma and Tin-Tin already found themselves dabbing at their eyes. Jeff gallantly handed his mother a clean handkerchief for, somehow, she couldn't seem to find her own.
It was time to call forward the recipient.
"It is the pleasure of The Congress of these United States to recognise the meritorious service of Lt Scott Carpenter Tracy. Lt Tracy, please present yourself before the House and the President of the United States," the Sergeant-At-Arms called out formally.
Scott rose from his position and made his way with immaculate precision to come smartly to attention in front of the President, who had risen from his place and turned to meet the young man, Scott then giving him a salute as his Commander-In-Chief. The young man steeled himself for this next part, for before the medal could be presented, the Citation of his gallant actions had to be read out for all to hear.
'Attention to Orders' was called and the Citation went as follows: Lt Scott Carpenter Tracy of the United States Air Force, having entered service at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona and currently serving at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico.
'That Lt Tracy was forced to eject his aircraft, along with Lt Numann, over N Vietnam in the year 2063 when hit by a surface-to-air missile, having already successfully evaded said missile several times. Lt Tracy then successfully defended himself and his injured colleague, to escape and continue to evade enemy patrols. Despite injuries to himself, he treated then carried his injured colleague, Lt Numann, for 2 nights through hostile jungle, surviving on whatever he could find for them, to successfully reach a designated landing zone, which then came under heavy fire. Lt Tracy then, despite being severely wounded, having sustained a bullet wound to the shoulder, resulting in muscle damage and a broken collarbone, through sheer force of will and determination, continued to carry his colleague to the waiting helicopter, whereupon both were successfully extracted. Lt Tracy also distinguished himself by other brave and gallant actions, which shall remain classified.
Lt Tracy's conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his own life above and beyond the call of duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Air Force and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Armed Forces.'
To hear it read out like that was indeed a stark reminder to the family and all present just what it was the young man had achieved and, as such, the family found themselves choked with emotion, as did his colleagues and not least of all, Jez, who found himself reliving each moment as though it were yesterday. But for Scott, he remained impassive, showing not a flicker of emotion.
Something, though, had not escaped Alan's attention. "What did they mean…..other actions remaining classified!" he whispered with a puzzled frown.
Virgil and John shot each other a quick glance but it was Jez, again, who came to the rescue. "They always say stuff like that, Alan…sounds official. This is the Air Force we're talkin about," he whispered casually, which seemed to satisfy the inquisitive young man as well as Gordon. Virgil and John smiled and nodded a grateful thanks.
The formal announcement then continued. "And that it is the pleasure of The Congress of the United States to have the President present Lt Scott Carpenter Tracy with the Medal of Honor."
There was hushed and reverential silence as the President lifted the medal, on its light blue ribbon, from the case that was presented to him. As he then proceeded to place it over the impassive young man's lowered head, positioning it around his neck, however, an audible sniff from an emotional and very proud grandmother could be heard. Unashamedly, Grandma Tracy and Tin-Tin dabbed at their eyes and they weren't the only ones, as Jez, for one, felt his eyes well up with the emotion of the moment, along with his other squadron buddies and the male members of the Tracy clan.
It was a moment, though, of very mixed emotion for Jefferson Tracy, for he knew just what this moment had cost his son and the full price he had paid. For a brief moment Jeff's proud, parental gaze strayed past that of his son, his son, whose bruised face and tortured body had barely clung to consciousness, to fix firmly on that of Major General Steve Ryder. The man visibly withered under the now cold, hard steely gaze of one proud and very determined father; a father who would move heaven and earth for his son…and did.
For Scott, however, he remained emotionless and stony-faced throughout, carrying out the duty that was expected of him with faultless precision.
As the young man straightened up, now with the prestigious medal hung around his neck, every officer, including the highest ranking, from the assembled Armed Forces and those combat veterans from among the members of The Congress, as well as those veterans seated in the audience, rose and automatically honored him with a smart salute; that included his squadron buddies who helped Jez to his feet and his own father, being a retired Colonel in the Air Force. It was, indeed, a touching moment for a father to honor his son in such a way and with John and Gordon both being in military service with NASA and WASP respectively it was completely natural for them to honor their brother in the same way. But not to be outdone and simply because he was their brother Virgil and Alan also rose to their feet, wanting to give him a salute.
It was not mandatory or even official policy for the salute to be given but such was the high regard and esteem that this medal was held in that every man or woman who had ever served with the armed forces instinctively honored those who received it as a mark of utmost respect, recognising the courage and sacrifice for which it was given.
That was the moment Scott almost felt his strong resolve begin to crumble, his taut cheek muscles flinching under the enormous strain of holding it all together and being the only emotion that betrayed him but he fought desperately hard to compose himself and none but those closest to him noticed or could even begin to guess at the mixed emotions he was feeling.
In a warm gesture the President reached out, clasped the young man's hand in both of his and leant forward to offer his own private whispered words of congratulations and tribute. And just what it was the President actually said, Scott never revealed.
The President then took a step back, after presenting the young recipient with a folded flag, and paid him the tribute of a salute, a salute which on this occasion he did not require Scott to return, for even the President of the United States was not above honoring the bravery and courage for which the Medal of Honor stood. Likewise, he was not obligated to do so but felt that it was entirely fitting, now that the medal was actually being worn, as well as the fact, being President, he could do anything he wanted!
Then, with the same military precision, Scott turned and walked briskly back to his seat. Taking his place then, at the lectern and after a brief pause where he looked out over the sea of expectant faces, the President began his prepared official speech about the nature of military service, the courage and sacrifice of the nation's soldiers and airmen and how we need the strength and bravery of those in the Armed Forces to maintain the freedom of this great nation. It was indeed a rousing and heart-stirring speech, designed to stir patriotic fervor.
The assembled gathering broke into spontaneous applause, not only for the speech but for the gallant actions of the young man who now wore the prestigious Medal of Honor around his neck, the medal only a small, elite band of brothers were privileged to wear. It was the only medal to be hung around the neck so that its significance and importance would be recognised since it was hung above all other medals that would normally be worn on the chest, with the Air Force version of the medal sporting, aptly enough, the word: Valor.
With a final rendition of the nation's anthem being played the ceremony was brought to a close and Scott now found himself having to endure the congratulations of all those around him. Of course, no formal ceremony is complete without a formal reception to follow and this was no exception. Once the proceedings were finished they were all ushered through into one of the adjoining function rooms where they were courteously offered drinks and savoury bite-sized delicacies before being shown a large table where every manner of mouth-watering culinary delight was on display, of which they could help themselves.
They had to accept however, just for the moment, that Scott did not belong to them but was the sole property of the United States Air Force and they intended to make the most of that fact, parading him around like some prize trophy. Everyone, it seems, wanted a piece of him, wanting to get a close look at that famous and illustrious Medal of Honor on its light blue ribbon. Much as he hated it, though, Scott carried out his obligations and duty with quiet dignity, as he was led around being introduced to the many dignitaries and every high-ranking official of the Armed Forces present.
Then, eventually, his family got their chance to spend some time with him, as Scott purposefully pushed through all those that surrounded him and they were, at last able to give him warm and congratulatory hugs, along with his squadron buddies who were not going to miss out on this chance to be reunited. He felt he had done his duty, doing what was expected of him and now it was his family's turn. But, perhaps, the most emotional reunion of all was when two friends, who had been to hell and back together, first saw each other; it was like time had stood still.
And Jez finally got to make good the promise he made to himself that day he said goodbye to his friend in the hospital, when he had longed to pull him into a tight hug but couldn't for fear of causing him more pain. With all thought of who was watching swept aside and with tears welling in their eyes, tears of joy and memories only they could share, both men embraced tightly, allowing the emotion to flow freely.
But such is the way with officialdom and protocol that he was soon whisked away again for official photographs. Jez, too, was also called for photographs, for what could be more poignant than the man who had been rescued shaking hands with the Medal of Honor recipient who had rescued him. Both men hated it, having their emotional reunion turned into a public spectacle but it was expected of them and both, unwaveringly, did their duty, though they didn't mind the family taking their private pictures. They were soon engulfed by a myriad of flashlights going off, however, everyone wanting a souvenir picture of the emotional reunion, that illustrious medal and the man who wore it and Scott soon found himself fighting those sickly feelings, once more, of everything crowding in on him.
As Jez became concerned their squadron buddies, along with Major Hollis, soon stepped in to the rescue, surrounding them both and telling everyone to back off a little and give them some space. They may not have been able to protect Scott back at the hospital when they wished they'd been able to but they sure as hell would protect him now, for which the family were very grateful. Gradually things eased off a little and Scott got to spend more time with those who mattered most to him, though he remained polite and courteous to those who still came up and offered their congratulations.
As is the way with youngest brothers and impetuous as ever, Alan begged his eldest brother to be allowed to put the medal around his neck. "Aw, go on Scott….p.l.e.a.s.e.e.e. These things are like gold dust….you know how rare they are! I mean…how many people ever get to see them close up! Let me wear it…..just a little while."
Eventually and just to get him to shut up more than anything else Scott relented and his youngest brother lost no time in lifting it off his brother's neck and placing it round his own.
"Hey, Al….that's a capital offence…..illegally wearing a Medal of Honor that's not yours. You could get locked up for that," John called out teasingly.
"Yeah….like right, Johnny," he replied, laughing it off.
"John's right, Alan. Just don't let the President catch you," one of his eldest brother's squadron buddies joined in, bringing laughter from the little party of friends and family, though Scott just winced a smile, not really feeling in the mood for much jollity.
And speaking of the President! "It's good to see you again, Jefferson. This must be a very proud day for you and the family," he said, greeting his friend with a warm handshake.
"Yes, Mr President…it is…..and very impressive speech by the way. I see you're still getting Carlton to write them for you," Jeff acknowledged, first formally and then with the over-familiarity of close friendship, for who but Jefferson Tracy could speak to a President in such a familiar fashion!
The President, Harley S Davidson, let out a burst of laughter, knowing Jeff was implying he certainly didn't write it himself. "You noticed then…..there's no fooling you, Jefferson."
After more relaxed and informal conversation, the President then turned his attention to a blond-haired young man that had his back to him. "You know, young man….that is a Federal Offence…..wearing a Medal of Honor that you have not been awarded. I could have you put away for a very long time," his deep, easy drawl rang out in mocking seriousness, giving the rest of the Tracy brothers a conspiratorial wink.
Alan Tracy all but jumped out of his skin at recognising the voice of the President and practically choked in the process, giving his brothers the excuse to hit him a good slap on the back.
"Oh please, Mr President…would you. You'd be doing us all a huge favor," the Tracy brothers begged teasingly, causing Alan to frown in annoyance and the rest to burst into laughter.
A sombre young man could only watch the good-natured banter, though, as he sipped at his only glass of champagne, feeling unable to join in, as if he were on the outside looking in, only an observer of emotions and activities that seemed completely alien to him.
The medal was duly returned to its rightful owner and eventually the formal reception wound to a close. The Tracy family, along with Scott this time, were given an escort back to their hotel but with it still being early evening and not really wanting to say goodbye yet to his squadron buddies, they were all, including Brad Hollis and Jez, invited back to continue their own private celebrations on the secured floor. And, in recognition of their close comradeship with his son, Jefferson Tracy made arrangements for them all to stay over for the night, being able then to continue their journey back to Cannon AFB the next morning.
The next morning saw saddened farewells, though for the members of Scott's squadron, it would only be for another short while and then they would be welcoming him back into their fold when he returned for active duty. The family then flew Scott south, in the family jet, to South Dakota, to a small landing strip at Pine Ridge Reservation where the broad, sunny familiar smile of a certain Lakota Sioux by the name of Cassidy Greywolf met them, getting to meet the rest of the Tracy family face-to-face for the first time.
It was an emotional reunion for the two men and Cass could see, when he searched his friend's face, looked deep into his eyes, that his 'circle of fire' still burned brightly. Cass had watched, with sadness, the previous evening's news reports as his young friend's seemingly cold and expressionless face was displayed on TV screens around the country as the latest Medal of Honor recipient and again in this morning's newspapers but only he could see the deep pain behind those blue eyes, in the young man he had aptly named, Chey'nah.
He figured Scott was just about ready for some down time, away from the public gaze and he knew this Retreat would be good for him, affording him a time of soul-healing and a chance to reconnect with his Vision, if he so desired.
"It is so good to see you again, Chey'nah. You have healed well," Cass greeted him cheerfully, pulling him into a warm embrace. "The wolf has, indeed, brought my blood-brother to his spiritual home," he added in a lowered voice for only his friend to hear.
Cass brought them all back to his modest home where they enjoyed refreshments and rest after their journey and then it was time to leave, to leave Scott in the safe protection of his 'adoptive' family.
"Do not worry, Mr Tracy….Chey'nah….your son….will be safe here with us. We will see no one from the outside world bothers him. No one will know he is here….and I will see to it that he gets back to Cannon safely," Cass assured his father, knowing he was anxious for his son's safety and well-being and knowing that Jefferson Tracy was placing an enormous amount of trust in him.
With final farewells having been made the family boarded their jet and, with Virgil at the controls, they took off for home, dropping off those returning to their careers and education on route. With an arm protectively round his young charge's shoulder, Cass and Scott made their way back to Cass's home to finish making the preparations to go to the Retreat the following day.
"Well, my 'brother'……are you ready to go native!" Cass asked, giving him a wry grin, to which Scott just nodded his silent affirmation along with a quiet, inward smile for he was more than ready.
And did Scott find what he was looking for! Well…..that may just have to be a story for another time.
Scott had entrusted the precious medal to his father and on return to Tracy Island it was put away in the family's stronghold vault, somewhere beneath the villa, for safekeeping, where it remains to this day, brought out only on the occasions Scott was required to wear it at special functions.
Along with the Medal of Honor went certain privileges, one of which though, Scott did not intend or hope to make use of for some time to come, such as having the Medal of Honor symbol emblazoned on his headstone! Another privilege and one he wouldn't mind so much was, if his children wished to join any military academy they would automatically be granted that right, though that was far from his young mind at this stage of his life. He was also invited to join the CMOHS, the Congressional Medal of Honor Society and his name was automatically added to the Roll of Honor and since all recipients did, Scott duly accepted the invitation graciously. His receiving of the medal also entitled him to attend Presidential Inaugurations and any commemorative functions, to which Scott was, of course, required to wear it.
Much more immediate benefits, too, included a monthly allowance that would continue for the rest of his life, though Scott was hardly likely to need to rely on such an allowance, given that he had, not only his father's wealth that he would some day inherit but also his own personal fortune. And being the thoughtful and unselfish young man that he was Scott willingly gave his monthly allowance to the CMOHS on the understanding it would go to any ex-serviceman that found himself down on his luck. Another benefit was that he could make use of any military transport if space was available, though given Scott Tracy's future mode of transport he was hardly likely to need to make use of that benefit either!
The one privilege accorded him however, that he did not turn away and was proud to accept was, that he was entitled to one automatic promotion, which became effective immediately upon his return to active duty. He was duly promoted to Captain amid cheers from his squadron buddies, though no doubt even if he had not received the Medal of Honor he would still have been promoted due to his brave and courageous actions. And so it was that he finished out his service in the Air Force as Captain Scott Carpenter Tracy.
There was stunned silence in the gym, so silent one could have heard a pin drop, as Virgil came to the end of his story.
And one young man couldn't help but feel the weight of guilt for the re-awakened memories he had caused his eldest brother. "Gawd…..what have I done!"
Author's Note: See, wishes do come true! Thank you so much to all those who have reviewed and I hope you enjoyed this 'little' diversion of looking into Scott's past and seeing just how he came by that, little mentioned, matter of his medal for valor but then he's just such a modest guy. Now, we're back in his present though, things can only get better. Right!
