In Harms Way

[cgraven]

OOC: A story for Sweetp4u and C G Raven read along and hopefully you will like this tale.

IC:
Slow Convoy 432 had set out from Halifax Nova Scotia on a cold snowy night the 1st of January 1942.. The escort commander, Commander Michael Coarsen , USCG was well experienced for he and the crew of the USCGC Hamilton had been enforcing President Roosevelt's “Neutrality Zone” since 1940., and had worked closely with the Royal Canadian Navy as well as the Royal Navy. But this was different it was the 1st wartime patrol since Dec. 7th and the attack on Pearl Harbor. His thoughts turned to Chief Bowsain Mate David Tugas now the offer in charge of the old WWI sub chaser PC 113. on the starboard flan of the convoy The chief and over a third of his crew was transferred as the Coast Guard and Navy geared up for a long hard war.

They where three days out of Halifax now and already ther had been three wolf pack attacks on the under guarded convoy six of thirty six merchant men had been lost and only one possible U Boat kill. Night was coming on and soon the wolves would be at Commander Coarsen sheep. The little PC 113 had been in the thick of it every time its small deck gun cracking in the cold stillness of the night driving the wolves under giving the wallowing merchant men a chance slim though it be.

The night was suddenly split by a roar and blazing flash from the Dutch tanker Van Hull and 10,000 gals of aviation fuel went up in a basing furry the sea itself on fire.

Then the crack of the PC 113 small deck gun and the emergency signal flashed by signal lamp 3 U Boats bearing 030, range 1000yds my position, PC 113 . then the little PC was lifted out of the water broken in half and disappeared in a shower of wooden splinters and flame..


A blinding flash was the last thing Chief Boatswain Mate David Tugas remembered then followed by the cold embrace of the of the North Atlantic.

There where period of fevered ranting, as he saw the faces of the crew now lying at the bottom of the Atlantic. Yet also an angel floated in and out of his dreams soft brown hair for a halo, gentle green eyes that seemed to call him back from a dark place to a place of light.

Chelsea Naval Hospital Boston , Mass

 

[Sweetp4u]

Britney Cole

I had finally woken up to the banging on the door. A long night out with the girls from our bunk had led to alot of dancing and a few too many glasses of wine. In celebration of my twenty-fourth brithday they said.... Well I felt like I was sixty at this moment.
Jumping up and throwing on a robe, a Lt. Richards stood at the door, "They need nurses in surgery A-sap.." I nodded and turned back to my bunk. Finding my uniform I slowly pulled it on as the girls began to wake up.
"Whos at the door honey?" Marie called, "An officer, we're needed in surgery." Alot of groans went up in the air, but I knew the drill, "I only need two more, come on let's go.." Marie and Debbie climbed out of bed and hurried to dress.
"What's happened?" One asked,
"Who knows..." I had no idea, no more worries came through my mind. My intended had died a month before when a whole sub sank, claiming everyone. There was little left for me to do but serve my country and return home alone when this was all over.
Hustling out the door, all three climbed into the Jeep and road back to the hospital.
Entering a rather hetic scene, I got to work where I could. Wounded were continuously brought in from two large transport trucks. Looking over a uniform of one man, I knew the Navy boys had taken another big hit.... Or had it? There were only four. No time to think the doctor started barking out orders and my mind went into work mode.
A man lingering between death's door and home was shivering and groaning. "Hold him still! He's going to rip open his wounds!" Marie and Debbie were to far away and busy, so I moved over and took his hand. Gripping it tightly I murmured encouraging words, my free hand resting on his cheek, "It's alright, relax, you are safe now.." I repeated it over and over, but I didn't think He heard me?
He jerked violently and his eyes began to roll back?! "Doc something's wrong!"
"hypothermia possible!"
"No, something else.. He's not breathing!!" I shouted out, Instantly moving to give him CRP and pump his heart. My pulse lept as I repeated it only twice before he was one again gasping for air. Bending over sidways, he proceeded then to throw up all over my shoes!
"Oh heavens!" Looking away, I did my best to keep my own stomach calm. This guy had a gallon of sea water I'd bet inside his lungs. I patted his back none too gently as he again vomitted over the side of the bed. Finally he fell back, his eyes closing but his raspy breathing was strong.. Maybe not deep or even but strong.
"He's alright!" I smiled with joy, none that had come in had been lost tonight..

Sleep did not come easily, I slept in a bed in another room, waking every hour to make rounds and check on the men that were brought in. Once done, I went back to the room and laid down, waiting for the next hour to sound....

 

[cgraven]

The green eyed angel is there holding me comforting me. Slowly over time I crawl back from the dark foreboding place where I hover, clawing for the light and always the soft brown halo, those stunning green eyes, the brilliant white call to me.

The stormed tossed sea, fire, the screams of the dying, all the horror of that night south of Greenland comes rushing back to me I feel the rising panic, A scream that pierces the night and I am awake. My lungs burn as if they where on fire. Slowly it all comes back to me the struggle for life in the bone chilling waters of the North Atlantic, the fuel oil swallowed, the burning ocean the water closing in over me a hand pulling me into the long boat.

And there is the Green eyed Angel in her nurse’s uniform and the one thin ½ stripe on her nurse’s cap.

“ Mam where am I?”

 

[Sweetp4u]

Nurse Britney Cole

"Mam, where am I?"

I heard his voice and turned my attention back to his eyes. I had been checking his vitals when he decided to speak. Smiling I was happy to see him awake finally.
"You are at the Naval Hospital in Boston. How are you feeling Sailor?" I checked his wrist once again and counted off the beats as I watched my clock. He was one lucky man... God had to have blessed this one to let him come out of the wounded sub alive. I had heard from the whispered talks between a general and the doctor, enough to know that this man was indeed lucky.
I felt a sadness come over me for a moment, wishing Andy had been as lucky as this one but knowing I couldn't change the past.
Perking up I gave him an akward smile, "can you wiggle your toes and fingers for me?" I wanted to check for paralysis.

 

[cgraven]

"You are at the Naval Hospital in Boston. How are you feeling Sailor?"

Her hands where on my wrist her fingers warm and soft and again those green eyes so bewitching.

“I have felt better Mam but all things considered not bad.”

A shadow passed over her have then that sweet smile I remember from my fervors dreams. She turned back the blankets so my feet where exposed.

"can you wiggle your toes and fingers for me?"

It was a bet uncomfortable but I managed to wiggle all ten toes and fingers.

“Mam How many made it off the PC 113 we where on convoy duty when we caught a torpedo from a U Boat.”

My thoughts drifted back to the little 180 foot patrol craft, a fast little wooden boat, built to fight another war and no match for the German U boats of today, of the 65 men most of them green kids put in my charge.


“Mam How many made It ?.............. Please I have to know she was my command”

My eyes implored her to tell me the truth.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Britney Cole

I paused for a moment confused, "You were on the PC 113?" I stopped for a moment, they had this man confused with someone else?
"Your name and rank Sailor?" I checked the paper work and from what I gathered they had him here as a sub commander John Riley.
"You see.. well. The convoy was attacked as you know and all were hit and sunk but one ship I believe.. They have men everywhere in this Hospital.. but I ah..." I fell silent, not sure what to do or say now?
"I can tell you from the lists I have that.." I sighed, I hated giving bad news, "That no one on the PC 113 is said to have made it.. no one.." My eyes searched his, saw his sorrow as well.
"Hey.. listen big guy.. Don't think about it yet ok? Let me go ask around and see if anyone else mentions the pc 113..ok?" I patted his hand and took the chart with me, "Oh, your name and rank please? I need to get to the right files if I am to help you out.."

 

[cgraven]

"You were on the PC 113?"………………… "Your name and rank Sailor?"…………… "You see.. well. The convoy was attacked as you know and all were hit and sunk but one ship I believe.. They have men everywhere in this Hospital.. but I ah..."

The look on her face told me the story even before she went on her voice soft and reassuring.

"I can tell you from the lists I have that.."

She paused again

"That no one on the PC 113 is said to have made it.. no one.."

A tear slowly trickled down my cheek they had trusted me put their lives in my hands and all where gone all but me.

Hey.. listen big guy.. Don't think about it yet ok? Let me go ask around and see if anyone else mentions the pc 113..ok?"

Her hand was on mine again as she tried to comfort me.

Oh, your name and rank please? I need to get to the right files if I am to help you out.."

“Bowsain mate Chief, Tugas, David E. US Coast Guard, 389 502 USCG Mam.”

The recitation had been done by rote, my mind on all those that where. gone.


“Please Ensign, Mam Please see if any others made4 it.”

I watched as she left with charts in hand. About an hour latter two Naval Hospital Corpsmen came in.

“Sorry Chief but this here is for Officers and we got orders to move you down to the enlisted ward.”

“Hay mate your just carrying out orders

And so I was moved from the private room to a four bed ward in the lower recessive of Chelsea Naval Hospital. Never thinking that I would see the green eyed angle and her soft brown hair again.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Britney Cole

Hours later, and way past my shift I came back to the his room. "Hi there.." I smiled a little as I came in. He looked a little better but the shadows still haunted his eyes. The other beds empty, it left us free to speak.
"I have some good news and some bad.. I will give you the good news first.." I struggled, I hated being the bearer of bad news!
"There is another said to be from the PC 113, but he is in pretty bad shape.. A Franklyn A. Walls. Does that name ring a bell?" I was hoping that we for once had the right man with the right chart and indeed he was from the same ship David was in charge of.
"The bad news is that he is in pretty bad shape.. Shrapnell and some second degree burns on his upper torso.. I shouldn't be telling you this but I figured you'd like the truth.." I fell silent, wishing I could just evaporate out of the room from the look on his face.

 

[cgraven]

The ward was bright and cheery as They go But my eyes keep turning back to the Green eyed nurse and her promise to find out about my crew.

The hours dragged by then I decided she was probably off duty by now.

It would have to wait

Hell I was not going anywhere in a hurry.

Then the soft tread came down the passageway I listened to her words my heart sinking ever deeper into despair.

“Yes he was my leading signal Man.”

I turned away not wanting her to see the hurt in my eyes.

“Thanks”


I pause.

“Mam what’s your name?

 

[Sweetp4u]

Britney Cole

I tried to reassure him but only made matters worse. Feeling for him and his misery, I reached down and clasped his hand in my own for a moment before retreating once again.
I did not need this right now and I knew the rules. I could not get personal with a Chief!
"Ensign Cole, Cheif Tugas." I knew that was not what he was asking, looking around I leaned a little closer and whispered, "Britney, Sir. Rest well."
I had to leave, I was not assigned to this area and would be repremanded if caught dwadling here.
"I have to go now, take care of yourself sailor.. No more swims in the ocean when it's below freezing.. got it?" I winked, smiled and hurried away to my station. I had to sign out and get home, I needed to rest and return first thing tomorrow to check on the enlisted men in my station. I sighed a little, hoping that Chief Tugas would be alright?

 

[cgraven]

"Ensign Cole, Chief Tugas."

She bent closer and whispered close to my ear.

Britney, Sir. Rest well."

She straitened so prim and proper now in her starched white uniform.

"I have to go now, take care of yourself sailor.. No more swims in the ocean when it's below freezing.. got it?"

A wink and a teasing little smile as she turned


Ther was quite a commotion in the passage way as a Captain followed by a herd of reports in his wake cut off Britney’s departure.

“ Ensign is this Chief Tugas?”

 

[Sweetp4u]

Britney Cole

I turned to go when the heard came pouring into the room.
"Gentlemen, this is a hospital! Please, quiet!" I hushed them, sighing I nodded my head.
"Yes this is Chief Tugas." I tried to move past them but they blocked the entrance.
"Excuse me, I have to return to duty." I waited for them to move, glancing back over my shoulder again at David. He did not look up for this at all, but what could I do?

 

[cgraven]

The Captain a public affairs Officer beamed.

“Greta Ensign …………..ah what’s your name dear.”

. "Gentlemen, this is a hospital! Please, quiet!"


“Ah sure not problem Ensign……Boys keep it down a bit”

"Excuse me, I have to return to duty."

The Captain drew Britney aside, listen Ensign I know this is a hospital but we are at war and there has been damn little for people to cheer about. Now the Chief there is a real hero and we as you know need men and nurses so get your tail over there and pose for some pictures with him.”

The Captain’s eyes her cold and hard and his soft voce just above a whisper carried the definite tone of command. He turned to the horrid of reporters in tow.

“This is Chief Bowsain mate David Tugas U.S. Coast Guard the Skipper of PC 113 the hero of the battle of Convoy 432. He got 3 Jerry U-Boats before they got him. Quite a fight Chief we need more men like you.”


The Captain pined a “Purple Heart”, for wounds received in combat, on the Chief’s hospital gown. The he turned to Britney.

“And this is Ensign Britney Cole U.S. Naval Nurse Corps one of the Angels of mercy that tend to such heroes as the Chief.”

But before the reporters could ask a single question he continued.

“No questions Security you now boys but you can take a few pictures………….. Ensign how about a kiss of congratulations for the Chief he is up for the “Navy Cross for gallantry in action against the enemy.”


“Ya a Kiss for the Chief Miss it will make a great shot for the folks here on the home front.”


The chorus rang from the press corps.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Britney Cole

Angry at this display of a very upset and tired man, I bit my tongue hard and moved towards the bed. My appologies clearly in my eyes as I stood listening to the jargen back and forth between reporters and the Captain.
“Ya a Kiss for the Chief Miss it will make a great shot for the folks here on the home front.”
This caught me off guard as I met the Captain's eyes, I knew I had no choice but to kiss this stranger.
"Sure." I tried to smile as I bent forward, unsure where to place the kiss? This was so awkward! I looked into his eyes and whispered, "Sorry Chief." I lightly pressed my lips to his for a quick few shots and lifted back upright.
Not meeting David's eyes, I waited for permission to be excused. I did not give it much thought kissing him, nor would I. I did not need entanglements, nor did I want another government man to worry over.. besides Cheif Tugas was probably married already as handsome as he was. Standing at attention, I hoped soon this would be over.

 

[cgraven]

"Sorry Chief."

I knew in that moment that Britney was as embraced as I was.

“The Navy Cross you says Captain”

My voice was flat and dull; my eyes with a 1,000 yard stare.

“Funny I didn’t know the Navy was handing them out for losing your command SIR.”

The anger was rising in me and I knew I should hold my tongue.

“Sir only two of us made it off the PC 113 63 men died under my command 63 men leaving behind Loved ones, 63 men that trusted in me to bring them home.”


There was dead silence in that four bed room

“I aint no hero SIR and for you to stage a photo op Having Ensign Cole Kiss me just for the press SIR thank God congress made you a gentleman for that is the only way you could ever be one. Can’t you see the Ensign is dead on her feet?”

Talking is a effort my lungs burning

“SIR didn’t you her Ensign when she said "Excuse me, I have to return to duty."”

I turned my eyes to Britney

“Ensign Cole I am sorry you have been made a part of this farce…… My apologies Mam.”


“Now SIR if you do not mind I am tiered and need to sleep.”


The red faced Captain ushered the press out making his excuse about fatigue and stress. When all the commotion died down I managed a choked whisper.


“Sorry for that Mam.”

 

[Sweetp4u]

Ensign Britney Cole

"It's alright Chief Tugas, and thanks." I smiled a little, feeling much better now that they were gone.

"I have to go now, my shift is long over due, is there anything you would like me to get you before I go?"

I turned off the overhead light and left on the one behind his head, handing him a magazine as well.

"Those people are like vultures, lurking around for some scoop or another, that usually does more harm than good if you ask me..." I blushed a little, I didn't realize how much I had been talking, or the fact I had been delaying my departure.

"Sorry Sir, I best go now. Pleasant dreams Chief."

 

[cgraven]

"It's alright Chief Tugas, and thanks."……………… "I have to go now; my shift is long over due, is there anything you would like me to get you before I go?"

Ensign Cole gave me a smile and breathed a sigh of relief when at last they left.

"Those people are like vultures, lurking around for some scoop or another, that usually does more harm than good if you ask me..."

She leaves on the bed light and kills the overhead lights. She seemed t be delaying as If something was on her mind.

"Sorry Sir, I best go now. Pleasant dreams Chief."

“Ensign Cole thank you”

I hesitated a moment.

“Britney do you really have to go now?”

 

[Sweetp4u]

Britney Cole

I glanced back at David from the doorway, not sure what to say really.
"My shift is over for the next twenty four hours..." It was a lame excuse to leave, aside from him being 'off limits' as well as the ward I was in. I turned around and smiled, "Are you bored Chief Tugas?" Crossing my arms under my chest, I leaned against the door way smiling a little. Poor guy, after all he had been through and more yet to come.
Sighing, my smile faltered a little as I walked back to the bed. "Well it is a few hours until dinner, if you'd like I can stay for a bit longer?"

 

[cgraven]

"My shift is over for the next twenty four hours..."

I see that she wants to go, searching for a reason to leave. Then leaning against door jam her arms crossed just under her breasts, again the angelic vision in white I remember from my dreams. A smile creases Britney’s lips.

"Are you bored Chief Tugas?"

Her smile falters as she walks back across the little four bed ward, she is by hospital bed.

"Well it is a few hours until dinner, if you'd like I can stay for a bit longer?"


“Yes please Ensign I need to talk”

My voice was shaky as I talked about my home up in the mountains of New Hampshire of being the youngest of 8 kids, the mills, and the death of my parents, how I had gone to sea to escape the drudgery of the mills, of alone life with no one to call my own. I talked about everything but that last patrol.

I saw sadness in her eyes.

“You lost someone very dear to you haven’t you Ensign?”

I regretted the words even as they passed my lips.

“Sorry Mam didn’t mean to pry.”

 

[Sweetp4u]

Britney Cole

I sat and listened to his tale, the sadness and loneliness he felt as well as I did. Looking down at my hands, to the missing engagement ring that used to adorn my small finger. I felt that pit open up again and leave the gaping hole empty once more.
I had thought after so many many months I would be over him and able to move on, but I guess I had thought wrong.
“You lost someone very dear to you haven’t you Ensign?”

I glanced up quickly, meeting his eyes. How could he have guessed that was the cause of my silence? It didn't matter, I guess it showed.

“Sorry Mam didn’t mean to pry.” He flushed a little which caught me off guard. But it was rather sweet he could still flush like that.

A half smile formed on my lips, "It's alright David, It's life and it happens to us all.. And yes I did lose someone about.. Oh nine months ago? A little over that..." I fell silent again, thinking back over the dates and things we did.
"We was on one of the battleships that got it over in the Mid-Atlantic area. Didn't sink the ship but the shot I was told hit right in the wrong spot. Daniel worked artillary some where on the deck, Think it was handling the large.. guns whatever they're called. My head is too jumbled up to really recall anything other than him coming home in that box." I fell silent, wondering why I told this gentleman that story for?
"Pardon my rambling." I flushed a little, the pain still there but not as bad as before, Perhaps time did heal?

 

[cgraven]

"It's alright David, It's life and it happens to us all.. And yes I did lose someone about.. Oh nine months ago? A little over that................ was on one of the battleships that got it over in the Mid-Atlantic area. Didn't sink the ship but the shot I was told hit right in the wrong spot. Daniel worked artillery some where on the deck, Think it was handling the large.. guns whatever they're called. My head is too jumbled up to really recall anything other than him coming home in that box."


There was such a deep sadness in Her it near to broke my heat. Her green eyes with a far away look of love remembered and yet lost, the promise of a future cruelly taken by the insanity of war.

"Pardon my rambling."

Britney blushed and she idly fingered where her engagement ring once was.


“That must have been hell for you………The kiss and the cameras.”



A corpsman pokes his head in the door.

Mam ………Ensign Cole You best get going or there will be trouble, you know your off duty and Commander Marks don’t like the nurses hanging round the enlisted wards Mam.”


“Thanks for the visit Mam but doc’s right wouldn’t do for you to be found here.”

 

[Sweetp4u]

Britney Cole

I sat upright and glanced at the Doctor. "Thank you." I turned back to Chief Tugas, "It was nice talking to you David, I best go." I stood up and patted his hand, "thank you for everything.." What I didn't know, but it was nice talking to him.
Grabbing my charts I left quickly and quietly as possible. Going to the nurses station, I dropped off the chart, signed out and took my coat. I walked silently home, thinking over the conversation. I would have to return tomorrow and see the Chief.

 

[cgraven]

I watch as Britney left and wondered I if I would ever see her again.

The next two weeks where spent in healing and the treating of burns I had received when the PC 113 was lost, Slowly I regained my strength.


A week after Captain Roach the public affairs officer had visited the Picture of Britney Kissing me was on the cover of “Look “ magazine with the caption;

Angel of Mercy comforts hero”

Captain Roach again paid me a visit.

Chief you are being awarded the Navy Cross. Washing ton has decided that you’ll be awarded it at your home town.”


Roach consulted his notes.

“Manchester New Hampshire isn’t?”

He paused a smile on his face.

“And Chief Tugas you and Ensign Cole will do a two week "Bond Tour" through northern New England. That picture sure got the attention of the locals. Great PR for the Navy and Coast Guard.. Then 30 days survivor leave and your choice of assignment”


My face was a passive mask the anger I felt barely contained..


“Chief its orders and you will carry them out do I make myself clear.?”


“Aye, Aye , Sir.”

My voice laced with the contempt I felt for this user of people. God what would Britney think of all this, to be used in such away.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Britney Cole

I couldn't believe my own ears.
"But sir!"
He held up a hand, I knew I had best not argue with him on this but I was more than upset. Being used! I was being used for PR!!!?
I stared at my commanding officer like he grew two heads.
"But sir, please listen! I signed up to serve my country ..... as a nurse!"
"Your country needs you for this.. The troops are down and need inspiration. A reason for fighting!"
I wanted to argue with him on that! We were fighting for freedom and peace. Safety! Not for nurses!
I sighed and nodded, Saluting I turned and left. I had an hour to pack and be at the station where I was to meet Cheif Tugas once again. I felt badly for him, knowing that this had to upset him as greatly as it was upsetting me.....


Forty minutes later I stood outside the hospital waiting for Cheif Tugas to join me for the ride to the air field. Where we were going I had no idea, but I was assigned to this duty and I had to do it or be discharged.. And so, I sat waiting but not too happy with this whole mess.

 

[cgraven]

There she was Britney Cole, Ensign in her dress blues sitting with her A-1 Bag waiting as we pulled up in the gray Navy jeep. Followed by Captain Roach in a gray staff Car.


Ensign Cole, Britney you do not have to ride in an open Jeep as the morning is cold

Captain Roach greeted her impeccable dresses in his 5th Avenue tailored dress Blues. Then drawing her aside and whispering to her

“Or suffer the company of the Enlisted anymore than you have to.”

He oozed the charm of a Madison Avenue add executive.

“Chief you’ll be traveling by train to Manchester only a three hour run out of North Station but being a local boy I guess you know that.”

“Aye, Aye SIR I am familiar with the Boston and Main Railway.

Each time I met Captain Roach the more I disliked him. He was the kind of man who used people to his own ends, a spiteful little man.


Ensign Cole you could fly up with me to the Army Air Corps field we could be ther in an hour giving you time to relax..”