U-Boat Scourge

by J Eugene Porter

  “Yes sir, anything else?” Willson asked the man swiveling back in his chair, wondering what all this was about.

  “No, that should be enough for right now. When is Turner due back from the Pacific?”

  Willson quickly replied, “Kelly is due back in a day or two, depending on the west coast weather. The Coronados are pretty stretched, and some of the winds have not been favorable.”

  King thought for a minute. As a flyer, he knew how the winds could make or break a long flight from Hawaii. “Just let me know when you have a good ETA on him.”

  “Yes sir,” Willson said, and left the commander in chief of the U.S. Fleet staring out of the window.

  The two marines were early for their meeting with Admiral Willson and were told they were to meet Admiral King as well. First Lieutenant Flannigan and Gunnery Sergeant Jones were sitting outside the office of their top commander. Jones was getting antsy.

  “Gee, Lieutenant, what the hell are we doing here? Did we screw up something and the old man is going to send us to the Canal Zone for the duration?” Jones searched up and down the long hallway before returning his gaze to the young marine lieutenant.

  Flannigan felt more exposed than when the bombs fell on him at Cavite, turned to the old sergeant, whom he not only liked but respected, “Gunny, I don’t have a clue as to why we are here. I was told not to tell the commander or Mr. Brand we were meeting with Admiral Willson. That is all I know, but I wish to hell I had some idea of why we are here.”

  Another few minutes went by. Senior officers came and went in the office of the top admiral. The two marines kept jumping to attention every few minutes and early on Jones commented that in all his twenty-eight years of service he had never seen so many admirals and captains in his life.

  Finally, a two-star admiral approached them. As the two marines jumped to attention, the admiral said, “At ease, gentlemen, my name is Willson, and I am the chief of staff to Admiral King. He will see you now, please follow me.”

  Flannigan and Jones followed the rear admiral through the first set of doors into an outer office containing several navy yeomen typing various reports and forms and filing stacks of papers. The next door was guarded by a marine staff sergeant, who snapped to attention and said to the admiral, “Sir, he is waiting for you and these gentlemen.” He opened the door, and Willson walked into the room followed by the two marines.

  Willson came to attention as did the marines and announced, “Sir, may I present to you, First Lieutenant Flannigan and Gunnery Sergeant Jones.”

  King looked up, and as the two marines looked a foot over the head of the most senior man in the navy, they noticed a two-star marine general looking out the window who turned and looked at Flannigan and Jones with a gentle smile on his face.

  King said, “At ease, gentlemen. May I present your commandant, General Holcomb.”

  The two marines again went to full attention and looked at the top marine.

  Holcomb repeated Admiral King’s instructions, “At ease, gentlemen.” They went to parade rest and faced the admiral with the commandant standing on his right.

  “Sit down you two, you are making me tired,” King said with a slight grin as he looked at these two proven warriors. He had examined their records and found out about the Cavite attack and the wounds suffered by Flannigan and how he had been ordered out of the Philippines by Admiral Hart. He also had seen the records for Jones who had won the Navy Cross at the battle of Belleau Woods in France in the First World War. He also noted Jones had served aboard the Saratoga when King was its captain.

  Both marines sat down with Willson sitting behind them and General Holcomb now sitting to the right of King.

  “First, you are here because you have both excellent records and have served the Marine Corps with bravery and honesty. You are to be commended for your recent actions in bringing young Mr. Brand safely back to Washington. Both of you know some, if not most, of the reasons why Mr. Brand is of such great interest to the navy, so I will not belabor the point.”

  King looked at each of them, seeing they were still ready to jump into action just like he expected his top marines to do. He was proud of the Corps not just as part of the navy, but for the commitment they had made to uphold the history and values of the marines.

  “Gentlemen, I asked the commandant to be here while I discuss your current situation. You are not to repeat this conversation with anyone without the express permission of the commandant, Admiral Willson or myself. Is that clear?”

  Both marines said in loud and clear voices, “Aye, aye sir.”

  “Good. Now I want to tell you the bad news. Both of you want to get back into this war, just like I do. However, some of us serve the greater purpose by doing the jobs assigned us by superior authority. My superior is the president of the United States, and as much as I would like to be on the bridge of an aircraft carrier bombing the hell out of the Japs, I am to remain here. You two and the other two marines plus the commander are also serving the greater mission by following the orders of your senior leadership. Do you understand this?”

  Again, in near unison, the two marines barked, “Aye, aye sir.”

  “Flannigan, let’s start with you. The Naval Medical Corps wants to assign you to limited duty for the duration which would mean stateside, probably as a training officer or somebody’s aide.” King could see the dejected look on the face of the young marine.

  He continued, “And you, Gunny, I do recall you from the Saratoga; you were a corporal about to become a sergeant. You are nearly fifty years old, and the marines need your experience to train the new corps. I know that does not make you happy, but I don’t think the commandant would like to see an old war hero getting cut up on a beach somewhere.”

  King could see Jones was about to speak out of turn, but knew his place and took the lecture to heart.

  “So, gentlemen, this gets me to where we are today. You and your fellow marines are going to perform a special mission, one that involves the utmost in secrecy and discretion. Mr. Brand is a one-man task force but one based on science and intellectual curiosity. He may be young, but he has already proven to me that he is a resource that must be protected and nurtured. The commander is the person who is nurturing him in the tasks being assigned. You two are the protectors as are the other marines in your command. Your mission is to protect Brand from any harm. He is not to be put in harm’s way and if for some reason he is, he is to be protected with your lives and the lives of all who serve with you. And, please listen carefully, if Brand is compromised and it’s possible he may fall into the hands of the enemy, that is not to be allowed. Do you understand what I am saying?”

  Both marines looked like they had been hit with a brick. They had never heard an order like this during their careers. They were now being placed in a situation which would cause them to kill one of their own. However, both knew how the Japanese dealt with prisoners. From their experiences in China each had often thought about killing themselves rather than be captured by the Japs.

  Before they could answer, General Holcomb said, “Lieutenant Flannigan, Gunny Jones, you both know what is being asked of you. You have both served in China and know how the Japanese handle prisoners. If for any reason, Brand was taken by the Japs, what do you think they would do to him if they had any idea about what he knows? Is there any doubt in your mind about what you would have to do?”

  Both marines looked at the commandant. Flannigan said, “Sir, I understand perfectly what you are saying, and I would not want to suffer that fate. If it is required for the good of the nation, I would end Brand’s life. Gunny, what do you say?”

  Jones looked at Flannigan, then the commandant and lastly at Admiral King. “Sir, I would not want to see young Mr. Brand or anyone for that matter end up in the hands of the Japs. So yes, I would end his life as well. But I would take a bunch of those monkeys with me.”

  King did not smile for he knew he was asking these men not only to end their own lives, but
if necessary, end the life of a comrade. “Thank you, gentlemen. Again, this command is only for your action. I hope you will never be placed in a situation that would require this activity, but it is best that all of us be prepared to face the possibility. I intend to keep Mr. Brand away from any such circumstance, but the necessities of war make for extreme measures.”

  King looked at both men knowing they would do what was best for the nation. Assured of their understanding, King continued. “The commandant and I have discussed your team, Lieutenant, and have decided to enlarge it. He has selected four men to join you, plus I have asked Admiral Willson to assign a communications expert and a full-time corpsman as well. With these additions, I want to make sure there is around the clock coverage of Brand and to ensure complete security. Gunny, if for any reason these additions do not meet your muster, you are to notify the commandant directly and have them replaced. Do you understand?”

  Jones did not flinch one bit and replied, “Sir, if any of these men did not meet the expectations of the lieutenant or myself, I would notify God himself. Sorry, sir.”

  King finally came to a full smile and remembered Jones from the Saratoga saying, “Gunny, you haven’t changed from your Sara days, and that’s good. I don’t think the Good Lord needs to be involved, but I think the commandant is very near that level.”

  Holcomb smiled and looked at King and said, “Admiral, I don’t think I am that close to the Almighty, but I appreciate the compliment.”

  The commandant pulled out an envelope from his tunic pocket and gave it to the Flannigan.

  “Here are the people I have assigned to your team. The corpsman is combat trained and used to our way of doing things. The chief petty officer comes highly recommended and has top secret clearance for just about anything.”

  Flannigan scanned the names and handed the list to the gunny who looked at it and then seeing one name, smiled.

  The commandant noticing some sort of recognition on the face of the gunny inquired, “So Gunny, you know one of these men?”

  “Yes sir. I served with Sergeant McBride in China, and I think I know at least one of the corporals. This looks like a good list to me, sir.” Jones looked up at the commandant with whom he had served on several occasions in the last twenty-eight years.

  General Holcomb returned the recognition and the smile saying, “Gunny, let me know if there are any problems. I will replace anyone who does not meet your expectations.”

  “Thank you, sir. I think this group will be just fine.” Jones again smiled and thought to himself, At least for once I’m getting top people and not cast offs from a brig. This project was now even more important, and he knew with the best people in charge of the navy, he would continue to get whatever he needed.

  King was about to send everyone out of the office but remembered something. “Flannigan, I know you are holed up at Commander Jameson’s house in Bethesda. Will it be big enough for these people? I had Naval Intelligence check it out, and they reported it should be able to handle this lot but if it is not, let me know now.”

  Flannigan immediately replied, “Sir, the commander’s house is big enough and will work out fine. The outside wall is secure, and there are only two entrances to the property. The commander evidently purchased the house when he was recalled to duty. His wife is not there because her mother is ill in New York and she is providing care in a nursing home. With a few minor changes, the place will accommodate the entire team and allow Brand to do his work in private.”

  King looked at the young lieutenant and was impressed by his actions and demeanor. A good academy man and he already had proven his valor in combat. “Lieutenant, as part of the security of the property, there will be a police presence in the area at all times. We have worked this out with the FBI and the local police. They will not be visible, but will keep an eye on the outside of the house. You and your men will have responsibility for the internal security and the security of Brand. Wherever he goes, you will go. He is never to be left alone, understand?” King again stared at the lieutenant and the gunnery sergeant standing in front of him.

  In unison the marines barked, “Aye, aye sir.”

  With that final order, King said, “That is all gentlemen. If you have any problems or a situation that needs my attention, you are to contact Admiral Willson directly. Also, new orders are being processed for you and the entire team which will allow total access to anywhere our flag flies. Dismissed.”

  The two marines came to attention, performed a perfect about face, and walked out of the office followed by Admiral Willson.

  When the door had closed, King looked at General Holcomb and said, “Fine looking marines, Commandant. I hope they are never compromised into even considering my orders on Mr. Brand.”

  The commandant mused, “If they have to, they will do their duty. I am quite sure they will not let Mr. Brand or us down. They will fight to the end to protect him and any secrets he may have. We need to ensure that we don’t send this young man too far into the tiger’s lair.”

  King lamented, “I wish I could get out there and fight this damn tiger on his side of the world, but we are a long way from that now.” Dismissing the thought, he continued, “All right, let’s go over the makeup of the First Marine Division and see what we are missing besides a few thousand marines.”

  14

  14 February 1942

  Bethesda, Maryland

  • Submarine Sargo delivers ammunition to Polloc Harbor, Mindanao, Philippines, and evacuates certain military personnel.

  • Adm. T. C. Hart, USN, is relieved as commander in chief Allied Naval Forces in Southwest Pacific by Vice Adm. C. E. L. Helfrich, Royal Netherlands Navy

  Stepping from the shadows, the man holds up his hands to stop the approaching truck and asks the driver for his military ID card. The man carefully eyes the card, then looks in the back of the truck, verifying the identities of the passengers coming to stay at the house he’s guarding. He opens the cast iron gate, waves the truck through. After it passes onto the property he closes the gate and disappears back into the shadows. The truck driver is Sgt. James McBride, and he has the rest of the team in the back of the truck. Sitting next to him is a navy chief petty officer named Harry Schmidt. The chief has the hash marks indicating over twenty years in the navy.

  The people in the back include Cpl. William “Willie” Dean, Cpl. Clarence “Bud” Williams, Cpl. Harold Dillard and P.O. First Class (Pharmacist Mate) Jonathan Hamlin. The six men had met up that morning and had received their orders from a navy captain who served as aide to Admiral King. Each of them was informed their new assignment was top secret and any discussion outside of the command was grounds for a court-martial and twenty years at Portsmouth. They were duly impressed.

  The truck was met at the garage behind the large house by a marine gunnery sergeant. “Okay, cowboys, get out of the truck, grab your gear, and come into the house.” The gunny walked back into the house to escape the cold rain that had followed them the past two days. Everyone retrieved their gear, including the rifles and pistols provided before getting on the truck. They also unloaded several large boxes stenciled USMC Rations. No one was sure what this was all about, but food was food. Upon entering the house, the new group was met by Corporal Pride, who pointed them to the largest room most of these men had ever seen in a house.

  As they gaped at the fine furnishings, the gunny stepped forward and in a voice only a gunnery sergeant could possess, yelled, “Attention, officer on deck.”

  Everyone snapped to attention and then they heard a very quiet, “At ease, men. My name is Jameson, and I have the honor of being the head of this operation. I would like to introduce Lieutenant Flannigan who is in command of the security detachment to which you are now assigned. You have met Gunnery Sergeant Jones, and the rest of the team includes, Staff Sergeant Laird and Corporal Pride.”

  Jameson looked around the room and figured out who was who. It appeared Flannigan and Jones were correct. He was g
iven top men and not hand me downs from some brig. He gave Corporal Pride a prearranged look which made Pride exit the room.

  “Gentlemen, I know you have been briefed to some degree on our mission. Let me tell you the mission is to provide security for one man and to ensure the secrecy of any operation involving this one man. Each of you was handpicked for your skills and abilities and how you work under pressure. Security is the watchword for this command. The lieutenant and Gunnery Sergeant Jones will brief you on all aspects of what we expect. If you have any questions at any time about this mission, you may seek me out personally. I would prefer that you did not engage in any scuttlebutt about this assignment even amongst yourselves. Is that understood?”

  Everyone said in unison, “Aye, aye sir.”

  The commander was about to say more, but caught the eye of Corporal Pride entering the room with Ensign Brand following behind. “Gentlemen, may I present to you Ens. James Brand. He will be the focus of all your activities in the coming days. Mr. Brand, would you like to say something?”

  Brand had been warned there would be new members of the team. Now he examined each face carefully, then returning his gaze to the first man he saw, the chief petty officer.

  “Chief,” Brand said, “Welcome to the commander’s house. It will be nice to have some new faces around here. Not to say my present company has been anything but wonderful.” Brand smiled, and the original team members smiled back. “But it will be good to have some new companions. I do not know what you have been told about me, but to everyone’s chagrin I have only one head and I’m not a vampire.”

  The original team members, including the commander, laughed at his comment, but the newcomers had yet to grasp the ensign’s humor. The young ensign evidently had a great relationship with everyone and was very approachable. “Please introduce yourself and tell me a bit about yourself,” Brand continued.

  He started with the chief and slowly walked around the room shaking the hand of each new man, immediately connecting like he was the kid brother or first cousin they had known since childhood. Each man, in turn, smiled at the young man, so earnest and willing to be friendly. Not at all like any officer that they had ever met, that was sure, thought Sergeant McBride. He would need to sit down and have a good chat with his old shipmate the gunny to understand what was going on at this great house outside of Washington, D.C.