Charlie

By Curtis Lowder

The reader finds Charles Lowrey in the Viet Nam War. A Marine Recon with extraordinary ability, Charlie and his team of both military and civilian folks will use all they have to outwit and overcome their foes. Charlie and company will meet the trouble head on! Charlie meets John Smith aka “Joe,” and together they reach far beyond government organizations to set up and pull off some of the most intricate and outrageous ops ever imagined.
Charlie will have instant appeal for those who like military action and the stories of all branches of service. For readers of other preferences there are the ongoing mysteries to be unraveled. Spies and espionage with tense situations! Humorous episodes that progress to hilarious events! Love so deep and passion so intense it will stir emotions! Powerful hatred that controls and drives some to kill! The characters fight with fury, love with unbridled passion, play to win, find the answers with nearly nothing to go on, and go about all of it like it’s the most important thing they will every do.

About the Author
Curtis Lowder was born in West Virginia coal country and raised in West Virginia and Virginia. Being the son of a minister and a Godly mother, he was raised in a Christian home and those principles that are with him still. He found himself in trouble plenty of times despite his upbringing that taught better! He completed high school and enlisted in the Marines during the Viet Nam War.
On active duty Lowder was assigned to the Second Marine Airwing and was in Avionics. He worked on jets mostly with some time at New River on helicopters. After four years active duty, he with his wife and daughter moved to Oklahoma and he joined his brother in the electrical contracting business. After a successful career, he is mostly retired and enjoying writing again.
All of his experiences play into his writing as he combines fact with fiction in an intriguing and entertaining way. Lowder’s writing includes the excitement of espionage, the emotions of romance in different stages, intense dramatic events, and hilarious things that come at serious times. And in the space of a few lines, a new story emerges to follow! There is something for everyone in his writing! “One more page,” will happen often with a book written by Curtis Lowder.

• Language: English
• Publisher: RoseDog Books
• Release date: Mar 27, 2024
• ISBN: 9798892115018

Book preview

FOREWORD

The story of a man that sets his mind to do the right thing, and do it better than anyone else. He wants to be the best at what he does. If he is working on a car, he wants to know everything about it so he can do the job right. He grew up competitive, being the youngest of three boys. If he didn’t try harder, he would get left out and left behind.

Charles Len Lowrey (Charlie) wasn’t about to let that happen. He would run faster, jump higher and farther. He didn’t at first of course, but over time his efforts and pushing himself, paid off and he was faster and stronger. When he told the family he would be going to basic training for the Marine Corps, they had mixed emotions. A proud history of service, and the war. He told them he had given his word that after high school he would sign up and be ready to go.

His friends tried to talk him out of it, pointing out there is a war going on. Charlie said, That is when the country needs me the most! He went and got a meritorious promotion at completion of boot camp, and never looked back. He went on to become the most decorated person in the military. His humility was as noteworthy as his medals almost. One more thing that set him apart from other people. He always sighted the people he served with for making it possible to win the victories.

For many reasons, Charlie became a known name around the world. And for what he did to make the world a better place, he was respected and appreciated by most folks everywhere. As the story unfolds, even in adversity, he is able to touch lives and help the ones helping him. Opportunities seem to seek him out as he goes from one challenge to the next, without missing a step.

Charlie’s extraordinary ability and natural confident leadership, gains the respect of all of his peers. He is a champion several times over, in the face of great opposition. He and his friends, work hard, fight harder, love passionately, play to win, drink with gusto, and do it all at full military power, 104%. Reading about Charlie will expose the normal people who live extraordinary lives. One will experience a wide range of emotion, and find themselves trying to guess what will happen next, or who is behind what, or why?

The answers will be a surprise as they surface while Charlie’s team unravels the twisted, knotted fibers that will reveal the truth. Along the way, will be heartbreak and laughter and many other feelings to be sure. Even in life and death situations, humor will appear at the strangest times. The things that are talked about in this book, are things that happen to real people. Many of them did happen in fact, with no real names used.

Share the joy of victory, the sensations of bliss, the accomplishment of solving the mysteries, the pride in justice, the sigh of relief, the intensity of battle, and the list goes on. It will be a wild ride and tender moments. It is the way real people live their lives that others in the world would never imagine. This book is about the man that came from the humblest of beginnings to achieve true greatness. Reading about him and his life, will likely find you with a new friend, named CHARLIE.

CHARLIE 1

It isn’t unusual for Mike Robins to be in tune with his feelings. That would be why he is talking to himself and lamenting his current situation. Probably at least a thousand times before he has had these same conversations.

Here I go again. Nowhere! Man, how many times have I been here? Trying to get somewhere and can’t. Like being on a beltway, loop, bypass, or interstate in any big city. Traffic stopped completely. Gridlock. Pinned in tight. Can’t get out in any direction. All there is to do is wait. Wait for something, anything to happen so I can move and get out of here. And knowing I can’t do anything or make anything happen from where I am.

It’s not so much about being late getting to where I am headed. It will be there when I get there. And things probably won’t be much different because I’m late. Right now, it’s not about being late at all. It is the feeling of being helpless! That is the part that really gets to me. Being helpless is not who I am. I have always been in control of my world with a few exceptions. Like now. God knows how I wish I were in my pickup on the road somewhere right now.

But here I am. Here we are. Me and the whole platoon. Pinned down by heavy machine gun fire. Caught us in the only clear place for two klicks in either direction. The point team is up ahead somewhere. They might all be dead for all I know. No help. Nothing I can do. Nothing any of us can do. Helpless! What is coming next. Will the mortars start coming in? Or maybe they are surrounding us to take us prisoner. Waiting. Helplessly waiting. Damn I hate this!

I can hear the stifled moaning of the wounded men. Barely more than a whisper really. These marines are trained to keep their focus in any situation. I know some of them must be hurt bad. The bullets came flying into us while we were in random formation moving as quickly as we dared while looking in every direction. The man behind me got hit in the arm and the radio. He will be ok. The radio is done. Wonder if Lowrey’s team has tried to contact us? I did not hear any firing before they opened up on us. They let the point team go by to get us. If Lowrey is alive, we’ll know soon.

Lieutenant, do you want to send a team or a man to the rear to see if there is any help back there. Maybe get a message out? It was Sergeant Moore from first squad. No not yet. I expect the enemy has already got men behind us ready for that. How bad is it back there? Looks like three dead and fifteen wounded, two of them are hurt bad. Don’t know about all the way back sir.

Sergeant Ken Moore is a good man with experience who just started his second tour in country six months ago. His loyalty and courage have not gone without notice. We’ll sit tight for a little longer. We might still have some help from Lowrey. I don’t know how sir, mumbled Moore. You don’t know Lowrey. Lt. Mike Robins said firmly.

As Moore was working his way back to his position, he thought Lieutenant Mike Robins is usually right about stuff. I’ve heard about Lowrey, but don’t really know him. Know he was decorated for something somewhere, but that’s a lot of guys. After all, he is just one guy.

And Mike Robins knew better than anyone how bad a fix they were in. Pinned down tight and no communications. The added pressure of knowing these men were his responsibility. Reaching the assigned destination wasn’t even in his thinking right now. Just staying alive is important now. Soon it will be time to move. And the move will be to go straight at the enemy with all we have got, help or no help.

Approximately one hundred meters east of the platoon, staff sergeant Lowrey and two men are crouched low behind some brush at the edge of the clearing. They had been further out front of the platoon when the firing rang out and doubled back. Sergeant Smith is in the same unit as Lowrey and corporal Black is with the platoon. Lowrey and Smith were traveling with the platoon until they got closer to their recon unit that is to the northeast of their location.

Smith said quietly, Was it just me or did you guys hear laughter when the guns stopped? Black whispered back Sure as hell sounded like it to me. Lowrey just looked at the enemy emplacements. There was a machine gun nest fifty meters northwest of them and another one eighty meters west of it. Then looking north up the hill there was another emplacement more fortified. There looked to be several VC around but couldn’t tell how many.

Lowery said, What kind of evil men could laugh about killing another man? Then there a pause of silence for what seemed like minutes. Then he said, After I clear the first nest you guys get on that gun and turn it up the hill. As soon as you can, open up on the enemy above. After only a few seconds Lowrey was gone. Smith and Black followed as fast as they could. Lowrey crashed into the first man so hard it drove him into the second man and they both hit the ground. He shot the gunner twice with his forty-five and went for the other two. In seconds they were both dead with one laying out in front of the cover.

Hearing the shots Robins looked up to see Lowrey sprinting across the open and Smith on the east machine gun. He shouted to his men to fire at the top and move out. As the marines started charging up the hill, they saw Lowrey dive headfirst into the machine gun nest on the west side. Barely after he went in, he was on his feet running straight up the hill toward the two firing machine guns. Robins motioned to Moore to man the west machine gun. Moore took a man with him and crawled up to it. As soon as the platoon started moving it became clear that elbows and knees was how the advance had to go. The VC had set their fortifications so that the guns could only train so low. A costly mistake facing a bunch of aggressive marines. Add to that being ambushed had the men as downright pissed off.

Lowrey disappeared behind the enemy cover. The firing of one gun stopped and then an explosion. Then no sound. Robins stood and yelled, Let’s go, and started running. Some rifle fire was coming in from the top but there was no stopping now. Running and firing Robins reached the top of the hill to see about twenty or so VC scattering and running. He ordered the squad leaders to take as many prisoners as they could. Now he was looking at what used to be the machine gun emplacement. It was hard to take in even for the battle-hardened Robins. Dead men all over the place. He counted seven that the grenades had taken out. Three of them and three others had been shot several times. And there were five more laying to the north side. Fifteen corpses and Lowrey laying there.

Smith had just gotten there. He and Robins went to Lowrey first. He was face up shoulders and legs on the ground laying across a stack of ammo cans. Smith said, Charlie! Wake up man, come on open your eyes. Charlie! Lowrey opened his eyes but didn’t move. Then he moved his head and looked at Robins. Hi Mike. Tell Smitty to calm down a little. Sounds like he’s going to blow a gasket. He smiled at Smith and then the smile left his face. I feel kind of numb.

Robins stood and yelled for a corpsman. Soon the corpsman aka Stitch, was there making his assessment. Bullet wounds in the right arm, left shoulder, right side, and right leg. There was shrapnel in the left arm, torso, and leg. A slash across the chest diagonally from upper left to lower right. He asked Lowrey, Can you move your legs? Lowrey said nothing. Stitch then said, Can you feel your legs? This time Lowrey said, No. Stitch told Robins and Smith to find something flat to be used as a backboard so they could carefully get Lowrey on it and secure him. He gave Lowrey some morphine.

Robins was giving orders to secure a perimeter and for a group of men to assist the wounded and report to the corpsman and himself the status. Smitty and Stitch had Lowrey on the piece of a crate that had been found and were securing him to it. Stitch was pretty sure Lowrey’s back was broken. They had to keep Lowrey from moving to prevent more damage. Getting help soon was going to be the key for his and all their survival. Robins said, Sergeant Smith, can you get to your unit and get us some help here? Before he could answer, Lowrey said, You’re damn right he can. How far do you figure they are man? Smith answered, I am pretty sure they are a little past two clicks by now. Robins said, It’s 1330. Do you think you can make it before dark? I’ll get there for sure. I’ll see you back here in a few hours. Lowrey said, You better be careful man. That is awfully fast considering where we are and who is around. You know that they know we’re here! Take it easy Charlie. I’ll be back. And with that Smith was gone

Corporal Black came up to Robins and Stitch and said, You two have got to see this. He took them thirty meters east where there were two VC sitting with their backs against a rock. Eyes wide open but no movement or expression was noticed. Stitch started checking them out and said, They are alive, and I don’t find any physical wounds anywhere. They are stiff as a board. Like they are frozen in place. Black said, That ain’t likely, it’s probably a hundred today. What do you want to do with them sir? Have somebody keep an eye on them and report if they move or something. Robins said. Stitch said, I’ve got to get back to the wounded sir. I’ll check these two out if there is a change.

Robins was busy trying to get organized after taking the enemy position. How many men were dead? How many injured and how bad? How many were ok and in position? He was glad that he has good squad leaders that keep their men focused and ready all the time. They would be ok if they didn’t have to hold on for too long. How long that would be is a big unknown? Sure, hope Smith is still okay and getting close to hooking up with his unit.

The men were still trying to comprehend what they had just been through. They had been ambushed and had been able to capture the enemy’s position on top of the hill. Now they were spread out to defend the position. If that was all there was it wouldn’t be any big deal, but it was how it happened. Every man’s mind was racing to put it all together to make sense. From the part that each of them saw and what they had all heard, it seemed clear that one man had taken out all three machine gun nests and killed over twenty of the enemy. How could that be possible? But it was possible because we saw it.

Moore was thinking about what he had thought when the lieutenant said to wait to see if Lowrey was going to help. I was thinking you can think someone is all great and everything, but one guy is never going to help us get out of the fix we’re in. And he just said, You don’t know Lowrey. Well, he was sure right about that. I didn’t know Lowrey.

But I wonder how he knew about the man that would take on an enemy singlehandedly like that. Like it was completely personal. Just him against them. What makes a man like that? And what I saw in those emplacements. The way those men were killed. I’ve seen my share of men killed in combat, but nothing like that. They were torn apart like a wild beast had grabbed them up and ripped the life out of them. Some of the things I had seen were so awful that I didn’t think anything could bother me. I was so wrong. A man couldn’t get mad enough to do that. It had to be pure rage.

Corporal Black was keeping an eye on the two human statues as he was gathering information and reporting to Lieutenant Robins as ordered. He too was looking at the bodies of the enemy soldiers that were killed hand to hand. It gave him chills to look at it. He knew the rest of the men had seen them. Everyone there had and they all had to deal with it.

Mike Robins has had time to size things up. He sees this hill for its tactical importance now that the fighting is done. His men had captured five of the enemy and the others were either dead or gone. Hopefully, the intel guys can get something out them that is useful. Not sure just yet how to write up the report. The men are saying all kinds of stuff. Chances are half of them will need psychiatric help. Some of the victims don’t have a mark on them and their eyes are wide open like terrified. Just like the two that are still alive over there by the rock. What do I say, scared to death by looking at Lowrey? That’s pretty much what it looks like. They will think I’m nuts. Then again, they know him.

It was about an hour before dark when Smith found the recon group he was looking for. They were right where he expected them to be. He told Gunnery Sergeant Romer what had taken place and where. Paul Romer got on the radio and requested immediate medivac to the hill location, along with additional support. He also requested a chopper to his location. I want to go over there with you Smitty, he said. In the meantime, give me a detailed briefing on exactly what happened there. After getting a detailed account, Romer said, Sounds like Charlie outdid himself this time. Damn! He’s already got the CMH, wonder what the hell they will give him now. This tops taking out General Tzu and his whole staff. That was some piece of work right there. Not to mention what he did to the enemy after he got the General.

Romer told staff sergeant George Lewen to lead the team toward the objective and that he and Smith would rejoin them soon. Then Romer and Smith headed for the clearing to meet the chopper. When the chopper arrived, there was Colonel Grey on board. As the chopper took off colonel Grey said, The message came in for immediate medivac and that Lowrey was there. Within minutes the Commandant and the Chiefs knew about it, and I was ordered to get there. As soon as I heard, I was coming anyway. Tell me what you know about it.

Romer pointed to Smith, He was there. Smith gave Grey the account of what took place. Grey shook his head and said, Son of a bitch! As they were setting down, the first group of choppers with the wounded were about to leave. Grey told Romer and Smith to go ahead and take care of him, he would catch up after a briefing with Lieutenant Robins.

Romer and Smith found and boarded the chopper with Lowrey in it. Two corpsman, one doctor and one nurse had been assigned to him. Clearly, when Lowrey is the patient people move in a hurry. The doctor said they weren’t stopping at the field hospital. They were headed south to a hospital. Noticing the destination wasn’t mentioned Smith asked, Why all the hush hush? The doctor said orders were to keep everything about Lowrey including whereabouts classified. Only those directly involved or cleared would be allowed to know anything or have access.

Grey had given Robins the information concerning the strategic importance of holding control of the area and that more troops were coming to his command. Colonel Grey ended with, Do you have any questions captain Robins? Robins replied, Not at this time sir. Will you be able to give me an update on Lowrey sir? Sure, I will and for the time being, try to discourage your men from talking about this action until we have time to debrief each of them at firebase delta. Grey said as he was leaving for a waiting chopper.

Colonel John Grey was in command of the forward most recon marines. The gathering of information about areas and activities out in front of the lines was critical to success in the field. He also communicated with the joint chiefs through General Webb, or on occasion directly. As was the case today when he got the call from the pentagon. His orders were clear, and they were from the top. He had completed part one in getting the first-hand account of what happened from the person in command at the time. And not only did he have Robins’ account, but he also had Smith’s. Now he is proceeding with the next part of his orders.

After Grey had fully brought General Karl Webb up to date with all the detailed information he had, he was going to the hospital to catch up with Lowrey. He assured Webb he would forward the written reports from Robins and others who were interviewed including Moore, Black, Smith and a couple of others. Grey didn’t mention the scene he couldn’t get out of his mind. Robins had pointed out the two enemy soldiers by the rock and told Grey several of the dead looked just like that. Scared to death. He asked Stitch how they were doing, and he said they died an hour ago.

Karl Webb had been on the phone most of the day and into the night as soon as the first reports started coming in. The official word is that a platoon of marines was able to mount a counterattack after being ambushed and capture a strategic location. Plans were already moving forward to rotate all the men who were there during the battle out to a secure location for individual debriefing, as soon as replacements were there. The communications with everyone below his command were strictly per the official information release. With everyone above his command with clearance, the communications were a free-flowing dialog with all details available openly discussed.

Colonel Grey was getting the reports at the hospital office he had set up for that reason. As he assembled the information, made his assessments, and included his own observations, he knew the best thing for everyone to do was to be completely honest. Sending the firsthand observations up the chain was the best way for those in charge to make informed decisions. He was anxious to forward the assembled info so he could go see how Lowrey was doing.

The pentagon was obviously involved in this whole thing. There weren’t usually choppers waiting to move people and information at moment’s notice. But when General Webb is in the mix, things aren’t going to be business as usual. General Karl Webb is the marine commander for the area. He speaks with the pentagon daily but after yesterday’s events it is more like hourly. He plans to see Lowrey later in the day. He is in close contact with Colonel Grey, who is with Lowrey now.

How are you doing now Charlie? was Greys greeting when he walked into Lowrey’s room in the U. S. Naval Hospital at Subic Bay, Philippines. A stop at Da Nang to get him stabilized and secured for the trip to Subic Bay. The brass wants him back in the states ASAP, but the Doctors are saying different. The Doctor also told Grey that the patient was on a lot of meds right now. He looked up and said, Hi ya John. How the hell are ya? Grey looked to the doctor and said, Looks like the meds are working. They both smiled and stifled a little laugh. I’m fine Charlie. Glad to see you’re in good spirits today. I’ll be in and out talking to people today, you know how it is. He said, Yeah from what I can pick up here, I must have made a hell of a mess. Sorry about all the paperwork man. Grey replied, Don’t sweat that marine, you just rest up for a while now. I’ll be close by.

Stepping out the doctor was giving Colonel Grey the details of Charlie Lowrey’s injuries that included abrasions, contusions, knife wounds, gunshot wounds and mainly about his broken back. Specialists had been and are being flown in. They agree so far that he can’t be moved again for a while. Wonder he made the trip to get here. Came in on a plane sent to Da Nang by General Johnson. Guaranteed to be the smoothest ride possible.

He was being attended during the flight by a doctor from the hospital in Da Nang. He reported he couldn’t even feel the landing. General Johnson has made it clear that anything we need from the Air Force will be standing by. General Harold Johnson is a member of the joint chiefs of staff, as he is the general of the Air Force. When one of the chiefs says they want something done, you can bet it will get done and usually in a hurry.

When General Webb went to board the plane to the Philippines, he found that Admiral Miller was already on board. Admiral Herman Miller was CINCPAC, Commander in Chief, Pacific Command, (U. S. Pacific Fleet). He told the general, Hi Karl, McClain wanted me to go in person. Thought maybe we could just ride together. Sure, thing Herman. Glad to have the company. I already know the chiefs want him there, but John Grey is telling me the doctors don’t want him moved because of his back injury. Yeah, we are hearing that too. Admiral McClain is bringing in the specialist from Cedars to consult with the guy from Reed and the lady from Mayo. She, Doctor Jenifer Hastings, was at Pearl for something and they had her brought over. She is supposed to be one of the best. Herman said. Dr. Terrel Blake from Reed was flown to Subic Bay, back seat and was there now. He also had been at Pearl when the first report was heard.

Karl responded, We both know they want him at Walter Reed to follow his progress and get anything or anyone needed. And we both know that they want him there because they will all personally feel better with him close. You’ve got that right. But the whole thing is his back. We and they and everyone else will just have to wait for the doctors’ decision about moving him, Herman said.

Paul Romer and Marty Smith had been with Lowrey constantly since he got there. Grey had told them no one comes near him that isn’t supposed to. Everyone kind of sensed why they were there. When Doctor Hastings arrived amd looked around the room she walked over and showed her credentials to them. Romer looked them over and said, Thank you mam. The others kind of looked at each other and wondered if they should have. They all knew if these two didn’t want you there you were gone.

Admiral Miller and General Webb came in and the introductions and greetings commenced. As that was getting done General Webb came over to the side of the room to where Romer and Smith were. Well, you guys have done a good job here and I won’t forget it. I would like to give you a week of R&R around here, but I know your mission and it is an important one. Your orders are to return to your unit immediately. Don’t worry about our friend. I have a guard stationed to take care it. Will you let us know how he’s doing sir? asked Smith. You bet. I’ll get word to you later. Now get going, your ride is waiting.

The two recon rangers walked out and immediately noticed the guard outside the hospital room door and at the ends of the hallways. When they got to the outside door there was a guard checking people going in. What the hell is all this? Romer asked Smith. Guess they don’t want people around Charlie right now, said Smith. And your guess would be right. It was Colonel Grey. Come with me. They walked a short way in silence to a plane that had no markings on it and looked like a private jet. Once aboard and airborne, Grey started to speak, Listen carefully to what I’m going to say. Phones have been ringing and serious conversations have been had since the first reports started coming in. And the more reports that come in the more serious it gets. We, all of us that have seen for ourselves what happened and especially those who saw it happen need to understand what would happen if factual details were to be made public. It would go from a battle won by a group of marines to capture a strategic area from the enemy to, he paused, Well, I don’t want to even think about how wrong this could go or how far. I/we, my superiors and I believe if this is handled right a hard-fought victory will be what it is and all it will be. And I mean my superiors all the way to the top. There will be stories starting to circulate for sure, and with most such stories those who hear them will say to themselves, that’s an exaggeration and go on. Do you two understand the importance of and agree to keep this thing classified as far as details go? Both agreed. By now they were landing. Man, that was fast thought Romer.

Grey left them at the door and said, That’s your chopper over there. As he pointed to one with rotors turning. You will be taken to a location safely distant from your team and given coordinates. Be careful men and I will be anticipating your report. I’m going straight back. Tell Staff Sergeant Lowrey to get his ass back to work soon! Smith shouted. With Grey’s thumbs up, the door on the plane closed as it was turning for takeoff.

It was a lot for the two of them to swallow and chew right now but Romer and Smith were professionals and they had orders to carry out. They both knew that is what demanded their full attention now. Both wondering if the team would be where they thought they were. And hoping they hadn’t had trouble. They should be getting close to the objective, and it would be harder and more dangerous.

With no lights on at all they set the chopper down above a clearing. It was a cloudy night adding to the stealth of their arrival. Their gear with some added provisions were there and ready. Barely touching the ground, the two men were off, and the chopper was gone. They had the coordinates of where they were dropped off and both knew the direction to go. Moving quickly, they got to the tree line and entered the thick growth just beyond the thin line of trees. Trying to move as fast as they could while being quiet was not easy. The only way to know the enemy was around would be to hear them. That worked both ways. Chances are if VC were around, they probably would not be moving at night.

Romer was in front when he suddenly stopped. Thought I heard something, he whispered pointing ahead and a little left. I think we are getting close to our guys, but not that close. I was thinking another two hundred meters give or take. That’s going to take a while in this stuff, in the dark and not knowing who might be out there. Smith asked, What are you thinking? Romer continued, I think maybe we ought to stop and get some rest. We’ve got about four hours till sunup. I don’t want to come up on our guys in the dark if we don’t have to and we don’t. Tomorrow will be all day and we don’t need to be dragging. I’ll watch the first two.

Without a word, Smith put down his pack laid down with his head on it, his weapon by his side with his hand on it. Night sir. whispered Smith with a smile. To which Romer answered by kicking him in the leg, not too hard. Some non-commissioned officers get real upset if you call them sir, and most don’t like it much. But it was no big deal with these two.

Serving in the kind of unit they were in, required men to know each other well. It was Marty showing respect for Paul being the senior man and agreeing with him at the same time. It was time to sleep, and he sure needed it, but Smith had to think about the events as they unfolded in his head. The ambush, the battle, Lowrey, the trip to the hospital and being at the hospital, the people there, and what Grey said. A lot of questions and not many answers. Here and now.

Must keep my focus. And he was out. Precisely two hours later Paul Romer woke him up. Smith got straight up and said, Ok? quietly. Romer replied with an affirmative nod, laid down and went to sleep in the same position Smith had.

Two hours went by fast for Romer. He got up and nodded at Smitty the same as he had before and Smitty nodded back. Without a word they started moving again. The sun was coming up in about a half hour from when they started. Just enough light to start to make out images farther away. Soon they could see everything fine. Romer stopped. Think they should be inside a hundred meters that way. Go ahead and give the signal. Smitty let out a sound that was like a hiss and a whistle. It wasn’t very loud because it didn’t need to be. There wasn’t anything out here that made a noise like that. In just seconds the sound came back. Moving more freely now they closed the distance and joined the team.

Romer got with George Lewen to see if all was going to plan. After several minutes Romer was up to speed and back in charge. Romer gave the order, and they moved out. If things go right for the next few hours, the next time they stop will at the objective.

Lowrey was in and out because of the pain meds. He requested they decrease the meds so he could know more about what was going on. The doctor in charge was Dr. Terrel Blake from Walter Reed Hospital. He was consulting constantly with Dr. Jenifer Hastings from the Mayo Clinic, and Dr. Gary Milton from Cedars-Sinai. All three were well known for their work in their field especially back injuries. After some conversation they agreed to reduce his medications a slight amount so he could be more awake. At the same time, they instructed the nurses to increase the restraints to make certain he could not move. So many things to consider.

Dr. Milton agreed with the others that exploratory surgery was a must in order to see what they were facing for sure. But he said, If we do that here there is no way he can be moved afterward, for an extended time. And of course, after we know what we’ve got, there will additional surgery needed soon after. Therefore, removing any possibility of moving him. Well, said Dr. Hastings, I don’t know how we can move him without first seeing exactly what the extent of the damage is. I’m not aware of any transportation from here to the East Coast where he won’t be bounced around. That is an absolute no.

Dr. Blake had been listening to them both and now spoke, I agree with both points you two have made and I believe we have all been considering the same things. Now everyone is looking to us three to tell them what we are going to do or what we want done. So, let’s look at everything we have here. Doing a small amount of surgery here and then moving might make things much worse. And this is not the place to keep him for extended periods. So, I would say that’s out.

Although moving him is not what any of us want to do, I think if we have the right plane, set up with the right equipment we could move him and if something happened, we could operate on the way. Are you suggesting we move him in a flying OR? asked Hastings. If you want to call it that, Blake said The plane we need is on its way and will be here shortly. General Johnson has consulted with other doctors and has had equipment put on board and it is being set up in flight. The plane should be here in fifty minutes. As soon as it stops if you three would look it over and anything else you need or want will be added here or at Pearl if we need to stop there," Webb said.

Admiral Miller added, The Navy has logistics detailed now. The route has been plotted to account for upper-level wind currents and other weather to ensure the smoothest flight possible. Refueling your plane and the escort is set up. Escort? Dr. Milton asked with a surprised tone. Yes. Nothing is going to interfere with this flight, said Miller. And what if we decide not to move him? Blake asked. Gen. Webb spoke up, "Then the plane will be here on stand-by when you need it. Understand the pentagon is not trying to tell you what to do here.

The chiefs and all of us are just trying to do everything we can to help, including as many options as possible being made available to you. It has been and still is up to you doctors. What do we do? We will continue to discuss the up and downside of the options. After we see the plane, we will render a decision. Fair enough?" said Blake. Both the general and the admiral nodded affirmation.

Do you think they know what they are asking of us? said Hastings somberly. This is a man’s life, Milton said. I think they know exactly what they are asking of us. And that is exactly why we are the ones that are here. They believe we are three of the best, if not the three best in the business. And as modestly as I can, I agree with them. We are here because they trust us to know what we are doing. And to know the best thing to do to keep this man alive. He is not only a highly decorated example of what the military stands for, but also their friend. They want what we want and trust us to make the right call. Blake had been listening and said, Well said Gary. Let’s go check out the plane and then we will talk to Lowrey. That sound okay Jenifer? She smiled and nodded approval. Oh, and call me Terrel when it’s us. And they all smiled and nodded. They just became a team.

They walked outside after giving specific instructions to the other doctors and nurses there. The plane appeared to be a solid white Air Force One. They boarded the plane and were directed towards the center of the plane. A door opened to what before might have been a conference room. It now looked like a patient treatment room or operating room if needed. An airman stood up straight with mask and gloves on, wearing a Tyvek suit and said, We have been sterilizing since takeoff sir. At this, two other airmen stood, both females dressed the same way. The doctors spread out to look over different parts of the room. One of the female airmen walked over to Doctor Hastings and said, The phone in the corner under the plastic cover is General Johnson’s line. He said to tell you to use it anytime you need anything. She smiled and returned to wiping a surface that Dr. Hastings was sure had been sterilized several times over. Doctors Blake and Milton were equally satisfied that the room and conditions were beyond adequate. But none of them could be as satisfied it was the right thing to do.

What do you think about talking to the patient now? Blake said. Hastings and Milton agreed, so they left to return to the hospital. On the way they continued to talk about the ins and outs of the whole situation. The same concerns and possible consequences repeatedly. It was Jenifer that said, How about we lay it out for Lowrey and see what he thinks? All agreed.

The doctors stood by the bed and asked Lowrey if he could hear and understand them. He looked straight at them and said, Yes, I want you to tell me what is going on and what we are going to do. Be honest. Blake did most of the talking as they laid out the risks and benefits, the upside and downside of all they knew so far. When they finished Charlie just looked at each of them individually for what seemed like a long time. It was like they were all being examined to see if they were trustworthy. Charlie said, I don’t want to die here. I want to walk again. And I don’t want to walk here. The decision had been made.

CHARLIE 2

I’ll help anyway I can Bob, said Admiral Edward McClain, CNO- Chief of Naval Operations, to General Robert White, Commandant of the Marine Corp. We all will. said Admiral Timothy Gilman, Commandant of the Coast Guard. You guys can look over these reports coming in and help me word the official release on this. You all know the crux of what happened. I need to say the truth without being forthright. You don’t need us Bob, you need a Politician, quipped George Patterson, General of the Army. They all managed a little laughter. Not much because they all knew the gravity of the situation.

After all, this is Charles L. Lowrey we are talking about. Recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor and several of the highest honors the military can bestow on a person. People will find out that he was involved in this action and in a heroic way once again. It must be played down this time though. It will be a disaster if the public, even if the military personnel in general know all about what happened. All the Marines who were there have been debriefed and the ones that showed any signs of trouble at all were interviewed by a mental health team.

It is the psychiatric reports that are the most troubling to read. Would each of you guys take some of these psych reports and look them over and let’s talk about it in the morning. It’s late and we have had a long day and night and day. White added, Where are they now Harry? General Johnson had a monitor installed to track this flight. About an hour west of Pearl.

None of the joint chiefs slept at all. They all stopped reading early enough to sleep, but what they read wouldn’t allow sleep. They thought they knew this man. When he was in town for his medal award, they had all spent time together away from other people. What was being revealed now was a part of the man completely unknown to them. All of them except one. That was Bob White. He had in his possession Lowrey’s background check file. The FBI does a background check on anyone recommended for a security clearance. The higher the clearance, the deeper they look. Charlie’s was as high as they go. Had to be, to do the top-secret stuff he had done. White didn’t want anyone to know everything about Lowrey’s past, so he kept the file.

It was 0600 when General White came, and Harry Johnson was there. How far out Harry? was Whites question. Looks like a couple of hours. Had to vector around some weather but they kept it smooth. Spoke with Blake and he said it’s going ok. Keeping Charlie out to avoid any movement on his part. Said he is secured tight so it’s best for him to sleep through it, said Harry. You got the ground to the hospital worked out? he added. Sure do. said Bob. Four suburban’s and a van. Shouldn’t attract much attention. Especially in D. C. Could be anybody. Fairly short drive, and MHP is on the route in case. We should be okay.

Bob, will you tell me something while it’s just me and you here? Harry asked. Sure. Said Bob. Did you know? Well, honesty Harry, I didn’t know that this part of him would ever come out on duty. I did know that he might be capable of something like this if he was pushed too far. But I didn’t imagine this. I really need help with this man. Bob said.

You bet your ass you need help. We all do, Harry replied. The other chiefs came in around 0700. Each had their offices with offices for their staff as well. But none of them were using them now. They all reported directly to the secure private meeting room since the information started coming in. I didn’t sleep at all. Laid down and closed my eyes. Avenging angel. Pure rage. Scared men to death by looking at them. Good God, George said. I know exactly what you mean man. Some of mine were about the same, said Ed McClain. Tim added, It makes him out to be a spirit warrior or a vicious killer or warlock with ability to kill with his mind. This stuff is unbelievable, and it is what these men are testifying they saw with their own eyes. What are we going to do with this?

Okay, let’s try to keep focused, Said Bob White. We have got to release an official statement of what took place. Let’s work on that. What did happen is this. One; Mike Robins’ platoon was ambushed. Two, Lowrey doubled back and captured a machinegun nest. Three, Robins lead the platoon up the hill fighting against the enemy. After several casualties on both sides, the marines were able to take the hill. Four, a hard-fought battle was won by the marines and a strategic area was secured. So, how’s that for starters? Needs some tweaking Bob, but we can start with that, said George. The room fell silent.

There was a knock on the door with Gen. Whites chief of staff with a message. It appears the President wants to see Lowrey when he is awake, and he wants us all there. A briefing to follow. White read aloud. Look guys, Harry asked me earlier if I knew Charlie might do something like this. There was something in his past where he was pushed too far, and it was described as rage when he exacted punishment. It was not a recurring thing. Never a mention of him losing his temper after that in the report. And we know his service record is exemplary. We don’t know exactly what happened to those men killed in the General Tzu operation. The only one there beside Lowrey was Sergeant Smith and he said they had to be eliminated to keep from being detected going in and coming out. You all remember. That was in his report. I honestly never expected there to be an issue ever come up. Sure, as hell never figured on anything like this. I would like to get Robins and Smith up here so we can talk to them face to face before we release anything. That okay Bob? Ed McClain said. "Sure Ed.

Smith is on a mission but will be done tonight. I’ll get them here ASAP, Bob answered. That’s right. They’re going in tonight. On schedule Bob? asked George Patterson. On schedule. We should know by this afternoon," Bob said.

Romer broke the silence, Alright men, its time. George, you, and the team know your end, any questions? Lewen answered, No. If all goes to plan, we will be in and out of there in short order. Just long enough to make it look real. And if it doesn’t go to plan, then it will be real. It will work either way. He was grinning when he said it. Romer countered, George, I know your end is good and I’m confident we are good to go. I know Charlie was going in instead of me. I know my part in this so we’re good. Equipment check and move out. Romer held out his arm and Lewen did the same. Time was to the second. Both nodded. Lewen’s group headed out in a northeasterly direction while Romer’s team went due north.

Exactly one hour after sundown the VC troops would be having evening chow while in Colonel Cho’s. His officers had their last meeting of the day. Intel reports indicate that Cho is out of the area. Their schedule was kind of routine lately which made planning and execution of this operation easier. Good information from a certain local was the key. Lewen gave the signal and the charges that had been set were detonated. Simultaneously, small arms and automatic weapons fire started from several directions around the perimeter. It doesn’t take too much to make it appear to be an all-out attack when the enemy is surprised and confused. A car came speeding up and two men ran from a hut and got in. The car sped off going west. Perfect thought Lewen. The maps and intel is on its way straight into our hands.

They would continue the mock attack long enough for the West Road team to cut communications after the car went by. Lewen looked at his watch and gave the signal for the second group of explosives to be detonated. Then as quickly as they appeared they disappeared. They regrouped south of the village and headed west, out of sight of the road.

At the other end of the operation was the farmhouse. The house had been where Cho’s friend and second in command stayed with the widow of the farmer, after the farmer suddenly died while out working. A larger than average place with a better atmosphere than anything in the village. The Colonel spent a lot of time here lately holding secure meetings and taking care of the widow. There was always a large guard unit stationed there. At the exact moment the attack started Romer and Smitty had started their slow and quiet infiltration.

The third member, Corporal Counts, was to hold position at the starting point to ensure that no matter what, the exit route would be open. A job he was well suited for. A huge man with probably less than a pound of body fat. Yet he moved very fast for a large man.

Romer and Smitty had met a few of the guards as was expected. They were eliminated without a sound by Romer as the two marines moved closer to the house. They were now only seven or eight meters away from the structure when the car came speeding up. Cho and his personal assistant went straight into the house.

The driver was yelling about the attack and directing the guard’s attention toward the east. Smitty entered the back door first with Romer on his heels. There was a guard in the kitchen looking toward the front. In an instant he was looking toward the back door with his body still facing forward. Smitty eased the dead man to the floor and continued moving to the next room. Cho and his man were in a larger room in the center of the house. He had sent the woman to another room, so it was just two of them. Cho was getting papers from a desk and stuffing them in his case. Romer grabbed Cho from behind and held his mouth. The assistant was on the other side of the desk and pulled a knife and stabbed Smitty as he approached. Smitty pulled his bowie knife and ran it through the man’s neck. As he was falling to the floor, a guard came in from the front followed by the driver. Smitty grabbed