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Portrait – Margaret Houlihan
6:15 AM Thursday, September 17th 1951
Margaret picked up a tray and then worked her way down the mess tent line. At that hour, the place was not very busy. Being that early in the morning, she was fine with that. She didn't consider herself anti-social.
After all, she'd just made the rounds of Post Op. Once she had breakfast, she was more alert and a just a little more relaxed. In Post Op she saw Major Stanley Reed, who had a shattered bone
in his right leg. While it would heal in about six weeks, he was out of action.
"How is your leg, today, Major?" She asked, "It looks a little better than last night."
"The medication gets rid of most of the pain, but not all," Reed
answered.
"If you'd like, I can get you another Bellstat pill. That might take away all the pain," Margaret spoke.
"Actually, Major, I think not," Reed began, "I was CO of the unit that got hit. Though the pain is marginal, it does remind me that others on my team had it worse. Should it become unbearable, I can ask a nurse."
Margaret was surprised at that answer. Not that it was the only time a CO might undergo pain because of what happened to his unit. However, Reed was forceful, but polite. She had no doubt that his men respected him. At first glance she saw a brave officer. Upon a second glance today, she also saw an attractive man in his early 40s.
"I'll be by later to check up on you," She said.
"That would be the best part of my day, so far," Reed answered.
"It might be mine, too," Margaret noted, but then backed off just a little bit," "I do like to make sure all patients are getting the treatment they deserve."
She quickly left the OR. What was it about Reed that threw her off balance so quickly? On many occasions she'd spent time in the presence of powerful, attractive men. However, in those times, she enjoyed the attention and praise, but it never went further. Since her marriage had broken up, the last thing Margaret wanted was a one or two nightstand.
Now, she was working her way through breakfast and thinking of the day ahead. If no more than a few casualties came in, she wanted to meet with her team. She'd raised the prospect of alternating shifts and her nurses wanted to find out more. Now that they had mended fences, Margaret enjoyed spending time with her nurses. She could talk to them in ways she could never speak to a man.
After she finished breakfast, she grabbed a cup of coffee and went to see what supplies were still needed. Klinger had told her that they'd get the shipment sometime that morning. As she looked around the supply room, she did find several things that hadn't been asked for. So, she made a mental note to check with Klinger. To her, he seemed almost like a Carnival Barker. Upbeat, loud, sometimes funny – yet almost always helpful.
As she left the supply room, she walked over to the flagpole. For a second, she started looking for that stray dog she'd been feeding. Then, she remembered that the poor animal had been killed by a truck just a week ago. The short times she spent with the dog gave her joy.
Maybe joy was not on the menu at the 4077th.
8:40 AM Thursday, September 17th 1951
The supply truck arrived. Klinger climbed onto the truck bend and began reading package labels while Margaret checked them off her list. She assigned 3 nearby enlisted men to empty the truck and deliver the supplies. McMann, Tate and Stevens were en route to Rosie's, but that would have to wait.
Reviewing the supplies that had come in, Margaret saw that there were empty or broken bottles of medication. That wasn't unusual. For some reason, though, ICOR had sent almost another ½ truck's worth of supplies – many needed for the OR.
9:50 AM Thursday, September 17th 1951
Margaret had stayed in the OR for a couple of injured soldiers brought in by jeep. Hawkeye and BJ, plus her nurses, seemed to have everything under control. Satisfied with that, she went in to speak with Colonel Potter. She told him that Klinger's order came through; for once, they were in really good shape on the medical supply side.
"So, how are things in the OR?" Potter inquired.
"Everything looks good, at the moment. However, I do have 3 patients we need to watch more carefully." Margaret replied.
"Any of them troublemakers? Sometimes that pain medication has folks behaving strangely," Potter explained.
"Sir, not that," She continued, "3 who went through very complicated operations. We're checking their vitals every 15 minutes. The patients are so knocked out, they don't even know that we're doing it. By early afternoon, if any of those 3 has had good vitals up until then, we'll start checking every 30 minutes instead."
"Sounds like a good plan. Those boys deserve a chance at a new life. All 3 were the first to get hit. They took fire while the rest of the brigade set up and began firing back, heavily. According to ICOR, we "won," however, seeing those boys in those conditions doesn't make it feel like a win," Potter said.
She had a lot of respect for Colonel Potter. He had been in the Army since WWI, and knew what could be accepted and what couldn't. Henry Blake, bless his soul, was a good man, but not fit to command. Potter could slam on the brakes anytime if he didn't like the way something was going. However, he had learned years ago that the better you treat your men, the harder they'll fight for you.
That was something Frank Burns could never grasp. When someone like a CO is in charge, that doesn't make him a leader. A leader would be the one in Command. Somewhere along the line, much of what was good in Frank Burns had been pushed out by his family, his wife and his so-called friends at the Country Club. In trying to meet everyone's expectations, he lost himself.
When she did try to bring that up, he'd curtly respond, I have heard enough of that nonsense back home." She'd heard he was back in the states after he tried to find her on her honeymoon. He'd never written her, which didn't bother her much. To her, the only man she'd ever had interest in was married, very married. BJ Hunnicut had become a good friend; she could see why he was a good husband and father. No more games with married men.
12:30 PM Thursday, September 17th 1951
She joined Klinger, Colonel Potter, Hawkeye and BJ for lunch. The mess tent was not full, but close. As talk came up about getting a 4-foot above ground swimming pool, Margaret remembered when her father was stationed at Fort Sumter. While there was a very large, comfortable swimming pool, it was supposed to be for the military and a spouse. However, General O'Bryan opened the pool to family members as well.
With her friend Betsy, the two seven-year-olds were taking a swimming class that met two days a week in the summer. There were 7 children in the class, ages 6 to 9. So, much of the time was in the 3 feet deep part of the pool. Very early on, both. Betsy and Margaret were the best of the bunch. They'd race each other from one side of the 3-foot-deep water all the way to the other side. When they swam back to rejoin the group, the lifeguard smiled. These two would get some deeper water training that the others weren't ready.
1:15 PM Thursday, September 17th 1951
After Margaret had lunch, she went to check Post Op regarding the three soldiers who'd had massive surgery. Two of them were now getting vitals taken every half hour. The other was getting vitals taken every 15 minutes. At least there was some progress, she thought and went to her tent.
Margaret did her best to regularly write her father, her cousin Elizabeth and several friends. On really slow days, she'd write each person two separate letters, sending one group that day, and the other group the next day. It seemed like it had taken a lifetime before her father finally respected her and what she did. Unlike before, where he just wanted basic facts, her father really wanted to know how she was doing and what was going on. Plus, he was starting to date the Widow of General Brice Flaherty.
She began to write:
Dear Dad:
I hope this finds you well. Per your idea of me training nurses at Army Hospitals, I'd like to know more. Since I've been an "Army Brat" my whole life, it makes sense that I might continue as such.
I have spent a lot of time in Post Op today. We have three soldiers who were hit very hard. They held back some North Koreans until the rest of the brigade came in and turned the tide.
So far, two or the three seem to be recuperating. However, there is one boy who really hasn't improved since surgery. I may have to ask Major Winchester if he could take another look. From my experience with him, I know he'll get defensive. However, I also know that if I am assertive enough he'll do what's needed. Winchester comes from a very rich family where the "help" asks no questions.
How is Mrs. Flaherty? What adventures have you been on together?
Right now, my nurses and I are working well together. Whatever issues we had, we talked them out (men don't do this} and were able to get on the same page.
What would you think about me getting a master's degree so I can teach RN candidates? I think it would take two to three years. The plus side is that there would be amazing opportunities to meet people. On the other hand, if I work at one hospital, I get to know my staff and colleagues better. That may make more sense.
You were right, Dad. As I was going through my divorce, you told me "There are a lot of men who'd be lucky to have you, but you should wait until you feel lucky to have them." A patient flirted with me in Post Op earlier today. Maybe in a year, I'd really be interested. Now is just too soon after the divorce.
I hope for peace and that I can see you soon.
Love,
Margaret
2:50 PM Thursday, September 17th 1951
The third chopper had landed, and the wounded were being looked at in Pre-Op. It seemed chaotic, but the 4077th had been through this, before. Margaret had confidence in her team as well as in the doctors.
Colonel Potter was in the OR looking at the soldier he'd need to work on. From what he could see, the left leg was the worst injury. Sherman did know if he could save the leg, but he'd do his damndest to try. By now, the OR was full with patients, doctors and nurses. He had been through this too many times. As a doctor on a base, there was almost no surgery-just checkups and the occasional Appendix removal.
The Colonel beckoned a nurse over. As he began to remove grenade fragments from the leg, his experience told him that the leg might not be salvageable. However, Sherman was stubborn. If he could find a way, or if Winchester, Pierce or Hunnicut could find a way – the leg might be saved. The Colonel was getting help from Nurse Able, who was very good in the OR.
19-year-old David Long had been knocked out, but was getting the best possible care he could get during the war. Sherman Potter wasn't surrendering. However, there were more shell fragments as he dug further into the leg. He asked Margaret to come over and take a look. Then, he asked for BJ to do the same.
"I trust both of you implicitly," Potter began, "Please tell me if I have a chance to save his leg or even part of it."
Margaret stepped back as BJ slowly worked his way down the leg. In some places, it looked like the fragment was part of the leg. Plus, there were several areas that could easily start bleeding.
"Major, please take a look," BJ inquired.
Margaret worked her way down the leg, she found her fingers bumping against shell fragments on both the top and bottom of the leg.
"Sir," she spoke to Potter," We can't save the leg. Whatever we do will only be a very temporary solution."
"BJ?" Potter asked.
"Margaret's right, Colonel. As much as I hate to say it, we're going to have to take the leg so we save the rest of him," BJ replied.
"Okay, then. Thank you both," Potter said.
Both Margaret and BJ had to leave to rewash their hands. BJ couldn't help but think of his cousin who was also in Korea. So far, he'd been fine as a chopper pilot. He could only hope such could continue.
For Margaret, she could feel the strain of moving about the OR, as well as dealing with Private Long. As glad as she was that Colonel Potter wanted her medical opinion, she could not get the damaged leg off her mind.
When they'd had their hands washed, they went back into the OR. BJ had a new patient and Nurse Baker was there to assist. Margaret checked with her nurses and saw that they were doing well. She'd have to find a way to thank them.
Much of the conversation had moved to the upcoming World Series. Who was going to represent the American League?
The National? With the season nearly over, no team had enough wins to guarantee a spot in the Series.
Margaret didn't mind baseball. However, it wasn't something she paid much attention to.
"It's the Cardinals, BJ said.
"It's the Red Sox," Hawkeye replied.
"For once in a blue moon, Pierce, I agree with you," Winchester added.
"I'm a Cardinals man, myself," Colonel Potter added, "Been to some great games over the years."
As the staff worked through the wounded, Colonel Potter could see how draining the effort was. Not because of mistakes, but the chatter was more sporadic. He'd seen that before. Particularly in World War II. At some point, you had to use strength you didn't know you had. That was for surgery and little left for conversation.
6:40 PM Thursday, September 17th 1951
Over almost four hours, the 4077th worked doggedly to start the healing process. Fortunately, most of the soldiers had "minor" wounds. Margaret had heard "minor wounds" before. It did not mean that someone could be back on the battlefield the next day.
She decided she'd get dinner and then a shower. At the mess tent,
Colonel Potter joined Margaret at her table. She was someone who he truly admired: professional, diligent, direct, detail oriented, with a side of a sense of humor. At one time, she and her nurses were not getting along. Since then, they'd cleared the air. Now, they all spent more time together.
"Margaret, you and your nurses did a terrific job in the OR," remarked the Colonel.
"Thank you, Sir, we're just doing the job we're here for," she replied.
Their shared military experience had made it easier for them to get along. While she was moving around the world with her father in the Army, Potter was moving around the US in the Army. Friendships really mattered – if you were only going to spend 2 or 3 years somewhere, it became more important to have a few trusted friends instead of a large group. Margaret regularly wrote to her friends from days gone by. Sherman wrote to several officers he'd served with.
"The Broken Clock," a mystery movie whose best feature was that it was just over an hour, would be on again later this evening. Sherman wished there was a way to get new movies faster and better ones like "My Darling Clementine."
"I'd like to see something like, "The Wizard of Oz," Margaret added.
""Seems like the really good movies spent too much time in Tokyo, never to be heard from again," he said.
"I know. When I was in Tokyo last time, I stopped at HQ to see a friend from my nursing days at Fort Courage. She had a date later that night to watch "Gone with The Wind" and "Arsenic and Old Lace." Apparently, those two movies had been there for almost a month," she replied.
"Next time one of us is in Tokyo, we should bring whatever lousy movie we were sent. Then, find where those newer and better films are. Take a good one out and put ours in there. Then, put the good one in our canister. Since nobody signed out the film, there, they just might have a hard time finding out what happened," Sherman added.
"Colonel, if it works the first time, we could do it again. Just make sure someone from here has a pass to Tokyo," Margaret stated.
"I don't think any of them have seen 'The Broken Clock,' the Colonel spoke, "They need to share our experience."
8:10 PM Thursday, September 17th 1951
After dinner, Margaret went for a shower. If she could, she'd take one every time she was leaving to OR for a reasonable length of time. It was as if the water and soap were doing more than cleaning. The process was washing away all of the work in Post Op and the OR. Once she was done, she felt more like herself and less of a Major.
She did have letters to read and respond to. Since her friend Emily had a great sense of humor, she decided to read that letter first. Emily's greeting was "Hello, Free Woman" and moved on from there. Things were good in Sacramento, where she lived with her veterinarian husband. Her 3 children were finally all in school. "I love them so much, but I love them more when they leave for school," was how she put it. Her husband Fred played golf on Saturday mornings. Didn't bother her, though. They agreed that he had to take one child with him every time he played golf. That way, Emily could play a board game with the other two and then let them listen to the radio. Her life seemed hectic, but she loved a lot of it.
Margaret's friend Denise wasn't dour, but she wasn't a "life of the party: person, either. Denise's greeting was simply, "Dear Margaret." She lived in Fort Worth with her husband, Doug, who owned a Studebaker dealership. All 3 sons had jobs and families of their own. She liked having more time with Doug; they'd team up at the VFW for a bridge game. Doug had fought in the Battle of the Bulge. While proud of that, he really didn't want to talk about it. Denise figured that's just the way men were.
Margaret's friend Alice had been a poker fiend in nursing school. Though the game was banned, Alice could always find a workaround. Some thought Alice was funding her education through poker winnings – until someone noted that the $25 pot was the largest, they'd had. Alice also started her letter with "Dear Margaret." She was single and living in Chicago. Alice included a picture of her with her cousin Sarah. One look at Alice would tell why she was single. She was so beautiful; most men didn't want to approach her because they were sure she must have a boyfriend. Recently, she met Eric in the elevator of their apartment building. Eric was "easy on the eyes" and funny. Alice enjoyed their first date – dinner and a movie. She figured she'd be seeing Eric on the upcoming weekend. He was a loan officer for a major bank, so weekends were almost always open. Alice was still up for a good poker game. A month ago, some doctors had a regular game and thought it would be fun to invite the beautiful nurse. It was quite fun for Alice when she left with over $200. So, the doctors decided not to invite her again before they'd lose their cars.
Margaret laughed. These were the three friends she wrote at least once a week. A couple of other friends got at least 2 letters in a month. After all, there was the news on the radio and in "Stars and Stripes," but she wanted to know what was really going on with people she knew and trusted.
11:07 PM Thursday, September 17th, 1951
Margaret wrote replies to her three friends. Since her friends hadn't been in a war, she left specifics out. Didn't want to frighten them.
It was now HER personal time, to update the diary no one else knew about. She'd kept one since nursing school and never said a word about it to anyone.
Dear Diary,
Today has been very busy, as usual. I look around and I see people who are being worn down by what we do here. I'm hanging on as a pure stubborn Irishwoman. Sometimes, I think of Donald, and how nice it was to share a bed. But that's long over and I usually don't think about it. If I were back in the states, all my friends would try to fix me up with someone. Blind dating and I don't get along. When I read my father's letters, I can hear him say the words. I miss him so much sometimes I can't stand it. But he'd given me such good advice and guidance that I can stand it. I can stand on it in my own two feet. That's something.