by Cliff Deane
Dad, when you saved me, my world had been turned upside down, and both my smarts and confidence were beaten out of me. I was just a thing that was traded from man to man, or rather monster to monster. It was you who brought me back, and the confidence you showed in me, returned my own self-worth. Thank you, Dad, I love you, but now if you will forgive me, I would like to go find Kevin and say hello; oh, did I see a butter bar on his collar?”
Levi smiled broadly and said, “I always knew you were special, I guess I just didn’t realize how special. I am so proud of you, and yes, both Kevin and Tim Carter were promoted to 2Lts, to take over a couple of vacant Platoon Leader slots.
Now, git! He’s waiting for you about ten feet from the tent. I love you, sweetie; you may be all growed up, but you are still my little girl.”
With glassy eyes about to spill over, she said, “I know, Daddy, and I wouldn’t want it any other way; you gave my life back to me.” She reached up, and kissing him on the cheek said, “See ya’ later; I gotta’ go,” and she ran out of the tent, “and don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”
Levi turned to Susan, who had been patiently waiting but would wait no longer as she leaped into his arms and refused to let go until he said, “Susan, I love the hard hug, but my back is still a little tender. Gus says I’m a wuss, and I guess I am.”
She immediately released him and apologized for being too rough, then smiling said, “I’m sorry I hurt you, but I think Gus might be right just this once, ya wuss ya,” and again jumped into his arms while being a bit more careful.
They kissed and talked, and talked and kissed for a long time. This was the thirteenth day they had been able to spend together, and Levi looked deep into her eyes, saying, “I’m stepping out on a limb, here, but I have to tell you that; Susan, I am in love with a girl named Susan Turner. Oh, right, that would be you.”
She told him that his limb was solid, for she was also in love with a guy named Levi Levins, “Oh, right, that would be you,” and both again fell into each other’s arms laughing like a couple of kids.
As they sat on Susan’s cot, they talked about a future together and decided to be married just as soon as this campaign was finished. It was decided that Ralph Bassett would perform the nuptials.
At the briefing, Gus discussed the new tactics developed to counter the IEDs. Operations were slated to begin the following day, July 3rd. Even though the old U.S. was now gone, that date seemed appropriately close enough.
Fireworks
4 July 0800
537 Paulson Ave
Pittsburgh
On 3 July, two mosques were targetted for destruction. Their mission was to destroy the buildings and engage anyone within three hundred feet of the facilities.
The fifth Cobra was held in reserve on a rotating schedule so that everyone flew in a regular rotation.
Gus had also contacted Lejeune requesting a medical evacuation helicopter, nicknamed Dust off. This chopper would be used to retrieve wounded troopers to quickly get them back for medical treatment.
Major Guyardo agreed to send a UH-1J Huey to fill this need, but he had no pilot to spare. A new class of five pilots had only just started preflight and would not be available for, at least, five weeks.
He would send a Huey on 4 July, accompanied by a second bird to return the Huey pilot to Lejeune. Major Guy said, “Sir, I only have two instructor pilots, and it will take both to bring your Huey, so please do not plan on shanghaiing the Huey pilot. All five of your pilots are cross-trained and qualified to fly the Huey, so for awhile you will just have to shuffle what you’ve got.”
Gus thanked him and left the TOC to find Levi to bring him up to speed.
Gus explained the conversation with Lt. Colonel Mike Guyardo and between the two of them decided to have both a Super Cobra and the Huey close together, and in an emergency, the reserve pilot could take the appropriate bird.
Levi said, “Can’t say I really love this plan, especially since it means we’ll have to take a co-pilot from one of the Cobras to keep from being forced to shuttle the Dust-Off; but I also think it is the only workable solution we have; so let’s run with it.
You know, I just thought of something; Susan is the Senior Instructor Pilot, what would you say to her taking on a couple of student pilots for on the job training? He could start out in the Gunner/Co-Pilot’s seat.”
Gus seemed a bit dubious, but he gradually warmed up to the idea and thought it was worth bringing up to Susan.
“Now, Gus, I want to discuss something with you that borders on nepotism…”
“Oh crap,” said Gus, “Susan is not going to like becoming your Aide.”
Levi looked confused and said, “No, NO, this is not about Susan…No, don’t interrupt; let me finish.
Considering the fact that there are thousands of perfectly flyable Gunships just waiting to be put back into the air; and the fact that the airports around the country have enough fuel to keep us in the air for years; AND, the fact that there are millions of rounds of ammo at Bases and Forts, all over the country, we are going to need more pilots; ya’ with me so far?”
“Yeah, I’m with you, but I have no clue what your point is.”
Levi took a deep breath and exhaled loudly before saying, “Yeah, buddy, here’s where the nepotism thing rears its ugly head…”
“Okay, go on, I’m listening.”
“Yeah, yeah, give me a second, here; I’m about to cross a line I swore I’d never cross. Okay, here goes; if Kate and Kevin are really serious, I’d like for you to recommend him for flight training.”
Gus, now exhaled loudly and said, “Oh, yeah, now I see, and you want me to make the recommendation because you are too much of a chicken to do it yourself, huh?”
“Yup, that’s about it, will you do it?”
Gus said, “Levi, don’t be stupid; of course I will, and we’d better ask Tim, too.”
Susan was willing to try the idea, though she was a bit apprehensive about the whole thing, but she was willing to see if it could work. Then she thought, why not, these are two very smart and capable guys.
She agreed to administer the aptitude test right after they made the formal request. She said, “Yes, I think it best if they submit a request in writing to me for an exception to Flight School at Lejeune. I mean, we wouldn’t want anyone to think we had a hand in this, now would we?”
Levi looked miserable, while Gus smiled from ear to ear and said, “Lord, no, why, good Heaven's Major, I can’t imagine why that would even cross your mind.” Both Gus and Susan burst out laughing while Levi remained miserable.
Gus became serious and said, “Levi, knock off this guilt trip crap. Here is the bottom line, we need pilots, and I do not know of anyone that would make better candidates than Tim and Kevin, so lighten up. Don’t make me come over there and hurt you.”
Levi finally managed a smile, and said, “Yes, I guess that is true. Still, the optics aren’t good, but you’re right, they’ve certainly proven themselves to be up to every task we’ve ever put before them.
Okay, if they’re not on patrol, please have 1SG Torre round ‘em up and see if they are, at least interested.”
It took about twenty minutes before 2Lts Tim Carter, and Kevin Simms were able to report to Colonel Murtaugh. On the way to the TOC, Tim asked Kevin what he had done to get called before the XO.
“Nothin’, I swear, Tim, did you do something?”
“Nope, then, I’m not the one makin’ goo-goo eyes at the General’s daughter, so you must have done something to piss him off.”
The Top Sergeant led them to Colonel Murtaugh’s office at the back of the Tactical Operations Center (TOC) where he kept his desk.
The 1SG asked if he was ready for Lts. Carter and Simms.
“Yes, Top, please send them in.”
Before entering, the two newly minted Officers removed their covers (hats) and stopped eighteen inches from the Colonel’s desk, came to attention and, as agreed between them 2Lt.
Carter reported to Gus; Sir, Lts. Carter and Simms, reporting as ordered.”
Gus returned the salutes and said, “Thank you for arriving so quickly, gentlemen, please take a seat.”
The two young officers felt relief to be asked to sit, rather than remaining at attention; it meant they might not be in too much trouble after all.
“Men, I have asked you to drop by because I have a most serious opportunity to offer you. As we now have an air arm in this brigade, we find ourselves critically short of pilots; bottom line, would you consider volunteering for pre and flight training?
We really cannot afford to wait another six weeks for the next class of pilots to complete their training at Lejeune. We need help, now, so what I am asking is this; are you willing to place yourself under the tutelage of Major Turner and learn the jobs of Gunner/Co-Pilot and soon, Pilot through On the Job Training (OJT)?”
Both Tim and Kevin were too stunned to immediately answer, causing Gus to say, “Take your time, gentlemen, I don’t have anything else to do for the rest of the day. Would you like to think it over and get back to me tomorrow?”
Recovering their wits, both answered at the same time saying, “No sir, I’m in, when do we start?”
Gus smiled and said, “Caught ya’ by surprise, did I? Well, no matter, you seem to be eager enough, so here’s the plan, you will receive your pre-flight as, and when, Major Turner can spare the time. My guess you will be taking the aptitude test this morning; then we’ll see.
Gentlemen, don’t feel pressured; if you are not sure, please say so now.”
Both men said they were more than ready and very excited to begin.
*
4 July 0800
Airport Helipad
Pittsburgh
The convoy prepared to move out at 0830, but the two new pilots in training were receiving their first ride in the Gunner’s seat of a Super Cobra. The displaced Snake Co-Pilot was tasked to fly the Dust-Off.
After the two candidates had passed their aptitude tests, they were introduced to the other pilots.
Tim spent some time going over the bird that would be his classroom with his IP, Lt. Pritt. Susan did the same with Kevin.
Kate had volunteered to take Kevin under her wing, but Susan had nipped that idea in the bud, in fact, her exact words were, “No way in hell!”
As they stood before the Super Snakes, Susan said, “Okay, listen up, rule one for today is; don’t touch anything unless you are specifically told to do so. Enjoy the ride and let’s see if you get airsick. I had the Crew Chief put a couple of barf bags just to your left along the firewall. Do not piss off your Instructor Pilot (IP), and especially the Crew Chief by puking in their bird. I’m deadly serious about this, and am quite confident that you would agree that failing to use the bags was a bad idea, as you clean it up after we land.”
“Yes, ma’am,” mirrored the nervous, but excited trainees.
Our mission this morning is to scout ahead of the convoy and hopefully see a green star cluster flare telling us the locations of the Cleveland and Dearborn Insertion Teams. Our goal for tonight is to reach Chippewa, farther, if possible.
We are not expecting any enemy activity for the next few hundred miles, so the only thing we expect to slow us down will be the traffic jam. We anticipate reaching Bedford in roughly ten days. You will spend every day learning your new trade; any questions?”
Both Tim and Kevin were too excited to even know any question to ask.
Well, all right, let’s do this; the Crew Chief will show you the proper way to get into his bird.”
“His bird?” asked Kevin.
“Yes, young stud, his bird; without him, our bird doesn’t fly, and I warn you, do not to bend his bird; he won’t like that.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
The two Crew Chiefs displayed ironic smiles as they introduced themselves and proceeded to give these new OJT Student Pilots their first lesson; how to get into the Gunner’s/Co-Pilot’s seat, buckle up, put on their helmet, and plug in.
The Pilots were seated first, as they sat behind the Gunner/ Co-Pilot. Once Tim was fully seated and plugged in, he was greeted by his Instructor Pilot (IP), Lt. Pritt. “Welcome aboard Tim, we’re going to have some fun today, and if you do everything I tell you to do, every time I tell you to do it, you will get to touch some neat stuff; ready?”
“Oh, hell yes, let’s do this!”
The IP smiled and talked Tim through the start-up sequence, which he called winding up the bird.
There were three Snakes in this flight; the third to provide protection if trouble reared its ugly head.
The day went far too quickly for both Tim and Kevin who were thrilled and loved every second of their first flight in the Gunner’s seat of a Cobra Gunship.
They had received lots of instruction on gauges, pitch, yaw, the Co-Pilot’s controls, the critical cyclical, and the various weapons systems.
By the time they arrived at the new encampment both were exhausted and their heads were spinning with the information they were determined to retain.
Kevin and Kate couldn’t wait to meet up to discuss the day’s events, and during their evening meal were totally oblivious to anyone else. Kevin’s mouth ran on and on about his day in the Gunner’s seat.
Levi, Gus, and Susan approvingly watched from their table. Gus said, “Levi, old son, you are about to lose a daughter to the enemy at the gate. Seriously though, you have done an incredible job with Kate. When Darren and I arrived and met her, in Defiance, I have to admit that I thought, oh, crap, this is gonna’ end badly. I am thrilled to tell you that I was dead wrong. Ya’ dun good, my friend, ya dun good.”
Levi smiled and said, “Yes, no doubt about it, they are both smitten. I guess it’s a very good thing that I happen to like this enemy at the gate. I think they will be a good match. Yeah, I don’t think I’ll have to shoot him, after all.
As far as Kate’s progress and recovery are concerned; I’m not so sure it was anything I did, other than giving her the security and love that she so desperately needed.”
Gus snorted, “And you don’t think that was important? Levi, that was exactly the right thing. I mean, just look at her, she sure ain’t the scared, angry alley cat you brought home. No, her blossoming is because you were there for her. I’m proud of you, buddy.”
Susan said, “Looking at her now, it’s hard for me to believe that just a year ago she was the mess you two describe. Really, I just can’t imagine her that way. Sir, I’m sure glad that you found her because she is one hell of a kid, who, I’m telling you, ain’t no kid. I have never really thought about it, but in her case, the term chronological age means nothing.”
Susan sighed and said, “Oh, well, I need to do some prep for tomorrow, so I will say good evening to you two gentlemen.”
Levi smiled and said, “Hang on a sec Susan; I’ll walk you to your tent.”
Gus simply could not contain himself as he laughingly said, “Oh, please; do you two really believe that every member of this command is blind? Not bloody likely, so knock off the cloak and dagger crap; everyone is happy for both of you. Now go on, get out of here; and hang a towel on the tent flap if you want me to sleep on one of these tables; which I might add, will cost you dearly.”
As they stood to leave the mess tent they heard Gus mumble, “Acting like a couple of kids, which just proves that youth is wasted on the wrong people.”
***
Chapter 8
The Air Wing
15 July
Helicopter Pad
Bedford
It took five long, hard days for the convoy to reach Bedford where Levi decided to halt for maintenance and rest. The Cobras were tasked with destroying mosques in Jackson, New Castle, and Youngstown, in addition to their normal reconnaissance missions.
The five days since leaving Pittsburgh had seemingly taken a toll on everyone except Tim and Kevin. Their days had been spent in learning not only the weapons systems but each day they
were allowed to experience actual stick time. By the time they reached Bedford, they had each reached the minimal level of competence to function as Super Cobra Gunners.
Now, potentially only one day’s travel to Cleveland, the Insertion Teams were sent to Shaker Heights and back to Cleveland for Intel updates. A night patrol was also dispatched to recon the mosque in Bedford.
There was a one-half moon providing some light, but the patrol led by Sergeant Buck Owens found the NVG monocles very handy. They passed an area that was open on their left flank and led to a narrowing street lined with homes on both sides.
Buck called for deployment of their WASP, but something was wrong as the bird refused to start.
Looking down the street, and only one block from his destination, Buck felt uneasy and decided to alter his course to the houses on his right flank. The patrol had barely reached the right side of the street when shots rang out from the houses just ahead. Two members of his patrol were hit; one in the head, and one in his left leg. Buck ordered that the downed men were to be dragged into the nearest house. One other patrol member was hit in the left upper arm. The bullet passed through the flesh of his arm and into the open space between the front and rear panels of his vest, striking his heart.
The small arms fire began to grow in intensity as the ambushers flowed out of their positions and ran toward the patrol’s refuge, where they began to return fire.
“Semi-auto only!” shouted Sgt. Owens, “Conserve your ammo, we’re gonna’ be here awhile. The Assistant Patrol Leader stripped the dead of their ammo, while another worked to stop the blood flow from the leg wound. Just as he was inserting the clotting material into the wound, the front door and wall began taking fire; many rounds made their way through the wall and into the room, forcing everyone to lay low. The windows began to shatter as AK-47 rounds blasted through them, showering the floor with broken glass. They could hear hundreds of rounds slamming into the structure.
