...
They had planned to attack first just after 0500 hours. Nora woke up from a short sleep, took a sip of water and aimed to reach Nixon in the next five minutes. Not far from her foxhole, Nora spotted Hoobler, Perconte, Lieutenant Welsh and a few other NCO's forming a small circle for a quick discussion about their plan of action. Nora felt pleased to see Hoobler again and, when their eyes briefly met, they shared a quick smile at each other. Nora's fingers felt her pockets for a piece of chocolate while the men got organised to attack. She was sure, there was still a square left in one of her pockets…
"MORTAR!" Came a scream, followed by a loud boom! As the 88 landed in Easy's line, rocking the earth. The men scrambled for cover, diving into foxholes. Thankfully, Nora was still safely tucked in her foxhole. Still, Nora grabbed a hold of her helmet, ducking her head until her chin was digging into her chest. When the earth settled and the initial shock left their systems, the men poked out from cover and fired their rifles across the grassy field. Upon feeling a hand on her shoulder, Nora's head snapped up. It was Hoobler. His smile was tight.
"We've 'gotta get you out of here!" He yelled above the roar of battle.
At first, Nora wanted to firmly agree – yes! Get her the hell out of there. But it wasn't Hoobler's job to escort Nora to safety. "I'll be okay, Hoobs!" She said, "You go and fight! I will be fine!"
Hoobler argued, "I can't leave you!"
"You are a Corporal!" Nora argued back, "Lead your squad, Hoobs!"
He hesitated for a moment and then relented. "Stay in this foxhole!" Hoobler said, "Don't move until I come back, got it?!"
"Got it!" Nora firmly agreed. "Now, go!"
"Yes, ma'am!" Hoobler said with a wide grin.
A tiny smile lifted Nora's lips, "So long, Hoobs!" She watched him climb out of the foxhole and Nora planned on staying put until Hoobler's return but the next 88 that dropped, sounded far too close for Nora's liking. Hopping out of the foxhole like a frightened rabbit, Nora scrambled onto her feet. Her heart hammered harshly against her chest, as Nora struggled to find her next breath. Hands growing sweaty and clammy, they soon took hold of her rifle firmly and pressed the safety off. Nora wasn't sure where to go but staying still wasn't an option. Moving away from her foxhole, she raced behind a squad of riflemen, that were busy firing at the enemy who would occasionally poke out from behind cover. When another mortar shell flew overhead, Nora had to seriously consider where to go next. The shell could land anywhere. So, she stupidly hid behind a tree and hoped for the best. The 88 exploded and Nora's hands covered her ears as her body trembled…
For almost one minute, Nora hid behind the tree. During that minute, her knees grew weak, and she crumbled to the wet ground. Drawing in sharp and shaky breaths, Nora felt frozen from fear and unable to move. But then, very suddenly, a body landed close by. At first, Nora didn't move and simply called to the man, asking if he was okay. He lay perfectly still, Nora thought he was dead. But then, he gasped and began coughing and choking on blood. Though her cover wasn't the best, Nora felt secure hiding behind the tree and was reluctant to move. But the man was choking and struggling to breathe. She couldn't exactly leave him there to die…
"Oh – shit!" Nora cursed loudly. Moving out from behind the tree, she crawled toward the injured man and recognised him as Eugene Jackson, from 2nd Platoon. Before Jackson could recognise help had arrived, Nora turned him onto his side, where he coughed up a mouthful of blood.
"I'm not dead!" Jackson exclaimed, sounding somewhat shocked. "Shit! I'm not dead! I'm not dead! I'm not…".
"Dead!" Nora cut him off, "I know! It's great!"
Turning his head to face Nora, Jackson appeared confused. "Nora?! What the hell are you doing here?! You shouldn't be here!"
"None of us should!" Nora sounded stressed, anxious. Grabbing Jackson's aid kit, she began searching for a bandage. "But Hitler decided to take over Europe so, we're all stuck here – the bastard!"
"You sound worried!" Jackson said, "Am I okay?!"
"Yeah, you're fine!" Nora said, exasperated. Hands trembling, Nora began to wrap the bandage around a gash on Jackson's temple…
"Hey!" Jackson smiled. "You're fine, Nora!"
She looked at him, doubtfully. "We'll see!"
"Thanks for helping me!" Jackson continued to smile.
"I couldn't do the alternative!"
"Which was?!"
"Leaving you!" At the sound of Jackson's chuckle, Nora smiled small. Wiping her bloody hands against her trousers, Nora retook her rifle. "Do you need a medic?!"
Jackson assured her, "I'll walk to the rear, I'll be okay! Get yourself to Strayer, Nora!"
As Jackson began moving toward the rear, Nora collected herself and hid back behind the tree, just as a distant rumble could be heard. Someone exclaimed that a bunch of German tanks were heading straight for them, Nora's stomach knotted with fear. Sure enough, the Panzer tanks poked their deadly prows over the crest of the ridge and fired into the American lines. Their shells tore through trees and burst with an almighty roar. Nora raced from behind her tree and dove into an empty foxhole, where her hands anxiously gripped the top of her helmet. When each shell hit the earth, its explosion spewed up hot shrapnel, dirt, and tree bursts. It felt like it would never end – that frightened Nora the most, not knowing when or if it would end. Forced to remain frozen inside a random foxhole, Nora tried her best to calm herself down. She tried to muffle the loud booming noises as best she could and focused on the sound of her beating heart.
Because Nora was so frozen with fear, it felt as though her own self left her body. Floating above the foxhole, she could feel herself move into a strange sense of quiet. A memory popped into her mind, where Nora had felt frightened and unsure – when all she wanted to do, was turn around and leave. Inside the cattle truck, a train pulled herself and hundreds of other passengers. Nora didn't know where she was going, how long the journey would take, or if she'd ever see home again. She didn't know the people inside the cattle truck with her. Nora was scared stiff; she felt sick from the intense fear and panic. And all Nora wanted was to feel safe, she longed for her home, her bedroom…her mother. She just wanted to feel safe…shouldn't every child feel safe? But it would take a while until Nora would feel safe again…
Exhaling a long, and shaky breath, Nora's hands uncovered her ears. She was back inside her body, back in the present, where things weren't exactly going to plan but Nora could make peace with that. Rising to her feet, she climbed out of the foxhole and left the area. It wasn't as hard as she thought it would be, being brave…all Nora had to do, was walk on and keep moving. Though her hands still slightly shook, and sweat coated her hair, face, and back…Nora could push passed those physical symptoms and focus on getting to the rear. Nora assured Hoobler she would be okay, and she planned on being okay…
…Rushing past a tree bursting from a shell, Nora felt something sting against her cheek, but she ignored it for the time being. Diving behind a mound of dirt, Nora squeezed in between Buck and Guarnere. Understandingly, both men were very surprised to find Nora in the thick of battle. But before they could question Nora, she raised her concerns over the Panzer tanks.
"They're going to run us over!"
"Welsh and McGrath managed to take out one with a bazooka!" Buck said, "But we've still got a shit ton of trouble ahead of us!"
Nora asked, "Do we get back-up?!"
"What? Our tanks?!" Guarnere scoffed. "Doubt it, kid! We're alone out here!"
"Quite literally!" Buck added, "Fox and Dog pulled back after their flank was exposed!"
Nora stared out toward the open field and said, "We need to slow them down!"
"We don't have time to dig out trenches!" Guarnere said, "You got any ideas?!"
Nora thought for a moment. And then she stole one of Guarnere's grenades, unclipped the pin, and tossed it into the open field. She faced the men and said, "We will create holes!"
Buck smiled, "Not a bad idea, champ! That could work, Bill?!"
Guarnere shrugged. "Hell, it's better than what we're doing now!" He said to Nora, "But don't steal from me again, 'ya stupid mick!"
Nora managed to smile small at the comment. "I won't, Bill!"
…..
Creating holes in the field worked well until the Sherman tanks finally arrived later on in the afternoon to clean up the mess. The Shermans had a somewhat difficult time avoiding the large holes in the earth in order to reach the Panzers, but it all worked out in the end. The Germans were pushed to retreat, the Americans held their line. With nine wounded from Easy, medics were busy stitching up bullet holes and keeping men alive. Nora didn't leave the main line; she remained with Easy until the fighting died down at 1700 hours. However, only a select few knew of Nora's whereabouts. A great wave of relief washed over Winters when spotted Nora walking aimlessly between foxholes. Rushing toward the girl, the Lieutenant stared down at Nora, both hands on her shoulders, as if making sure she was real. Winters's eyes scanned her body, and he eventually spotted the cut on her cheek…
"Was I brave, sir?" She whispered before Winters could make any sort of comment.
"Yeah". He quickly answered, "You've always been brave, Nora".
Nora drew out a shaky breath and leaned into Winters's front for a moment, where her body soon turned into jelly. His hand went against Nora's back and her eyes closed at the familiar and comforting touch. Despite the war around her, Nora felt safe again for a moment. The adrenaline began to lift, and Nora found herself shaking. Winters's other hand went to the back of her neck.
"It's okay…". He soothed, "It's okay, Nora".
"I feel thankful". Nora confessed to him tearfully.
"Me too, kiddo". Winters spoke softly.
Eyes closing, she felt a tear roll down her cheek. Nora sniffed wetly and said, "I don't know why I stayed…I just knew I had to, sir. I'm sorry I went against your order, sir".
"Don't be sorry". Winters said, "I know why you stayed. It's the same reason we all stay".
When Nora opened her eyes, she pulled her head away from below Winters's chest and looked to her left to find a group of men sharing cigarettes. And then there was Luz, who was pouring out coffee for his friends. And Malarkey, who gave some of his water from his canteen to Skip. A tiny smile reached Nora's lips. She rubbed her eyes, and the end of her nose, and then looked back up at her Lieutenant. "I wanted to stay; I wanted to help". Nora said, "They're my friends, sir".
Winters gave Nora's shoulder a gentle squeeze and said, "That's why you shouldn't be sorry". And before Nora could make another comment, Winters told her, "We're seeing the medic".
She frowned. "Why?"
Winters carefully and gently touched Nora's wound with the back of his hand and said, "Your cheeks wounded, Nora. That's 'gonna need cleaned and bandaged".
She hadn't even noticed until Winters pointed the wound out. Sticking by the Lieutenant's side, Nora followed him to the rear, where many of the wounded men were getting ready to leave for the hospital. Nora spotted Jackson, who was laid next to Smokey Gordon from 3rd Platoon. After casting them both a small smile, Nora sat down on a fallen log…
"Kid!" Came an elated cry.
She raised her head and spotted Nixon racing toward her. Arms crossed over his chest; Winters turned his body slightly to watch his best friend. Of course, Nora was supposed to stick with Nixon and Strayer during the counterattack, but she hadn't made it to the rear. Much like Winters had been, Nixon was relieved to see Nora…
"Where the hell were you?" Nixon asked with a wide grin.
Winters answered, "Nora was with the men".
Nixon looked between Winters and the girl, before asking Nora, "Did you fight?"
"I never fired my rifle". Nora admitted.
"Well…". Nixon sighed. "You're alive, that's the main thing". He faced Winters, "Looks like we're heading back to Carentan later tonight. We'll still be under fire along the way, but Colonel Sink thinks we'll have a short rest in town".
"Are we taking the road?" Winters asked.
Nixon shrugged. "It's the quickest way into town, Dick".
"I'll make sure the men have shelter". Winters decided. "We could all use a good night's sleep under a roof".
Just then, Roe appeared crouched in front of Nora with his medical kit. After taking a quick look at her cheek, he began searching through his bag for a pair of tweezers…
"So, Fox tailed back when they saw that first Panzer…". Nixon explained to Winters. "Which in turn, exposed Dog's flank, forcing them to fall back".
With their hands clasped at the back of their heads, a group of German POWs moved past Nora and the wounded. And while she watched the prisoners, the enemy…Roe pulled out a piece of tree bark from Nora's cheek. She hardly took notice of the splinter; Nora was too focused on the sombre-looking prisoners. They weren't the same Germans who had murdered innocent men, women, and children on the streets of Amsterdam, but they would gladly fight for the man who gave that order…
"What will happen to them?" Nora asked – no one in particular, but she knew either Nixon or Winters would give a reply.
"They'll be contained until the end of war". Nixon answered. "Providing they haven't committed any war crimes…".
"They'll be questioned?" Winters asked.
Nixon nodded. "Back at HQ". He said, "They'll go straight to Division".
Nora's eyes moved away from the POWs. She hoped they would be treated decently. No matter what had happened to her, Nora didn't want anyone to reach that level of inhumanity. Still, she had to be sure. Nora stared up at Nixon and asked, "They will be treated well?"
Nixon gave a nod. "They'll get food, water, and a roof over their heads. The war's over for them, they don't have to fight anymore".
"Was there a need for Lieutenant Speirs to kill all those prisoners?" When Nora asked that, it felt like everything, and everyone went quiet. Roe shifted, uncomfortable by the question…
"Keep this bandage on, Nora". Roe said, hoping to change the subject.
However, Nixon liked honest and hard-hitting questions. "It depends on who you ask". He told her, "Take no prisoners, that was our order for D-Day. However, I know men who wouldn't have killed them".
Nora admitted, "I question him because…he frightens me".
"You're not the only one who gets a good spook from Speirs, kid". A tiny grin appeared on Nixon's lips.
"Don't worry about Lieutenant Speirs, Nora". Winters assured the girl. "He's not leading you and you can avoid him".
As if Speirs knew someone had mentioned his name, like a ghost, he suddenly appeared next to Winters. Nora's eyes widened slightly with surprise at the sudden appearance of Speirs, and she quickly diverted her eyes to the ground, while Roe awkwardly cleared his throat…
"Lieutenant Speirs". Winters addressed with a nod. "Are you aware we're moving out tonight?"
"We are?" Speirs kept his voice quiet. "Don't they know we're just getting settled?" A tiny smirk appeared on his lips as if he was amused by his own joke or something he had heard earlier.
"Here?" Nixon snorted. "Why would anyone 'wanna settle here? No…we're going back to town".
Speirs hummed and then stared down at Nora, sending her an intense stare. Soon, he reached into his pocket, brought out a carton of cigarettes and said, "Cigarette?"
Nixon choked back a laugh, while Winters told the Lieutenant, "Nora doesn't smoke, Ron".
Speirs nodded and said, "Probably for the best…I heard these things will kill you".
Nora's eyes went as wide as plates at Speirs's comment…