Medal Ceremony

File created: 2010-03-09 23:05

Slayback shrugs at Grace and says, "I don't really know, Gracie. Government will probably bring me back home. Keep me around as an inspiration to the troops who scrape their knees on the jungle ground. Y'know, 'He survived fifty gunshot wounds, you can too!'" He grins and chuckles, "Good for morale."

Along came a Fish. He's got Diva atop his helmet, who seems to be in a cheepy mood. He's whistling as he nears the aid station.

The redhead chuckles too. "Well, if yeh want… An' yeh get ta go home… Maybe I could come over to visit after goin' home?" She blushes softly.

Kappedal is finishing up some usual duties around the aid station, hanging up a couple scrubbed cloths that Fredricks had gone through the night before. Helmet off, the back of his hair's got his white kippah clipped to it, also freshly washed.

Slayback grins at her as she suggests after-duty activities, "Oh, Gracie, there'd be nothing better." He leans in to kiss her when he hears whistling and looks up to see Fish. He pulls back and begins whistling along nonchalantly.

Over towards the aid station marches Lieutenant Black. He's wearing his khakis as opposed to his usual fatigues, and seems to be on a mission. Spying Fischer, he heads that way.

Carey strolls to the aid station along with Fischer, humming to go along with his whistling. His hands are stuck in his uniform pockets and he looks like he's shined up his collar this day.

The Corporal blinks as Slayback leans to kiss Gracie. Fish lifts both eyebrows and turns away to give the couple a moment. He looks to Carey a moment. He spots Ben in the process and waves to Kappedal. Diva fwheeps, wondering what the spin is for! And then he notices Lieutenant Black. He straightens. "Sir?"

Grace notices the aborted kiss and looks over her shoulder. She whistles in a cooing manner, not unlike a parrot, and fluffs her redhair, giving diva something to pay attention to. "Hullo, Fish!" she calls out.

Kappedal leans down to pick up his helmet as he smells brass in the air, stuffing the hard hat under his right arm. He gives Fischer a subdued wave and inches away from the oncoming Lieutenant train, heading for Carey. Priests are good to stand by. Unless they pray.

Slayback moves over to stand next to the Lieutenant, hoping he didn't catch the exchange between him and Grace. He looks between the brass and Fish, waiting for something dramatic to happen.

The Lieutenant frowns a bit as he catches the almost-kiss. Public displays of affection are not allowed in uniform, and relationships between enlisted men and officer nurses are beyond the pale. He doesn't comment for now, though, having other things on his mind. "Admiral's doing a review. Get your men assembled over at the Pagoda, and in order. And for God's sake get that damn bird off your helmet." Black doesn't stick around long after that, unless someone stops him.

Fischer says nothing for now either. "Yes sir." He tries not to giggle at the bird on his helmet call, although the corners of his mouth twitch a little. Diva whistles sharply at the officer. HEY! Fish looks to those gathered. "Well, that's the word." He smiles a little. "Let me know if you don't know where the Pagoda is." He'll have Diva flutter off after a nurse.

Carey straightens his posture upon spotting Lieutenant Black, albeit not so much as some of the boys. He's older, and less impressed by young officers. "Sir," he offers to the LT cordially. Before he's gone. A shrug to Fischer and Kappedal. "Admiral's doing a review, is seems," he repeats dryly. He'll follow along to the pagoda as folks go.

Oh goodie. Kappedal wrinkles his nose and reaches up behind his head, tugging his kippah off and snapping the clips shut. The white circle's folded carefully and slid into his front pocket, and helmet goes on to replace it. He'll follow Carey. Zip zip.

Slayback nods to Fischer and looks down at his uniform, "Hrmm, looks like this is the most 'in order' I'm gonna be." He shrugs and begins moving off behind his fearless leader, draggin Grace along with him.

Fischer nods back. "Just try not to be covered in mud," He smiles a little. Fish will follow Kappedal and Carey then, looking around. Hm. Nope. Sadnesss.

Grace meeps as she yanked along after Mr. Longshanks Slayback, having to run and hold her cap down just to keep up with his stride. "Laurence!" she snaps, yanking back on his arm. "Yeh're goin' ta make me fall!" She looks back at Black's back as he strides off. "Eugh." And she whispers something to the man. "Diva!" She lets go of the Marine and reaches out for the little parrot.

Diva is reached for. She will flap on over and land on the offered hand. Cheep. Puff. She fluffs a little peering at Grace.

Airfield

The Grid-----> > > > > THE GREATEST GENERATION < < <


Coordinates : 5 12

The airstrip itself is an artificial creation - hacked out of the encroaching undergrowth by the efforts of Japanese engineers at first using nothing but strong arms and sharp tools. Later on in the campaign SeaBees using heavy machinery manage to make the place a little flatter and a little more civilised.

Alone on a small hill overlooking the field is a wood hut nicknamed 'The Pagoda' due to its distinctive shape. It serves as the center for air operations of the Cactus Air Force. Outside are a few benches that serve as a lounge area for the air crews.

Just north of the airfield is a dugout trench covered with coconut logs and sandbags that serves as the Coastwatcher radio station. Beside it, a torn Japanese tent serves as the office and sleeping quarters.

It is currently dusk.

Sub-Rooms :

1. Pagoda

2. Coastwatcher Dugout

The Lieutenant is waiting outside the Pagoda actually, along with most of the rest of the platoon. A few were on guard duty and couldn't be located due to the short notice (cursed Admirals and their surprise visits) and some, like Strand, are down with malaria or various other tropical ailments. The rest are gathering, though, their squad leaders making sure they're in nice neat lines and ready for the Admiral. Black watches on, looking stuffy.

Annabelle's over by the Coastwatcher dugout, talking with one of the native scouts. Seeing the gathering troops, she can't help but look over curiously, but stays where she's at.

Kappedal is already sweating in the dusk heat, though barely able to feel it on his face with the humidity clogging the air. He salutes where he knows he has to, filing into place with the rest of the lowest-ranked among them.

Slayback meanders on over to the pagoda. He seems to have stopped by the aid station and picked up his better khakis. He's looking the cleanest he has in months. As he enters, he's straightening his uniform, tugging at it here and there.

Fish shuffles along with the others. He falls in and looks nice and clean. He'll look over the line and make sure his own squad is neat and nice. Diva rides along with Grace. If he notices Anna, he doesn't react but with a faint smile. He'll salute as needed, but seems interested in keeping his squad lined up.

Grace ends up taking a position with the RNZAF boys nearby, seeming to know one or two of 'em pretty well. After some rowdy 'hullo'ing in typical Kiwi fashion, the lot falls quiet to watch the Yanks.

Annabelle smiles a little when she spies Fish and the boys, but she doesn't distract them from their official-looking business. She does wander over to where Grace and the NZ boys are standing. A few hullos of her own, and she says to nobody in particular, "Wonder what they're on about."

Carey was summoned to the pagoda and to the pagoda he comes. He breaks off a little from the main party of Marines, keeping to the sidelines where he can observe. With the eyes of God and all that.

It doesn't take long once the men are gathered before the review begins. The Lieutenant gives a nod to one of the more senior sergeants, who bellows in his best parade ground voice: "ATTEN-SHUN!" The marines snap to order, just as out of the Pagoda steps Admiral William "Bull" Halsey, commander of the US Navy in the South Pacific Theater. A gruff-looking older fellow, "Bull" Halsey strides down the steps with a quick march and joins LT Black near the front. They exchange salutes, and then the Sergeant calls out: "Parade REST." Halsey addresses the men, "Gentlemen, I want to commend you on a job well done here. But the fight is far from over We've got the Japs against the wall here, and it's time to keep pushing. Hit 'em hard, and soon enough we'll all get to go home." There's a bit more rah-rah pep talking, then he says, "It is also my pleasure today to present decorations. Lieutenant Black will read off the citations."

Kappedal snaps to at the sharp call, first raising right hand in a formal salute that blocks the sunlight from his eyes. Then the elbow comes down, hands folding behind his back. Speech time, which he keeps his attention pinned to admirably well, turning his head only once to wipe cheek-sweat off onto his shoulder.

Fish snaps to as well, almost reflexively. And then a neat stance at parade rest. He listens quietly, sneakily wiping away sweat as he can, though it's apparent there might be boiled Fish at this rate. He's a good audience at least.

Slayback also throws in a quick salute, scarred hand presented to the Admiral. He folds his hands behind his back and just stays silent as they ramble on with their speech. He's probably daydreaming about one thing or another, but joins everyone else on earth when they finish with the pep-talk.

The ceremony begins in earnest. Black walks alongside the Admiral, taking him to each of the decorated soldiers in turn. In short order they come to Fish's squad. Fischer himself is first. The LT reads: "For military merit and for wounds received in action against the Japanese forces on Guadalcanal on <list of dates>, the Purple Heart is presented to Corporal Ryan Fischer." The Admiral goes to pin the medal on Fish's chest. It's got quite a few stars attached, indicating multiple awards. "That's quite a collection, son," the Admiral notes wryly. "Keep up the good work." Both he and Black will shake Fish's hand.

Carey comes to attention as well, and goes to rest when asked. It is an admiral, after all. He looks surprisingly military when he does such things. He is a lifer Navy man, after all, collar or no collar. As the honors are presented, a broad grin comes to his round face.

Slayback smiles at Fish as he gets the decoration he deserves. He really wants to break the silence and say something along the lines of "Hell yeah, Haus.", but he goes about the ceremony like the good little soldier boy that he is.

Blinkblink. Hey! Awesome. Fish hides his surprised. And nods, "Thank you sirs." He shakes their hand, trying to hide his accent very much. He is surprised and grateful. He keeps his bearing, but it's tough. Happy times. Well, maybe not. He'd rather not be shot. But still. It's due cause for celebration and ceremony.

Kappedal grins at Fish too, showing teeth for just a second. Kind of a macabre award, but it's something to be happy about and he cherishes that as much as he can.

Annabelle may not know much about the military, but medals she understands. She beams widely when Fish gets his, though at this distance she can't really tell what it is.

The Admiral gives Fish a pleasant nod and moves on. Kappedal is their next target, it seems. LT Black reads: "The Bronze Star with Valor device is presented to HM3 Binyamin Kappedal for gallantry in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Koli Point area, Guadalcanal, November 1942. HM3 Kappedal's squad had sustained severe casualties during an assault and was attempting to retreat under heavy fire when his squad leader was shot several times. At great personal risk, HM3 Kappedal revealed himself and fired at the enemy, drawing enemy fire. He continued to do so even after being wounded himself, and thereby allowed his squadmates to retreat to safety." He takes a breath, and then repeats the citation for the purple heart, since Ben gets a couple of those as well. "Congratulations, son. Well done," the Admiral says as he pins the medals on and then offers his hand.

Slayback can barely contain his excitement when his little Jew-buddy gets a medal, and a bronze star at that! He grins widely but continues to stand at ease, awaiting his turn.

Kappedal freezes like a statue when the Admiral moves on to his name. His face slowly turns red, and he almost forgets to shake the offered hand, finally doing so with a hint of awkward stiffness. "Sir."

Grin. Fish looks pleased as punch as Kappedal's medals get pinned on him. He beams, and stays quiet for now. But darn, he's proud of Ben right about now and it's apparent. He'll have to congratulate him. For now, he just smiles i nplace

And Ben too! Anna would cheer but it doesn't seem like it's that sort of ceremony. So she just stands quietly and continues to smile.

The Admiral smiles at Ben's awkwardness, shaking the hand heartily before moving on. Even Black looks pleased, shaking Ben's hand and offering a quiet congrats as well. There's a brief, quiet exchange between the two, and then the Admiral says, "I understand one of your comrades is down with malaria. I will present his award to him when I visit the aid station later, but I'd like you all to hear the citation regardless."

So the LT dutifully reads: "The Bronze Star with Valor device is presented to PFC Ivar Strand for gallantry in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Matanikau area, Guadalcanal, September 1942. With his squad under heavy fire from an entrenched Japanese position, PFC Strand moved to a flanking position and provided covering fire and allowed his squad to retreat successfully back to the patrol boat. There PFC Strand continued to remain in an exposed position, sniping enemy troops that threatened the patrol boat. His expert marksmanship resulted in over a dozen enemy casualties, and saved the lives of his squadmates."

Carey listens to the awards, looking over at the Marines with a certain level of pride. "Good lads, the lot of them…" he says softly.

Slayback just stands quietly at attention. Damn, he shouldn't have stood at the end of the line. He smiles and nods as he hears Strand's name being called. That rat-faced bastard was a damn good shot.

Kappedal breathes easier once the Admiral and Black have moved on. His eyes follow them and he listens to the little speech about Strand, nodding a little bit. He certainly remembers that harrowing incident.

Then the Admiral moves on to Slayback. The LT reads once more! "For military merit and for wounds received in action against the Japanese forces on Guadalcanal on <list of dates>, the Purple Heart is presented to PFC Laurence Slayback." Admiral Halsey pins the purple heart on Slayback, also bearing a couple of silver stars for multiple fights. "You two having some kind of contest?" the Admiral notes wryly, glancing between him and Fischer good-naturedly. Then, more seriously, he says, "Keep up the good work, son." He offers his hand.

Slayback smiles at the Admiral, "Yes, sir. Thank you, sir. I just certainly hope the Japanese are catching more bullets than we are, sir." He shakes the Admiral's hand firmly and nods to him before standing back in his spot in line.

Fish smiles. Good ole Strand. he seems pleased as punch once more. He listens in then.

Kappedal purses his lips against smirking as the Admiral mentions a bullet-eating contest. It's an almost bittersweet expression, that fades into a smile.

Halsey gives a brisk nod and moves on. Black shakes Slayback's hand as well. Another quiet exchange between the officers, and Halsey's jaw clenches in a grim line. "Unfortunately, PFC O'Brien is also not here to receive his award, but I would like to have his citation read as well."

The LT does his thing again: The Bronze Star with Valor device is presented to PFC Kyle O'Brien for gallantry in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Matanikau area, Guadalcanal, September 1942. With his squad under heavy fire from an entrenched Japanese position, PFC O'Brien stormed the enemy trench, at great risk to himself. Using grenades and his bayonet, he killed several enemy soldiers and secured the trench."

Fish's expression twists a little too. Kyle. Deep breath Fish. He seems pleased though, they read his citation. Even if he suddenly seems a touch saddened.

Kappedal's blue eyes lower as the next name is mentioned, then his chin for a few moments. As he looks back up he nods once, mouth in a solemn straight line.

Carey bows his head at Kyle's name as well. "Good lads…" he repeats, albeit in a more somber tone. He bows his head, eyes closing for a moment.

Annabelle's happy expression turns more somber when they start talking about Kyle. She glances to Fish.

Slayback sighs a bit as they mention Kyle. The man dragged him back to the aid station under heavy enemy fire once. He deserves everyone in the room's respect. He hangs his head as they go on and looks back up finally as they finish.

Way to end on a high note, Admiral. A few more purple hearts are handed out, and then the Admiral and Lieutenant move back to their position at the front of the formation. "You boys have all done fine work here. Keep it up, and we'll have the Japs mopped up in no time." He shakes the Lieutenant's hand, then they exchange salutes again and the admiral moves off with his aides to accost some other platoon. The Sergeant calls for a salute to the departing Admiral, and hands snap up readily. Once he's gone, the Lieutenant nods and the Sergeant calls out, "Dis-MISSED."

Slayback runs his hand over his shaved head and sighs. He looks over at Fish and says, "I think I've got more stars than you, Haus." He grins at him, trying to lighten the mood a little bit.

Poor Fish looks a bit of a downer after Kyle's announcement. He will salute with the others. A soft chuckle at Slayback, "Probably." He smiles, willing to concede the award to Slayback for now. He looks to Ben, "Well done," He'll try to catch up with the modest medic too.

Raise salute, and snap down. Kappedal scratches his sweaty, mosquito-bitten neck once the Admiral and Lieutenant have turned to depart, cheks puffing out as he exhales. "Thanks," he murmurs to Fish, and then shrugs. "Just glad you're okay."

Annabelle waits till the soldiers start to disperse, then heads over to the boys. "Och, that was grand. Congratulations, lads," she offers with a smile.

Carey approaches Kappedal, and the others, after the dismissal is granted. "It always seems poor to congratulate for honors earned in such times as these. But good show, all the same. There've been a fair many spots of bravery here, if little else heartening."

Slayback nods to Fish and looks over to Annabelle, "Yeah, grand." He chuckles and looks down to his star-laiden Purple Heart, "Y'know, more I think of it, the less I like the idea of being remembered as an injury-prone soldier." He chuckles and begins to limp off, one of his old knee wounds acting up, obviously.

Fish nods, "Thank you all. And hah… I think I'll be remembered as the giant German bullet sponge." He winks at that. "I'm glad though, to be in such a good squad." Ben and Strand and Slayback and Kyle. All good lads. He nods at Carey. A big smile to Annabelle too. Kappedal gets another grin, "I'm glad too… that you got recognition."

"Hi, Anna." Kappedal brightens a little bit, clouds clearing from the somber mention of Kyle earlier. He looks back at Fischer and offers a supremely awkward smile, then looks at Carey. "Hey, Padre. I guess we should go back before Doc gets all lonely."

Annabelle watches Slayback move off, brow creasing at the limp, but then smiles back to Fish. "Och, is that the bullet magnet award then?" She reaches out to finger the heart dangling from the purple ribbon. "Pretty thing, isn't it. Reckon you lads got more than anyone else." She notes Ben's other fancy ribbon. "Good on you, Ben." It's a heartfelt congrats.

"Aye, should be getting back," Carey says simply. And back he heads. He still seems equal parts proud and somber.

Nod. "Yeah," He doesn't seem eager to linger near here. Fish is proud though and happy to wave the little Ninjew Banner, if he had one. He grins at Anna. "That it is," He stans still to let her examine it. "It is, I'll have to keep it safe. You can hold onto it for me while I am away," He offers." Best not to wear them into battle, he thinks. He will follow the others back.

"Thanks." Kappedal's still embarassed, chucking the monosyllable off and then reaching over to sling his arm around Fischer's shoulders, clunking together. Hi ho, hi ho, it's off to the aid station they go.

"Well, I'm proud of all you lads," Anna says with a big smile. She nods. "Sure I'll look after it for you. Can put it in the box you got me." She'll walk along beside them as they head back, grinning at the clunking together boys.

Fish grins as Kappedal's arm is slung around his shoulders. He clunks along then! Buddies! He is happy as can be. He nods at Annabelle, "That'd be fantastic."

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