Refined by Fire: Book One in the Guardians of Peace Series

By Ruth VanDyke and Yvonne Doll

In the summer of 1976, the first women were admitted to the United States Military Academy, and the first women to complete a four-year ROTC program were commissioned as second lieutenants.

Lori, Maura, Anne, and Amelia’s journey into a male-dominated Army are chronicled in this exciting, page-turning adventure, as they face the challenges of being accepted into an army that is struggling to integrate women head on.  

Refined by Fire shares the women’s uncertainty, frustration, and friendship, while accurately depicting the challenges both the academy cadets and active-duty lieutenants encountered in the United States Army of the mid-1970s. Refined by Fire, the first novel in the Guardians of Peace historical fiction series by Ruth VanDyke and Yvonne Doll, weaves a tale of young women surviving and thriving in sometimes difficult and completely uncharted circumstances.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Greenleaf Book Group
• Release date: Aug 26, 2014
• ISBN: 9781938416859

Book preview

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1

TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA, MARCH 1976

YOU DID WHAT? CHARLES William Bannister IV stood up from his armchair in Amelia’s parents’ parlor, dropping the newspaper he had been reading.

I applied for and was granted a direct commission in the Army, Amelia Howard said. Impish and auburn haired, she carried herself like the belle that she was from an old, well-to-do Southern family.

Charles, whom she had affectionately dubbed Boo, was her childhood sweetheart. She had adored him from their first meeting when they walked together with their mothers on her first day of school. Every morning after that, he had stopped by the house to carry her books to and from school. Her mother always had warm cookies and milk waiting for them, and they would spend the afternoon playing together, sharing secrets, and planning the adventures they would share when they were older.

Growing up, she’d never had a best girlfriend because she had Boo, and he was all she ever needed. They never really announced themselves as boyfriend and girlfriend; it was just assumed by everyone. They attended the University of Alabama together, pledging to the fraternity and sorority that their parents had pledged to decades ago.

Amelia’s acceptance into Kappa Delta was guaranteed not only because her mother and grandmother were alumni but also because her great grandmother was one of the founding members. Being in a sorority gave Amelia her first close association with girlfriends, and her roommate freshman year was Anne Devereaux. Anne was from Metairie, Louisiana, just outside of New Orleans. Her mother was killed in a freak accident when she was fifteen, leaving her two brothers and doting, alcoholic father to raise her.

Despite very different upbringings and personalities, Anne and Amelia became fast friends. Amelia regularly invited Anne to her parents’ home on weekends, and when Amelia’s parents discovered that Anne was not going home for Thanksgiving, they invited Anne to spend the holiday weekend with them.

This unlikely friendship only grew stronger, perhaps in part because Amelia felt sorry for Anne, and Anne enjoyed feeling part of a so-called normal family.

The only source of friction in their relationship was Amelia’s fiancé, Charles. Anne hated the way Charles controlled Amelia’s every thought and action. She had broached the subject carefully once and Amelia chided her, extolling Charles’s virtues and making it clear that she was very happy with her life. Not wanting to risk alienating Amelia, Anne dropped the subject.

Near the end of freshman year, Amelia asked what Anne’s plans for the summer were. Anne described how until her mother’s death, she had taken her to France every summer to visit relatives. Some of the relatives from France had attended the funeral and convinced Anne’s dad to let her continue to visit every summer. Amelia wistfully mentioned that she had never been out of the country and made Anne promise to write her regularly, with details of what she was doing and what it was like to live in France.

That led to Anne explaining to her French relatives how kind Amelia and her parents had been to her and asking if she could bring Amelia with her one summer. The French relatives agreed, and when Anne returned for her sophomore year, she gave the good news to Amelia. Amelia was thrilled, but when she asked her parents if she could go, she was surprised and disappointed that they said no. Anne and Amelia decided then and there to work on Amelia’s parents, and after almost two years of gentle persuasion, they reluctantly agreed to let Amelia spend the summer between her junior and senior years in France with Anne.

Anne and Amelia visited the museums and sights of Paris and traveled to beaches on the Normandy coast, where Amelia’s grandfather had landed and fought during WWII. Away from Tuscaloosa’s polite society for the first time in her life, Amelia discovered that wine was not the devil’s nectar, frank and open discourse was intellectually stimulating rather than ugly, and life was hers to live and make of it what she wanted.

"I understand that going to France changed you, Charles said, but this just beats all! Sure, change is needed, but nothing changes quickly in this part of the country. Our parents and grandparents are still fighting the fact that black people can eat at the same restaurant with them and, God forbid, may even have eaten at the very table they’re sitting at!"

Charles paced back and forth in front of Amelia, hands clasped behind his back. He sat back down in his armchair and glared at her. I now have the unpleasant task of explaining what you’ve done to my father and asking if it’s possible for one of his federal judge friends to get the paperwork you foolishly signed today declared null and void.

Are you finished? Amelia asked in a quiet voice that belied the anger welling up inside her.

Taken aback, Charles raised his eyebrows; Amelia only asked that question when she was furious, and she had never asked him that question. Realizing that he was just barely in control of his emotions, he just nodded.

I resent you treating me like some feebleminded dolt, and just so we are clear on this matter, I’m just informing you of my decision, not asking for your opinion.

Dear God, Amelia, I understand you want a life of purpose, and I support that. But the Army? Anne put you up to this, didn’t she?

My summer in France and talking with Anne and others that summer made me realize I’m dreadfully boring and really don’t have a clue as to what goes on outside of the perfectly ordered life I have here in Tuscaloosa. I just want to see what’s out there and decide for myself what I want my life to be. The Army seemed like a reasonable way for me to figure a few things out while you finish law school and establish your practice.

Hell, Amelia, Charles said, this is all a bit much for me to take in right now. You were perfectly happy until your college roommate convinced you that your life wasn’t good enough.

Amelia hadn’t expected Charles to be thrilled by her decision, but she was stunned and hurt by his extreme opposition. His anger and unfair assessment of Anne’s influence on her decision left her speechless.

Without warning, Charles opened the parlor doors and stormed off. Not quite knowing what else to do, Amelia followed him out the front door, onto the porch. Charles, don’t leave, we need to talk this out. Ignoring her, he got into his car and started the ignition. Amelia sat down in a rocking chair and watched him drive away. For the first time, she wondered if she had made the right decision.

She’d been sitting there for about a minute, physically and mentally numb, when her father stepped out onto the porch. I don’t mean to pry, he said, but I couldn’t help hearing your voices from my study. Is everything okay, kitten?

Looking at him, tears slowly falling down her cheeks, she said, No, Papa, it’s not. She stood and hugged him. Let’s go get Mama. I need to tell you about some decisions I’ve made about my future.

2

TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA, MAY 1976

AMELIA WALKED INTO THE living room, where her parents were talking to the caterer about the commencement dinner they were hosting later that day. Her father left his wife’s side to give Amelia a hug and lead her out into the large foyer. Well, darlin’, he said, how does it feel to be a ’Bama graduate? Are you excited?

Amelia gave him a wry smile. I guess, she said. I just can’t believe that in less than a month I’ll be in the Army, and by the end of the year, I’ll be living in Germany.

Yes, Amelia, your mother and I are very much aware of your impending departure. It never occurred to us that you would make a decision that took you away from Tuscaloosa, let alone Alabama and the United States, without at least talking to us or Charles about it first.

I’m sorry, Daddy, I guess somethin’ in me just snapped at the realization that I’ve never made even one decision without consulting you or Charles. I just want to make one big decision about my life while I still can.

Pausing for a minute and realizing that her father had nothing further to say, Amelia continued her lament.

Boo hasn’t talked to me since our argument. I saw him downtown for the first time about a week ago and said hi, and he didn’t even acknowledge me! There’s a part of me that wants to stay here and be with Boo, and another part of me is furious with Boo for not supporting me when I explained to him that I need to do a bit of exploring before I settle down. How could he do that, Daddy?

Do you really expect me to have an answer to that, darlin’?

Amelia sighed. No, but at least you’re supportive of my right to make my own decisions, even if you don’t agree with them.

Yes, I am, but at the risk of sounding unsupportive, your mother and I are really struggling with this decision, and it’s times like this that we realize just how little influence we have, now that you’re an adult. We love you, and all we can do is hope that this will not be a decision you’ll regret for the rest of your life.

Really, Daddy, is that the best you can do?

Out of the corner of his eye, Mr. Howard saw Anne coming down the stairs. Seeing this as an opportunity to change the subject, he turned and looked up at Anne. Amelia and I were just talking about how exciting it is that you girls are now ’Bama graduates.

Amelia pasted a smile on her face as she turned to greet Anne as well. You arrived in the nick of time, she said. And bearing a gift, no less.

Anne held out a beautifully wrapped box. Sir, I am so grateful for the kindness you and your entire family have shown me over the past four years, making me feel like one of the family. I couldn’t help overhearing part of your conversation, and I want you to know that I was as surprised as you were when Amelia told me she was joining the Army.

Darlin’, don’t worry your head about it, Amelia’s dad replied good-naturedly. We’re not happy with Amelia’s decision, but you are in no way to blame. And you are always welcome here.

Amelia kissed her father on the cheek. I love you, Daddy.

Mr. Howard kissed Amelia back and extended an arm each to Amelia and Anne. Sugar, I have two lovely graduates who are hungry and want you to join us for lunch, he said to his wife as they stepped into the parlor.

Mrs. Howard turned from Lillibeth, the caterer. Oh my, just head out to the verandah, she said. I’m certain Jesse has lunch already set up. I’ll be there in just a minute.

Amelia gently took her mother by the arm. Mama, Lillibeth has catered every event you have ever had. She knows what to do. Let her alone to do it, and come relax and spend time with us. Besides, Anne has a gift for you and Daddy.

Mrs. Howard hugged Anne. This is really not necessary, she said with a twinkle in her eye. Smiling, she took the gift and led them to the verandah where Jesse, the housekeeper and sometimes cook, had laid out plates with open-faced chicken sandwiches, slaw, and sweet tea. They sat around the table. After Mr. Howard said a blessing, Mrs. Howard said, Y’all start eatin’. I’m gonna open my gift. She eagerly tore off the wrapping paper and opened the box. Anne, you shouldn’t have! she exclaimed with delight.

Anne smiled. I’m glad you like it. I remembered you admiring it in the store window when we went out for Easter brunch.

That is very sweet. Mrs. Howard put the vase in the middle of the table and reached over to hug Anne again. Thank you.

That evening, after a full day that had started with a morning commencement exercise, a leisurely lunch, and a commencement dinner that had lasted until nine, Amelia’s parents excused themselves while Amelia and Anne headed out to sit on the rocking chairs on the front porch for a bit. They sat in silence until Amelia asked, Are you excited about going to your officer basic and then on to Germany?

Absolutely! Anne paused a minute and continued, But you’re not, are you?

Amelia pursed her lips. I’m all over the map emotionally, she said. This should have been one of the happiest days of my life. I’m not sure what was harder—Boo not being here to celebrate this with us, or his parents being here and all of us ignoring the fact that he didn’t come.

Charles is a selfish, entitled boor, but I know you love him, and because this is so hurtful for you, I sorta wish he had come.

Thanks, you’re a good friend, she said, and smiled. I guess I’m just a bit nervous about being totally alone for the first time in my life.

Amelia, you’re stronger than you give yourself credit for. Anne stood up. I think I’ll turn in; what about you?

No, you go on.

Alone on the porch, lost in thought, Amelia rocked through the night. When she heard the crowing of the rooster just before dawn, she sighed, went inside, locked the front door, and went upstairs. She lay down on her bed, eyes wide open, staring at the ceiling, waiting until it would be seemly for her to take a shower and start another day of her life pretending everything was fine, because that was just the way things were done around here.

3

FORT McCLELLAN, ALABAMA, JUNE 1976

AMELIA TURNED RIGHT OFF of Alabama highway 21 and slowed down as she approached the Summerall gate entrance to Ft. McClellan. A young MP stepped out of the guard shack, motioning her to stop. Rolling down her window, she said, Hi, I’m here for the Women’s Army Corps Officer Orientation course. Can you help me?

Yes, ma’am, but I need to see your ID and orders first.

Amelia nodded. She handed the MP a copy of her orders and her driver’s license.

Ma’am, you haven’t been issued a military ID yet?

No, they told me that I’d get one when I in-processed.

The MP nodded. Okay, ma’am, this will take a few minutes. I have to fill out a guest pass for you.

Armed with her guest pass and directions to the welcome center, Amelia thanked the MP and drove on to the post. After a few miles of nothing but scrubby pines and red clay, she wondered if she had somehow missed a turn. A few minutes later, she saw a cluster of long, white buildings that looked like they might have been built during WWII. She made a left just before the gas station, entered the traffic circle, and took the second right, which led her over a small, beautiful stone bridge and up a short steep hill. At the crest of the hill, a hulking, old white building loomed. Amelia smiled wryly. It looked more like a haunted house than a welcome center.

The inside of the welcome center reminded her of an old theater with all the seats removed. Across the room was a stage with metal file cabinets lined up against the back wall and a large table in the middle. Gray metal desks had been lined up along the windowless walls. On each side of the massive office space, staircases led to a balcony area with desks lined up along the balustrade and floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing natural light to filter in. In the middle of the room stood a three-sided counter like one might see in a library. Young women filled most of the chairs that had been lined up in front of the counter.

Amelia walked up to the counter and said softly, Excuse me, ma’am.

Looking up from her typewriter, the woman behind the counter replied, Lieutenant, you can address me as sergeant, but do not address me as ma’am. I work for a living. She stood and walked to the counter. Give me ten copies of your orders, ma’am, she growled, and then have a seat over there until your name is called.

Amelia’s eyebrows raised a bit, but she immediately opened her folder, took out ten copies of her orders, and sat down in one of the open chairs.

Sorta reminds ya of a pissed-off gorilla in the zoo, doesn’t she?

Startled, Amelia turned to the striking young woman in the chair next to her. Tall and slender, the woman had straight, shiny black hair, the whitest skin Amelia had ever seen, and piercing blue eyes.

Well, she isn’t the most pleasant person I’ve ever encountered.

Laughing heartily, the young woman extended her hand. I’m Maura, she said. And that’s about the biggest understatement I’ve heard in a while. It’s sorta like calling an earthquake a naturally occurring environmental phenomenon.

Amelia. Nice to meet you.

Likewise, Maura replied. Sorry, I’m from New York, and I’m finding the excessive politeness and double entendre of you Southerners a bit unsettling. You guys use all sorts of phrases that take understatement to a whole new level and say things like, ‘Well, bless your little heart.’ Where I come from, that would be a term of endearment, but I get the feeling that here it’s a real slam, and I don’t quite know how to respond.

Welcome to the South, Amelia said, where we call your type ‘Damn Yankees’ and refer to the Civil War as the ‘War of Northern Aggression.’

Shaking her head, Maura exhaled loudly. "Have you read Stranger in a Strange Land by Heinlein?"

No.

Well, it’s about this guy who, as a baby, makes the first trip to Mars with his parents. Their spaceship crashes, his parents are killed, and Martians raise him. Several decades later, a second Earth mission arrives safely on Mars, finds him, and takes him back to Earth. He finds Earth customs very strange and uncomfortable, and he struggles to fit in. I know I’m not on a different planet, but it sure feels like it sometimes.

Laughing, Amelia asked, Where in New York are you from?

Maura’s eyes grew wide as she exclaimed in mock amazement, Why, New York City, dearie. Is there anyplace else?

I’ve never been there, but my dad went on business once and said he’d never return because people were unbelievably rude and it was a very nasty place. So, while I don’t have any experience with cities in the North, given what I’ve heard about them, I can understand your confusion with our mannerisms. Southerners have understatement and passive-aggressive behavior coded in their DNA, and to be direct is just socially unacceptable.

Then I really am screwed, so perhaps you could take pity on a confused northern aggressor by showing her some of the fabled ‘Southern hospitality’ and helping her navigate this cultural paradigm so she doesn’t inadvertently start another war.

It would be my pleasure, Amelia replied.

A stern-faced sergeant approached them. Lieutenant Collins? she said.

See ya later? Amelia shrugged her shoulders as Maura stood up and followed the sergeant.

A few seconds later, Amelia’s name was called, and she spent the next half hour seated at one of the desks along the wall, answering questions and filling out reams of paperwork. When she finished, she was given a map and told to report to the student officer detachment for her quarters assignment. As she walked into the detachment, she saw Maura and sat down next to her. Hi again, she said.

Hi, Maura replied. Are you here for the female officer orientation course? Amelia nodded yes. Great! I was thinking, neither one of us knows anyone here. So I was wondering if you’d consider being roommates. We can ask if they’ll put us together, if that’s okay with you.

We have to share rooms? Amelia asked incredulously.

Probably, Maura replied. I’m sure it’ll be better than the open bays and metal bunk beds we had to endure at summer camp, but this is the Army and they’re not known for luxury accommodations.

Summer camp? Metal bunk beds? What are you talking about?

ROTC summer camp.

I’m a direct commission, Amelia said. I didn’t do the ROTC thing.

Well then, it’s your lucky day, because some guy in the Pentagon got the bright idea to send one female ROTC graduate here to compare this to what we experienced in ROTC. They want me to determine if there are advantages or disadvantages between what I learned in ROTC versus what this course covers. I’m supposed to report to some WAC colonel who’ll tell me what I need to look for so I can develop a questionnaire for women like you who are direct commissions. I guess they’ll have you fill it out just before graduation, and someone in the Pentagon will look at all the data to determine whether or not female direct commission officers were adequately trained in basic military skills.

That sounds interesting, but how does that make this my lucky day?

Because I spent four years learning military rank structure, tactics, jargon, and all sorts of other useful information like land navigation—that I’m guessing you have no clue about—and I can help you with all of that.

Still feeling a bit confused and unsure, Amelia replied tentatively, Okay …

Whoa, if you’re not comfortable with that suggestion, we’re still cool, but please, don’t pull this Southern thing on me where you say one thing and mean another.

I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to sound unkind or disinterested, Amelia said. You just took me by surprise. I’m not used to perfect strangers asking me to room with them, and this is my first time away from home, and quite frankly, I’m not sure anymore what possessed me to join the Army in the first place.

Why did you join the Army? Maura asked.

Amelia replied quietly, I had a mental lapse … perhaps temporary insanity.

Maura laughed. It’s not that bad, and don’t worry, you’ll be fine. I know exactly how you feel. It sounded really great to have all my tuition, room and board paid for all four years and get a monthly stipend. I knew I’d have to go in the Army for a few years, but I thought, heck, I’ll have a physics degree and no school loans. I can fulfill my obligation, save money for graduate school, and get on with the rest of my life.

You can have the Army pay for your advanced degree, too, if you’re smart enough.

Maura and Amelia turned around to see who was talking to them, and Maura immediately came to attention. Ma’am!

Amelia, not quite understanding what was going on, stood up slowly and smiled.

Ladies, I’m Colonel Lorraine Rossi. I overheard your conversation, and I just couldn’t resist butting in. Guess it’s that New England busybody in me. Looking at Amelia, she added, Don’t worry, you’ll be fine. I felt exactly like you back in 1952. The difference between then and now is that there are a lot more opportunities for you, and I venture to say that the door has only been opened a crack. Lieutenant Collins, I believe you and I are scheduled to meet sometime this week?

No ma’am, uh, yes ma’am, Maura stuttered. I mean, yes, I was going to go to building 1060 later today to make an appointment to see you.

Very well, then, I look forward to talking to you. I know you don’t completely understand just how amazing it is that we now have women ROTC graduates. You are the first one I’ve met, and I’m so thrilled and curious to hear your thoughts and experiences. Well, I’ll leave you two ladies to get billeted and report to Faith Hall. Whoever is called in first, take the other along. When you both get in there, tell the clerk that Colonel Rossi said to make certain you’re bunked together for the orientation course. With that she walked away.

Holy moley. Can ya believe that? She thinks I’m interesting? Geez o’ Pete, I’m totally screwed. She’s gonna be watching me the entire time I’m here!

Chill, Amelia said as she put her hand on Maura’s shoulder. She seems really nice and genuine, sorta like my mom.

Our moms aren’t full colonels in the Army! Oh man, that really freaked me out!

Amelia giggled.

And what’s so funny? Maura glared at her.

You! Get real! She’s just another woman, like us, and she seems really nice.

Maura took a deep breath. Yeah, guess you’re right, but once you understand rank structure and realize how few women colonels there are in the Army, you’re gonna freak out a bit too!

Lieutenant Collins! They both looked up at the clerk. Maura stood up and grabbed Amelia’s hand. Yes, I’m Lieutenant Collins, and this is my friend. We’re coming in together because Colonel Rossi told us to, and she said to tell you to bunk the two of us together for the course.

The clerk gave them their billeting assignments, along with a map, building, and room number. They drove the short distance to what was called WAC Hill, which had three somewhat dilapidated, rectangular white buildings with three floors each.

Walking up a drab stairwell to their second-floor room, Amelia complained about the heat as she paused on the landing. Now that I think of it, I don’t remember seeing any air-conditioning units in the windows. Oh dear God, surely our dorms are air-conditioned?

Hey Scarlett, this ain’t Tara; it’s Army billets, Maura said as she opened the door to the second-floor hallway.

What is it about me that makes other women call me Scarlett? My sorority sister called me that when she thought I was gettin’ a bit too uppity!

Walking down the hallway looking for their room and feigning a Southern accent, Maura drawled, Well, you are a bit dainty and fragile lookin’, honey chile, but I got the sneaking suspicion that under all that soft, white skin is a woman of steel who refuses to be toyed with.

Amelia stuck her tongue out. You should be horsewhipped for that ghastly attempt at a Southern accent!

They continued sniping at each other in a sisterly way as they walked down the long hallway. Maura sighed when she opened the door to their room. She had been secretly hoping that there would be air-conditioning. The hot, humid air almost took her breath away. It was going to truly be a long, hot summer. As they stepped into the room, Amelia remarked in a hushed, horrified tone, Oh, my goodness! How are we gonna survive in this small space, in this heat?

Well, we do have fans, Maura said.

The room held two small, wooden-frame single beds, two nightstands, two bureaus and desks, a small closet they’d have to share, and a stack of bed linens. Amelia ran her fingers over the army-green wool blanket and the cheap, rough, white cotton sheets and pillowcases. I wonder if they’ll allow me to bring some nice sheets from home, she said, close to tears. I’ll never be able to sleep on these scratchy things.

She’d never really thought about what her living arrangements would be, and had certainly never considered that as an officer, she would have to share a bathroom with strangers.

Sensing that Amelia was close to tears, Maura said, Hey, at least it’s not metal bunk beds, footlockers, and one bathroom at the end of the bay!

That’s not funny, Amelia said between her sobs and laughs, but thanks for trying.

4

TANGIER ISLAND, VIRGINIA, 2 JULY 1976

ANNE AND SEVEN OTHER classmates had driven the 125 miles from Fort Lee, in Petersburg, Virginia, in four cars to spend the Fourth of July holiday at a classmate’s parents’ beach house. The eight newly minted second lieutenants were part of a group of twenty that had started their quartermaster officer basic course together the first week of June.

Anne pulled her new GTO into the driveway and Liz, a classmate who had ridden with Anne from Fort Lee, exclaimed excitedly, Yes! I am so ready to chill and party my ass off.

Amen! Anne replied. She smiled and looked out at the amazing vista before her. I knew Derek came from money, but look at this place—right on the beach on an island that hardly anyone else lives on. I’m still amazed he invited us for the long weekend.

Get serious, Liz said as she got out of the car. "He’s made it clear from the first day of class that he’s crazy ’bout ya. He