Jeff Shaara - The Frozen Hours

He heard the vehicles outside, the heavy rumble and squeal of brakes.

Craig motioned with his hand. “Has to be General Almond. One of the senior mechanics told me he won’t let them lube his truck. Likes to make an entrance.”

Bowser laughed, said, “Like Patton and his siren.”

Smith wasn’t in the mood for their playfulness, said to Craig, “The mechanics figure out how to get those helicopters working?”

Craig said, “Thinner oil. They’re draining out the usual stuff. Once the new oil supply gets here, they say the choppers will be up to the task.”

Smith kept his focus on the commotion outside, thought, Not soon enough.

The door opened with a flourish, an aide pushing inside, back flattened against the wall, holding the door wide open. Smith felt the blast of cold air, waited impatiently, no one appearing. Outside, the voices were boisterous, Almond greeting the men, shaking hands, as though visiting old friends. Smith hunched his shoulders, the heat in the small building sucked away, Almond’s staff officer still keeping the door open, oblivious to the reaction of the Marines inside. Almond was there now, stopped in the doorway, appraising, and Smith was annoyed, his usual response to Almond’s meaningless smile.

“Please come inside, sir. It takes a while for the heaters to do their job.”

Almond stepped in, the door closing behind him, noticeable relief from the staff around Smith. Almond removed his gloves, the coat now pulled off his shoulders by his aide.

“Brisk, eh?” He looked toward Craig, said, “Hello, General. I understand you’ve been up at the front, prodding Colonel Litzenberg to make better time.”

Craig didn’t smile, said, “We both have, sir. General Smith and I have made daily runs to each of the regimental commands.”

Almond looked down, slapped his hands together, said, “Is that right? With the kind of progress the Marines are making I had thought perhaps General Smith was occupied with other matters.”

Smith fought himself not to react, said, “General Almond, my staff has a great deal of work to do here. Would you please join us in my office?”

“Lead the way.”

Smith moved toward the smaller office, Craig there before him. Craig stood aside, Smith sliding into a small folding chair, and he motioned toward another.

“Please sit, sir. No need to be uncomfortable.”

Almond stood, his aide standing stiffly behind him. It was a game that Smith was used to, Almond not conceding any need for comfort. Craig knew the rules, said, “Do you mind if I sit, sir?”

Almond folded his arms across his chest. “Certainly. I’ve been sitting for a while in that infernal truck. Prefer keeping upright, keeping my back straight. There will be time for relaxing when this war is over.”

Smith said nothing, wouldn’t give Almond any kind of satisfaction. In short seconds, the silence grew heavy and Almond said, “We’re relocating Tenth Corps HQ to Hungnam. I would like a company of Marines to serve as guards, security, so forth.”

Smith saw the surprise on Craig’s face, thought, A show of power.

Smith said, “Why do you require Marines? Is it not better if my men are sent forward? We might need every man we can put into this fight.”

“What fight is that, Smith? So far, I have only heard reports of sniping, skirmishes, and an enemy who delights in keeping out of your way.”

Smith felt the familiar boil. But, he thought, there has to be more to this visit than a request that could have come by phone. He said to Craig, “Get Bowser.”

Craig seemed ready to sputter a protest, but he obeyed, went to the door, a sharp whisper. Bowser was there quickly, said, “Sir?”

Smith kept his eyes on Almond, Almond looking away, and Smith said, “General Almond requires a company of Marines to serve as security for his new HQ here. Find out who’s nearby. Murray’s people haven’t completely taken to the road yet.”

Bowser looked at Craig, the same expression of surprise. “An entire company? From the Fifth?”

“Is there some difficulty with that?”

Bowser’s eyes stayed wide and he said, “No, sir. I believe Charlie Company is camped just down the road, preparing to march. Captain Jones, I believe. I’ll send word for them to stand down, and send word to Colonel Murray.”

“Do it.”

Smith saw Almond’s expression change, surprise, and then a beaming smile.

“You see, Smith? We’re in this thing together. There is no need for argument on every point.”

Smith looked at Craig, who stared back at him with disbelief.

“Certainly not.”

Almond seemed energized now, said, “General MacArthur is most confident that this entire operation shall conclude without major complications. To that end, he has instructed me to make the best use of the assets I have available. There is concern in Tokyo that Eighth Army requires some assistance, that we should spread out closer to their right flank. I will obey, of course, and your men will bear that burden. But no one has told me that we cannot continue on our course toward the Yalu River. I know of no reason that Tenth Corps should not enjoy a share of our ultimate success.” He paused, his eyes now on Smith. “I admit to being distressed at the lack of progress your men are making. The Yalu River is there for the taking, Smith. Tokyo has ordered an intense bombing campaign to continue all along the river. Naturally, General MacArthur is aware of the political necessity of avoiding any direct impact on Communist China. But on this side of the border, we are targeting every bridge, every village, every roadway, every avenue of escape the North Koreans can use. Our primary goal is, and has always been, to eliminate the North Korean armed forces in their entirety. And we are continuing to do so. Once your men reach the southern tip of that reservoir, I expect them to advance northward with far greater speed. I want them barreling down that road to Yudam-ni!”

“No.”

The word came out in a short burst and Smith saw Craig’s eyes grow wider still.

Almond seemed to stumble, leaned toward Smith. “Did you say…”

“I said no. I’m not barreling my men anywhere while they’re so scattered. Hagaru-ri is a natural rendezvous point, a position we can defend against any sudden assault by the enemy. It is unacceptable to scatter this division in a way that severely hampers our effectiveness. General Almond, I have expressed the view to you previously that the First Marine Division is a formidable weapon, the most powerful weapon at your disposal. But only if you allow that to be. You continue to insist that General Puller’s men engage in a mop-up operation, chasing down fugitive bands of North Koreans. That is the waste of a valuable resource. There are army units assembled to our south who can easily accomplish that mission.” He paused, a thought breaking through. “Is it not a good idea to allow the army the opportunity to reap the rewards of such a task? The Third Division has thus far served as a reserve, and they have not been allowed to share the attention that we have received. I would have thought that Tenth Corps would want to spread the glory, so to speak. Allow Third Division to earn their own headlines.”

He saw Craig hiding a smile, kept his eyes now on Almond. Almond rubbed his chin, staring away, absorbing what Smith had said.

“I shall consider this. Regardless, you will receive confirmation of your orders to advance to Yudam-ni. Tokyo’s concerns about Eighth Army must be addressed.” Almond seemed to focus again. “By damn, Smith, you have to push your people harder! If we bomb those bridges, eliminate those villages, make life wholly miserable for the North Koreans, we must take full advantage! General MacArthur is doing his part, and it is possible that Eighth Army is doing theirs. I will not have us falling behind!”