U-Boat Scourge by J Eugene Porter

Author:J Eugene Porter [Porter, J Eugene]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781719593786
Published: 2018-07-10T22:00:00+00:00

19

21 February 1942

Washington, D.C.

• Bataan Peninsula, Philippines: Lull settles over entire front as both sides dig in and prepare for further action. Japanese have completed withdrawal from I Corps area; diversionary forces are employed against II Corps are ordered back to Balanga area.

The plane had left Banana River at 0900 hours and included two additional passengers. A request had been made by Admiral Willson’s office for the initial reports on the U-boat sinking be brought to Washington by the pilot and co-pilot of the PBY that sank the submarine. The base commander, Captain Young, received this information around 1800 hours from one of the admiral’s aides which required the captain to corral the two men prior to them getting totally blasted in the officer’s club.

Every officer on the base who did not have duty had shown up to see the heroes and congratulate them for their success. The captain quickly slowed the festivities when he pulled the young men from the club along with Patrol Wing Commander, Captain Gannon. He also found the scientist Commander Jameson and asked him to join him in the office. Jameson had just finished reviewing the first draft of Brand’s report and was watching him work out some theoretical problems with his slide rule when Young came calling. Jameson had no problem leaving Brand alone because he was never alone. Two corporals were sitting outside his door, and if he needed anything, it would be provided by these two marines.

Jameson listened to the captain as he related his call from Admiral Willson’s office, which did not please the two young officers. Neither Lieutenant Commander Hamlin or his co-pilot, Lt. (jg) Bob Henson wanted anything to do with going to Washington. They wanted to get back in their plane and find another Nazi sub to sink.

Captain Gannon, knowing these two were going whether they wanted to or not put his foot down and told them, “The party will reconvene on your return. This will be a long war, and you will have many chances to sink another U-boat. The request from Admiral King’s chief of staff was not a party invitation. So, you two are forbidden to go back to the club. You will go to your quarters and ensure you have your Class A winter uniforms ready with a change available. You will be prepared to fly out of here at 0800 hours, and you will act like proper navy gentlemen, or you will find yourselves counting socks in New Foundland. Do I make myself clear?”

“Yes sir,” came the sullen voices of the two young officers.

“Commander Jameson, will you please ensure these two heroes get off the plane in Washington sober and in proper uniform?” The captain grinned at Jameson, then looked back at his two flyers with a stern countenance.

“Sir, I am quite sure these officers will enjoy the flight and will be in good order when they get off the plane. I understand from the communique that an aide to Admiral Willson will be at the airport with a car and driver so they will not get lost.

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