Chapter 2: 2. Dead Forest
We take our position along the forests edge. There is a cold and breezy wind that makes us turn up our shirt collars. The leaves still fall from the trees and the ground is so thick with them that one can not see the earth below. The sky has a dark overcast to it and through it is only noon, it makes the sun gray. The woods have a wonderful assortment of reds and oranges as the leaves spiral to the ground. Every so often there dots an evergreen that defiantly proclaims its dark green colors against the reds and oranges. There is a sound of a distant battle far away. The sounds of an artillery duel and gunfire remind us that this isn't a sight seeing trip.
"Alright we are heading out!" Shouts Sargent Johnson. "I want to see plenty of space between men, So don't bunch up." " And Keep you eyes peeled for Jerry." "Coleman you take point." Coleman moves to the front of the line swing his M1 Garand. We are covered in our army green fatigues and steel pot helmets. We form in a serpentine like line with ten feet between man to man. We slowly start out in to the woods, the chill of cold slaps my face.
Guzzo says, "So Sarge are we going to try to catch the Krauts for lunch. Because I know this guy who owes me five bucks."
Townson chuckles as well as Doc, Tanner remains silent. "No smartass, we were supposed to meet them for coffee and donuts but they drank all the coffee and ate all the donuts, so now we got to whip their asses." says Sargent Johnson. Laughter erupts from Doc, Guzzo, Townson and Myself. "Quiet! we are on patrol dammit." snaps Tanner. Silence soon falls over us as we trek in to the wilderness.
Our hike in the woods seems almost hours long. The leaves softly crunch beneath our hard laced boots. Then we stop and sit for a quick respite. I undo my canteen and take a swig of water, its icy coldness freezes my throat. "I need someone to scout ahead." says Johnson. We all look into each others eye none of us wanting to take on the dreaded task of being separated from the group. " I'll do it" says Townson almost shouting. The Sargent nods in reluctant approval. "Dont engage if you find trouble ya hear, come straight back." said Doc to Townson. Townson confidently replies" I'll be fine, dont worry."
Soon Townson disappears from view amongst the trees. "You know Doc you can't father him all the time." says Tanner. "He reminds me of my young nephew." responds Avery. "I just want him to make it, he's a good kid." "I hope my son is a every bit of good as him."spouts Coleman. "You can't defend him forever Avery." Sarge admits. Avery repiles, "I just don't want to see his name in a pile of dog tags. I have buried too many kids because of this war."
Just then we hear the ever growing louder crunch of leaves comes toward us. We rise and assume positions to fire. I get down on one knee and pull my thompson submachine gun up to my cheek ready to fire. Tanner lies prone with his BAR mounted on its bipod ready to engage the disturbance. Coleman, Sarge and Doc also drop to one knee ready to fire at the unforeseen cause of alarm. A figure starts to take shape among the trees. I line my sights on the targets chest ready to pull the trigger. Is this an attack? I think to myself. "Guys! Guys! You got to come see this!" shouts the figure. Its Townson! I was about to shoot him!
We lower our weapons and stand down. We rise to our feet. Townson is almost sprinting his gear and pack violently swing side to side. "What is it son?" says Johnson.
"I don't know Sarge but you got to come look at this." Townson said jittery with excitement. We follow him further into the woods, I look at my watch and it is now half past three. Then I see what shook Townson.
In the trees hangs German soldiers, hundreds of them as far as the eye can see. They dangle there, gently swaying like wind chimes in the cold breeze. We all stare in shock as they look as though they were just killed. "What the hell is this?" says Doc. "Yeah sarge why would they do this?" Townson says.
Johnson replies "Germans hang their deserters but this...there has got to be at least two companies strung up here."
" They couldn't all be deserters." says Coleman.
We tread unnerved slowly through the dead forest where German soldiers ornament the woods, sometimes two or three to a tree. I look to one soldier hanging. His face looks so young almost that of a child, couldn't be more then a teenager. His complexion is so pale. He delicately spins slowly, his eyes closed as if in a deep slumber. He looks as if he were alive only a few hours ago for there is no signs of decay. I look about the hung and see the faces of young boys and old men. Why did they do this? What could these old men and children could have possibly done to deserve such a punishment? I am deeply disturbed.
We walk about almost individually examining each body in wonder. "Well Sarge why don't we cut one down, take him back and say he is our prisoner and he died on the way. Boom! mission completed." said Guzzo
There is silence.
"Very funny Guzzo." Sarge said snarkly.
Tanner says grumpily, " Do you always say the first thing without thinking."
Guzzo sticks his tongue out mockingly, Tanner rolls his eyes.
"Cut it out you two and respect the dead." snaps Avery. "Should we say a prayer for them Sarge?" "Why they are already dead?" retorts Guzzo. Tanner closes and smacks Guzzo about the back of the head. "Ow! Why did you do that for?" Guzzo cries out. Tanner doesn't speak a word. "I guess we should." Sargent Johnson replies. He starts, " Dear are most heavenly father, please bless these poor men and forgive their transgressions Lord. In Thy holy name we pray, Amen." "Amen." we chant.
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