A Song For Lisa (8 page)

As soon as the sun set they drove recklessly along dusty
paths toward the main road artery, which ran over the bridge. Late in the
evening, they could see the bridge from a hilltop in the moonlight. It was
light enough for them to drive without headlights. They approached the bridge
with every man’s nerves alert and ready. The men and vehicles were covered with
tree and brush branches to make them more difficult to identify as American
vehicles. There was much confusion in the rear areas of Manila. That fact would
aid them.

The task force pulled off into an abandoned road along the
river’s flood plain close to the bridge without being discovered. They had been
lucky so far! They stopped in the shadow of the bridge overhead. One large
bridge abutment was right beside the vehicle. Jonathon decided to blow the
support with all of the charges they had brought with them. It wasn’t necessary
to destroy the complete bridge. One failing support would render the bridge
useless to the enemy. Not one Japanese soldier could be seen guarding the
vulnerable cement pilings. The Rangers worked methodically and rapidly placed
the charges where they would do the most damage.

Jonathon looked at his watch. It was getting light. He had
plotted their exit route from the area by heading north using a road along the
river. He gathered the lead wires and attached them to the detonator. Making
sure that the area was cleared, the task force moved as far north as the wire would
allow. Jonathon quickly accounted for each of his men, and then detonated the
charges.

The blast pulverized portions of the pilings. For a fraction
of a second the bridge, heavy with Japanese truck traffic, bowed and swayed
when the support failed. A portion of the bridge filled with vehicles crumbled
into the river. It almost seemed to be happening in a slow motion film.

The Rangers had watched long enough to see if their
handiwork was successful in putting the bridge out of commission. Jonathon
yelled: “Let’s roll,” and climbed in the back seat of the Jeep grasping the
thirty-caliber machine gun mount.

Japanese tanks and trucks had set up a roadblock on the path
along the river. Jonathon noted a drainage ditch about a hundred yards before
the roadblock and directed his driver to take it. The half-tracks would follow.
The Jeep engine was screaming in four-wheel drive as they cleared the drainage
ditch onto a street filled with Japanese soldiers. Two machine gun emplacements
with sandbags piled around them were directly in front of them.

Speed and surprise were all they had at that point. The
driver plunged towards the guns at full speed. Jonathon was firing the machine
gun as fast as he could at the two enemy nests. The quad fifties on the first
half-track also helped eliminate their threat. Seeking some refuge, the Jeep
driver turned up a narrow alley filled with boxes and crates. The task force
plowed through them. A cloud of dust and splintered wood particles filled the
air. They ran close to a building as they exited from the alley.

A Japanese soldier threw a hand grenade at the Jeep as it
passed him. The blast caught Jonathon as he was turning the machine gun towards
the enemy soldier. The last thing he remembered was a loud noise before
darkness enveloped him. The driver was also injured in the blast. The Jeep came
to a stop against a utility pole next to the alley. The Rangers in the
half-tracks quickly pulled Jonathon and the driver from the smoldering Jeep
while they peppered the surrounding area with fifty-caliber bullets,
temporarily silencing any resistance. The powerful white half-tracks continued
northward as fast as they could. Several miles later, they stopped to care for
Jonathon and the driver, lying on the floor of the truck. The driver was dead.
Jonathon was bleeding profusely from his upper chest cavity. His right arm and
leg were badly shattered and bleeding, but he was alive! They sprinkled the
open wounds with sulfa powder, dressing them with compress bandages, and
carefully placed ponchos and jackets to cushion his body in the hard riding
half-track. They sped at full speed back to American lines.

Jonathon felt the movement of the vehicle and cried out in
pain. His first thoughts were of his wife Hope. He repeated over and over. “I’m
sorry, Hope… I’m sorry, Hope…”

The large white hospital ship with Red Cross markings began
to pull anchor and leave Lingayen Gulf. Most of the former women prisoners were
being treated deep within the hull of the massive ship. A few stayed on deck to
watch the lush green forests covering the hills of Luzon fade in the distance.
They had unique thoughts about leaving the place where each and every one of
them believed they would die. Mixed emotions ran through their hearts. Most of
the former inmates would always carry an intense hatred for the Japanese. They
left the island feeling sad that they could not thank the kind, generous, and
courageous Filipino people, who had braved death to throw food and clothes over
the fence enclosure of the compound. The women knew that without their
assistance, survival would have been impossible.

There was a positive side to their incarceration that they
could not experience until now. They knew without a doubt that the three years
in the prison would be the most grueling test they would ever have to endure in
their lifetime. Having survived those tormented years, they privately became
proud of themselves. They had found a deep reservoir of strength they never
knew existed, and it had sustained them during some of the most difficult
trials a human being can be subjected to. If they were capable of surviving
imprisonment, they could face and overcome anything life presented in the
future. It was a sentiment that touched each of the women, a moment of empowerment
that enriched their souls. They had been spared death for some reason and they
were eager to embark on the journey of life that lay ahead for them.

Madame June and Lisa sat in two high-back chairs on the main
deck near the bridge of the ship. Still dressed in the army tan pants and shirt
that hung loosely on their thin, undernourished frames, they rested in the sun
breathing the clean, fresh sea air. The gentle movement of the ship as it
glided through the water was a new sensation for them. The cool breeze brushed
their hair. It felt good to be alive. They were going home, yet home seemed a
long ways from the fetid jungles of Luzon. It was a time for reflection and
examination of where they had been and where they were going.

“When I get home, I’m never going to leave, not for any
reason,” declared Madame June, resting her head against the chair back with her
eyes closed.

“Where is your home, June?” asked Lisa. She had known the
lady briefly before they were captured at the Manila Library. June had been an
airline executive for the China Clipper Airways. Her husband had been a pilot
for years and had been promoted as executive director for Asian operations.

“I’m from Pennsylvania. My husband Robert and I own a modest
home in the small town of Dauphne, a suburb of Harrisburg. I can tell you now
that my real name is June Schenk. Bob and I are both from Pennsylvania Dutch
families. You saw me in the library, which I rarely visited. That day I was
simply returning a book for my husband.”

“What a coincidence,” said Lisa, recalling that fateful day.
“I was reviewing some census material for several of the islands that make up
the Philippines. I was a US government census worker. Jobs were scarce before
the war. I wanted to be a teacher, but the civil service opening paid more
money, so I grabbed it. A year later, I was in a Japanese prison camp. I grew
up in New Hampshire near the White Mountains.”

“What a beautiful place. Robert and I have visited your
White Mountains several times.”

“Is your husband still in Pennsylvania?”

“I’m not sure. The first year of our imprisonment, I
received a notice from the Red Cross that Robert had been repatriated with a
number of British and American subjects. Other than that I don’t know if he’s
alive or dead…”

“I’m sorry, June. I didn’t mean to pry. We all have a lot of
catching up to do. Now that we’re leaving Luzon, I’m a little frightened of the
world we have been absent from for three years.”

“I’ve had similar thoughts too, Lisa. My grandson is
probably in one of the armed services. Lieutenant Wright reminded me of him.
Are you married?” asked June hesitantly.

“No, Jeff Summers and I are not married. We vowed to marry
the next time we met. The last time I saw him was in Washington, DC, shortly
before the war started. I was on my way to Manila. Jeff had already joined the
army. He was a second lieutenant. I have no idea if he’s alive or dead or badly
wounded somewhere. He must have suffered not knowing what happened to me,
although I did send word to him and my family through the Red Cross. Thank God
we had them for a while.”

“I’m sorry to interrupt you ladies,” said a navy nurse.
“We’ve processed most of your companions and would like you to come to the
examination rooms. A doctor will be available to you, so feel free to ask any questions
you may have. Take your time, we’re on our way to Guam, where we’ll drop off
some of our patients who are well enough to rejoin their units.”

Lisa and June followed the nurse to separate examination
rooms where they were thoroughly checked by a nurse and a doctor dressed in the
whitest linen they had seen in years. Lisa was apprehensive about the physical
examination. A young nurse directed her to a chair.

“Please sit down,” said the nurse in a calm voice. “I’m
Ensign Hanley. I’m going to establish a file on you for our records. My notes
have you listed as Lisa. Is that correct?”

“Yes. I’m Lisa Carter.”

The nurse asked her to remove all of her clothing so that
the doctor could examine her. “I have a hospital johnny for you to put on after
you remove your clothing. I understand your reluctance to do that, but the
doctor cannot help you unless he examines you thoroughly. Doctor Day is a
wonderful physician. You’ll be comfortable with him. I’ll remain with you.” The
nurse helped Lisa remove her clothing and saw the burn and bruised markings on
her wrists and ankles. “What caused those marks?” asked the nurse.

“The Japanese tied me to the bed… I resisted, but it did no
good….” Lisa began to cry. It was painful to think about, and even more painful
to describe to a stranger who had no idea what the camp was like. Ensign Hanley
embraced the trembling Lisa, holding her until she stopped shaking.

“You’re a courageous lady, Lisa. I didn’t mean to upset you
or have you recall such horrible memories. I can’t imagine how difficult it
must have been for you. Take your time. Sometimes it’s good to let it all out.
We’re here to help you and no one is going to hurt you again.” Ensign Hanley
was aghast at the weight loss of the young woman in her arms. Such weight loss
in itself was life-threatening. Many of the women admitted that they had
probably gained a pound or two since their rescue by the Rangers.

Some degree of blindness afflicted all of the women. The
doctors were quick to assure them that as their nutritional needs were met, the
symptoms of blindness would slowly disappear. If the sight irregularity did not
improve, the ship had facilities to make corrective glasses for those women who
needed them. Dentists also joined the doctors in examining each patient so that
corrective dental measures could be taken. Tooth extraction was performed on a
large percentage of the women. Any type of denture needed by the women could be
made on the ship, it was a traveling medical laboratory.

Doctor Day joined Lisa and Ensign Hanley in the examination
room. Lisa was a modest person by nature and was very uncomfortable having a
strange doctor examine her.

“I’m Doctor Day,” he announced, offering Lisa his hand. “I’m
here to help you, Lisa Carter. Ensign Hanley has given me the notes she’s made
about you. I want you to know that I admire your courage, and respect your
tenacity to live and survive under the repressive conditions you’ve
experienced. You’re a strong person and I admire strength of character. Do you
have any questions before we begin our examination?”

Tears filled her eyes again as she looked at the doctor and
asked in a beseeching voice: “Is it possible that I’m pregnant…?” The question
was filled with all the pain and horror a human being is capable of expressing.
Lisa would have fallen off the stool if Ensign Hanley had not been there to hug
her once again.

Doctor Day winced at the terrifying possibility and selected
his words with care. “My dear lady, I can’t answer that agonizing question
right now. Try not to worry. I admit, that’s a foolish request to make under
the circumstances. I want to check you thoroughly so that when we release you
from this ship you’ll be on the path to normal health with the prospects of
living a normal life.”

“That doesn’t answer my question, Doctor Day,” exclaimed
Lisa in a hysterical tone.

“I know it doesn’t. Of course, I’ll check to see if you’re
pregnant. It will take some time. We may not be able to determine that this
early,” admitted Doctor Day. “Let me assure you, dear lady, that you’re going
to get the finest medical care available anywhere in the world. Let’s take one
step at a time. Right now, it’s important that you let us help restore you back
to good health. Please, trust me. If tests prove that you’re pregnant, we’ll
cross that bridge when we get to it. That’s easier said than done I know, but
it’s important for your general health that you try to avoid thinking about
things that depress you. Will you try?”

“I’ll do my best, but if I am pregnant, will you terminate
the pregnancy?” Lisa asked, shaking all over. She surprised herself with the
question.

“I can’t answer that now,” replied Doctor Day. He knew she
was going to ask that question and that his answer was inadequate. He
intentionally did not tell her that he could not carry out her suggestion
unless her health was at risk.

After the physical and dental examinations, the former
prisoners were led to a decontamination section where they basked beneath warm,
medicating showers. It was a wonderful experience for the women. Some found
themselves singing and humming beneath the relaxing nozzles. It had been three
years since they enjoyed the luxury of a shower. Brand new clothing was
provided from underclothes to blouses and skirts and white socks and low tennis
shoes, for wear on board the ship.

At the end of the evaluation and shower routine, the women
were then treated to a haircut. Several nurses had volunteered to act as
hairdressers. The doctors insisted on having their hair cut as short as the
individuals would allow. The short hair was easier for them to maintain and
treat for insect infestations. The haircut was a health-related operation
instead of a stylistic statement. The procedure started with a shampoo before
the cutting and one after the haircut to insure that all insect infestations
were eradicated.

The women continued their slow journey back to the
individuals they had been before the war. Red Cross officials had interviewed
each of them, so that their relatives could be informed of their release from
the Japanese prison camp. They ate meals specifically designed for them that
were tasty, nutritious, and easy to digest. The smell of brewing coffee and
fresh baked bread stimulated their sense of smell. Once their digestive system
became used to processing food normally their diets would change. They ate
larger than usual servings at a sitting. The galley stewards enjoyed watching
them eat. The most popular food was ice cream. It was the food they dreamed
about in the hot sultry jungle. The stewards were happy to supply their fill.
Most people take food for granted, but these women would never become that
complacent again.

The attitudes of the former prisoners were changing with
every mile the ship sailed towards home. Anticipation of going home and knowing
that their loved ones had been informed of their rescue was a tremendous lift
to their morale and dispositions. In between sessions with the doctors,
dentists, eye specialists and internal medicine specialists, the women were
quick to adapt to life on the ship. Magazines and newspapers were devoured page
by page. They caught up on the current war news. The invasion of Europe seven
months previous to their release from prison was greeted with great enthusiasm.
Movies were a favorite pastime.

The women packed the movie auditoriums every day. Movies
such
as Going My Way, Jane Eyre, Casablanca
and
Gone With The Wind
helped them make the transition back to normal life. Some of the movies made
them cry openly in the auditorium.

Their prison experience was something that would always
separate them from mainstream citizens. It conditioned every aspect of their
lives, and defined them as human beings. Food would never be wasted; clean
water would always be a luxury; fresh air would never be taken for granted
again; and the greatest gift of all, freedom, would always be treasured. Three
years of their lives had withered away almost as completely as their bodies.
They had a lot of catching up to do, but time would never be frivolously wasted
again. The sheer pleasure of being alive, with a full stomach and a promise of
more in the future made it the most precious gift of all. Life had meaning at
last!

Lisa’s auburn hair had been cut just below her ears. The
naval-nurse-turned-hairdresser suggested that with her round face, she would
look good in bangs. Lisa agreed, not caring much how it was cut, as long as it
was free of lice. The end results drew compliments from her companions. She
looked at herself in the mirror. Her eyes were still sunken deeply into their
sockets. They stared back at her with a hard disinterested look as if she were
a stranger. Her Jeff would not know her now. Her protruding cheek bones gave
her an unearthly look. The few days of a normal diet had improved her
appearance, but she had a long ways to go to be the girl Jeff remembered.

On the second day at sea, Lisa walked about the ship. At
first it was difficult to coordinate her steps with the slow rhythmic movement
of the ship as it cut through the southwest Pacific. Time and practice gave her
confidence. The solitude of the sea was a source of strength to her. Its
immensity and its infinite moods reminded her of the green spruce-fir forests
of her beloved New Hampshire. They evoked the same kind of emotions. Lisa’s
first sunrise and sunset at sea were a revelation. She never knew such
spectacular panoramas of color existed. The beauty exceeded a sunset in the
White Mountains. The sun colored the entire sky from horizon to horizon. Small
isolated cumulous clouds floated in a sea of color. It was the most beautiful
sight she had ever seen and it touched the creative and artistic elements of
her makeup. It made her feel alone and a melancholic sadness filled her heart.
Beauty always made her cry ─ tears came easily.