the front line withers

Female Ass-Kickers Challenge 

Theme Twelve:  Uniform

the pacific - okinawa

One would think to leave them to their gloomy solitude, to let them be with their comrades who had survived with them. One would want to leave well enough alone. Leaving them alone however was not what Elizabeth thought would be good for them. Many of the men walking into the compound were injured in some shape or form and in need of some TLC. Elizabeth and her unit of only a few nurses and doctors might be out of tender love, but they certainly could care for them all.

Out of all the men who were sitting on a rock formation some other battalion had created during their time at the compound, Elizabeth sat beside one who looked to be lost in thought and completely alone. For a minute, she thought he hadn’t noticed her, so she cleared her so as to do just that.  After getting his attention she motioned with her eyes his attention to the blood and grim on his hands that almost hid his injured palm. He had a large gaping wound leading from one side of his palm to the other.

"Would you mind if I take care of that for you?" Eugene didn't look up at first, assuming the young nurse was adressing anyone but him. She cleared her throat and he finally looked at her. "It might sting a little, but it's better than it getting infected."

Eugene nodded and placed his hand in Nurse Pierce's, a blank and far off look on his face. He tried not to feel pain anymore. Through the months he'd spent in the marines, Eugene had learned to ignore it, block it out, forget about it, but it wasn't always easy.

for he today that sheds his blood with me

Eugene Sledge;

War is brutish, inglorious, and a terrible waste. Combat leaves an indelible mark on those who are forced to endure it. The only redeeming factors were my comrades’ incredible bravery and their devotion to each other. Marine Corps training taught us to kill efficiently and to try to survive. But it also taught us loyalty to each other—and love. That esprit de corps sustained us.

It was a terrible thought to think a place so ugly could look so beautiful.

Suddenly, there was a gruff yell from one of the Lieutenants. "Up and at 'em! Rise and shine!"