PHANTOM MUSTANG: The Legendary Wild Red Roan Mustang

By Carroll J. Stephens in memoriam with Harold L. Stephens

PHANTOM MUSTANG by Carroll J. Stephens in memoriam with Harold L. Stephens

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• Language: English
• Publisher: Covenant Books, Inc.
• Release date: Jun 4, 2021
• ISBN: 9781636301808

Book preview

Chapter 1

The Beginning

Seth is sitting at a small makeshift desk in a small hot tent, somewhere in Europe, in the process of writing a letter home to his parents when he hears a voice addressing him from outside the tent. Captain, a loud commanding voice from outside the tent calls, the commander would like to see you in his headquarters whenever it’s a good time for you, no hurry he said but maybe sometime this morning.

Right away, Seth responds without looking up while shoveling his unfinished letter to the side of the desk. It is a warn sunny day, and he isn’t crazy about the prospect of being cooped up in a hot tent trying to think of what to write to his mother; therefore, he welcomes the disruption to see his commanding officer, Colonel Willard Block. The colonel and Seth have been together for the past two years, and he considers him a good friend as well as a brilliant military commander. Colonel Block is a West Point graduate with a distinguished military career. Seth values his orders, advice, and suggestions as he would that of his own parents. Although welcoming the disruption to his letter writing, he is concerned about why the colonel wants to see him. He had just finished breakfast with him not two hours earlier, and he didn’t mention anything of any importance at that time. However, his past relationship with the colonel has taught him that the colonel would often keep his thoughts to himself until the time is right to mention or discuss them with others.

During the long walk toward the colonel’s headquarters, Seth greets many soldiers sitting outside their tents writing letters, shining boots, or just cleaning up gear. He speaks to and salutes many while all the time his thoughts are about what great guys, friends, and soldiers they are. They have been through a lot together; they are honorable men and respect each and every one equally, not one more than the other, likewise not one less than the other either. They have all put their lives in the hands of each other without hesitation many times during the war—all being hardened combat troopers, having proved that many times over on the battlefields of Europe. They all trust and respect each other implicitly. They are not only brave soldiers but are trusted friends as well. He knows that most of them will be given their discharge in the coming days and returning home to a well-deserved hero’s welcome. They may not see each other for many years or maybe ever again. Nevertheless, those friendships, along with all the fallen soldiers left on the battlefields of Europe, will forever be engraved in his mind as to the clarity of what friendship, honor, commitment, and trustworthiness defines. The colonel’s headquarters is established in a large brick house on the outskirts of a small village. The residents have given their approval to let the military use a portion of the building as a military headquarters while they are in the immediate area. Upon entering the building, Captain Graycloud is greeted in his usual friendly manner by Captain Otis Means, the colonel’s personal assistant and a good longtime friend of Seth’s.

Seth, Captain Means explicates, the colonel is with someone right now, but he is very eager to see you, would you mind waiting a few minutes, he’ll be with you shortly?

Of course, no problem, Seth replied. After a little hesitation, he asks Captain Means, What is this all about, Otis, the war didn’t restart again, did it?

While innocently avoiding the question, Captain Means replies, No, Seth, I don’t believe it’s anywhere near that serious. Not informing me as to the purpose of wanting to see you, I concluded by his restless attitude that it is of some importance to you. Why not just have a seat, and the colonel will be with you shortly, okay? Don’t worry, I’m sure you aren’t facing a firing squad. With an air of vagueness and poking fun at Seth, he adds, Not yet anyway, but hell, who knows? He never tells me anything. Most of the time, I just guess, and I’m usually wrong, so I just stopped guessing. With that encouraging remark, Captain Means just disappears into the colonel’s office. Sitting in that big, soft, brown, leather chair in that small outer warm office, Seth couldn’t imagine what the colonel could possibly want to see him about. The longer he waited, the more anxious he became. What is this all about? he wonders. He knows he should be discharged in a few months. Maybe that’s what it’s all about.

After a few minutes, which seemed like hours, the door to the colonel’s office opens, and the colonel appears with a warm friendly smile and a manly handshake. Come on in, Captain Graycloud, he said. My apologies for keeping you waiting for so long, Seth, but that’s the military. However, I do have something of importance to discuss with you. Let us dispense with the military formalities, just make yourself comfortable.

Fine with me, Colonel, Seth says, I don’t recall you being a stern student of military formalities anyway. Now what is this all about? I’ve been sitting in that outer office for what seems like hours trying to comprehend what I’ve done or didn’t do to warrant this surprised meeting. Especially given we just had breakfast together not two hours ago, isn’t that right?

You’re completely right, Seth. I was well aware of the issue of this meeting at breakfast, and I guess I was just sort of stalling not wanting to face the inevitable. This is about your continued career in the military. I’ve been instructed by General Roger Bush to find out what your intentions are regarding your future in the military now that the war is over and your enlistment is due to expire in a few months.

Confused by this sudden request, Seth jokingly replied, Well, now, Colonel, what does ‘future in the military’ imply that I have one or that I don’t have one? If I have one, well, I guess I’ll give it some serious deliberation. If I don’t have one, then I suppose I don’t need to think about it at all, do I? With a short silence and amusing smirk, he continued, Seriously, Colonel, I have been giving it a great deal of thought for some time now. A part of me wants to stay in the military, and a part of me longs to go home to complete some advanced college or maybe just take over the family ranch, which my mother has asked me to do several times. As you know, I was raised on a ranch, and I really did enjoy the ranch life. These past years I’ve realized how much I’ve missed working with the cattle and horses and just being in the great outdoors of beautiful Utah. I put my education and career, whatever that might be, on hold and enlisted in the Army because I felt my country needed me. Not to disregard the advanced education during the past few years I received about historical Europe and her cultures. I still would like to pursue a master’s degree whether I stay in the military or whatever. The war and all its elements have changed my life, as it as so many others, to the point that I really don’t know what is in the best interest for me now. You see, I’m thinking of my family and me now, not just my country and me. I know the country is in excellent hands now. Maybe that sounds a little selfish to a military career man such as yourself, but that’s what I’m tossing around at the present time. I just don’t know.

The colonel sits there in his squeaky desk chair in silence, fidgeting around with a pencil, flipping it between his fingers as if wanting to choose his words very carefully before speaking. Then he speaks with a very serious tone. I have some remembrance of what you are going through. After I completed my obligation to the Army for my West Point education, I too faced the very same career-changing dilemma. Being whether to remain in the military or choose another path for me, and of course my family. Well, as you know, I chose the military, and I’ve never been sorry for that choice. What you want to do with the rest of your life is one of the most important decisions we all have to make at one time or another. You are an excellent officer and soldier both on and off the battlefield. You have accomplished every mission you have been assigned with valor. I don’t need to elaborate on your military successes, the decoration you have been awarded substantiate that fact. The truth is you were probably shortchanged in the medals department. Anyway, I firmly believe you could have a promising career in the military. I, however, also believe you will be successful in another profession, whether it’s on the family ranch or whatever you so choose. You are one of those extraordinary people who somehow easily resolves what’s right from what’s wrong and makes a quick sound judgment to that effect. That is one of the attributes that makes you an excellent military officer. That’s also just one of the reasons your men regard you in such high honor. Trusting your firm judgment has helped them immensely in surviving the past few years. Many have told me as much in not so many words. Yes, I do know to no fault of your own you lost several remarkably good men. But, Seth, your judgment also saved a lot of good soldiers and gratified European citizens, and that in a nutshell is what your lifelong report card will dictate. That aside, the general and I want you to know that we support whatever choice you make—of course being selfish, we both prefer it be in the military. Nevertheless, whatever you decide to do, I’m confident you will be an outstanding citizen to the country, military or civilian, and right now the country needs both, so don’t feel selfish with whatever you decide. I think it is important that you understand we are not trying to put any pressure on you to stay in the military. I know from my experiences that you might feel that you are forsaking your country if you don’t stay in the military. Don’t ever feel that way, Seth. You have done your part or, actually, as evident by your many medals, more than your part to help bring this terrible war to an honorable end. No one can expect more than that from anybody.

Being choked up, Seth could only mutter, Thank you, Colonel, that’s a very complimentary thought, and I do appreciate it, thank you. I hope I can live up to that generous evaluation of me. Your assessment of me will help me immensely in my decision as to what I really want to do with the rest of my life. And I’ll give your thoughts some very serious consideration in making my decision. I think I did feel a little guilty of returning to my life on the ranch and deserting my men, but you’ve helped me realize that’s not the case. Anyway, most of my men will be leaving the Army as well.

That’s right, Seth. And I’m absolutely sure you will make the right choice for yourself as well as for the country, your family, and your men, the colonel replied. The general feels the same way. Now here is what we would like for you to do. You now have over ninety days of accumulated leave coming. Take some time go home to your ranch and family, work things out. At the end of the ninety days or so, report back to me, I’ll be at Fort Campbell, and we will either give you a reenlistment or discharge, of course your choice. And if necessary, you can take an extended leave of absence. Too, there is the possibility of being discharged and reenlisting later with your same rank, that is, if you need more time. The general informs me he will go along with whatever you decide. How does that sound to you?

Not expecting a more-than-generous ultimatum, Seth responds, More than fair, sir. I really thought I would have to make my mind up within the next few months. This is a very important decision for me, and I do appreciate given some extra time to decide my future, whether military or civilian life. Thank you, sir, and the general also.

There is one other thing, Seth, the colonel continues, the general feels that with your excellent military experiences along with your civilian education you would make an excellent candidate for the intelligence branch. That would really be a feather in your cap. You might want to think that over also.

I will, sir, very seriously, and thank you, sir, Seth respectfully replies.

With that, the two wished each other good luck, saluted, shook hands, and Seth left the colonel’s office. He is anxious to get on the next ship home; his leave wouldn’t start until he reported into the United States. He is looking forward to seeing his family and friends again. He has not seen his family or friends for almost four long—sometimes miserable—years. Although they have corresponded often, it isn’t the same as being there. He wants to hug his mother and sister and shake hands with his stepfather, brother, and friends. He is most anxious to see all of them, including the ranch where he was raised and the livestock he attended; he missed them all. His thoughts are of working the cattle, training the horses, and just enjoying the great outdoors of Utah. Ranching is in his blood, but the military and the war has irrefutably influenced his life for the past four-plus years. All of those years had not been enjoyable, however, very rewarding in life experiences, new friends, and culture influences. He feels lucky and satisfied about himself that he has survived the war and served his country with honor. He has made many new friends while also losing many very good friends. Now, however, was the time to forget about the death and destructions of war and focus on the life and warmth of the love of friends and family. Finally going home is a good feeling.

Seth books himself on a troop transporter, a merchant marine ship, docking on the east coast on May 18, 1946. The trip across the Atlantic Ocean takes twenty-one days. Twenty-one days of flashbacks of his various encounters with enemy forces during the prior three years. Memories that seem like only yesterday, which he prefers to leave in war-torn Europe. There are some very good memories of new friends and events confirming his belief in mankind’s basic compassion for each other’s life and precious freedom. However, the troubling memories, not the pleasant ones, are the ones he wants to forget. All the memories, amiable and horrible alike, are what formed his basic character over a short duration of his life span. In that short time, which at the time seemed to be much more than four years, he learned the true meaning of life and not to take it as a guaranteed certainty. Although not knowing at the time, the encounters he faced during the war will be the foremost values guiding him during the remaining years of his life.

After the ship’s docking on the east coast and being processed through the system of military personnel returning from the various war-torn countries in Europe, Seth boards a train, which, after many stops along the way, will finally land him in his faraway hometown. He takes a train instead of a plane because by taking the train, he can stop in several towns and cities along the way to fulfill his promise to many dying soldiers to meet with their families. At the time he made those promises to the dying soldiers, it just seemed the right thing to do to help relieve their fears and pain of dying. Now, however, he knows that wasn’t the case he needs to personally explain to their families how faithfully they served their country and bravely died defending her. It wasn’t just a promise he made to them, it was a promise he made to himself as well. There are many Army, Navy, and Marine personnel dressed in their respective uniforms on the train. All proudly displaying their many military medals. They are all going home to a well-deserved hero’s welcome, and most are looking forward to continuing their lives from the point where it was unexpectedly disrupted to support their country in its time of need. A few are not in the same physical condition as when they enlisted. Some are missing an arm or leg but still have the spirit of victory and the joy of returning home. All are laughing and having a good time as if they have been friends forever. Along the way, they all talk about the new friends they have made and how sorry they are to leave them behind, however, never to be forgotten.

On the long trip home, the train stops at many small towns and cities where Seth has a chance to meet with some of the families of his fellow soldiers as he had promised. He had written letters to all of them expressing his heartfelt sympathy for their loss, but he hopes to keep his promise to his dying men and meet some of them personally. It was heartbreaking explaining to them how and where their loved ones had lost their lives. Seth didn’t try to justify their loss, for he could not; he just explained how very proud he was to have served with them and how bravely they died in defense of the country. He stressed the fact that their unselfish commitments had helped save many lives, not only fellow soldiers but innocent European citizens as well. All the families were extremely proud and appreciative of Seth for taking the time to meet with them and give them firsthand knowledge of how and where their loved ones had died. One family, Seth made a special out-of-the-way effort to meet. Meeting with this family, he also delivered to them the Silver Star and Purple Heart their son was awarded for his unselfish bravery while saving many lives of his fellow soldiers. At the time not knowing that his request for the Distinguished Service Cross for their son would be honorably approved. Also, that they would be traveling to Washington DC to receive the medal on behalf of their son in the near future. He went into vast detail about how their son had sacrificed his life so others could escape a Nazi entrapment. He explained how they were all trapped and someone had to stay behind to guard their rear during an escape attempt. Well knowing his chance of survival was very slim, their son unselfishly volunteered to accept that assignment. Seth wanted the family to know that all the trapped, except their son, had escaped alive due to their son’s brave sacrifice. They too were very appreciative of Seth for delivering the Army medals in person and the firsthand account of the last hours of their son’s life. Seth was satisfied that he has kept most of the promises he had made to his dying soldiers—not all, but some; and that was a gratifying feeling. Hopefully in the future he will meet all of those families. But for now, he is a little satisfied and should be getting on home, for he knows his family is eagerly waiting for his arrival home.

As the train comes closer and closer to his hometown, Seth becomes increasingly anxious to see his family and friends. Many of his friends had been called upon to defend the European or Pacific Theaters of war against the aggressions of Nazi Germany and the Japan empire. Some were drafted, but most volunteered to serve until the war was over. Most would return after the war, but the unfortunate ones will not be coming home at any time to enjoy their hero’s welcome. He was wondering how many and which of his friends will be returning from the war. He knew of some that had been killed in action, but his mother was reluctant to write to him about them. He knew she just didn’t want to burden him with the deaths of his many friends. Others, he is hoping are safe and he would soon be enjoying good times with them as he is enjoying with his fellow military heroes on the train. As he is sitting by a window where the bright sunbeam is shining through and warming the railcar, his mind begins to wander to the years long ago. He’s viewing the scenery outside the railcar and bathing in childhood memories as he watches the treetops blow in the wind on the mountains in the far distance. They are still reaching for the sky, only it seems there are more of them and maybe a little nearer to the sky than he remembered. He has hunted on those same mountains many times while growing up, never before realizing how awe-inspiringly beautiful they were. He concludes they looked so breathtaking because before he had taken all the magnificence of Utah’s beauty for granted, but he will no longer make that mistake. The sun is just topping the waving trees on the mountains, casting a shadow across the flatlands like huge fingers wriggling in a glove. He spots many gatherings of cattle in the meadows directly below in the shelter of the still-snowcapped mountains. Two deer are loping slowly across the meadow, as if in no hurry to get anywhere and not fleeing from anything. What a great day it is to be alive and back home.

Chapter 2

The Homecoming

It’s a bright sunny early morning as the train pulls up to the depot in his hometown of Mill Creek, Utah. Seth is surprised to see all the people that have turned out to greet the returning military personnel, especially so early in the morning. It looks like most of the county is here shouting and waving as the aging coal-burning steam engine locomotive drags its long train of railcars alongside the aging wood docking platform. The locomotive bellows black smoke and white steam from its engine, while blasting a loud undeniable whistle, as it summons the people to gather and welcome their heroes home. The engineer in the locomotive keeps blowing the loud steam whistle as if to notify the townspeople that all is well, your heroes have safely arrived. The high school band starts playing loud music on a platform decorated with the American flag and red, white, and blue banners waving in the slight morning breeze as if they too are saying Welcome home, our heroes. It is almost as if a circus is coming to town without the elephants, tigers, and clowns. No big top circus tents for entertainment, just a scattering of small tents for the gatherings of happy and thankful citizens. The Department of War had notified the local officials that there would be several local war heroes arriving on the train this day. Seth is only one of twelve soldiers getting off the train at Mill Creek this day; others will remain on the train to continue on to their hometowns and their hometown hero’s welcome. Although he is very glad to be home, he feels a little sad that he is leaving behind new friends that he most likely would never see again.

The first to greet him as he steps from the train onto the loading platform is his mother, Elena Redburn. Dressed in her Sunday best because this is a day to celebrate, the day she has longed for is finally here, Seth is finally safely home. As she sees him while crying but not speaking a word, she grabs him, hugs him, and hangs on to him as if nothing else in the world mattered and nothing could tear them apart ever again. It’s as if she is clinging to a life jacket after being pitched around in the ocean for the past four years without any hope of rescue. Terrified if she let him go, it would be just a dream that would quickly disappear, and the awful reality of war would again resurface. Her first words to him are, My child, you are finally safe at home again, I missed you so much, I love you so much, we all missed and love you so much, thank God you are home safe and sound. It’s a blessing I’ve prayed for all the while you were gone. At the time, nothing else did matter. Seth is home, and none of her children had been lost in the war. Her prayers have been answered. Well, a part of her prayers has been answered, but not all, for she was praying for all the American fighting men and women to return home safely. Most did return home safe; however, some returned without all their limbs, some are physically handicapped, while others are psychologically paralyzed. Unfortunately, thousands will never come home and never know that their sacrifice has brought a complete halt to the aggressions of Nazi Germany and Japan aggressions. Their sacrifices helped to save millions of lives; the world is now safe again, hopefully forever, thanks to their loss of life.

Almost everybody is a little teary-eyed as the greeting of the returning soldiers becomes so emotional. All, not necessarily knowing each other, are shaking hands with the menfolk and hugging the womenfolk. Well, they know each other now because they are all a combination of one. All are baking in the atmosphere of joy and gratefulness. Some being so thankful they just sit down on the wooden train platform and relinquish their tears of joy. Not being ashamed of tears of joy seems to be the rule of the day. Seth greets his stepfather, Ben Redburn, observing he looks older than his sixty-three years with his thick, wavy, gray hair. His little brother Cash Redburn looks older than his eighteen years, also more mature than a boy just out high school should look. His sister Robin has just turned twenty years old and is even more beautiful than he had remembered. His mother is still the beautiful, gracious lady he has always known; nothing could dull his memory of her. She is now fifty-five years young—however, would pass for thirty-five. She still has her girlish figure with long, dark, curly hair extending well below shoulder-length. His sister is engaged to her high school sweetheart, Robert Jockman, a young man he knew before enlisting in the Army. Jockman, also a rancher, had been fighting in Europe; but having been wounded and discharged, he returned home some six months earlier. They shared a lot in common with each other knowing what the other had suffered during the past four years, but this is not the time to swap wartime stories. The Jockman Ranch is one of the larger ranches of the area and not far from the Graycloud Ranch. They have always been very good friends and helping neighbors to the Graycloud Ranch, and vice versa. There is a lot for Seth to catch up on, but that would all come in due time. Now is the time for the planned activities of the day, various parties across town, dancing, and just having a good ole-time country gathering. Yes, this is a great day.

Come on, Cash fun-lovingly shouted. We’ve got some celebrations to do. We’re wasting good fun times.

Slow down, Cash, Robin suggests. Let me and Mom catch our breaths. We are a little overwhelmed and giddy with Seth being home right now. Let’s enjoy it for a while. The partying will still be there this afternoon. Besides, Mom’s not going to let you indulge in any beer drinking anyway, so pull up on the reins, we’re not in a horse race here.

In a more respectful voice, Cash says, Oh hell, sis, I just thought Seth was in a hurry to meet some of the new beautiful girls in town. They aren’t going to wait forever, you know, to see the new county war hero. Seth has to get there while the picking is still good. Pretty girls go fast in this little hick town, and there are more boys returning home today than just him, you know.

Cash, Ben states with a firm voice of authority. You know not to use that kind of language in the presence of your mother and sister. I don’t care to hear any more talk like that. You’re not in the Navy yet, you know.

No, Dad, I’m not, but I would be in the Army if they would take me. Turning to Seth, Cash says, Seth, I tried to enlist in the Army as soon as I turned eighteen, but they said they didn’t need any new enlistments right now. The war is over, and I missed it. Can you believe it, Seth, I missed the war?

Yes, the war is over, and Seth is glad Cash had missed it. It was hard enough on his mother having one son in the war zone, two would probably have been more than her and his stepfather could handle. Being a soldier in war wasn’t a romantic adventure; it was a terrifying experience of indiscriminate death and destruction, which he prayed no one would ever have to witness again. Although for now he is content in letting his little brother ravish in the misbelieving of romance, escapades, and heroism associated with soldiers of war. There will be ample time later to have a big brother to little brother talk about the demoralizing reality of war. The United States has survived the war a lot better than some other countries. There were a lot of American lives lost in foreign countries; thankfully the hostilities and brutalities of actual battle conflicts had not progressed nearer than the Hawaiian Islands. The American homeland has been spared a cowardly attack like the one on Pearl Harbor by Japan on December 7, 1941. Now is not the time to debate the idealism of war.

Elena still clings to Seth. Finally letting loose, she questions, Why don’t we wait around here for a spell, until the town mayor gives his welcome home speech, then we can all go merrymaking wherever you want. And do whatever you want.

Sounds fine to me, Seth remarks, conjecturing whatever you want implies, Only by the time the entire speechmaking is over, it should be around lunchtime. I would like to just go to Ruth Anne’s Café for a nice sit-down lunch. I haven’t sat at the eating table with all of you for years, and right now, that’s what I most desire. That’s one of the things I really missed. Ruth Anne still has the café, don’t she, Mom?

Oh yes, she’s still there—bless her heart. Business has been a little slow, but she has been staying with it hoping things will get better soon. She wanted to be here to greet you, but she has a booming business today with all the people in town. Most businesses in town have been struggling for some time, but I believe things are going to get better now that the war is over. You boys coming home is going to pick things up quickly, put some new money and faith into the town’s economy—that’s what we need most of all, Seth, faith in each other and the town. With all the young people going off to war, the town just couldn’t grow. The young and old alike who didn’t enlist in the military moved to where the jobs are in the cities to work in the factories. That migration penalized the ranchers because there are no young people to hire as ranch hands. We can’t blame them too much because it’s all about survival, and we have survived. The town is like a tree that doesn’t get enough water, it just swivels up and finally dies. With the returning of all the young people, the town is going to get that much needed water to grow again. We’ll make it now, bigger and better. It might take a little while, but we will make it.

What about the ranch? Is the ranch doing all right or just surviving? Seth worriedly asks his mother, How are things with you and Dad? In your letters you hardly ever mentioned anything about hard times for anybody. Although you never referenced the specifics of any hard times—I know you must have had some because almost everyone all across the country experienced some drastic changes in their lives, some for the better, some for the worse—well, most for the worse. I know you didn’t want to worry me, but reading between the lines, I sensed some things were not as easy as you wanted me to believe.

We made out just fine, much better than some, but on the other hand, maybe not as well as others, his mother declares in a sad thankful voice. She adds joyfully, However, let us not talk about that right now, there will be time for that tomorrow. The mayor is about ready to speak, and I want to hear what that ole windbag has to say about you and the rest of the boys. I know he’s been saving up for this day.

Everything is just fine at the ranch. Robin assures Seth, Don’t be too concerned about the ranch right now. Anyway, now that you and Robert are home—I have a strong feeling that things are going to be a lot better very shortly. Besides, now is the time to be thankful that we are all back together again after the long years of worrying about you two over in Europe. Things could never be as bad as if either of the two of you wouldn’t have returned, or maybe Cash would have to join the fighting. Now let’s listen to the old windbag. I’m sure he has some interesting things to say. As blustery as he is, he has always been very openly supportive of our citizens in uniform. I have a feeling he has a lot to say, and I want to hear every word of it. With that, they all settle in to listen to speeches by the mayor and other dignitaries.

Robin is completely right. The mayor welcomes all the returning military personnel in a magnificent speech. Speaking sometimes about the returning town, county, and country heroes, he also mentions the brave men and women that would never be returning to their homeland. Seth’s name is mentioned numerous times, as he is the most decorated soldier in the history of the county. The old windbag mayor so valiantly states, There are those returning home in a flag-honored casket, with an honor guard, to be buried in their homeland with all the honors they so richly deserve. Then there are those eternally resting where they fell, in the countryside and in the far distant countries where they sacrificed their young lives, some with grave markers and others without grave markers. Nonetheless, all without reservations or self-gain, defending the heritage and traditions of citizens enslaved by the atrocious aggressions of those seeking power and treasures. Regardless, wherever they might be resting, their memories and sacrifices will never be forgotten by those having known them and loving them.

Robin is right about the mayor being an old windbag, but today he speaks with perception, sincerity, and understanding of what has been and what is yet to come. He also echoes the same judgments as Elena has about the community being sluggish having not grown but lost growth during the years of the war. He, like Elena, also expresses hope and belief that the ending of the war will bring new growth and prosperity to the community.

While all the dignitaries are making their individual lengthy speeches, Seth flashes back to the morning he parachuted into France on D-Day, being on the sixth of June 1944. The day thousands of allied soldiers were killed along the beaches of what is referred to as the Atlantic Wall. Furthermore, thousands of paratroopers from the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions paratroopers were killed, dropping behind enemy lines to secure bridges and roads for the landing forces to use while advancing from the beachhead landings. Hundreds never made it to the ground alive. Some were killed as their airplanes were shot down by enemy antiaircraft guns before they could exit the airplane over their designated landing target. Others were killed by enemy soldiers as they drifted toward the ground under open parachutes. The enemy ground forces fired on them for target practice, as they were more or less helpless, while suspended under an open parachute. Still others were killed because they were given the signal by the airplane pilot to jump into the wrong area, where the enemy was already heavily fortified with tanks and armored vehicles. He and his squad were very fortunate as they all got out of the plane alive, and most landed on the ground alive. Unfortunately, however, he was witness to the plane they had just left get hit by ground antiaircraft gunfire and explode into hundreds of portions; the pilot and crew were killed instantly. He and his squad had jumped just in time, thanks to the determination of the pilot to place them over their designated landing zone. For that act of bravery and commitment, he later recommended the pilot be awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and the crew the Silver Star, the third highest military award for bravery. Later he learned the pilot and crew did get awarded the Silver Star, posthumously. A lot of good people, allied soldiers, French freedom fighters, and French citizens died that day and in the days to come. These were some of the heroes the mayor referred to, implying some would never return to their homeland, ever. They would be denied the hero’s welcome they so richly deserved. He always felt that every soldier that died that day should be awarded the Silver Star or at the very least the Bronze Star, but that wasn’t to be. He himself was wounded a few days after the D-Day landing while securing an enemy bunker. He was somewhat luckier than most because his wounds were not as serious as they had suffered. However, after a short recovery, he was back in action with his fellow soldiers moving across France toward Paris. These are the memories he hoped to leave in Europe. Perhaps, maybe he would never forget the ugliness of war and its lasting effects on the loved ones of those who lost their lives in defense of their country. The deterrence of war might very well be remembering the grief of its consequences.

The political speech session finally ended. It seems politicians always have more to talk about than what is necessary for the event, but it is an election year, and they all wanted to take full advantage of the large turnout of town and county citizens. The crowd just sits in silence for a few minutes after listening to the politician’s words honoring those not returning home because they are resting where they fell. All were a little choked up after listening to the words acknowledging the homecoming of the troops.

Finally, Ben, being chocked up, speaks while wiping the tears from his eyes, Let us all go down to Ruth Anne’s for lunch, I’m starving. Seth, you remember Ruth Anne’s pecan pie? Well, I’ll just bet she has a big one with mile-high whipped cream and with your name on it, let’s go check. Ben, being a rugged man, normally didn’t show emotion, but he wasn’t ashamed to shed tears when it came to the theme of the day—the boys are home. The war is over, and Cash was spared from its perils.

They all agree that is what they want to do. Therefore, they all gather up themselves and head toward the parking lot where Ben had parked the old 1940 Ford pickup truck. When Seth sees the old pickup truck, he confusingly asks, Where is the car, we can’t all fit in the truck?

We’ll make it just fine. Elena explains, You, Ben, and I will take the truck, and Cash has the buggy, and Robin and Robert will take his truck. Anyway, it’s just a short walk to Ruth Anne’s, and it’s such a nice and wonderful day I feel like walking. Who’s with me? Again, they all agree; it is a nice day, and it wasn’t really that far to walk. Seth agrees because he wants to see some of the changes in the town during the past several years. Although he still wonders why they brought the old Ford truck to town instead of the car. The car would be a more efficient method of transportation for the family considering the truck only seated three in the cab.

While walking along on the cracked-up sidewalk, Seth observes there weren’t many noticeable changes in the town except fewer vehicles were parked in the parking lanes alongside the sidewalk. He did notice, however, there were more horses and buggies traveling the streets than customary before the war. Why are there so many horses and buggies in town today? he curiously asks.

A lot of things have changed as a result of the war, Seth, Elena remarks. I wrote you about the gasoline rationing and the rubber shortage, you remember?

Yes, I know about that, we all knew about the shortages and rationing of various items and commodities in the States, Seth agrees. It was commonly known over there that the people here in the States were making many sacrifices to support the war effort. But we didn’t know to what extent.

Cash impatiently jumps in on the conversation, That’s why we didn’t being the car today, Seth. It’s jacked up on blocks in the shed, no rubber, no tires—get it? I even drove the team and buggy into town today, they’re tied up in the lot behind Ruth Anne’s. Knowing how much you liked the good ole days, I thought you might prefer to take a good ole-fashion buggy ride back to the ranch. I have that old buggy shined up like your leather boots, it looks almost as good as new.

I’ll be dammed, Seth laughingly observes. Are we going backwards now instead of forwards with our methods of transportation? I thought we were past the horse-and-buggy days.

They all had individual humorous jokes about that, but the situation was serious. Ben speaks in his raspy dominating voice, A lot of changes were to support not only the war effort but you boys as well. As Elena so eloquently put it to us a few years back, ‘Our young people are overseas in far and distant lands fighting not only for the safety and freedom of those countries but for our country as well. My conscious will not let me waste anything those boys need in their efforts to preserve and restore the freedoms we enjoy in this country. Whatever we can do to help them is no sacrifice compared to the sacrifices they make every night and day. We must do what we can without complaining of any hardships we face. Elena had only expressed what we all felt. Consequently, we went to work finding out ways to conserve gasoline and rubber. Parking the car had a twofold result. We saved gasoline by driving one vehicle instead of two. We donated the tires and tubes from the car to the government, which helped the rubber shortage. Remember that tire swing we had? Well, that tire went towards the war effort also. We no longer have our childhood tire swing anymore. I guess we all outgrew that anyway. We needed the truck for the ranch work, so we had to keep the tires on it. In addition, I drive it to my office in town each workday. On most nice weekends we would drive the team and buggy to town instead of the truck, which is really kind of fun and romantic, right, Elena?"

Leaning against Ben in a girlish, bashful body language, Elena agrees. But it’s not just us doing these things to help. People all over the county are pitching in to help. Most of our friends are now riding bicycles and horses whenever they can instead of driving cars. We use the team to work the ranch whenever we can instead of the farm tractor, saving gas and rubber. I agree with Ben, it’s somewhat romantic at times. Nevertheless, it’s also facing the realism that things aren’t as good as they once were here in this country as well as overseas. In a way, I think it’s a wake-up call for us all, we need to be more thankful for the material assets and freedoms we enjoy and not to criticize so audaciously and be so downright wasteful.

Somewhat surprised by what Elena had just said, Seth confessed, I guess I just didn’t realize the extent of the sacrifices the people here in the States were making to support the war effort. We all knew about the shortages and rationing, but I guess we didn’t realize the magnitude of it all. I’m glad I found out before I made a complete ass of myself by informing some people of how fortunate they were not to having experienced the ugliness of war—not that I was going to do that. The ugliness of war really involves the sacrifices we all make, on the fighting front and in the homelands.

Don’t be so hard on yourself, son, Elena says as she again tightly hugs Seth. We have not suffered one iota of the sacrifices you boys made over there. I’ve never slept in one dirty wet foxhole, not one. I’ve never missed one hot meal. I’ve never spent one night without my husband and two of my children I love being with me. I did, however, pray daily for all my children to be with me every night. I’ve never been witness to a friend being brutality killed or maybe horribly wounded before my very eyes knowing there was little, if anything, I could do to ease his pain. I’ve never spent one night not in a comfortable and warm bed. I’ve never known the stench of piles of dead bodies killed in action, some being my friends. I’ve never entered a building unaware of the dangers within. I’ve never had concerns upon entering a building, whether I might walk back out of it or, worse, be carried out on a litter. Maybe even worse—having to help carry out friends or relation. I’ve never marched for miles in the cold rain and snow, only to spend the night in a soggy bombed-out makeshift shelter eating cold C rations. I’ve never wondered if I would live through the night, but I’ve prayed every night you would. No—my child, we have made no sacrifices whatsoever compared to what you boys accepted as a daily routine on the frontlines. We pitched in to help wherever and whenever we could, but we didn’t really sacrifice to help, we were just a little inconvenienced while hoping we were making a difference. You never mentioned these things in your letters, hoping to spare us the viciousness of war, but we’re well aware of some of the atrocious and ugliness which is a part of any war. The hardest thing on us was the worry of that dreadful knock on the door or the telegram informing us you were terribly wounded, dead, or missing in action—that was the hardest on us. Don’t you ever try to compare the suffering and hardships you boys endured to our small sometimes inconveniences which we easily tolerated—the dissimilarity is not at all comparable. Let us not talk of this ugly subject anymore today, it upsets me. They all agree and continue along the way to Ruth Anne’s Café.

Upon their arriving at the café, Seth follows his mother and sister inside. The place is largely packed, but it’s a large café and could seat many patrons. Everything looks just about the same as he remembered. With one exception: on the one wall, Ruth Anne has started her personal county war memorial. He could see several pictures of men in uniform, ships, planes, tanks, and other items of war. What is this? he silently queries. He is quickly distracted from the wall because Ruth Anne had spotted him. She almost flew across the room to him screaming, Oh my god, it’s Seth Graycloud. Seth, is it really you, are you really home? Oh my god, you are finally safely home. She cried as she latched on to him as his mother had when he first stepped from the train onto the depot’s wooden platform. Ruth Anne and Elena are the very best of friends, and she looked upon Elena’s children as if they are her own.

Ruth Anne, finally getting control of herself, tells Seth, Now that you are home, your mother and me will get some sleep at nights, won’t we, Elena? Anyway, we have missed you and worried about you so much. Pointing to the memorial wall, she continues, We miss and pray for all our guys and gals, they’re all on that wall. Some have safely returned home, some were killed in action, some gravely wounded, and others missing in action. We are so thankful for each and every one that returns safely home. We are also thankful and very sad for all of those that didn’t return home safely. Come on, I’ve been saving a table for my favorite guest. We have a lot to catching up on, but not right now—later after you eat, we can talk.

Chapter 3

Mollie’s First Meeting with Seth

As they all sit down at the table, while ordering their favorite dishes, they continued small talk. Shortly, Elena spots one of her new acquaintances across the room. She gets her attention and waves for her to come over to their table. Mollie Malone is a tall beautiful reporter that came to town, from New York City, over a year ago to write for the Madison County Journal newspaper. Elena and Mollie became good friends after Mollie started writing newspaper articles about the local servicemen and -women. As most of the articles were about Seth, she spent a considerable amount of time with Elena at the ranch. Mollie is well-liked and respected throughout the community. Her newspaper articles are a fair and truthful source of information about the community and national war heroes, among other subjects. She didn’t sugarcoat anything, just wrote the facts and sometimes gave her personal opinions. Usually her articles and personal opinions were the main topic for discussion in Ruth Anne’s Café. Some of her articles about the local servicemen are attached to Ruth Anne’s memorial wall. Several articles about Seth are on the wall. She has written so many articles about him, along with Elena’s input, meeting him was just a formality; she felt as if she already knew him, very well.

As Mollie arrives at the table, Elena proudly informs Seth, Son, here is someone I want you to meet, my very good friend Mollie Malone. Mollie, this is my war hero and eldest son, Seth Graycloud, Captain US Army. I know I don’t need to tell you where he has been for the past three years or the hero he is. This is the guy you have written so many articles about during the past year or so. Can you join us, Mollie? We would like to have you here with us.

I’m very honored, Captain Graycloud, and yes, Elena, I’m well aware of who Seth is and where he has been, Mollie eagerly responds as Elena maneuvers her to take a chair next to Seth.

She is surprisingly impressed. Here beside her is the brave soldier of which is the subject of so many articles of accomplishments in her newspaper articles. She thought she knew him well from her writings and conversations with his mother, but he is strikingly different in person. He is taller than she imagined, with coal-black, short hair, coming from the Native Indian in him on his father’s side of the family, although his mother has dark hair also. She has seen earlier pictures of him with long, wavy hair. He is sort of medium built with shoulders broad as a lumberjack. He has dark eyes and a squared-off jaw, coming from Elena’s side of the family, Western pioneers. The charisma that resonated around him almost sucked one in like drowning in a whirlpool of a raging river. His social behavior is that of a person older than his twenty-six years, probably attributed to the many encounters of battle during his time in Europe. Young men and women grow up fast in combat situations. She can tell he is a no-nonsense type of a man with pride and honor for his family, friends, and country. Although she prides herself in usually being able to size up a person upon first meetings, she is a little perplexed about this guy. Not certain as to her perplexity, she immediately concludes she really likes this man very much. There is something about him she just can’t put her hands on that makes him a little mysterious, in a good way. Perhaps, it’s because she has written so many articles about his many wartime heroic actions, it’s difficult to believe he is actually a real person and not an admired comic-book hero. Still, here he is live and in person.

Seth is completely speechless. Sitting next to him is a very beautiful tall young lady. Her long, curly, wavy, flaming, dark, candy-apple-red hair flickers in the artificial light like the flames of a hot campfire flickering on a calm mirror lake during a clear, cool, still moonlit night. Her hair is resting over and well down below her shoulders with the fluffiness and softness of feathers blowing in a mild breeze. Her teeth, white as snow, sparkling like pearls in the bright frosty morning sunlight when she smiles. She is dressed in a light-green silk one-piece dress clinging tightly to her perfectly portioned body, complimenting her gleaming, dark, emerald-green eyes and olive-smooth complexion. She attracts attention when speaking with a woman’s soft mature but firm voice. She radiates a charismatic effect within the overcrowded room, implying respect for a woman that doesn’t demand it but appreciates it. A complete package of beauty enclosed within a perfect grown-up’s body, with the posture of a beauty queen. Who is this elegant gorgeous mystery lady? Wow, he thinks, what a woman.

Seth finally regains his speaking abilities and manages to express his pleasure in meeting this mystery lady. He’s at a disadvantage with her because it’s evident she knows a lot about him, but he knows nothing of her. Everybody in the place appears to know her seemingly well, but he remembers only that his mother did mention her new friend in several letters, but not that she was so breathtakingly beautiful. Well, that was going to change because he wanted to know this lady and know her very well. As the conversations around the room progressed, Seth commences to understand the importance of this lady in the community and why everybody seems to know and like her so well, apparently with well-earned trust. He confusingly wonders, if this lady has so much influence in the community, then how come his mother hasn’t mentioned more about her in her letters over the past year? Regardless, his assessment of Mollie included amusing personality, intelligent, ambitious, trustworthy, and very beautiful. She undoubtedly is a well-liked and trusted reporter for the local county newspaper.

While everyone is diligently reacquainting themselves with one another, Seth leisurely walks over to the memorial wall to view the pictures and read some of the newspaper articles attached. He’s both surprised and astonished by some of the pictures and articles on the wall. He never realized some of his high school friends on the wall had been killed in action. In addition, there are several newspaper and magazine articles of the bravery in action of some servicemen outside the immediate area. Including a listing of the military medals awarded to those that lost their lives and those that have survived. It is evident that Ruth Anne has fashioned the memorial wall with love and affection for all of the citizens wearing a military uniform. She knows them all, not just as customers but as friends as well. As Seth scrutinizes the many articles in amazement while respectfully admiring the wall, Mollie silently walks up beside him and gives him a little friendly nudge in the side.

Well, Captain Graycloud, what do you think about Ruth Anne’s tribute to the heroes of the county—or area, I should say, as some of these articles are about heroes from other regions? Mollie inquisitively and respectfully asks of Seth.

Being surprised and a little stunned by the articles on exhibition, he simply replies in a rather low, trembling, embarrassed, and sad, sympathetic voice, I never knew so many of my friends had lost their lives during the previous few years. I knew almost all of them—some were good friends, others were acquaintances I grew up with, others I’ve just heard about. However, none seemed to be complete strangers. He points to the picture of one soldier killed in the Battle of the Bulge in France. I was in the Battle of the Bulge where he was killed, and I never realized he was even in France. He might have been only a few feet or maybe yards away from me when he lost his life…I guess I’ll never know. This guy here—pointing to a rather lengthy newspaper article—was a good friend in high school. He giggles while courteously adding, "He was always trying to date my girlfriend, but never could, well—anyway at least I don’t think he ever did. It says he was killed when a bomb hit the USS Enterprise off the coast of the Solomon Islands in 1942. He had been in the Navy less than a year when he lost his life. This guy—touching the picture of a Marine—he was killed on Guadalcanal. He was my friend too. A lot of good men died on that little island. I just never had any ideal of the