Battle Cry by Leon Uris

Author:Leon Uris
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub, pdf
Tags: War Stories, World War, Historical Fiction, Action & Adventure, 1939-1945, Fiction, United States, Adventure, Historical, War & Military, Fiction.Historical, Men's Adventure, General, War
ISBN: 9780061842580
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: 1953-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 8

“WHERE is Father McKale? They want him at headquarters,” the switchboard operator said.

“Up with H Company, firing mortars as usual…I’ll send a runner.”

“How come we didn’t move out this morning, Mac?”

“We can’t, the Army retreated.”

“What they do, run into a sniper?”

“Two snipers, ran off and left their machine guns and every goddam thing else. They’re moving one of our battalions to cover the hole.”

“Mail call!”

No, not a dream. Unbelieving, trembling hands ripped at the envelopes. Quiet. Watch the eyes. By now I knew every word their letters said. A grin through a mud-caked lip, a nod of the head, read and reread.

Dear L.Q.,

We put the car up on blocks. We don’t mind though, if it will help you come home sooner.

Dear Son,

Mother and I thought it over carefully. We both would like to buy a home in the city and retire. Thirty years of farming is enough. So, when you return, it is yours.

Dear Andy,

We have heard about where you boys are. Believe me, we watch your every move and we are with you in spirit. We are mighty fond of our Yanks. I’ve been up to the farm twice. Somehow, it doesn’t seem so hard to go now. Hope springs eternal.

It is quite hot, middle of summer, you know….

My dearest Sam,

I found out from Colonel Daner where your Regiment is. Please, my darling, try not to take any chances you don’t have to. I know your boys will come through with flying colors.

Danny Son,

It just wasn’t Christmas at all in Baltimore. I wonder if we really know what you are going through.

Dearest Marion,

I’ve got a job in a department store as a salesgirl. I love it. Your folks have been wonderful to me….

I love you my dearling,

Your Rae

Dear Connie,

I hate to have to tell you this, but we are all afraid for mother. She is sinking fast. The doctor thinks that she might have a chance to live if she really wanted to…

We never did have much at Christmas, but at least we had each other.

I’ve got a boyfriend now, he’s twenty-nine and a soldier…. I just have to quit school and get a job. Uncle Ed is barely making ends meet and with the hospital bills and you gone it is really rough.

Susan moved from town, no one seems to know where. Frankly, I don’t care after what she did to you….

Your sister,

Wanda

“Hey, lookee, Seabags got a carton of cigarettes!”

“Shaddup, you bastard.”

“Cigarettes!”

“O.K., don’t crowd—I’ll keep two packs and you guys can split the rest.”

“What you got there?”

“A money belt.”

“Just what you needed.”

“They’re always sending me money belts. What the hell they think I am, the paymaster?”

“A cake!”

“Hard as rock.”

“It’s better than chewing D-ration. Get the machete and let’s split it up.”

“Chewing gum!”

“Honest to God?”

“Lookit, a hand-knitted necktie.”

“You mean, field scarf, don’t you?”

“This one is a necktie.”

“What you going to do with it?”

“What you think? I’m gonna wear it.”

“Here?”

“Yep, best-dressed gyrene in the regiment.”

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