Chapter 296: Operation of Prisoners of War (II)

Company E is now a legendary company of the U.S. Airborne Service, and Second Lieutenant Jones was thrilled to be able to take part in an important mission on his first day with Company E. His upright body and his eager eyes to fight are reminiscent of the appearance of many brothers when they first left Takoya.

"Report to the second platoon, and then-- and tell the platoon commander, Lieutenant Folley, that you will be his deputy. He was also told to assemble all the team members involved in the operation for kayaking training. Captain Parks thought for a moment, then waved his hand and said, "That's all, go, young man, you're lucky, remember not to get hurt in action, you can only be an observer, everything is at the mercy of Lieutenant Fox, this is not a heroic task." You know? Lieutenant? ”

"Yes, sir, I will strictly follow orders," Second Lieutenant Jones nodded excitedly, then took his leave and went straight to find the position of the second platoon. It's a great opportunity to learn from the combat experience, and he can't wait.

But the brothers who were training did not have much affection for the rookie officer. There was even a rumor among them. It made them all feel the uneasiness in it. Because Lieutenant Foley introduced the officer during the training of the team members and emphasized that the officer was here to participate in this patrol mission.

"God, it's not going to be this guy taking us on a mission, right?" Malachi was not as decadent as he had been, at least he still had the energy to participate in the action, and he did not back down. But he had serious doubts about the rookie officer's abilities.

"He's going to kill our god, he's just a rookie," Ellie, who later added in, couldn't help but complain. Of course, it was almost every member of the team who complained with them, "I can't believe it, I don't think Captain Parks would need a rookie officer to lead us, because it's a mistake, and the captain wouldn't make such a low-level mistake." ”

"Wrong? What mistakes do you know? Heflang, who was already disgruntled, said angrily, "There are only fifteen people participating in this mission, and only one officer is the leader. Look at it, how many are there now? How many officers are there? It's obvious, but you're still arguing here, and it's better to think about how we can save our lives when we carry out our missions. ”

"Damn, there are two translators in such a team right now. Are we going to split up into companies and act? But Legot was still wrestling with the matter, and he looked very annoyed, and his voice was so loud that it reached Webster's ears, who were far away from him, and he couldn't help frowning. It was clear that he was a little annoyed with Legot.

However, while kayaking on the side, Kaber chattered about how many battles and how many hardships he had suffered, and such a person still had to carry out the mission, and was a typical soldier who was discriminated against and treated unfairly. He even wanted to go to the division headquarters to complain, and he bared his teeth and said: "I'm going to complain about those damn bastards, I should let Colonel Zink go by himself, you know that it's the inside of the German army, isn't our lives worth anything?" ”

Of course, these words fell into the ears of Second Lieutenant Jones word for word. He was incredulous at the brazen criticism of his superiors and even the senior officers of the regimental headquarters. Of course, he is still a rookie, and he can't express any authoritative opinions on these words, so he can only listen silently. Although he didn't understand why at all.

On the 5th of the month, the patrol members finished their training and gathered in a large house, and then a special person brought them a delicious lunch and dinner. They had beer, coffee and sandwiches. The treatment was not bad, and some items that must be used for patrols such as guns and grenades were also delivered.

Second Lieutenant Jones stood in the doorway, silent, looking at his brothers' somewhat listless appearance, knowing that these men must still be cursing him in their hearts. Just when he was a little uneasy, Captain Winters, Captain Parks, and Captain Welfare walked in, and he immediately stood up and shouted: "Lizheng" This sound startled all the brothers in the room, and their voices were very loud, and then they slowly stood up.

"Take a break," Captain Winters nodded at them, then took off his steel helmet, "I'm glad you all finally got on this patrol." As you can see, we've called five people for tonight's mission, and it's important to note that Lieutenant Welfare will lead the operation, and Second Lieutenant Jones will be participating as an observer. The whole battalion will provide cover for your retreat. ”

Captain Parks nodded, and continued, "We've identified our target and planned a fire attack on it. Parks said as he pulled two whistles from his pocket and held them up, "As soon as we hear this whistle, we will order the whole battalion to open fire." So you'd better not blow it until you get on board with the captives," he said, handing the whistle to the welfare lieutenant beside him.

At this time, Sergeant Martin said, "What if the house is empty?" Sir"

"No, if it's empty, we know it's an observation post and needs to be destroyed. So you have to install the explosives at the time of setting. You must act carefully and quickly, surround the house, and when you are done, fire grenades into the windows of the first floor. Then the team members entered quickly. Captain Winters kept saying, then nodded at Lieutenant Folley, "You understand all this?" ”

"Yes, sir," Lieutenant Folli, clasping his hands to his chest, nodded.

"We don't want how many Germans have been captured, we want you to come back safely and blow up that observation post. We don't have to go deep into the Germans again, it's too dangerous. Parks added, "So you're aiming for buildings, you know?" Don't go into dangerous places without a plan for the sake of the captives. ”

"Questions?" Captain Winters said to his brothers.

"No, sir," the brothers replied in a scattered manner, and they also looked very depressed. But everyone's faces looked a little better, after all, the problem of Second Lieutenant Jones was solved, he was only an observer, and the officer in charge of the command was still Lieutenant Welfare, he was an experienced officer, at least the brothers were more confident that he would not make mistakes.

"Very good luck to you," Captain Winters said, nodding to Captain Parks and Captain Folk, and the three of them walked outside. It was clear that the structure of the team was more in line with Captain Parks' wishes, and he wanted to do his best not to suffer casualties, and he didn't want Jackson to be replaced while others were injured due to some factors. Welfare lieutenant is the best choice. Of course, Captain Winters had some specific details to discuss with him.

Webster walked out behind them, and then saw Winters and the others talking on the side of the road, so he walked over to Captain Parks and said, "Company commander, please." I know it's presumptuous, but I'd like to say it anyway."

Captain Parks looked at him and suddenly thought of a question, that is, the matter between him and Liegt, and couldn't help but be a little funny, it seems that the dispute between them is still inevitable. So he nodded and said, "Say it, Webster." ”

"The patrol only needs five people, and now there are six people, and there are two interpreters in the team, me and Legot. I wonder if it's—" Webster shrugged his shoulders, "I think one should be left, two translators are not necessary"

Parks nodded, "I see." Then he turned to Lieutenant Welfare and said, "You will let Li Gaote stay, he will not participate in the operation." It was enough to have Webster act as translator. ”

The matter was resolved according to the original trajectory, and although the reasons for the conflict were different, the result was the same. When Captain Welfare told him the news, a smile finally appeared on the man's face, and he winked at Webster to show his gratitude to him.

It was getting dark. There was no moon, no stars, and even the searchlights of the US military were turned off. The Germans occasionally fired a flare, but the Americans did not respond with the same flares as they did. Sporadic fire and explosions from one or two German 88-mm cannons can occasionally be heard. There was not even small arms firing on such a night. And the artillery of the American army was waiting for the sound of the whistle, and as soon as the whistle sounded, the artillery would bombard the Germans indiscriminately.

Four kayaks carried five people across the river smoothly. But there was an accident when a supplementary officer from West Point in F Company, who graduated together with Second Lieutenant Jones and knew each other, also asked to participate. And like Jones, he had big ambitions and wanted to make a career on the front lines, and more importantly, he didn't want to gain combat experience later than Second Lieutenant Jones, because it was a matter of promotion. Captain Welfare had no choice but to decide on his participation on the spur of the moment. After crossing the river, Lieutenants Welfare and Second Lieutenants Jones counted the numbers by the river.

Captain Welfare led everyone to the goal. Approaching the German outpost, he said to Jones: "You and your companions stay here, observe the movements of the German army, keep the sentry, and blow it when I give my orders." Then he beckoned to Martin.

"Martin, you take Mosier, Maas, McClung and Cobb, Piper and Sifodi around the house to stand guard and provide cover, while the others follow me into the house. Lambretz, grenade ready, shoot" Lieutenant Folklore decisively gave the order. As his voice fell, Lambrez straightened up, and fired a grenade at the window of the room. Then I heard a loud "boom", which shattered the window panes of the house.

Captain "Shang" took the lead and rushed up, and as he rushed up the steps of the house, he shouted, and the rest of the "grenades" threw all the grenades into it. There was an explosion inside. He kicked open the door of the house with a single kick, raised his rifle and shouted, "Put the gun down, damn bastard." Put the gun down," he said, kicking away a German-made submachine gun at his feet. The living Germans in the house were blown up by grenades. They raised their hands in horror. Webster also raised his rifle and shouted at them in German to silence them.

"Webster, time bomb," Lieutenant Folley cried. Then he shouted at the people who rushed in, "Malachi, take these guys away." Quick, fast. ”

Malach had already taken out the three Germans who were still alive and had been lightly wounded, and dragged them all the way to the predetermined location. Captain Folley yelled at the others, "Let's go, hurry, Webster, plant the explosives, hurry up"

The group rushed out quickly, and by this time the Germans had already been alarmed. All sorts of weapons and shells whizzed in this direction.