Battle Cry - Leon Uris [155]
I seated myself, like a king on a throne, in the operator’s seat.
“How about this? The transmitter is generated right off the motor.”
“Who gets first crack at it, Mac?”
“Er…er…we go by time in the Corps,” I said.
“Dirty poker!”
“Well…I got to see if it works. Come on, set up the TBX and get in contact with this baby.” I lit a cigar, which I always saved for special occasions, and relaxed. “Take her for a spin, Divito…want to give her a test,” I said.
Dear Marion,
I’m glad you got the package all right. There is another on the way. You’re not the only genius. The store was so pleased with my selling that I’ve been promoted to assistant department manager. It’s really a lot better than standing behind the counter for eight hours and I’ve got lots more responsibilities…AND, a five dollar raise.
I tried to read the book you told me about, but honest, maybe I’m plain stupid, but I guess it’s not the same without you explaining all the things I don’t understand. I wish so much that you were here to read to me. I’ve played all your records and lots of them a second time around. I like the Romeo and Juliet Overture best by Tschaikowsky (probably spelled it wrong). Only we’re not going to have a sad ending like they did….
CHAPTER 4
THE GREEN of our forest greens blended with the green of the meadow. Three thousand men of the Sixth Marines fell in and came to attention. We presented arms as the color guard, followed by the Division band, marched sharply past and took position. We snapped to attention with a ruffle of drums and a flourish of music as Major General Bryant, the division commander, Brigadier Snipes, his assistant, and Colonel Malcolm, the commander of the Sixth, and their staffs took center place before the line of fifteen heroes.
In files of threes, pressed and shiny Marines strung out in rank that ran as straight as an arrow across the field. And there was our Regimental Flag with a silver ring on the staff from each expedition. The rings climbed nearly the length of the pole: Dominican Republic, Shanghai, Haiti, Iceland…. The flag was fringed in gold tassel, and red and gold cords fell from its peak. In the center, on a red background, was the golden globe, anchor, and eagle and the words: SIXTH REGIMENT, USMC.
From the golden eagle on the top of the staff fell the battle streamers: Nicaragua, Belleau Wood, Chateau Thierry, Guantanamo Bay and a new one, Guadalcanal. They told quite a history, those pieces of cloth and wood.
“Parade, rest!”
In unison we came to the command position. One by one the staff officers of the Second Marine Division stood before her official heroes. The adjutant read the citation of gallantry and General Bryant pinned the medal on with handshake and salute.
“Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Huxley, USMC. With courageous leadership of a battalion of riflemen, against enemy forces on Guadalcanal, British Solomon Islands, he’s showed, in many instances, ingenuity and gallantry above and beyond the call of duty….
“Pharmacist’s Mate First Class Pedro Rojas, USNR. On a patrol against enemy forces on Guadalcanal he disregarded his own wound and gave aid and comfort to another wounded member of the patrol…in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service….
“And we therefore posthumously award the Navy Cross for gallantry above and beyond the call of duty to Private Constantine Zvonski….”
“Regiment, tenshun!”
“Pass in review…eyes right! Present arms!”
We marched in tribute past them and the battalion and company standards dipped in salute. They returned the salute. And as the Third Battalion passed in review, marching in precision, the band played the Marine’s Hymn.
“Come on,” said the Injun after we fell out, “let’s go over and congratulate Pedro.”
“Yeah,” said Andy.
“What the hell for?” Speedy spat.
“He rated it,” Andy said.
“Oh sure, give the goddam medals to the officers and the corpsmen.”
“Don’t be a wedgeass, Speedy,” Lighttower said.
“That goddam Mexican didn’t deserve it no more than Seabags. What about Seabags?”
“Hell,” I said, “if they passed out medals