The Long Patrol: World War II Novel (37 page)

General Thornton stood and crossed his arms, “I’m putting both of you up for silver stars. Since I’m the one doing it, the process of acceptance is just a formality.” He watched their reaction, expecting them to react like children on Christmas morning. Instead, they only stared.

Carver thought about the men he’d left rotting in the jungle. They’d be lucky to get decent burials. Carver and O'Connor wanted to get the hell out of there so they could get some hot chow and a rack to sleep for a week.

The sound of booming artillery coming from the ridge they’d abandoned rolled down to them. They all looked towards it. The streaking shells slammed into the retreating Japanese Army. Sergeant Carver smiled and pointed, “We appreciate the medals, Sir, but sending their own shells back at them? Now that beats a medal any day.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

Afterword

I’ve depicted one member of the coast watchers as being a traitor. To be clear, as far as I know there was never any treachery by those brave men. The plot point is a complete fabrication and is not based on fact. My intention is to write an entertaining story not disparaging anyone involved in the this bloody battle.

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The Long Patrol
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