The McDowell times. [volume] (Keystone, W. Va.) 1904-1941, 1941-03-07
CHAPTER X


ter OF ms command post which had
oeen dug by engineers into the re-
verse slope Of squat ridge. He
pulled glumly at the stub of a cigar
as he observed the arrival of his
reglmental and battalion command
ers whom he had summoned from
over his battle position.
Planes scared overhead. Ameri-
can combat planes covering his posi-
ton against air attack. From time
10 time an observation plane dashed
low with a dropped message report
ing progress of the Van Hassek ap-
proach. AT last word, the main Van
Hassek column had cleared the Nue.
ces RIVER after routing a motorized
battalion strong point that Mole had
sent out to gam contact and delay
the enemy.
Mole's plan of battle was SHAPED:
his formal orders had been distribut-
ed. Since morning the men had been
digging in.
All his artillery had been dug in
and camouflaged Here he had an
immense, hastily organized citadel
OF mutually supporting strong-points.
Machine guns had been placed for
the maximum of destructive effect
Inc breaking of one line yielded the
enemy the grim necessity of attack
ing a new one. Roads menacing his
hanks were strongly covered. 1t
was not such a position as he would
nave selected of his own choice.
but since necessity forced il on him
ne meant to make the most of his
opportunities for stubborn re-
SiStance
His senior aide-de-camp came I'D
to him and saluted.
Sir, the officers are assembled"
the captain advised.
There was a greenish hue to the
generals lean, cadaverous face,
brought by the stress of the past
few days. His eyes were blood shot
under puffy black lids, but they
shone with stout, even glitter. that
proclaimed the mastery of will over
flesh. AS he stood up to face his
assembled commanders, he was per
fectly contained.
/ wanted a few words with Won
before we go into action, gentle
men," he began in a calm voice
The decision TO fight here was
made for us by General Hague
therefore, 1t becomes our decision.
Let me frankly say that the Army
IS on the spot, that the people
wouldn't understand the simple wis
dom OF our falling back without a
fight"
lie paused and his pale, blush lips
drew down into an expression of
bitterness.
"All right, wen go through! Wen
hold! Wen give the country a new
tradition to remember! Wen fight
Van Hassek with one regiment TO
four or ivel If we're attacked this
afternoon well fight until njpht
Wen hold through tomorrow. Then
III make my further decision. When
the time comes I'll give the order
for withdrawal which must be bv
night"
General Mole paused again to look
about among them and then spoke
in slow, biting words.
Gentlemen, a final world Wen
show the country what our mcttle
is. Wei show the enemy what they
can expect to meet once our armies
are modified and organized and
trained. Remember this. if we lost
every last man in the Second Divi-
sion, our losses would still be only
a traction Of what the good old Sec
ond took in France, even if nobody
remembers that fact but the Sec
ond S survivors,"
His voice rose to a furious in
tensity and his clenched hand rose
above his head.
"A new Alamo to remember, gen
tlemen! That's what well give the
country-a new Alamo to remem-
berl Put that thought into the teeth
of your men. That's ALI"
RIO BE CONTINUED