A Flat Clap C 42-46

(C-42)

For those who can’t understand

“Those who will not be governed by God will be ruled by tyrants.”

William Penn,

Colonel Dix said “We are a nation under God of good people; we have always helped others in what ever troubles they have had, and never once did we say pay us or serve us. We did what was right and then came home and wanted to be left in peace.”

“Hell even our own elites don’t understand that all of our free thinking and free expression, along with the right to criticize any and all entrenched beliefs are things we have taken for granted for so long that they are almost part of the air we breathe. Freedom to a lot of them means anything goes, and they forgot that along with freedom comes responsibilities. And the number one thing on that list is to preserve those freedoms for the next generation, the 60’s hippies is now the man at the top. They refused to grow up and learn that there are some things worth fighting for, that there is evil out there in this world that wants to see them all dead.”

“It is precisely because we recognize the existence of evil, pure and simple, that we feel justified in using force to strip power from ogres like Mullah Omar and Saddam Hussein—or kill them, like Saddam’s two sons, Uday and Qusay Hussein. Europeans, cynical in politics and morals, think that this attitude makes us loose cannons or Cowboys, a word they love to use as a slur.”

Dix said, “I don’t mind being called a cowboy, to me that show’s respect. He’s not out riding the plains in search of a gunfight, he tries to avoid trouble. But he doesn’t run from it either, he doesn’t start fights – he finishes them.”

“Most people in Old-Europe haven’t figured out that the Western hero is the affirmation of a universe with meaning and free will, one in which individuals shape their destiny through their moral choices. The Western hero doesn’t always survive, but by his deeds he wins the ultimate battle. All movies offer moral instruction of one sort or another.”

“Boy do we need better movie makers,” Dan added with a dry serious laugh, then said, “The Western hero’s message is to buck up. Be a man, stand up for your rights and others, protect the weak, treat women with respect, to take control of your destiny. Most men of my father’s generation – who went through the Great Depression, won World War II and came home to fuel the postwar economic boom – learned about manhood at the Saturday afternoon movie. Those priceless lessons were then applied at places like Bataan, Guadalcanal, Normandy and the battle of the Bulge.”

“Hell the EU pucks and our own elitist mistakenly believe that they will score points by calling the President and almost every American a cowboy. Failing in their elitist delirium to realize that when you call someone a cowboy, most Americans conjure up visions of the widely admired sort of characters played by such tall-in-the-saddle types as John Wayne, Gary Cooper and Clint Eastwood.”

Dan laughed as he said, “For old farts like me I can’t get Roy Rogers, Dale Evan’s, and Trigger out of my mind riding off into a black and white sun set, singing ‘Happy trails to You.”

Both men laughed and Dan in mock apology said, “Sorry I shouldn’t attempt to sing. I couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket.”

“I’m not much better,” Dix replied with a laugh.

“You know it doesn’t matter what the so called Elitist of Europe think for now, but if the combined Allied forces in Russia, Iraq or India are defeated they are going to want a bunch of Cowboy’s to come and save them from either the advancing Chinese or the Islamic Jihad Army. Hell it’s hard to believe they haven’t smelled the burning cities they live in now and the trouble the local police are having a such a hard time in dealing with the Terrs that are here among them right now, busy killing, raping and burning.”

“General Sherman said it years ago, ‘War is Hell’, and they are finding out the hard way that appeasement only delays that hell, never stops it. I feel for the average Joe fighting the war over there, not the shocked and easily lied to so called leaders or suckers here at home, both names fit them, to the T.”

“I prefer the simple name, Dumb Ass,” Dix said laughing. “Years ago they should have figured it out that when there is no freedom of speech at all when it comes to criticism of Islam in any form. Either in calling for the death of people for drawing or reprinting some editorial cartoons. Or just because you pointed out their own words of a call for a world ruled by an Islamic Caliphate that would unit all of the Muslims of the world against the infidels.”

“As if the murder of politicians on both sides of the aisle right and left, shooting and stabbing of film makers, bombing of trains and buses, a whole month of France burning, and poison gas attacks against subways wasn’t enough. To be honest I really don’t think the warnings could have been any clearer. And it all started with the curtailing of freedom of speech, yeah, Dumb Asses suits them.”

“Your correct some people will never learn, especially the elites and some of our own so called leaders. Some how they don’t understand the real world, very few normal people like them personally, and our common enemy’s wish is to see them dead along with the rest of the west. Somehow they confuse the defects of our democracy that changes peacefully during elections with the deadly intent of a totalitarian system that uses all force available to maintain its power.”

Dan shrugs his shoulders as he adds, “Trust me they understand about power and what it takes to hang on to it. To me they project their ideas at us, as our motives of just what they would do to hold on to that power. They just don't understand that conservative wish more then anything else to be left alone, as we would them.”

Jim nods his head and continues, “ Our poor misguided leftist elite doesn’t have to worry about that knock on the door in the middle of the night from the secret police because they speak ill of our government and protest its actions. More perversely, they seem willfully indifferent to radical Islamist and the surviving Communist regimes, which keep billions of people in slavery to their government every whim. Here they are free and yet they complain about us fighting a war to free their own neighbors from evil men who are killing American citizens, maybe they hate us because we are Americans who are willing to stand and fight, and they haven’t the backbone to do the same? And in the past they wouldn’t help the citizens in Cuba who sign a petition asking for the right to have a church service, all the while screaming that Castro wasn’t so bad. Yeah Dumb Ass fits them to the T.”

Colonel Red Stoddard and his senior staff walk in, he salutes Dan and they shake hands and then everyone takes their seats. Dan then starts the briefing, “General Green has given us a separate area of operations and said we have considerable leeway to conduct operations as we see best. I’ll still have to get his permission for any major offensive operations but he wants us to keep the push on as much as we can.

So I'm going to let you know how I go about my modes operand. Since we don’t have the supply lines and back up that a regular division has, we must improvise and make do with what we have stockpiles or what we can capture.

When we have sufficient supplies we push, probe, ambush and flank the enemy at every chance we can. Forcing him to retreat, or to commit his forces in broken uncoordinated defensive positions or worse in unprepared and not so well planned attacks, we keep up this pressure by being mobile and wearing out boot leather, more then vehicles and tires.”

“When each brigade has its first and second echelon ammo stocks moved forward we go after him again. We prepare a good plan of attack with even better intelligence, add some accurate supporting fire and we will succeed. We will have gaps in our pace of advance due to shortages of ammo of all types, when that happens we will pull back just a little but keeping a watchful eye of what the Chinese are doing. If our scouts see a juicy target we will go after it and eliminate it with everything we can bring to the fight, just like we did at Martis Valley. We have to make our enemies think that they’re tens of thousand of us, to do this we must continue our men’s conditioning and training. Ammo for practice might be a little short at times but we have lots of food to keep the men in top shape.

When we move into an area we have to keep our heat signature a low as possible, that means keeping a watch on the time schedule for the Chinese satellite pass over. With most of the men under some type of thermal cover, be it a covered fighting position or using thermal blankets, same with combat vehicles and supply trucks. If we stay hidden for the most part the Chinese won't see us coming, as our attack at Martis and the success we achieved there proved that. Any questions?

OK now, here’s what I want done….

(C-43)

A River of blood, American Blood

“When you encounter the unbelievers, strike off their heads,

until ye have made a great slaughter among them...”

Qur’an 47:4

“When an infidel’s country is conquered by a Muslim ruler,

its inhabitants are offered three alternatives:

1. the reception of Islam, in which case the conquered became enfranchised citizens of the Muslim state when they convert,
2. the payment of Jizya tax, by which unbelievers obtained “protection” and became Dhimmis, provided they were not idolaters, and
3. death by the sword to those who would not pay the Jizya tax.”

Ayman Nejeeb

Amir of the 2^nd Division

(Division Major General)

“Sir if we post these for the Americans to read, the Chinese Corp commander will object. And the Americans in our areas will make even more trouble.”

“Sgt. Aamir Rashid, since when did you start listening to the Chinese? And your not afraid of the unarmed Kuffirs are you.”

“Only when the Chinese give orders, otherwise I don’t not wish to listen to them, but as you know they have forced us many times to stop our retribution. Even over your protest they hanged four of our men a month ago for killing a few Catholics, who refused to pay the tax.”

“One hundred and sixty men women and children protesting peacefully is more then a few.”

“Our men felt threatened.”

“A very poor excuse for machine-gunning women pushing strollers with children in them. You can think of a better reason then that?”

“They may have hidden bombs, how were we to know.”

“Ha, that is good, these Americans are not like the Palestinians, they do not give up their children as martyrs, they do not know of the paradise that awaits the true believers, so unless you have something better to say?”

“They insulted the Prophet, and the punishment for that is death.”

“That is better I will accept that as reason enough, any insult to Allah must be dealt with harshly and severely. And if they attempt to shame us that is unacceptable and the punishment must be swift not delayed. We must post a warning to let them know that those who insult and fight against Allah and his messenger are to be killed or crucified, those who resist in other ways will have their hands and feet on alternate sides cut off.”

“Our men will be pleased to hear that.”

“But everything must be within reason, for your men to do what they did and then to be caught while looting the dead bodies, by the Chinese who came to investigate the shooting, those men deserved their punishment. They got caught for being stupid, loot and rape first then shoot and leave, I couldn’t protect them after they were caught.”

“Several of the people they killed were Hispanic, our brothers in arms with the forming Aztlan forces really complained. I do not like them, they do not show the proper respect. And they brag about this land now being theirs again.”

With a mocking laugh he said, “Let them have their day, they do not understand the words of the prophet, ‘where the Muslim sword goes in victory, becomes the land of the true believers for all time.’ In time they will learn what is the real truth in life, to oppose the will of Allah the most merciful then it will be too late. And for now you are correct Aamir, I will take your advice, do not post this first notice that I have written it was just a venting of some of the rage I feel too, in having to get permission from the Chinese, that we must to do as they wish.”

“But cheer up things are improving for us, now do you want to hear some good news?”

“Yes what have you heard,” Aamir asked?

“Yes the good news is, we have been promised by the end of the year that we will have our own Division area and they will let us bring all of the units together. And maybe soon after that we will be allowed to have all four of our Division areas closer to each other and with up to six move division formed with the new converts and criminals we recruits, that will be a force for Allah and soon this land will be united under his truth.”

Both men said in unison, “Praise be to Allah.”

“Kalida is working hard to get permission to bring all of our forces together, that would be impressive, yes very impressive indeed, and then the Americans will run in terror when we have over 100,000 Muslim men gathered together under the Black Flag of war, all for Allah and all marching forward to victory.”

“Would they let us use the name, 1^st Islamic Corp of America, I like that name for some reason.”

“I don’t think the Chinese really care what name we would use.”

“The Chinese are worse then the Jews or the Christians most of them believe in nothing except to follow the Khan and his Generals.”

“Careful my friend we are their guest and we must treat them with respect even if they are not worthy of that respect.” Both men laughed as Aamir finished with, “They haven’t a clue that this war sows the seeds for the next war.”

Ayman shook his head in agreement as he said, “Yes when they bring my division units together with my own area, then the cleansing of this land will really start,” Ayman said, his face set in a mask of pure evil. “The payment to be rendered in full for all the years of humiliation heaped upon our people by these American dogs, Allah willing, the debt will be paid in blood. And the pile of heads will reach even unto the base of heaven itself.”

Aamir said, “Praise be to Allah, the most merciful the most compassionate.”

“Yes, praise be to Allah,” Ayman added, “We the faithful will soon unite the world as one in Allah so that his peace will reign forever. We the chosen must help the world to understand that there is no God but Allah and that Muhammad is his messenger 'who He sent with guidance and the religion of truth to make it supreme over all others, Allah be praised, Allah Akbar.”

(C-44)

Keep on Trucking

Keep up the Pressure

Late Fall 2006

As Patton once said. “I don’t want to get any messages saying that we are holding our positions. Let the Hun do that. We aren’t interested in holding on to anything except the enemy. Were going to hold on to him by the nose and were going to kick him in the ass, were going to kick the hell out of him all the time

and were going to go thru him like crap thru a goose”.

George S. Patton

General U.S. Army WWII.

The control of a large force

Is the same principle as the control of a few men:

it is merely a question of dividing up their numbers.

Sun Tzu

Eli took six of his better men from D’s group, then he added eight squads of men, to form two platoons. This would be the base of his proposed Recon Company for the two Militia Brigades. Later on he will have four squads from the California volunteers, men who had been either Army Rangers or Marine recon. D also lent him two officers that had served as Seals to assist with the process of fleshing out the Militia Division Recon Company. After five hard days of working together these two platoons head out, moving ahead of the units redeployment to gather information on the Chinese units, and sizing up the next mission.

Making contact with several small groups of civilians hiding in the woods from the Chinese, and even though their information is meager it is pooled and helps fill in the overall picture.

Dan sets up a Division Headquarters staff and chooses only a hand full of officers and NCOs from the two Brigades and the forming California Militia for a few key positions; he wants to keep the disruption to these Brigades minimal.

Tom and Carl; Generals Greene and Puckett also have a very large pool of retired military men and women to choose from, so when it comes to forming plans and setting up support operations their experience and the desire to be of value again really helps Dan.

Besides these old guys and gals can really help the inexperienced rookies learn the ropes with out making too many mistakes, or costing a lot of lives from a simple goof up. Many of these experienced people who are too old according to the Army's standards, join the Militia once again serving their country with distinction.

This really helped the Militia’s HQ and staff elements as the regular Army can't spare even a handful of active duty people, as they are very busy in training new people to triple the size of the United States Military’s before the invasion. With that terrorist suicide attack right after the invasion against the two staff schools, it really crippled our ability to expand and to fight.

Dan also takes Mike's advice and detaches the Aviation’s battalions from the 1^st and 2^nd Brigades, by adding the captured Chinese attack and transport helicopters he sets up an independent aviation brigade. He does the same goes with the Artillery unit, these two units give the forming Division its needed heavy firepower and greater flexibility.

In less then a week the new and forming Division is still in the process of setting up as they are ordered to move south to a designated combat location astride the Nevada/ California border. Once there they used most of the first day to improve the shell scrapes (skirmish trenches) they had dug when they first moved in at night, making lanes of fire and secondary positions added as per SOP.

The new Recon company a 40-man force, are out front and have located the enemy’s forces, with most are at a distance of just over six miles away on average. They observe, and quickly see that the Chinese have been lax in their security, as they weren’t running many patrols of their own. They had no idea that a new force was to their front. And except for having dug a few of their OP’s ( observation posts) in, with the few only a little more then knee-deep slit trenches with no overhead cover at all. And they hadn’t provided any good defensive positions for the rest of their units, no fox holes or trenches or bunkers. It's like they assume the war is about over, or these are very raw troops, with piss-poor leadership.

Eli’s men, talking with locals that are in hiding get some good Intel and bring one of the leaders back to see Dan, to give him his recon information first hand. Dan in turn called Major General Greene, to pass on the intelligence and suggest a course of action. Tom likes the request and agreed, that a limited attack would destroy at least a brigade and maybe even trap the partial division that occupied Bridgeport.

The two decisive battles in one day a few weeks ago and this new attack would prove to be a great morale booster for the country, almost as good as Gen. Doolittles raid on Tokyo and the victory at Guadalcanal had been in WWII.

(C-45)

Kansas Militia field HQ, Sonoma Nevada.

Turning serious Dan said, “I do understand what you’re trying to say. But I want you to understand me Jim, I don’t want any dead hero’s, especially you. We need live soldiers, and dead enemies, our men are here on the front line, and all of us out here, our chances of making it through are greatly reduced, I know your not afraid, neither am I, but everyone of our men’s lives are precious, very precious and if we must we have to spend them accordingly.”

Dix shook his head in agreement, but added. “If what D told the Intel people about the invasion force is true and we are facing an invading force of over five million Chinese and their allies it’s going to be tough fight no matter what.”

“And the fact that they came here armed and equipped to fight in America for years, I know we have a long and very hard fight ahead of us. I feel the same way about my command to sir, I want as many of my men here to be alive and whole at the end as we defeat this invasion and free our country. I also hope to be here and see the day when it happens too. I’m really not a pessimist, more of a realist I’d say, but with God’s helping hand all things are possible.”

“Amen, to that, and all fights are tough.” Dan said as he then gave his consent, “alright I’ll give you the OK. You can command this action from the front, but not right on the front line. But trust me, after the battle and in seeing the dead, hearing the screams of the wounded, and watching some of them die, before it’s all over you’ll curse me for letting you have your wish.”

“Maybe sir, but I have to be there with my men and share the danger too.”

“Never forget that Jim, that’s the mark of a good leader, sharing the danger and the hardships and taking the same risks.”

0600 hours

The last of the battalion commanders has now arrived with their staff and taken their seats, the operation orders are passed out so Dan started his briefing.

Dan opens the orders session with, “A little over two weeks ago we surprised the Chinese twice in one day and gave a lot better then we took, especially when we used their own missiles batteries against them and shot up their various HQ's before we pulled out of Truckee. When we took the north end of Lake Tahoe with a second surprising attack from their rear that again was another good success. The one I’m proud of most is when we forced them to pull out of south Lake Tahoe with out us having to expose any of our men to danger or any enemy fire. That was as Sgt. Little says ‘we counted Coup big time’. But the enemy couldn’t let those victories stand, their troops moral was too important to lose so soon. The CO of the Chinese 25^th Corp General Chin whose troops we bested there would lose face with his superiors, so he has continued his attacks and his push down here in the Bridgeport area.”

“These attacks and the continuing build up of his forces down here shows that the 25^th Corp is planning another offense. We Gentlemen just have to be a little quicker on the jump and surprise them once again. I'm hoping that he doesn't know or suspect that we have moved south and plan to attack again.”

With a smile he adds, “Men he’s going to have to get use to it, cause here we come again. So this task will go by the name of Operation Weasel. A weasel as you all know is small but very deadly, just like us. This operation has two sub parts, First Brigade task goes by the name ratel, and second Brigade by the name Mink.”

“Now for the Good news gentlemen, this is how I see the next battle opening. And I’m sorry for the short notice but in less then twenty-four hours, just about this time tomorrow almost all of our two Brigades and our Artillery will be in action. My staff and your two Brigade commanders and their staffs have come up with a very good operational plan.”

Dan then picked up a long pointer and used it to point to the map displayed on the tent wall and the terrain model just below it.

“The terrain model you are looking at represents the area to our front, from here in the north and east of Bridgeport, down to the south boundary being highway 167 from the Nevada border to the junction of highway 395 running roughly west-south-west near Mono Lake. The western edge is about five miles west of highway 395, up past the Sonora junction. Not all of the Battalions lines of departure will be on the model and when I mention them I will try and indicate them on the map.”

He paused just for a second, “Enemy situation in general; to out immediate front, are parts of three infantry Divisions from their 25^th Corp, that unit is the largest Corp of their tenth Army.”

“Just to let you know the 66^th. Infantry Division units that was stationed around Lake Tahoe along with the artillery division that we busted up two weeks ago were all part of the 25^th Corp.”

Col. Dix said with a mock British accent, “The old boy will think we’re picking on him.” Then in his normal voice, “were not sorry about that, it’s nothing personnel, we just want our country back. ” The light laughter that came from the staff gathering was good to hear, spirits were high.

Dan waited with a smile showing as the laughter quit then continued, “From north to south, first the 111^th infantry Division motorized they occupy Bridgeport and its immediate area.”

“The 5^th Division Infantry, is occupying the high ground in the Bodie Hills area, just north of the old mining town of Bodie.”

“The last Division is the 118^th Infantry motorized, they have one Brigade located here, occupying Bodie, and another Brigade astride highway 167 in the Waford Spring area. Their third Brigade is a little further south and east in the vicinity of Benton Hot Springs close to 26 miles away where they are watching Highway 6, so they are practically out of the picture.”

“Now the specifics, north of the Sonora junction there is one Chinese Division and no others until you get up to Reno. They have established a division strong point at the top of the pass on highway 88. I think they were expecting us to move against them from South Lake Tahoe, for now they will have to wait on us. I don’t think they know we have moved this far south and they aren’t expecting our next move.”

“The 111^th Infantry division occupies Bridgeport; this unit is in reality closer in size to two weak infantry Brigades in man power then a full Division, and with only two companies of armor to support them. From our few aerial photos we think they are the Type59-llA with 105mm guns. Most of their heavy Armor Brigade and Mechanized infantry departed last week along with most of the Armor and Mechanized forces from the 118^th and they headed south to assist the Chinese Army in southern California.”

“The 111^th still has all of their organic anti-tank assists and a good part of their artillery Brigade with them. This artillery is scattered out along the Walker River below Bridgeport in Battery size units.”

“The 111^th has two of their infantry companies in forward combat outpost one up here at Sonora junction where highways 108 and 395 meet., Eli said this company sends between eight and ten men each day by motorcycle ten kilometers north on 395 and they set up an OP, at night they pull back to their camp, they do not switch out or leave any men at night. He suspects they have either sensor-activated mines along the sides of the highway or some type of electrical monitoring equipment in place. Our people stayed away from these daytime positions just in case, so as to not alert them of our presence.”

“The other Company size combat outpost is here just North-east of Bridgeport Reservoir on highway 182 five miles west of the Nevada state line. They send vehicle mounted patrols up to Masonic mountain located here then down to the Aurora Canyon road, these patrols are sporadic and when they do patrol its mostly during the day, returning to their base at last light. The platoon strength patrols might be dropping off and picking up squads size OP’s, we don’t know for sure. When you receive you specific orders the two battalion commanders for those objectives will need to send out their recon platoons to find out. The recon platoons will link up with the Brigades recon people to check on these two companies, and to act as guides for tonight’s infiltration.”

“Now the Chinese 5^th Division Infantry, troops presently located on the flat ridge north of Rough Creek are estimated to be a little over a full Brigade in strength and they are taking their time about moving into position, they started moving in maybe three or four days ago? They conduct daytime patrols running up to Aurora canyon road and then back and push forward some daytime OP’s maybe up to one kilometer east, in the late afternoon these pull back into camp. The latest Intel from HQ says that the Chinese Fifth division is a garrison division with no combat time, and they are green, being made up primarily of reserve forces.”

“Eli’s scouts have been watching the 5^th. Division off loading troops at the junction of California highways 270 and 395 for the last two nights, roughly a Battalion each night,” Dan indicates the position on the terrain model.”

“Our people have reported that the 5^th. Division is using civilian’s trucks and buses to move their people. It’s been inferred that the 5^th must have a limited number of cross country trucks, and they are only using them during the day to bring in equipment such as tents, ammo and food, which they have been stockpiled here at the new camp,” he used a pointer to show the location on the map.

“Reconnaissance indicates they are stock piling equipment faster then the troops are arriving, a nice nugget of Intel to stumble upon. All of the equipment is protected from the weather in some nice newly captured US GP medium and GP large tents.” With a smile he turned to the G-4 and the HQ company commander, and half jokingly said, “Gary and Boa I don’t want your troops in their taking down those tents until after the shooting stops, OK?” This again brought some laughter and smiles from the assembled staff.

Again using the pointer Dan pointed to the Map, “They have been off loading the infantry here, and then have them march in, I guess they don’t want their nice American trucks and buses all shot up?”

“Once offloaded they form into units and the troops march up the Bodie road, and then turn Northwest on the Bodie to Masonic road for about five more miles to the ridge just to the north of Rough creek. Located here on the map,” as he pointed, “As I said so far they have only one Brigade in camp, no Artillery out side of a few mortars. Intel isn’t sure on what they are planning. As for me, I think they are moving in fresh troops, getting ready to launch an attack east once they have the whole Division in place, General Greene agrees.”

“The General thinks if given the chance and when they are ready, the Fifth, could attacking North East to take Bald peak and Beauty peak, here and here,” indicating the locations with the pointer.

“He thinks that when the 5^th attacks east, the118^th division on their right flank will then follow in echelon heading north east toward the Brawley peaks ridge area here. If they are successful they would have the high ground and be able to drive on to Fletcher. From there they would be able to shell the Hawthorne ammo depot. We can’t afford to lose that, we wouldn’t have time to move all the ammo and equipment that is being moved in there now. As for our units, the elements of the 1^st. Cavalry regiment that is holding the Cedar hill and Highway 167 area, located here. If the Chinese push east, the Cav would have their right flank exposed, and they would have to pullback to the east.”

“As you can see from the map there isn’t a lot of good defensive ground to the east to hold onto for the next 12 to 15 miles. The brass back east says that isn’t acceptable.” Dan Paused letting everyone ponder his last words.

“Local population, most civilians left over a month ago, there are a few scattered families about along with a few small groups of resistance here and there. Eli has his home and a sizable force west of Bridgeport doing recon work with D’s SF group. You don’t need to know more so we will leave it at that.”

“Now friendly forces, you know how our division is deployed, with Second Brigade on our right First Brigade is on the left. On our left flank, nothing until we get down to elements of the First Cav. and that is only a weak brigade, really closer in size to a large Battalion. As you know we relieved a mixed unit of Marines from the 2^nd Battalion, 4^th Marine Regiment, and some elements of the Army training units from Ft. Irving with a few California National Guard troops mixed in. They had pulled back and out of Bridgeport six days ago, and let the Chinese move in and occupy it without any resistance. Presently they are at Hawthorne re-grouping and refitting. They are the only reserve force within forty miles of us.”

With a smile he said, “When they moved back with out offering a fight, that works in our favor. The Chinese will think we have only a token force between them and Hawthorne. It would appear that the Chinese don’t know that we have moved down here to beef up the line. If we were to stay on the defensive that leaves us all spread pretty thin trying to hold a line that is too long. As you can see right now that leaves the Chinese with the interior lines for maneuver and movement, with the opportunity to mass his forces when and where they choose.”

When Dan had started the order session Col. Dix picked up a ruler to measure the distance across the front where elements of the Militia brigades were deployed. Looking at Dan he said, “That’s the distance two divisions would have been asked to cover in World War Two, not good for just our two Brigades?”

“Gentlemen and Ladies we are going to go on the offensive again. With our four larger then normal infantry Battalions per brigade and the Armor Battalion consisting of four Tank and Mech infantry companies and a support company each assisting our infantry attack we are in the perfect spot to exploit our leg infantry advantage. We have over 2000 more men then any other regular Army Brigade, and we are going to use that to our advantage. As I have already said the Chinese don’t know we have moved down here so surprise, surprise; instead of facing elements of a tired battered Brigade, one that was just holding on, it’s a new ball game with two oversized fresh brigades coming after them.”

“The Chinese down here may have overextended their resupply lines, or they have ran out of steam and are waiting to be replaced in line, it doesn’t matter which. If it’s the last scenario, that makes their 5^th division as the first of the replacements, a reserve unit with little or no combat experience moving up to the front, at least that’s what it looks like to me. Jim I’m going to allow you to fill in the details your people have discovered.”

“Thanks sir,” Col Dix stood up and took the pointer as he said, “1^st brigade recon, Lyle’s platoon is scouting our front and says the closest units to our people are the ones, here, by Rough creek just a little less then four miles away, they are from the Brigade of the 5^th Division. They are busy clearing ground for the rest of their following units, they have four, half-ass dug in OP’s about 100 meters from the camp facing east, our direction, and two similarly OP’s on the north side. Strengths of each OP is four men with individual weapon plus a machine gun and grenade launcher, and the men are rotated out on a 24-hour shift at each of these OP’s, relief occurs at noon each day.”

“Lyle used the words half-ass when he described these OP’s because they aren’t trying to camouflage or hide these positions, and they have dug just a little more then knee deep positions for protection. The one guard post up at the road, is manned by a full eight man squad, most of them are busy filling sandbags and doing make work to spruce up the entrance. I guess to make a favorable first appearance, when the general arrives?”

“Enemy disposition, in the 5^th Divisions camp their are presently three battalions or a light Brigade, with approximately 600 men in each battalion, so that’s roughly 1800 to 2100 men. Each Bn. is made up of three infantry companies, plus one heavy weapons company and one machine gun company, and the Bn. HQ Company. The average Chinese Support or Weapons Company normally has six 82-mm mortars, and six 82-mm recoilless guns. The Machine Gun company would usually have six 7.62-mm heavy machine guns, six 12.7-mm antiaircraft machine guns, and six 35-mm automatic grenade launchers.”

“For some reason most of these support weapons are stored in the tents up here next to the road guard post. A little over 50 meters away are eight tubes of the either the 120 or 100mm mortars set up in a ready mode, but not dug in or in a sand bagged positions. And there are six 12.7 AA guns in two positions on either side of the mortar position, again not dug in or sand bagged in.. Now for the really weird part guys, the mortar and 12.7 crews sleep here about 500 meters away in the main camp. At night the 8 man squad guarding the road junction starts off with just two guards, one static and the other one roving, after mid-night this changes, its only one man and he stays close in up by their guard post at the road.”

“The only other support weapons Lyle observed are as I mentioned at the six OP’s. These six positions, and again each one has only four guards and they man one type 67, 7.62 MG and a type 87, 35-mm auto grenade launcher. I don’t think this Brigade realize a war is on, I say that because they are not expecting an attack. Before the main attack begins we plan on capturing the main guard post at the road and storage tents and the six OP’s, all are to be taken out at the same time, all quietly before we attack and annihilate the camp and the approaching battalion at the same time. We don’t know if there is any internal guard post, but seeing that the mess tents start preparing breakfast at 0400 they might have a fire watch or some person at the HQ tent located here on radio alert that wakes them up. I suspect some type of roving guard working out of the HQ, and again maybe not, because the last two nights he hasn’t bothered checking on the six OP/LP’s. When we eliminate them we will still have to keep our movement in as quiet as possible.”

“Now each of the 5^th. Divisions, Infantry line Companies have a Weapons Platoon, equipped with three 60-mm mortars, two 82-mm recoil-less guns or 120-mm anti-tank rockets. Each infantry company has the PF-97 it’s a lightweight, self-contained weapon like the LAW and is used primarily by infantry squads for engagement of soft targets. It fires an 80 mm Fuel Air Explosive (FAE) warhead, with negligible recoil. The PF-89 is a lightweight, self-contained, anti-armor weapon comparable to our M136 AT4, or LAW. You and your troops have all seen a demonstration of what they can do and how they work from the hands on training, after we captured over 5000 of them up at Martis Valley,”

“And the last part we have to worry about is the 118^th Division on the right flank of the 5^th, they have an estimated strength of around 6000 men with an under strength Brigade of between 1200 to 1500 men, located here in and about the north and east half of Bodie, that’s close to four and a half miles away and except for a dozen or so again half dug in OP’s, they are just resting and waiting. The rest of the 118^th units are to the south of Bodie here in the flats east of Mono Lake. They have done a better job of preparing and have good defenses dug in and in depth, they expect to be attacked from the north east. These units will be hammered by our artillery and that should freeze them in place waiting for an attack that never materializes.”

A voice from the back said, “Sounds like the Chinese up in the heights are awful sure of themselves sir.”

Taking a deep breath he lets it out with a sigh and a sad tone in his voice Col. Dix said, “And why shouldn’t they be? Except for a few isolated attempts, they haven’t seen a serious counter attack since week two of the invasion. Up north by Reno, until two weeks ago the Chinese have had it mostly all their way and moved to their slowed down time schedule. General Greene’s orders had been to fall back and not to let himself become decisively engaged.”

“On the plus side of things for us verses these three unit’s the5th, 111^th and the 118^th, the last two had most of their heavy armor and APC mounted infantry pull out last week, satellite reconnaissance showed them moving south and west of Mono Lake, well out of our operational area. With out this armor to support a counter attack, by the 11^th and the 118^th, this make’s our attack on the 5^th and the 11^th possible.”

“As you all know the 118^th division reconnaissance elements to the south and east stumbled into the 1^st. Cav. below Cedar Hill three days ago and after a sharp but hard battle they fell back, very battered with over half of their remaining tanks and APC’s destroyed, leaving the 1^st. Cav. in place.”

“As General Marion said earlier he thinks they’re planning on using the 5^th. Division as the next attacking unit, for an attack here on the Cav’s north flank. But right now they are busy, engrossed in building a camp and bringing in supplies, or more toy’s for us to collect.” Smiling he hands the pointer back to Dan and sets down.

Dan then turns to Col Stoddard, “Red is there anything you want to add from your scouts recon?”

Standing up he said, “Yes sir, the 2^nd Brigades reconnaissance platoon watched the two forward companies all of yesterday and last night. The Chinese have made a few defensive positions and placed their anti-tank weapons in good locations hidden but able to cove over a mile of highway that approaches them. They have no concern about their flanks and very little security in their company rear, one good push from the side and they will be rolled up, snipers or sharpshooters and a single platoon can secure the roads behind them leading back to Bridgeport.”

“The Company up by Sonora Junction has made no effort to secure the fire brake and 4x4 trail that leads down from Walker, it runs parallel to 395 and is about a mile east of it, we can get some light Armor and a Infantry battalion behind them along with a signals jamming unit. Then move on and block the north exit out of Bridgeport, they will no idea we have bypassed them until it’s to late. The last thing they are expecting is a counter attack, my units of the second Brigade will make a push and move past these two company size units towards Bridgeport. This will cause the 111^th to make ready to defend the town, we will stop short of an all out assault and pull back. By the time they realize that 1^st. Brigade has slammed the only exit shut it will be to late for them, cut off from supplies and no chance of a rescue, they will have to surrender,” Red set down finished.

Dan finished up the Enemy threat assessment with, “For now the Weather is being neutral with everything overcast and a very low ceiling, with a chance of some scattered freezing rain. So be aware that the Chinese still have considerable air assists, and we may get hit with some of their all weather attack bombers. They have air units here at Stockton, Modesto, Merced, and at Castle Airport is a sizable unit of attack and heavy lift helicopters. So keep your ManPads up close to the front and your vehicle mounted AA ready to move up when we consolidate on the objectives. As for their Artillery, I don’t need to remind you to keep your men dispersed and if they are to occupy any ground for over an hour have them start digging in. This really applies to your people Red, they can bring ruin down on your people in minuets after they have figured out where your people are. Now are their any questions, on enemy dispositions,” Dan asked? No one raised a hand or made any comment

Taking a breath Dan announces, “As for our mission Gentlemen, It goes by the name Operation Weasel., with the two sub parts Ratel and Mink. This will be a night attack, agains parts of two divisions, the 111^th at Bridgeport where we will bottle them up, and destroy them later. The other Division are the elements of the 5^th, in their camp above Bodie and their next unit which is marching in tonight.”

Dan then repeats the order, “Our mission Gentlemen, goes by the name Operation Weasel., with the two sub parts Ratel and Mink. This will be a night attack, agains parts of two divisions, the 111^th at Bridgeport where we will bottle them up, and destroy them later. The other Division are the elements of the 5^th, in their camp above Bodie and their next unit which is marching in tonight.”

“And at the same time we will hammer the 118^th Bbrigade at Bodie with harassing artillery fire forcing them to retreat as we will have them flanked when we take out the 5^th. The 111^th had almost a week, more or less since the US units facing them broke off contact, to either set up defensive positions or to advance trying to reestablish contact, they have done neither. We are going to take advantage of that.”

“The 1^st Brigade minus the 1^st Battalion, will be tasked with destroying the 5^th Division units.

The 1^st Battalion will move west and cut the only road out of Bridgeport leading south and trapping the 111^th Division.

1^st Brigade will later link up with the 1st Battalion down here on highway 395. The First will attack the Engineer Support company here at Willow Springs.” He uses the pointer to show the location on the map. There is also a small ammo and supply depot detachment. Eli says it’s more like a water purification, resupply unit then a regular engineers regiment, they have several semi’s with water tanks on flat beds. Again nothing is dug in and the troops are very busy with the job of filtering and hauling water to the units in Southern California. So it's a combination supply and storage facilities, with maybe a force of between 120 and 140 men. 1^St Battalion will have one infantry company and other units designated to taking them out, this indirectly helps our forces down in Southern Cal by cutting of some of the water to the Chinese they face. We will either capture them or destroy this unit and set up a defense in depth facing both north and south on highway 395 and be prepared to defend both ways.”

“If our luck holds the 118^th will be forced to pull back and south of Mono Lake or face the real possibility of us cutting their only supply line if we advanced to take the highway junction at 395 and 167, located here on the map. Are there any questions so far?”

Lt. Col. Rengo the Artillery Commander raises his hand, Dan says, “Yes Sam.”

“Operation Ratel, I know that’s the South African name for some of our wheeled APC’s, but what is a Ratel sir?”

With a smile Dan answers, “It’s a member of the weasel family, also known as a Honey Badger, it’s about the same size as an American badger, and has the same temperament, it’s mean and nasty when cornered. The Honey Badger name comes from when it follows the honey bird to a beehive, and tears it open to get at the honey; its thick hair protects it from the stinging bees. I chose that name as it just seemed fitting, cause we are going to tear this unit apart.”

Col. Rengo nodded his head in agreement, so Dan continued, “When our attack is successful, we will have have stopped the Chinese foothold here on the east side of the Sierra Nevada Mountains from just south of Reno down to at least Mono Lake.”

“And any Chinese unit stationed around Mono Lake would be asking to be attacked as they would again be dependent on a single long narrow supply line coming in from the south.. So our success might even force them to pull out, all the way down to the China Lake region. From Reno to Mono Lake that’s a distance of almost 120 miles north to south and averages about forty miles deep. With the passes closed from the snows it keeps them from attempting to take western Nevada and gives our people four months to build up a viable force here in the middle. When spring arrives it will be a different ball game and we will see who attacks first, them or us? But enough speculation about future plans on my part.”

“OK, now here’s how I see our planned attack developing. Tonight when the next units of the 5^th Div. Arrive at the drop off, which should be around 2230, and if they do as they have the previous nights it will be another Battalion. They will then do their speed march starting at 2300, which takes them between seven to seven and a half hours of hard marching to make the camp, located here on the map,” Dan pointed to the tent city. “That camp is a little over four and a half miles north of the 118^th Brigade. After they top this last hill or knob the road then angles west and crosses the head of Rough Creek here and dog legs back north, it’s almost a perfect L ambush. These are the satellite photos taken at 8:45 yesterday morning, and you can see exactly what I want to do.”

“Their battalion last night marched in a formation of four columns, by company, just as if they were on the parade ground. They arrived at their Division site at 0620 this morning, that was a little over 20 minuets ago, just before first light and when reveille was sounded for the men in camp.” As it was only 0645 now, this would give the Battalion Commanders plenty of time to write their own orders and brief their men on the coming operation. There were several low whistles from the staff and a couple of hushed voices said “their asking for an ambush.”

Dan smiled as he said, “Yes they are, and that is 1^st Brigades primer job. You will have plenty of time to plan your unit’s actions and issue orders. Now the stand by, waiting for the alert code word of ‘Sunflower’, which should be given this afternoon if our action is on for tonight.”

“Yesterday, around 1400 is when there tents and supplies plus the battalions support weapons arrived with a limited number of personnel arrived by truck, the people in camp then helped them set up the bivouac area for the battalion that just arrived this morning.”

“If they keep to that same schedule today, more equipment will arrive in the afternoon and the troops present will set up the tents as they did yesterday. By observing the number of tents set up we will have a reasonable idea on how many more troops they are sending into our planned trap. But if nothing is delivered by 1600, you will receive the code word, ‘Ice man”, the attack is then put on hold for 24 hours, the recon teams will stay active and your men will continue to improve our positions.”

“Col. Stoddard will brief his Battalion commanders separate and their role in their coming operation Mink later. Since 1^st Brigade will be the primary attacking force here is the detailed plan.”

He handed out more copies of aerial photos to the Bn. Commanders. All of them looked at the enlarged pictures of the bivouac area where Dan had circled several sites and written code names on them. In one of the photo’s you could see six guards at the guard post by the road filling sand bags, as well as the four large tents that were 50 meters away, the notations indicated this is were most of the two battalions support weapons were held. About two hundred meters east of the guard post were four large mess tents and a water station; with the battalions squad size tents neatly arranged another hundred meters away. In other pictures you could see large groups of the men were busy clearing ground by chopping brush and setting up a couple more large mess tents by the first ones, and other men digging latrines. The small tents used by each squad, were all neatly aligned by company with designated streets and assembly area for each Battalion.

All of the Militia officers present were amazed, how could a Division commander ignore the real possibilities that his unit wasn’t being spied on with satellites, to expose his men to the risk of long range rocket fire, destroying his picture perfect laid out camp? Most of the Militia officers thought the Chinese General wasn’t for real because his people acted as if they were on parade, that they weren’t involved in the war. What did show, these commanders and their people were green, not at all seasoned, and soon to be very dead.

Col. Dix took about fifteen seconds looking at the photos before a sly smile showed on his face; he looked at Dan and queried, “I’m not saying we are making a risky maneuver sir, but if we were to us a smaller unit say a half-company they could set up a fighting position in between and start a fire fight between the two units?”

Dan laughed as he said, “That was one idea, both you and the Corp J-3 General Price think alike, cause he suggested the same thing. But I’ve have a better plan, and after I outlined the main plan with General Greene he agreed, after he called Army HQ they took less then 24 hours to decide, and then gave us the go ahead about two hours ago. So we attack tonight if the Chinese come marching in?”

“Now the first Brigades separate battalions have specific jobs that make up this operation. Second Battalion is to ambush the incoming marching battalion at point red, marked on the map.”

The Third Battalion is to attack and capture the advanced camp marked, yellow.”

“As I said First battalion is to attack the water supply Company at Willow Springs marked here in white. And the last part number four, to set up a blocking force marked blue, south of Bridgeport, and stop the retreat of the 111^{th .} Division.”

“Fourth Battalion, will be stationed behind the Third Battalion and act as the Brigade reserve force.”

“Fifth Battalion will have dismounted Infantry two companies with the Rattle snake platoon attached, they will be in a hide of the south slop of Bodie Mountain, behind the ridge just to the north of Bodie itself, When the ambush is sprung hey will act as a blocking force to stop any push from Bodie to the north. The rest of the Baattalion the two tank Companies will be about 4 miles east of them, they will move up the 4 wheel drive track again after the ambush starts and join the two infantry battalions, and they will bring the 118^th Brigade under direct fire and drive them out of their encampment.”

“2^nd Brigade once 1^st Brigades springs the ambush, will neutralize the two blocking companies North and East of Bridgeport then move closer in to the town and with our artillery will then harass by fire the Chinese 111^th causing them to think they are under attack and force them to prepare defensive positions, that way they won’t know we have them trapped, until it’s to late.”

“The whole key to start this operation will be when the Chinese drop off the next battalion tonight at around 2300 tonight. As I said, Eli will radio us just after they do, and he should be able to give us a good count as to the number coming up here, after they march past his hidden position watching highway 270. That will give us over seven hours to move in and prepare the ambush and the other tasks.”

“Individual unit tasks, Col. Dix with your command and security detachment you will be with the majority of the second battalion. Once we get the word from Eli you lead them forward from the forward rally point. To assist, you will have guides from the 2^nd Bns. Scout platoons, people who have worked with Lyle’s people and know the way to lead you into the ambush site. You move south for a ways crossing Rough creek here then move west staying just on the south side of this ridge, your people will be just over two k’s south of the Chinese 5^th Divisions camp. Lyle says there is a real good 4 wheel drive track that leads you up to the road, just to the east of where your ambush site will be.”

“I envision a long footed L with the bottom or point here just west of where the road crosses Rough Creek, almost all of the men will be facing east or northeast. Jim have your security detachment take two of the old 90mm recoilless rifles with three beehive rounds each, place them in the V point here for most effective use, one pointed east the other north east.”

“Between each of the Platoons ambush positions take and place some of the Chinese 5^th Div. Support weapons from their storage tents for added firepower. Have the men who will be using them get with our training people and do a little hands on review of the 12.7’s, the PKM’s, the 35mm grenade launchers, and the Recoil-less rifles.”

“I suggest placing your closest company to the camp starting here where contour line 9240 crosses the road and then spacing the rest of the Companies out here on the west side and south west side of the road. Run a land-line down to the V so the company closet to the camp can alert the people in the middle when it’s time to spring the ambush. Make sure everyone has their head sets on because in some places your men are going to be within 50 to 55 meters off of the road.”

“I know the men are well trained and you will conduct a couple of rehearsals to make sure they all know their job, but I’m having the G-4 cut up a bunch of lumber into 1x1 inch and three feet long staffs, your companies will have them by noon. Give two to every man to carry in. At the ambush site I want left and right limit stakes set and sighted in by compass for every soldier, the last thing any of us want is to fire into our own people.”

All of the men present nodded their heads in agreement as they circled this part of their notes. Col Dix said, “Good idea, we might not find enough material on hand at the sight, commanders when your units receive the stakes have the men rub dirt onto the fresh cut wood to help camouflage them.”

Dan continued, “Jim, I also want you to place one company here on the south face of the ridge running east from 9318T with half of the 3^rd’s Battalions anti-tank platoons added, watching the road coming up from Bodie. They can take out any stragglers and cover the road until the Armor Battalion arrives.”

Looking at Lt. Col. Williamson Dan stated, “Once the ambush is sprung Buck, your tank companies can then follow the 4 wheel drive trail along the side of Atastra Creek and link up with their two blocking companies, and deter the 118^th if necessary. To be honest I don’t think they will be coming to the aid of the 5^th division though, as we will have one battery of 155’s and two batteries of the 122 missiles giving them a two minuets hard barrage then a slow fire hammering for another twenty minuets. They won’t know that the 5^th has ceased to exist or that their left flank is turned until it’s to late for them to offer any assistance.”

“Now the 1^st Brigades recon platoon will move from their combat outpost positions at the same time as the two battalions move from their line of departure. Half of them under Lyle will take out the OP’s on the north and East Side of the camp. The other half of the Recon platoon under Lt. Woo will take the guard post on the road and seize the tents with the support weapons, they will set explosive charges in the equipment that isn’t to be used in the ambush and will blow them up if it becomes necessary.”

“The two motorcycle platoons from, second, and third battalion under command of Lt. Norris with the rest of the anti-tank platoon of the 2^nd battalion will take up a position here.” He pointed to a section of the road just a little over a mile north of the camp, “at point green. They are to set up an ambush and cover the approach from the north. If things go bad at the ambush you guys are also the rally point for men on the west side of the road and part of the emergency exit.”

“The five companies under command of Lt. Col. Gary Cunningham from the 3^rd Battalion, Alpha, Bravo, and Charlie will stop and wait here, here and here.” Again Dan pointed to the positions on the map. “Have a squad from your recon platoon get with Lyle and work out the details, then your people can lead the five companies in. Once the guard OP’s are taken out these companies will move up and link with Lyle and his people at these three locations, and move in to their firing positions and wait. You will then have the camp boxed and covered from the north and East Side. It might look like we are forming a circular firing squad and all of us are shooting into the middle, but there is over a kilometer separating the the Second and Third battalions ambush groups and the intervening ridge line is over 100 meters high and will protect us from shooting into each other,” Dan looked around and asked, “no questions so far, good.”

Turning and looking at the 4^th Battalion Commander, Dan informed him, “George you will move into position here at point Brown with four of your companies and be the reserve force if we need you. I’m detaching your motor cycle platoon and attaching it to Williams 1^st Battalion, I’ll say more about this later. You will have the rest of your Recon platoon lead two of your Companies, E and the rest of the support Company and the Bn’s. Mortar platoon minus their tubes to here and wait for the signal to move into this position here on this northwest slope almost one click from the camp.” Dan using the pointer indicated their general infiltration route, their first stop position and then their support positions.

“The mortar platoon and two of the infantry platoons who will assist them in carrying equipment will go to Lt. Woo’s position and take 12 of the type 86 120mm mortars that are stored in the tents. They have a Max range of 12 k’s, if there are no 86’s then take 12 of the type 71, 100mm mortars and ammo, then set them up and await for your fire missions, the100mm’s have the same range as the120’s. The two infantry platoons will assist them in carrying the equipment and ammo for the tubes. Your mortars platoons primary target is the camp and the second is Bodie after we take the camp. Your fire control teams will link directly to 3^rd Battalion and Brigade HQ for control.

The infantry company will form a defensive line behind the ridge of 9180T and bottle up the west side of the camp. Now except for a couple of forward OP’s the majority of your men will be behind the ridge, under cover and not able to fire on the camp directly. They are your reserve force, make sure that the OP’s set up several dozen claymores each facing the camp, in two or three staggered lines, just in case some of the Chinese attempt an escape that way. Also once in position have the rest of your recon platoon link with Lt. Woo, that will give him close to 50 men and he should be able to hold the storage tents.”

“Make sure to have your mortar people see the training people and get a quick refresher course on both types of mortars.”

“Questions?”

“My mortar men don’t like the Chinese sights, they would like to take our own sights along, we have made an adapter so we can slide our sights right on to their mounts. And what about my anti-tank platoon?”

“You don’t need to ask about the sights do what you need to do to get the job done. Your anti-tank platoon and all of your Battalion HQ people and the line Companies HQ people are to move up into the line as your infantry companies vacant their positions. Boa have as many of your people as the HQ’s can spare to assist in manning the line. OK, “he asked?

Boa nodded his head in agreement.

“We won’t have enough men to cover the whole front but we can space them out enough to watch almost everything. The same with the other Battalion’s any one who is not involved in the infiltration will be on the line tonight. Most of the people in my support unit and HQ Companies will move up and help fill in, just let Boa know where you need them.”

Col. Glen Koch the G-4 offered, “I will have a battalion of drivers and their assistants and a of my supply handlers available by 1000 hours today. That’s almost 500 men, they drove all night but if they can get some sleep this afternoon, I know they will want to help. And each company has three of the armored K-cars, that’s the convoy fire support vehicles with the two twin fifties and the belt feed grenade launchers, if we put them up front on line and they are needed?” He didn’t need to finish; all of the offices had seen the firepower of just one K-car last week and it had been impressive.

Before Dan could say anything, Boa offered Col. Koch, “I will have a early lunch ready by then sir and they can eat at the HQ mess, after that I can move them by trucks to the front battalions in company size units.”

Dan said, “Alright then, have the S-1’s work out the details with Col. Koch that’s one 126 man company for each of the four Battalions that were on the line, plus the K-cars. If you space them out in four man teams we will cover almost every other fox hole, Glen have them take the light machine-gun from every other truck but leave the fifties, if they need firepower those 1919’s will come in handy.”

Then looking at Boa he said, “They will appreciate the hot meal Boa my thanks, also give them two MRE’s one for tonight and one for the morning meal.”

“Col. Dix, when you spring the ambush on the approaching unit. Lyle and Lt. Woo will set off their claymores as will five Companies from 3^rd Battalion, on the flanks of the camp. After a short pause they are to fire small arms into the camp for two minuets, plus the mortars from the fourth battalion will fire on the two Targets. There should be about a 15 to 20 seconds delay before our artillery rounds start to land, the claymores and your ambush will make the camp deaf to the incoming artillery and mortars. Most of the Chinese will be out of their tents or standing up wondering what’s happening, why all of the noise, what’s going on outside the camp and over on the road? And just as they grasp what is happening and they start to react it will be too late as all of hell will come looking for them and give them a two minuet pounding.”

“Now for 1^st Battalion, Tom before the evening meal two of Eli’s scouts will link up with your command, then an hour after last light everyone is mounted in the trucks with the attached anti-tank company from Brigade HQ, I have also attached an extra two squads of our new AA Avenger’s systems: we just got eight of them yesterday, that’s the Humvee’s that are equipped with the missile/gun turret. They have a .50 caliber M3P machine gun, and two missile launchers pods with four of the Advanced Stingers to a side. Each vehicle has a crew of four, I added the two extra men as local security for each vehicle and two vehicles operate as a fire team.”

“The first and the attached fourth Battalion motorcycle platoons and the Brigades anti-tank company with the scout car platoon from Buck’s Battalion in there own vehicles will lead the way. Moving to this position here, on the north side of the ridge above Paramount mine,” Dan again indicated a position on the map.

“Then you wait, when Eli alerts us that our target is on the way, that is your signal to head west along the north side of this ridge line then down into Big Alkali flats Eli’s two men, one riding in the first the other man in the third vehicle will show the way down. At point ‘Frost’ here on the map leaving the heavy trucks there, it’s a five-mile hike down some fairly decent 4 wheel drive tracks through Hot Springs Canyon, and across to the vicinity of Point Ranch located here. There you will link up with your recon platoon that has scouted ahead to make sure your not walking into an ambush or a Chinese unit that may have just set up camp that evening.”

“You will be setting up defensive positions on hills 6758T and 6958T and south of the mouth of Hot Springs Canyon. To act, as a blocking force, here, along with the Brigade anti-tank company that will provide armor protection as their main task will be to stop the 111^th in case they decide to send a force to assist either the 5^th or the 118^th when we attack them. You can read the rest of the details laid out and ask any questions you have, OK?”

Tom nodded his head in agreement.

“Now this is for everyone. On the chance that you meet any enemy patrols they are to be taken out, eliminated to the man, and then you will continue on with the mission. As everyone knows two nights ago a recon element of the 2^nd Brigade bumped into a squad of the 111^th on Frying pan creek just below Wheeler Peak. After a short firefight our men withdrew as per their orders. The Chinese will have passed this information on down to their men, that the Americans are doing some probing patrols and that we will withdraw after making contact; but not tonight. The same thing happens if we walk into an ambush, we attack through it, though that isn’t likely, but it could happen so make sure the men stay alert.”

“Now in the unlikely event that someone does becomes separated and lost, they are to stop where they are and wait for daylight. Then they are to move back east until they meet up with our lines. Make sure that all of your people's radios work, text them on low power, and have the platoon leaders make sure that every man is to have at least two sets of extra batteries.”

“Actions on Halts, as per Unit SOP your men will establish a 360’ watch, later when they are in position and your area is secure place out your OP/LP’s, then have the men prepare defenses as best they can, if the ground is frozen stack up rocks and what is at hand, no digging, cause the noise from a clanging shovel will carry for miles. It would sound like a church bell on Sunday morning, I don’t need to remind you to have the men use the terrain as best they can and remember to have them set out their right and left limit stakes, we don’t want any friendly fire incidents.”

“Make sure that everyone knows where the route Rendezvous are, and that each rally point is pointed out when you get to them.”

“Alright once our ambush is sprung up here on the Chinese 5^th, 1^st Battalion will have one company and the two motorcycle platoons that separated from them at Big Alkali Flats and that moved across country to the re-entrant between hills 7148T and 7250T. They will attack the Engineer Company at the Willow Springs trailer park and capture them and their equipment or destroy it. The anti-tank platoon from 1^st Bn. will set up defensive fire positions above benchmark 6647, and make ready for any enemy troops that move north. The two motorcycle platoons and the infantry company after their action at Willow creek can move north and reinforce the anti-tank platoon, they will be watching your back Tom, everyone must remember to try to stay flex-able. 1^st Battalion will have one battery of 155 guns on call and two FO teams will be attached to your command.”

“One thing I need to add; if it becomes necessary your are to destroy everything of use in the camp and retreat back up the four wheel drive trails, we will assist as much as we can, Jim you will do the same to the road ambushed unit, and both commands are to establish your own sub unit rally points, again that’s if it becomes necessary to pull back to our lines.”

“As I said Division Artillery will place some prolonged fire on the 118^th and on the 111^th we will us enough firepower including our mortars to make them think we are attacking them.”

“I know it’s redundant but before the attack you will have your platoons place claymores along the road for the ambush. Lyle’s people will place 60 or more of the captured Chinese claymores as close to or actually in the camp if possible.”

“The five companies attacking the camp will place their mortar sections here and here and here. Once the ambush begins, the companies mortar sections will use HE and WP air-burst rounds, to cause as much confusion and wreak as much destruction and havoc as possible. If the enemy isn't going to dig in for their own protection, it’s a fatal mistake they make in our favor, and one I plan on taking advantage of. ”

Smiling he then said, “With that and when the main artillery barrage lands I wouldn’t want to be on the receiving end of it.”

“Have two squads from each platoon in the three companies carry two rounds extra per man for the 60mm, make it a mixture of half HE, ¼ WP, ¼ Illumination. That will give them 32 rounds extra for each of the four tubs, and leave their normal load as a reserve if necessary.”

“Gary, once we have won the battle, and your 3^rd Battalion controls the camp designate three companies for sweeping through and clean up. Your mortars and the other two companies are your security.”

“Jim plan on having element of the 2nd Battalion as your sweep and secure team. Once that is done have two of their Companies and the anti-tank platoon ready to move over to the Armor Battalion if needed for watching Bodie. Once the camp is secure and on your command the 4^th Battalion with their mortars and extra ammo will move over the ridge, link up with the trucks that dropped off Tom's people here,” Dan indicated a spot on the map. “The trucks will take you down to this area behind the 1^st battalion. And you will reinforce them by taking over watching the road from the south. See your map for the positions I want them to move into and assist 1^st. Bn., OK?”

“Tom when the second Battalion arrives they will fall under your command, later on Col Dix will join you when we are finished at the camp, and ambush site and then take over all command of both Battalions.”

“Now for Bucks people, have your XO with two tank and one Mechanized Company link up with the two Companies and the AT platoon here. You will be in charge of the blocking force and after ambush is sprung I want you to set up positions on hills, 9318T, 9149T, 9258T, and 9202T. As I said earlier the two leg infantry companies and the anti-tank platoon are to stay behind the north side of the saddle that runs between 9318T and 9258T again just in case the 118^th feels they have to move up to assist the 5^th Divisions at their camp. I want a force ready to stop them if necessary, and when your tanks arrive, to force them to move out and south.”

Buck offers, “I see what you have in mind, if we were to send a few direct fire 105mm rounds from the flank of hill 9149T into their tanks and vehicles down in Bodie, I don’t think they will want to charge uphill across that open terrain to engage us sir. It’s just a little over two K’s and well within range it would be good practice for my boys to shoot, move back and scoot to one side and shoot again.”

“OK,” Dan says, “but have the others keep a good watch on the flanks, I don’t want them fixated just on the town. Once this second half or your battalion has moved forward and is in position, and the 118^th is forced out. I want you to move the rest of your unit from your reserve position on the north to where 1^st Bn. left the high ground follow the same route down to Alkali Flats and on down to assist 1^st battalion. When you arrive and link up with Jim he will deploy your tanks in the best locations he could find with infantry to support them. Your 120MM mortars, set them up here on the north west side of Big Alkali flats and they can reach all of Bridgeport.”

“When everything is secure topside Tom, you will have the priority in artillery support from the division if necessary to suppress or stop the 111^th counter attack or attempted breakout. When Jim arrives with the 4^th Battalion followed by half of the Armor battalion you guys will have enough firepower to handle them.” Lyle walked into the back of the tent and waited for Dan to finish briefing the battalion commanders. Dan saw him and nodded his head in acknowledgment and continued, “We have our own air assists available if we really need it, but as you could see coming in this morning, it’s very marginal flying weather, the forecast for the next two days is for more of the same or worse, more then likely all of our air support is grounded except for in dire emergencies.”

“Lt. Colonel Rengo I want your best forward observers up with the 1^st, 2^rd and 3^rd Battalions, your fire has to be spot on from the get go. A lot of our men are going to be just within the danger zone and we can’t afford any rounds falling short or overshooting long. Again with the weather socked in I can’t give you any aerial observation, unless Sgt. Ski wants to put up a couple of his UAV’s using thermal vision?”

“I would sir but we wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between a mountain side or a cloud bank, at 20 degrees Fahrenheit it all looks the same, come daylight even under an overcast sky there is a thermal difference and we can fly missions then, but at night it's not enough, sorry sir.”

“Not your fault Sgt, now to the Medical support, Col. Clark have your crash unit set up here next to the road between the motor cycle stop group to the north and about 200 meters behind Gary’s company here on the camps west side. They will have to walk in so make sure they have two squads of your security platoon with them, the M113’s ambulances will head their way at the first shot.”

“Capt. Harrington we will need four platoons of your MP company and the G-2 Intel teams ready to move from 1^st Brigades area and link up with Col. Dix again as the shooting starts, You will need to have four duce-an-halves loaded with concertina wire and at least 4000 of the zip ties for cuffs, just after dawn start moving all of the non-wounded prisoners back to our lines, and the wounded one's later you know the drill.”

“Alright men I’ll give you thirty minuets to read the rest of the orders on your tasks and the Admin & Logistics and Command and Control, jot down any questions you might have, I’ll be right back, you’ll have to excuses me.”

As he turned to Lyle, and asked, “Did you brief you men that are in camp, good? Pick a spot to our front gather all your men and go over you orders. Capt. Diem said to see him he’s got something for you and to let him know where you’ll be briefing your people. He will give you a security team to guard your guys so they can all get a couple of hours rest. He also plans on hauling out two hot meals one an early lunch and later a dinner just before last light, that will help for the long slow walk and crawl later.”

Later Dan makes the rounds at lunch, first he heads over and sees elements of the 2^nd Brigade and gives them a pep talk as he finishes up he has them bow their heads and he says, “To our God in heaven and his Son, our savior Jesus, who died for our sins, thank you for all the blessings you have bestowed on our nation, our families and us. With these blessings and your holy love Lord; I know that we have the courage to take a stand, to stop this new evil in our country and in the world, to do what is right, and to honor our vow to be a Patriot. Keep us safe unharmed and protected like Daniel through the long night in the Lions den. In Jesus name we pray Amen.’

Men we have a job ahead of us one that we can do, keep your head; work with your buddy and the rest of the fire team, your platoons and on up through Battalion level. Watch each others back make your shots count, remember, ‘Many times has a superior force met a group of riflemen, and fled the battlefield because the riflemen made each shot count. Don’t worry about being afraid, when the shooting starts you won’t have time for fear. You have been well trained for the job ahead, I wouldn’t place you in harms way unless I have trust in you, and I do. Good luck.”

Newly promoted Capt. Swaford the commander of Charlie company 1^st battalion 1^st Brigade reads from the text prepared by Dan’s HQ, “I know I have asked a lot from you men, all those years of holding the line and now we are the old hands; you all know about when being in the Militia wasn’t cool. Then when I called and asked you to step forward again as the invasion was happening, leaving your families behind and coming to war, you answered, and America is proud to have you once again. We who refused to hide from our duty and all that work over those many years brings us to today, with our now preparing for our second major battle. You all remember the phrase from our NCO range instructors. ‘Many times has a superior force met a group of riflemen, and fled the battlefield because the riflemen made each shot count.’ Winning our first battle proved that truth.”

One of the men added, “The mini-guns helped too sir,” and everyone laughed including Capt Swaford. As he continued, “I would remind you and say this fight we are in, is for God and country but that would be redundant. Its not about what the leaders in Washington want, it has always been about freedom for the common man, for us and our families. We the People, yes ‘We the People of the United States in order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.’ Those words defiantly sum it up pretty well, and now it all comes down to us again the soldier, the Militiamen on the front lines once more.”

“Years ago when a few of us started the Militia I told you guys then I didn’t know if I could make soldiers out of you. That I would try my best to teach you the basics so that we could operate as a team, and not fall flat on our face, well we are all standing tall now. We have accomplished that task far beyond my wildest dreams, your all damn fine soldiers because of one thing that I have never had to teach you. Every one of you brought it along from the get go, your pride and being men and women of honor. Each and every one of you already had that inside, I’m the lucky man that sees it everyday working with you. There are no words that can express my feeling so I’ll just say, how proud and honored I am to be counted as one among you my fellow Militiaman.” The Captain pauses a second to swallow the lump forming in his throat then he reads more, “And I mean it when I say it is truly an honor to serve with each and everyone of you, my fellow Militia men and Militia women. All of us have the unique distinction to be called riflemen, and I’ll add damn good one’s too, remember your training, do your duty, your buddies all around you are counting on you, don’t let them down. God be with each and everyone of you, to protect you and all of us in our task at hand.”

“ Signed, Gen. Dan Marion.”

(Taken from the General’s pep talk to the two Militia Brigades, the afternoon before the battle of Bodie hills and Bridgeport. The militia unit is now too big, Dan can’t visit all of the sub units involved in this operation, so the Company Commanders read his copied message supplied to them.)

(C-46)

Moving out

‘FEAR is just a four letter word.’

--- Anon

Just before midnight Eli radioed the ambushing force using a scrambled transmitter, Dan’s radio DE-scrambled the electronic noise and it came out, “estimate three thousand, length at one and one half K, over.” That meant at least close to a full Brigade of Chinese troops had disembarked, that was a force of between 2700 and 3000 men, not the one Battalion of 700 expected, and the marching column was close to one and a half kilometers in length.

Dan heard the Intel Officer reply “Copied three thousand, one and a half K, over.”

Eli came back with, “Good copy, out.”

Then Dan thinking to himself, Jim with the ambushing Battalion will have to spread out a little more to give time for the tail end charlies to get past the stop groups; it’s still do-able! So he keyed his mike and asked a two-word question to Lt. Col. Dix “Alpha Zulu six, that OK? Over.” Which meant, it’s up to you.

Jim looked at the two Battalion Commanders, their S-2’s and the Battalion Sgt. Majors all six were thinking and looking back and forth at each other for a few seconds, then they all shook their heads as one in agreement. They knew that their men would be spread out just a little more between each fire teams, by about twenty meters more, but when they got the captured heavy machine-guns from the tents to use they wouldn’t be lacking for fire power.

Lt. Col. Dix keyed his mike and gave the reply, “Affirmative, Oscar Zulu six, out.” That meant that the operation was still a go, and Jim said to the Battalion commanders. “After we secure the tents take everything that we can use and that can be moved quietly. We will have to spread the claymores out a little more then we expected too. I want to have a full platoon anchor each end of the ambush by using a full squad and lots of extra claymores watching their 6. My fire team and the eight security men in my command group will help with the center, that will free up three fire teams, put my people in the line with the two 90mm recoilless rifles, that will give us some more punch in the middle. Were going to do good on this one men,” he assured them with a smile, “OK we all know the plan it’s time to move out.”

Donald Lopez the brigade Sgt Major added his favorite phrase; “Once more it’s time for the Chinese to learn the meaning of Chingera Imbawa. If were ready ‘Lets Roll’ gentlemen.”

Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear not absence of fear.”

---Mark Twain

Lyle and the other three members of his fire team had spent almost three hours slowly crawling closer to the Chinese OP, watching them and observing their routine. The occasional shower of freezing drizzle and sleet had helped as the guard pulled his parka hood up over his head. All of them were close within ten meters hidden by the low brush and deadfall; the sparse snow and falling sleet on the ground had also helped muffle any noise they might have made.

Their luck was holding, the current sentry was completely unaware the Americans were so close and now closing in, for the kill. Glancing at his watch it was five minuets to two when the sentry non-too gently shook the shoulder of the sleeping man who was going to replace him on duty. The man set up and rubbed his eyes, he said something, which brought a low, quiet laugh from the current guard. It took a couple of minuets for the new guard to pull his sleepy body out of his fart sack and get his boots and field jacket on then adjusting his helmet with the night vision goggles attached. He didn’t turn them on but left them in the up position, Lyle just couldn’t understand why men who had such good equipment refused to use it? Both guards should have been using the night vision to make sure no one was creeping up on them, like Lyle’s team had done.

The new guard then stood up and stretched; taking his time, then he picked his rifle up and inserted a magazine, but did not cock it. The same as the guard before him had done when he took over the guard duty at midnight; was this there standard SOP? The relief guard then said something to his friend, Lyle figured it was something like, ‘all right I’m awake and ready’. The guard who was relieved of duty then took the magazine out of his rifle, inserted it back into his webbing as he laid his rifle on top of his pack, by his sleeping position. Then he took a ground cloth and covered both, Lyle thought to himself these guys aren’t expecting trouble if they take the magazines out and place their weapons out of sight, good. The man then took his boots off and got into his sleeping bag, then covered his bag with another tarp to keep the moisture off; in less then five minuets he was fast asleep.

Waiting close to twenty minuets to make sure the previous guard was asleep, the new guard then lit a cigarette and took his time smoking it. Lyle knew this man was green, really green; it was bad enough to smoke while on guard duty in a combat zone. But pure death when you’re on OP duty and facing the enemy, Cigarette’s; coffin nails a very appropriate name for them, Lyle is glad he had never smoked.

Before the first cigarette was completed the guard then lit another from the stump of the first one, chain smoking. Taking his time enjoying the taste he paced back and forth walking his guard post as if guarding a warehouse; front line guards should have a spot to observe from and not move around it gives your position away. When his second smoke was close to the end of the butt, he slung his rifle across his back and started to unbutton his fly, as he walked directly toward the small bush Lyle was knelling behind. Lyle held his breath as he quietly laid his rifle by his right foot then moving his hand to his calf and slowly pulled the SKs screwdriver bayonet he had in a special made sheath. Getting ready to do the hard part!

As the guard stopped by the bush to take his piss he took a deep breath through his cigarette making the coal glow brightly, this caused him to be completely night blind just when he needed it most. As he started his water stream Lyle rose up right beside him, using this momentum and the strength of his right arm he drove the spike up under the guards’ chin through the throat and into the brain. The force lifted the guard off his feet by a couple of inches, releasing the handle of the knife Lyle’s right hand slid up over the mouth to muffle any sound he might make. It wasn’t necessary the man died instantly without letting out a warning. With his left hand and arm around the dead guards back he eased the now slack body to the ground with out a sound. Lyle picked up the dead mans weapon and assumed his guard position acting as if he was pissing, just in case one of the other three sleeping guards woke up, all was quiet not a one of the sleeping men had stirred.

The other three men of Lyle’s fire team now crept forward for the next part. Quickly and quietly they crept up to the shallow slit trenches the other three guards were sleeping in, and drew their knives. Watching each other and the sleeping enemy they used hand signals and did a silent count, three, two, and one. The three razor sharp knives slit the three throats at the same time cutting them deep, almost to the spine. With the force of each mans strength and weight behind a knee to their chest, this move expelling all the air out of the lungs and stopping any sound the now dead soldiers might make. The only noise made was the quiet oopfss as the force used drove out their last sleeping breath, all three were dead, killed in less then 30 seconds, as their lifeless bodies quickly bleed out.

The three-militia men then wiped the knives on the dead men’s sleeping bags and replaced them to their scabbards. Quickly slinging their FN’s across their backs two men of the fire team picked up the enemy’s two type 95 rifles and the webbing with extra magazines, they inserting into each a magazine then cocked and locked rounds making the weapons ready, and then took up guard positions watching the main camp, there last man then did the same with other type 95.

Lyle knelt down and pulled his Sks bayonet out from the dead guards throat and wiped it clean on the mans jacket, he then went over the body and quickly checked the pockets for any maps or papers, not finding any thing he picked up his FN and joined his team. As he got in the one empty trench, he took the box magazine from the dead guards weapon and replaced it with a drum from beside the dead mans pack. Then he cocked the weapon and helped cover the camp. Sgt. Steve Roe then quietly manhandled the 40-pound tripod mounted 35-mm automatic grenade launcher around to face the camp and made ready several more drums of ammo to use. Once this was done Lyle and the man on his right turned the PKM 7.62 heavy machine gun around and pointed it at the camp, then taking one extra box of 250 rounds and joined the belts together giving them 500 ready rounds then covered the weapon and belted ammo with one of the dead guards tarps to protect it from the weather.

Lyle indicated for the two riflemen with the mines to leave the position and their FN’s behind and to enter the camp and place their five claymores each one facing into the closest tents. He then called on his radio to his other infiltration teams to make sure they were in position and to have their two men teams place their claymores. “One set, start popper over.”

The answers came back, “Two.”

“Three,” and so on for all six of his teams, Lyle then changed frequencies on the radio and called back to the Col. and the S2. “Romeo Papa six, Alpha Zulu, Alpha India.”

Jim answered, “Zulu six, go.”

Lyle didn’t need to use his call sign again as he said; “The guard had mag. in, but not cocked, the rest no mags in, over.”

Before the Col answered, Lt. Wu confirmed the message from his side of the camp, “Romeo Bravo six, same, over.”

Jim pressed the send key and said, “Copied out,” then looked at Andy and said, “that’s good to know, Eli and Lyle were right again this unit isn'tt expecting us. If the whole camp is the same it will take them another few seconds to load their weapons and make ready, which will give our guys a better edge, at least ten seconds with no return fire. A hell of a lot of damage can be inflicted in ten seconds.”

“Your right it might even be longer when their having to wake up suddenly and realize they are being fired upon and a then a couple more seconds to load, cock and return fire,” Andy retorted with a chuckle. “Just in time for the mortars rounds and artillery to arrive, after that most of this unit will be dead by then, including that Brigade that’s quick marching in.”

Jim knew that General Marion was monitoring the radio, as well as the five companies that were now moving forward to Lyle’s people, they would soon approach the camp from the North and East sides according to the plan.

He didn’t have to call Lyle back, he knew the plan.

Lyle checking his watch five minuets later then turned to Sgt. Roe, as he whispered, “Keep an eye out for the guys from A Co. they will be moving up from behind us fairly soon.”

The whispered reply came back, “No problem boss. Where did you learn that move you used on the guard, it was slick.”

“I don’t know about slick, I was scared shit-less. I was watching Cookie working with his security team during their training a while back. He told his guys and me that the best way to take out a guard was when they were going to take a dump or a wiz. He said with no weapon in their hands except for paper or their dick they didn’t fight back, too stunned too surprised. I know I surprised the guard standing up like that; he froze completely and couldn’t yell out. Major Boa gave me that knife and it’s sheaf at lunch today, he said it had special luck with it, I guess he used that in Vietnam against the Cong, I think he’s right about the luck part it worked for me.”

The two men were then silent, listening, each wrapped in his own thoughts. All of Lyle’s troops had on Earshot’s or some sort of electrical listening amplifiers. Not only did this give them an edge on hearing someone at a distance and with two men from each team using night vision goggles the ability to see in and around the underbrush at night, it sure had made the job of infiltration a lot easier.

Steve Roe couldn’t help but thank his lucky stars for letting him work with such motivated patriots; he had spent ten years as a Ranger and had fought in Desert Storm. And had just joined the Militia last fall, a year before the Chinese invasion. Smiling to himself, now that’s funny it has only been a few months since the war started he thought as that random piece of information popped into his mind Lord it seemed just like a few weeks at most.

Why did he join, a friend told him about the Militia and said he was interested and it was a good day to go shooting, as he asked Steve, “Why don’t you come along and see for yourself”? Steve had thought to himself what a bunch of losers: The Militia, just a bunch of want-to-bee’s. But any excuse to get outside and shot his rifle was enough, besides with having nothing else better to do he went along to see, and maybe to have a good laugh.

He hadn’t been overly impressed at first but he saw potential, besides they did have a first class range to shot on. If nothing else the range would be good to use and keep up his skills.

So he had joined the Militia, after they found out he was a Ranger he was asked if he wanted to be part of a recon team in the first battalion, that’s when he first met Lyle. You know, he thought what a joke, here was a guy with no military experience to lead them, but after the first training exercise he saw and knew this civilian was a natural leader, willing to learn and listen and to lead. Since then it had all worked out, Lyle got the best from each of them because he always gave his best.

In the first two months they started working with a lot of guys, some rangers some marines and quite a few men with no military experiences, all with ideas and plans on helping set up the recon unit from scratch. Then things started getting fun, using the best ideas from all, and working out the details, he was glad he joined them. No one person acted like they knew it all, and all of them were willing to learn, and to work as a team.

They made some mistakes in organization and placing some people together that had major personalities clashes, and they were all mature enough to recognize these problems and work it out. With a good laugh to show that there were no hard feelings, learning and moving on they were constantly working toward making a good unit, and Lyle as their LT really helped.

Of the ten years he had spent in the Army, he never had a better leader then Lyle; he wasn’t fearless, but boy he could control his fear. And he wasn’t afraid to ask for help when he needed it and was in over his head, not like most of the officers he had worked with while in the Army. As his buddy Tim a retired marine had called such officers, Pop-cicles, cold as hell and acting like they had a stick up their butts. That wasn’t Lyle; he worked harder then the vets in training and in learning to be a leader.

Lyle was a good man to follow; he led them by example and had a first rate, can-do type of quality and a we-can-together attitude. Which simply said, we could and will do it together as a team. Eventually over the course of several months as some new people joined them they formed a quality Recon platoon with over half of them ex-military, and everyone got up to speed doing the twice a month training, it got fun. And not a single one of the men complained even the men with no experience cause they all liked the hard field training and understood that some day their might be a need for them, like now. Very soon their unit held some of the best people he had ever worked with and they were lead by a civilian, as Lyle called himself, now go figure that.

After the invasion and the Brigade formed up with Lyle move up from battalion lever to form the Recon platoon of the brigade he only asked for six of his men to move up with him and help form the core of the new unit, and I was one of the six asked, an honor indeed.

When today’s battle is over and if I live through it, the way Lyle had handled the guard, well the word will get around, he was slick.

Lyle just hoped that Steve and the others guys hadn’t seen him trembling with fear or could hear the sound of his heart racing. Even though this was the third time he had to kill one of the enemy, this was the first time up close and with a knife.

Dan had told them, ‘its OK to be afraid, but you must control your fears don’t let them control you. What you do when you’re afraid, either you’re a man or a coward? I don’t hang out with cowards, so as leaders you must work to overcome the fear, the lives of our troopies depended on you to lead them not to freeze up.

One thing I want you to know and to understand, that each time you have to kill, it doesn’t get easier, it never will. But you have to remember what it all comes down too, them or me or one of my men; it’s very simple then, a no brainier. So after each time you kill one of the invaders, say a little prayer, thanking the Lord that he carried you and protected you. Ask for forgiveness for yourself and the soul of the departed, and to comfort those loved ones he left behind.

We as leaders have to say, follow me; fight beside me, to help regain for all Americans our sacred heritage, our freedom. If necessary I will die trying, so that America will succeed. We owe that much to each other, its part of the honor and pride you feel when we say I am an American.

We don’t have to apologize to anyone, the fight for freedom and liberty and our God given rights, defending them is our and every other Americans duty. I am and always will be, an American.’

Lyle could see the first of the two men that had gone into the camp to place the claymores reeling out the wire as he slowly crawled back to the position. He was within a few yards of the OP and the sign and counter sign were used, when the other man came crawling into sight reeling his wire out behind them also. Again the pass words were used and he knew it was his men. It was better to have just the single wire connected to all five claymores then a single wire each, that would have been too bulky for one man to lay out.

Dan had devised quiet a plan, a very detailed one, but easy to carry out. When Col. Dix starts his ambush, its will be the signal for us to open fire with the captured weapons and then five seconds later set off the claymores. With a few seconds of delay fuse to some of the mines and setting the two sets off a few seconds apart this would ensure lots of continues explosions causing confusion and causalities, at least that was the plan.

Approximately twenty seconds after the claymores were set off, and the five companies were pouring in their MG and small arms fire, and a couple dozen of the captured PF-97 or Chinese LAWS added in, the surprised Chinese might be trying to get their act together to counter attack, or running all around like headless chickens. Then the really serious poop hits the fan as the first mortar rounds will fall, and soon after that the deadly sky train from the Militia Artillery Brigade will be bursting over their heads.

During that two minuets and as the rounds fall, the five companies, six OP’s plus the guard post, will continue to fire into the camp, that should take out completely any fight that might be left in them. Then calling for mortar illumination, Alpha, Bravo and Charlie Co's. will advance to round up any one left alive or take out any small groups that want to still fight on, then the people from Andy’s Intel. Section will gather any papers and documents they can find.

As the last man crawled back into their position and took up his place, Steve suggested, “Sir why don’t we put the dead Chinese bodies as a breastwork between us and the camp? When the shooting starts it will give us some added protection.”

“Good idea but do it one at a time, Tom first, then Jim, and Steve, I’ll go get my man last.”

It took each man only a few seconds to roll the dead guards up and out of the shell scrapes, Lyle took a little longer as his man was twenty meters away and heavier then he looked. Once this was done the men waited and watched.

About thirty minuets later they could just hear the movement of several people to their rear and then it got quiet again. After about a minuet and even with the starlight goggles on they could just make out a single figure creeping toward them from the rear.

Steve was watching the back door and waited until the man was about five meters from the position when he whispered halt. The man did so and Steve whispered the password, “Chicken,” the man gave the counter, “Lips.”

Steve then whispered, “Advance and be recognized.”

Lyle and the other two men chuckled to themselves as Tom whispered, “Who make’s up these passwords?”

After the man from Alpha Co. got up closer to Steve he halted again and said, “Your mother suggested that one, Steve is that you? Its me, Gary.”

“Yeah, its me, you got the right place this time,” Steve whispered with a chuckle.

With some sarcasm Gary whispered, “At least your mom has a sense of humor, I’ll go back and tell the rest of my guys, their about fifty yards back,” he then stood up and slowly walked back and told his men to come on up. They all stood up and followed as before walking in signal file slowly and quietly to the rear of the OP/LP.

As Gary walked back to get his men, Lyle told Steve in a whisper, “As planned let Tom take the first group. You take the rest; follow the bearing we established yesterday, it will take you to the position Pete is in. Hand the column off to him and then head back here, you’ve got lots of time, we should have the Companies spaced out in two’s and in position in less then an hour. That should give us at the most,” again he glanced at his watch checking the time, “maybe two hours to wait.”

Tom got up and led the first Platoon toward the west in the opposite direction that Steve would lead the rest. This way the captured OP would have men on both sides of it, to cover the road and plug that avenue of escape. Steve then led the rest of the company in the other direction, placing the men in positions spaced out between it and to the other OP to their east almost two hundred meters away. He then handed them over to Pete who then made a 90-degree turn after walking east for another fifty meters, heading down to the south and placing these men on the east side of the camp, again spacing them in two man teams every ten meters or so apart. The Company’s second in command, and his fire team, were on Lyle’s left side. The Lt. was busy showing each man their arch of fire on the left and right and setting up stop sticks so that they wouldn’t endanger each other or the rest of the men on the east side of the line. After he finished and got back to his position, he took off his pack and placed it in front of his position. He then joined Lyle and his fire team in the OP’s shell scrapes.

“Lyle, good to see you, its me Stan Wright,” he whispered.

Lyle whispered a greeting in return, “Welcome.”

Stan then said, “I’ve got a little radio device from the Artillery spotter attached to our Company he gave one to every officer, we are to key it a couple of minuets before the brigade springs the ambush, at least that’s when we are asked too. It will paint our positions for a second, and the positions our men are in, all along the perimeter and at each guard post. These positions will be entered in the final firing solution, as they make ready to fire. He said no shells will drop within 100 meters of us and we should be safe?”

“That’s good to know I’m sure we’ll all feel better, except for the part, we should be safe.” Lyle added with a low dry laugh, “friendly fire, ain’t friendly.”

Stan let out a low guff, “I hope the part about nothing within 100 meters is correct too, we are just inside the danger zone of a 155, even with out any rounds falling short it’s going to be louder then hell.”

Tom came back from directing the first platoon and took up his position as he gave Lyle the thumbs up; the men settled in and waited silently. Except for the slight noise the column of men moving behind them made as they moved down the line and that too soon faded, as they got further away.

Each man, even though he was part of a buddy team, felt as if he was the last man alive. This is the hardest part of an attack, the waiting for the shooting to begin. Each man has a thousand thoughts racing through his mind, home, family, the buddies around him, will I make it back, will I be maimed for life, if its my turn to take a hit? All of them asked God for strength, for them to see the job through, to be brave and to stand with their friends. The men who aren’t very religious also ask for God’s help including the few atheists among them.

Hearing a slight noise to his left rear Lyle turned and saw Steve returning as he got closer he to gave the thumbs up as he slipped into his position, all was good so far.

Lyle was impressed with this part of the operation, everyone had moved in quietly and got into position, which was something to be proud of. In looking back at what had been accomplished so far, it all appeared very simple now but with some fear thrown in, and here comes the hardest part. The long irksome waiting for the time to tick down before the main action begins, that and trying to stay warm without moving and making any noise.

For the Brigade recon element and all of the men in the five infantry companies, waiting to attack the camp, with their combined strength of just over 800 plus men, they had all been drilled in being quiet. The here and now was the result of the last two and a half months of hard and very intensive training as a unit. Though for some of them, the many years of working under Dan and his constant tutoring hadn’t hurt either, and learning that quiet keeps him happy, and as he kept reminded them ‘and in warfare it keeps you alive.’

The one thought all of the men asked themselves, veterans and those who were about to see action for the first time. ‘Lord let me be a good solider, keep me safe, above all else Lord fill me with courage so I won’t fail my friends. I know it’s easy to be scared, I sure am right now, please give me the strength to face my fears, our lives are in your hands and to you we promise our all.’ This prayer and it 10,000 variations would be asked more then once by every man present in the two Brigades that were on the front line that night, before any shots were fired or shells would scream overhead. The old saying ‘their aren’t any atheist in foxholes’, is true.

No time for fear, when action is here.

It's do or die, Kill or be killed.

Time was slipping by fast, it seemed only a few minuets ago that they had taken out the guards, passing the code word along for all men in position to get ready. Then spoken in a whisper it came suddenly over the radio, “Tornado tornado, I say again, tornado tornado, out!”

The Officers with the small boxes from the Artillery Brigade press the button and they send out each ones own special encrypted code, so that the friendly fire won’t become deadly for them.

The word is passed from fire team to fire team making sure all of them are ready, every tenth man will set off a parachute flare when the ambush on the road is sprang and in the mix of rounds from each of the infantry companies mortar platoon’s 60mm commando mortars will be two HE one WP and then a Para illumination round, this is to be repeated six times, for a total of 24 rounds from each tube in two minuets unless a cease fire is called.

Over on the road, a long five minuets pass then the quiet of the per-dawn morning is shattered first by the explosive crash of several dozens claymores going off, followed by the clatter of machine-guns, the Ka-whoose of recoilless rifles followed by the instant explosion of their rounds, and add in hundreds of machine-guns and thousands of FN’s letting loose. This is soon joined by the crunch of 60mm, 81mm and 100mm mortars hitting their targets.

When it seems that this continuous noise can’t get any louder, the base drums of hell join in, 155mm artillery rounds land on the camp, and close to the old buildings of Bodie along with a barrage of 122mm rockets. Bridgeport is receiving the same type of Artillery fire as Bodie but the distance and intervening mountains, plus the deafening thunder around them keep the men at the ambush sites from hearing it. Beside they have their hands full with the enemy in front of them.

All three of the Chinese Divisions are taken by surprise and all are under attack from an enemy they had considered close to being defeated, not one that was capable of attacking them.

The attack is successful; of the Chinese 5^th Divisions two Brigades and its head quarters and support personnel they have over 2600 soldiers killed, another 2750 are captured with close to 1660 of them wounded. The Division Commander and several of his senior staff officers are wounded and captured, in just a few minuets his command is almost completely destroyed or captured.

The 118^th Divisions Brigade stationed at Bodie suffers another 850 men killed from Artillery and mortar fire and later from the direct fire delivered by the Militias tanks that soon occupy the high ground to their north. With their exposed flank turned, this hard-pressed Chinese brigade is forced to leave behind most of their dead and almost all of the forward ammunition stores in their hurried retreat from the abandon mining town.

The 5^th Battalions Rattle Snake platoon moving quietly forward is able to sneak to within 300 meters of the town, they observe through their thermal sites a few of the last Chinese soldiers hurrying from camouflaged position to camouflaged position, laying out wire. Their Platoon Lieutenant knows these are engineers readying explosives to blow up the stores and orders his men to open fire with the sniper 50’s mounted on the vehicles, killing sixteen of the Chinese and forcing the remaining eight to surrender, thus stopping their demolition mission.

The 5^th Battalion later takes the damaged historic site without losing a man and secures the stores the 118^th abandoned and could not destroy.

The Armor XO Major Paul Applegate advances his armor in support of 3rb Bn. then heads down highway 270 and sets up a blocking force on highway 395. Facing no opposition he sends a mixed combat company of eight tanks and twenty APC’s south towards the highway junction trying to locate the fleeing Chinese.

After running into a deadly surprise ambush by a Chinese company at Conway summit on highway 395 that destroys 5 of the militia tanks and heavily mauls the mechanized infantry company in support destroying 11 of their APC’s. This Militia Company quickly suffers over 50% casualties and is forced to pull back up 395 having lost the skirmish. The Chinese take as prisoner fourteen wounded Militiamen, and after some very painful interrogation the men talk and revel their unit.

The commanding Senior Colonel of the 118^th fears that the Americans will return with a stronger force and destroy his ambushing unit. And then capture the road junction, threatening his only exit route for his brigades deployed further east. If this happens his units closer to the Nevada state line will be cut off with out any good roads to move on, so he orders a retreat, and pulls back south and west of Mono Lake.

Because of this sound tactical move to save the rest of his command down in the flats, the two intact infantry brigades and his division’s artillery along with the anti-air artillery and missile units, he is rewarded later with a bullet to the head.

No unit retreats with out orders from the Corp Commander, period. No excuses accepted, it didn’t matter that communications had been cut when the Militia attacked; the Corp commander’s orders are not to be questioned, just obeyed.

The execution of senior officers shows the anger of the 25^th Corp General, and is soon common knowledge throughout the ranks. And their unit commanders are now faced with a dilemma; if necessary to save my command I will lose my life. If I lose my command following orders, I may save my life; but what of my troops?

The Engineer Company down at Willow Springs is also surprised and surrenders after a token fight that cost the lives of another 12 Chinese soldiers, and the wounding of 35 more.

Just after first light Dan sends a short Message to General Greene, “5^th destroyed, 118^th off the heights, 111^th surrounded.”

The two forward Companies from the 111^th are cut off and after making two strong attempts to break out and fall back to their unit, they both fail and take heavy casualties. Three days with no food and after being under constant sniper fire, their commanders ask the Americans to allow for a cease-fire so they can evacuate their wounded, this is refused and the company captains realize their position is hopeless and to save their wounded men’s lives as well as the rest of their soldiers they are forced to surrender. The two brigades of the 111^th and their Artillery Regiment are also cut off and under a sporadic but deadly artillery and mortar fire from the Militia, and they are also under constant and very accurate direct fire from the marksmen, snipers and tanks that surround them. On day one as the siege starts, their one and only attempt to break out and retreat south is repulsed with heavy losses to the 111^th, almost a thousand men are killed, another 1800 wounded and with the lose of all of their tanks and the majority of their APC’s.

Seven days later and after a ten minuet withering hail of death from twelve of the Militia’s quad 50’s that are set up using indirect fire tables, (from tables that were established in Korea in 1953.) And after the militia having fired several thousand rounds per gun, of a deadly plunging fire that rains down over the whole town. A storm of death falling on the Chinese in they’re hastily dug fighting positions, or searching out and smashing through the roofs and floors of the homes and businesses, finding them in their concealed places killing several hundred and wounded even more.

Their Commander to save his men lives is forced to ask for terms. The answer from the Militia; by surrendering, his soldiers will be spared and become POW’s, but to continue fighting will only result in more of his men being killed. And that sooner or later he will still be faced with the fact that he has to no choice but to surrender, so Dan asks him, “How many more of your men must die, how many more do you want to see killed before you surrender in the end?”

The 111^th General signs a letter accepting full responsibilities for his action and orders his units to surrender immediately. Turning command over to his Executive Officer, he goes into his HQ in the Bank building and places his pistol in his mouth and pulls the trigger, blowing the back half of his head open, he is dead before he falls to the ground.

When Dan hears about this he is mad at himself, he should have known that his matter of fact attitude would force such an outcome, and he orders Major Hartwell and Col. Fu of the Free Chinese Army to come up with a better way to approach these cut off Chinese Commanders. Men of honor needed to be talked into surrender, offered a chance to correct the bad choice their Khan had forced on them. Dan wants to make sure there is no more suicides by the commanders, by men who are tested leaders; they are men that China will need later.

The America Militia Loses 182 Killed

215. Wounded

14 MIA

In the nine separate actions or fights that make up the Battle of Bodie Heights and Bridgeport.

Four days after the battle is over the Chinese release the names of the 14 American Militiamen captured at Conway Summit as POW’s to the international Red Cross.

From Dan’s personal diary,

The sorrow that comes with having one man in twenty hurt or killed is hard to bear, I must make better plans, and the men will have to train harder. No more charging headlong after the retreating enemy, every move forward must be tactical covered by bounding over-watch, and the use of recon units. ‘Oh Lord I pray for your forgiveness, in not training my men as I should, for making simple mistakes, and I thank you for your strong hands shielding and protecting the rest, for this is a far harder task Lord then I ever wanted. Help keep me strong, if I fail have mercy on my men do not let them suffer because of me, in your name I pray, Amen.’

The day before the two forward companies of the 111^th surrender, the Second Ks brigade sends a mechanized battalion combat/recon team heading west, advancing up Highway 108, they slowly come to a complete stop close to six miles below Kennedy meadows, they can’t go on as there is over four foot of snow in front of them, and the recon teams whom are scouting two miles ahead of them report the snow is even deeper at their locations.

That afternoon, aerial reconnaissance using UAV’s locates a new Chinese Division that has just moved into the vicinity of the Columns of the Giants on highway 106, right after the militia attacked Bridgeport. This Division is waiting in their new hastily made defensive positions; they are there to keep the Americans from moving further west.

A week after the battle of Bridgeport is over General Greene notifies Dan that the 3^rd and 4^th Militia Brigades will be joining his command in two more weeks, and to expect the 5^th and 6^th brigades 30 days after that. The 4^th and 5^th Brigades had been singled out early on and designated as Armor Brigades with three Battalions of M60 tanks and two Mechanized infantry Battalions each.

Boa decides that the open ground below the Marine Corp Mountain Warfare School at Pickel Meadow is very close to the vicinity he wants to place the forward Division mess and as the assemble area for two of the dispersed Brigades; Bridgeport will serve as the main air support base and for the Division trains and rear. Various camps are set up in between and the rest of the command is spread out and everything is camouflaged, concealed and hidden from overhead view of any satellites and spy planes that would be using radar or thermal imaging cameras trying to locate them.

Dan knows he has to figure a way to get the Militia units through the mountains in the spring and down into the central valley where they can move and maneuver, unfortunately there are several Chinese Divisions that stand in the way. We still have 12 of the captured ZTZ-98 tanks and a lot of the Chinese heavy lift helicopters, now if we can come up with a deception and plan to use them, things will work out?

In the meantime all of these new green troops coming forward will need hard work and where possible some seasoning fights to get them ready, so plans are made to rotate them to face off against the Chinese Divisions blocking the top of the passes.

In talking over long-term plans with Gen. Green, Dan puts forward an idea from Lt. Col. Withers about using some of the Air Forces Q-4’s in the spring offensive. The Corps Air Force liaison officer likes the idea and helps work out a planned operation for using them, he will forward the suggestion back up his chain of command. He likes working with these Militia, because of their fresh ideas and crafty nature, coupled with a why not attitude, it seems to be working very well for them, so far.

The two Army Division of Gen. Greene’s northern command have not been idle. A direct attack on the Chinese 25^th Corp in western Reno would be too costly so he sends two Brigades north up Long Valley, where they surprise and quickly defeat a Chinese Mechanized company at Hallelujah Junction, then occupy Beckwourth Pass. Continuing up 395 they by-pass a small Chinese garrison unit at the old Sierra Army Depot and smash an under strength Chinese Battalion that was stationed in Susanville, in reality this battalion was already under a loose siege that had been established by several elements of the northern Californian and Oregon National guard assisted by the local newly formed Cal Militia, and a company of the Oregon Militia.

The quickly re-trained older African soldiers join up with the Kansas command; Eli takes them and with some of his best men from the recon company and forms a special unit comprised of two eight-man tracker teams made up of his old friends from Africa and his new American friends. Both of these groups will learn a lot from each other in the training he has planned for them. All of it related to Dan’s future plans and operations, with classes to include winter survival, ski and snow shoe lessons, then snowmobiles and ATV’s driving skills to be learned. And the endless OP’s drills of watching, waiting, hidden from even D’s best men looking for them during their training.

Eli with his now stronger and highly skilled company size unit continue their recon, unseen by the enemy. Everyone in the 1^st. Militia Division including the 3^rd and 4^th Brigades along with the California Brigade receives the same intense winter training, preparing, and getting ready for spring. That way all of the Militia units will be able to move and operate in the deep snows in the mountains, and the enemy will not be allowed to rest because of a little snow and cold weather.

Two weeks after receiving the new brigades Dan is ordered to move two of his brigades north and lay siege to the Chinese Division that is blocking the pass on highway 88. The 2^nd Brigade has finished their training in winter mountain fighting and had moved north to face off with the Chinese Division blocking 4 highway. He pulls Red Stoddard from command of the 2nd KS, to head this new sub-command; it is comprised of the 4^th Kansas and the 1^st California Brigades.

The early winter tease is over, and it finally arrives in full force over the next few weeks and the record snows begin to pile up in the mountains slowing the Chinese to a crawl. This doesn’t stop the main units of the Prairie Ghosts from pushing forward and punishing the enemy.

The recon and sharpshooter platoons of the battalions and brigades are kept very busy, they now have two Chinese Divisions to harass, bottle up and ruin the morale of.

Dan makes a detailed plan for the spring offense and then a suggestion to Gen. Greene, if he can hold the main Chinese force in the north, with out making a direct attack until later in the spring, the Militia units will infiltrate around the two blocking Chinese Divisions guarding the southern passes cutting them off from any supplies and reinforcements coming up to them. Where we will whittle them down a bit until they are forced to surrender.

‘Let me and my Militia keep hitting them hard on the left and we will keep them looking at us but have them worried about an attack from your forces to push them out of Reno. Then a short pause by us, a faked but strong diversion in the middle to make them shift forces, then we hammer them when the passes become open with the spring thaw?’

Gen. Greene agrees, by then he will have enough trained forces to push the Chinese to the west side of the mountains. That’s if the enemy doesn’t attack first, and if the command back at the Pentagon gives him the OK, and if it works into their plans? He tells Dan, “We have to remember that the fighting in Southern Cal is getting the majority of troops and armor, and according to the President, that is the main theater of action here in America.”