A Short Vicious War

To all those out there right now, who had the "Watch" during the stupid season, from one Vet to another. Thank You. Thank you for all the time spent away from family, friends and loved ones, and yes, I do know that it sucks having been there myself. That all being said let's get to the meat of the matter. This is a work of fiction, and I am the sole originator of this story, any mistakes are of my own doing. Any resemblance to any person living or dead is purely coincidental and unintended. This story may not be reproduced, copied or retransmitted in any way known or unknown without the authors permission. If you like what you read below be sure to vote, like, leave a comment and follow me here. Remember to stay safe and not drink and drive, I'd rather have you reading my stories than in the can, or worse the ground, so let's be safe out there. Thank you to those who follow me, and I hope you had a great holiday season.

Now on with the story.

Date: December 18, 2023

Time: 0 dark 30

Location: Operations, Offutt AFB

'I lightly snoozed in a comfy chair in the VIP lounge as we waited for the Herkey Bird to touch down, we'd gotten the call about 30 minutes ago and quickly dressed then hurried right over. I had seen the 2 ambulance busses waiting as well as the 10 hummers of APs for security against any possible enemy PWs trying to escape, they would be patched up and sent further back after initial interrogation.'

'I didn't know how many other units were sending back PWs, I do know the best way to find things out was from the mouth of the person you're fighting. I've also suspected that some units don't take prisoners and while I don't agree with it, that decision is on them, and they'll have to live with it. And before you decide to jump on your high horse and go all moral on them, 1 you aren't there and 2 you most likely have 0 clue as to what the hell you're talking about. Especially seeing how you weren't there.'

"General, they just landed Sir." The duty officer said and tapped my leg. My eyes popped open, and I set up looking around, I could get used to this quiet relaxed way of fighting a war. Here I really didn't have to worry about being attacked, shot at, over run and possibly captured, then tortured and eventually shot in the back of the head and dumped in an unmarked hole in the ground. Personally, I'd like to avoid that possibility hence I fight the NKs like I'm the third monkey on the ramp to Noah's Ark, and brother it just started to rain.'

'I stood up and after zipping my parka closed, I walked over to the door then stepped out into the freezing night, I figured that if these kids could do it then so could I. Bobby and Frank followed me out the door, both were armed to the teeth at what I knew were Mikes orders, for some strange reason I think he wanted to keep me alive. I could hear the turbos and jet engines singing as the passenger door of the Hummer that I was nearing popped open, and a young female Captain slid out then saluted me.'

"General, can I assist you Sir?" She asked as I waved my hand in the direction of my right eye. "No, their young lady, I'm just here to meet my people coming in and to have a look at the PWs they managed to grab. I'll try to stay out of your way." I told her as a 'Follow Me' vehicle came into view with the C-130 hot on its bumper, the ground crew turned their lighted wands on, and one brought him to a stop then after a few minutes had them secure the engines as the busses pulled up to the rear of the AC.'

'We walked around to the ramp, and I could see the rows of stretchers with their attendants moving among them checking each person laying on them. I could also see the security personal that had flown out with the crew standing near the steps that lead to the flight deck and the forward hatch. The medics lifted the first person out and started down the ramp, they were laying on their belly, and the medics had tented around the back to thigh area. I figured that they had caught a round either in the lower back, upper thigh or in the butt.'

"Jennifer, what the fuck? I thought Mike told you to keep your ass down." Bobby said as we went to her. "Fuck you Bobby, hey boss man, they shot me in my tushy sir." She replied as we all leaned in to kiss her cheek and tousle her light brown hair. "I'll have Mike stop over before we take off Jenny, let them load her up guys." I said and squeezed her hand one last time before the medics moved yet again and we watched them place her by the back door. I knew she'd be one of the first to be off loaded once they reached the hospital.'

'The next 3 were all replacements that I didn't know personally but that made them no less valuable to the defense of the hill or the winning of the war. I shook their hands and told them they'd be just fine and just as soon as they were better, I wanted them back on the hill. They let me know they would be back as soon as they could.'

'The last off were the PWs and their guards, I could see that one of their wrists was handcuffed to the stretcher. Most of them looked relieved to finally be out of the war but one had that defiant look in his eyes and I knew he'd be a troublesome one once he finally got where they were holding the PWs.'

'Once we returned to the house, I quickly found Mike and woke him, I let him know what had happened to Jennifer and where she'd been hit. I also let him know that I thought that she'd be more than likely okay once she healed up that is. He quickly got dressed and took the staff car over to the base hospital, I simply let him go knowing that he needed to see for himself and to let her know he was still there for her.'

'It was just after 0630 when Mike crept back in, I was lightly snoozing when I heard him come in, I eased out of bed and found him making a pot of coffee, we were planning to have breakfast at the Exchange in order to not leave a mess before we took off today. "You good Mike?" I asked quietly and sat down. "Yeah John, it just fucked me up a little." He quietly replied. "Talked to the doctor and he said that she'll be up in about 2 to 3 weeks and sore for about a month. The new doc on the hill pulled out a few splinters of shrapnel, shot her full of antibiotics and sewed her up. Jen'll have a cute scar on her ass for the rest of her life that's all.'

'He poured me a cup once the machine was through brewing it and we sat there sipping what for us was a bit of life-giving necessity. "Make sure we have enough time to visit our guys plus I want to speak to the Docs there about our people." I told Mike who nodded and pulled out his note pad and scribbled something in there. "Got it boss, I figure we'll drop our gear off at OPs and head over to make our manners and then head to the hospital. Then head back to wait for the transport, I checked in with OPs before coming back, ETA is still 1230 hours arriving in DC no later than 1700.

'At 0700 we woke everyone up and all lent a hand to quickly finish packing up and making sure that the VIP house was ready except for the beds being made to accept the next who might stay here. Breakfast was a bit unusual, the PX cafeteria generally didn't have flag officers stop in so early, I let them know that I wanted nothing special and that I would stand in line just like everyone else.'

'Someone must have called over to Steves office because about 10 minutes later he showed up with his wife and aide and got in line also, I had let the kids know that because they were now officers' they would have to pay for their own meals from this point forward unless told otherwise. There had been the obligatory moans, complaints and whimpers about the harsh treatment I was inflicting upon them, I simply stared with a blank expression on my face and finally asked if they were done after listening to them for about 5 minutes, then told them to get moving.'

"John, might we join you for this final meal together." He said as he came over. "At least until you come back again." We enjoyed a quick chat, a meal and then did a bit of shopping for ourselves and those in the hospital. It's a quick trip over and even though it's early one of the great things about being a General is that very few want to really stop you from completing the task you're on.'

'The bit of shopping we'd done at the PX before headed over to the Hospital was to help raise the morale of those there, I wanted them to know that no matter where they were, if I was close, they would get to see me. Jenny got teased about getting hit where she did her thinking, and she gave as good as she got right back at us. I was glad to see her smile and to see the other 3 smile as well, I knew from prior experience that a good mental attitude helped you heal faster.'

'The arrival of the Lear Jet from the 89th at 1220 showed that they were the ever-efficient VIP delivery service of the U.S.A.F. The ground crews showed their speed and efficiency by quickly turning the C-37B around, personally I don't think they wanted them to hang around for too long. I can't say that I blame them, having a high value target on the ground might prove to be too tempting a target to pass up.'

'We were quickly driven to the jet and while Sue and I boarded, my people helped to load the baggage and then rushed under or around the wing and up the air stairs. The crew chief followed them and pulled the door closed behind her. "We're clear, let's go Sir.' She yelled at the cockpit and strapped herself in. "Everyone strap in and hold on." She told us as I heard the engines spool up and could see us moving to the runway at a good clip, I knew what was about to happen next.'

'We hit the threshold of the runway, and this bird got legs, one of the things I knew was that the 89ths pilots were trained in evasive low-level maneuvers to get HVTs into and out of a potential hostile air space quickly. I felt us up pitch up then back down as I looked out the window and could see we were no more than 1500' in the air and moving hammers to hell fast. After 20 or so minutes I felt the pilot pull back on the stick and I watched the ground fall away.'

'A few minutes later we were above the cloud layer and in the bright sunshine, the crew chief came around taking drink orders and handed me a small stack of message forms to read through and got the rest of the drink orders. I sat there sipping some Tennessee Sour Mash black label old #7 and read. The itinerary that I now had allowed me a few days of free time; I really didn't know what I'd do with it, but I do know that I'd spend some time with my family.'

'Landing at Andrews was a little less exciting than our takeoff, I did notice the AAA defense systems that had been placed by the runways and several other areas. During our decent I had pointed out several landmarks to Sue who had her nose pressed to the porthole window and was gawking like a kid on their first flight. "Not how you thought you'd get to see DC is it?" I asked her, she just shook her head and continues to marvel at the sights below us.'

'Touchdown was as smooth as silk just what you'd expect from pilots of this caliber, we taxied to a small knot of vehicles and stopped, the chief stood up and began to open the door as we pulled on our field jackets. I'd elected to wear BDUs and berets for their comfort and if they got messy, I wasn't out the dry-cleaning bill which I knew from past experience could get quite expensive. I thanked the chief and the 2 pilots for such a smooth flight, it always pays to thank your drivers and those that help them and you.'

'On exiting I was greeted by several members of Colorado's congressional delegation and a Coronal representing the Joints Chiefs. Luckly the press was being held back, I really did not want my face plastered around the world with a bunch of made-up stories or miss used quotes. I'd let my people know to say nothing to the press about anything happening up on the hill, so far, I'd kept them away and had no intentions of letting them in now.'

'We were taken by van to our hotel and then straight to our rooms to rest and refresh ourselves, the Coronal let us know what was going on and handed me a slip paper with a room number on it. "Your fathers room number Sir." He said and left after giving Mike a short list of numbers to call if I required anything.'

''I'm going to go talk to my dad for a few Mike, get everyone unpacked and cleaned up then let's get the debriefs started okay. G-2 should be here shortly, remind everyone to just answer the questions with the facts, and nothing else." I told him and lead Sue out the door and down the hall. My reunion with my dad was heartfelt and soon several of my other family members showed up, especially my sister who asked me if I'd heard from her boy Johnny.'

"Sis look, I know he was called, and he knew where to head to if the shit kicked off. He never returned any calls, and he didn't show up and I haven't been able to get over that way due to it being 150 miles away through enemy held turf." I told her and let her know that now that I was getting help, and we were retaking towns and cities as soon as I could I'd get up there and find him. "One way or another I'll bring him home to you sis. Where's the other 3 at?" I asked.'

'She let me know that her oldest hadn't been able to get the time off and the other 2 were out sightseeing and shopping, in short typical girl stuff when visiting a new place. I talked with her husband, my brother-in-law and I let him know I'd try my best to find their kid. I looked around and found Sue and my sister talking on the couch, my 2 brothers were there, and we traded barbs back and forth then laughed. It felt good to be able to do this again seeing how we really didn't get together that often.'

'Debrief was loads of fun, like getting a root cannel with no anesthesia and it was an alpha numerical soup of agencies in the room they'd set up all looking to ask the same questions. What the fuck had happened and what were the NKs going to do now? I had absolutely no way to answer these 2 questions, hell they had access to more data than I possibly ever could. If they couldn't answer these questions, then there was no way I ever could.'

'We all went through it even Sue, they asked her to give what she could to give them an additional insight into the thinking of the present crazy in North Korea. As far as I was concerned on the scale of 1 to 10, he was truly fucked and there was no way he'd be able to explain his way out of it. Hell, even the 2 countries that sort of backed him were denying his existence or of backing him.'

'The next day we went over to the White House and after a few minutes of getting everyone into their proper place and making sure everyone's class A's were checked for any Irish penates, lint or stray hairs. We sat down and waited for the CinC to come in. The flags arrived first followed by his military attaché who announced him, he made a short speech and the awarded several high-ranking awards that looked good being presented by the hand of the President.'

"In the opening days of the invasion this next individual took a stand and showed his fellow Americans what courage truly looked like." He said as a few people clapped to make him look better. "On day 6 he managed to rescue 20 members of a National Guard unit that had been ambushed close to his home that had become a base of operations against the North Koreans."

"Master he's talking about you isn't he." Sue whispered in my ear. I simply nodded and laid a hand on her leg to calm her. " On day 3 he personally denied a NK Airborne Division reinforcements and resupply when he shot down over 30 aircraft, a blow that the NKs still haven't recovered from." Jesus this guy was painting me like I was George Patton or Audie Murphy or John Wayne. I was just a guy who knew how to fight and hadn't knuckled under, I'd had taken the fight to the NKs on my own terms and fuck the rules.'

"I call Brigadier General John P. Bishop to please stand and come forward Sir." The President said as a uniformed aide came to my row and stood next to me at attention and motioned for me to follow him to the stage. I stood and tucked my cover under my left arm then followed him as he directed me to stand next to the President. Another officer stepped up to the podium and pulled out a large sheet of paper from a folder under his left arm. "Attention to orders... By order of the congress of the United States of America and in the name of the people of America..." He began and I tuned him out.'

'Another Officer came forward and stood between the President and me, facing outward so that others could see the MoH and Silver Star directly below it. He pinned the Star on the hook over my left chest pocket and then saluted me as I returned it. The same officer began to read from another citation as the President picked up the MoH and with the help of a military aide he placed the MoH around my neck and then smoothed the upturned collar back down and we saluted each other yet again.'

'The applause this time was genuine, and several pictures were taken as I stood next to him then was invited to say a few words. "Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen and those who have assembled here for this momentous event. I stand here humbly and accept these awards for those who deserve them more that I do but will never be recognized." I started and spoke for about 3 minutes; I thanked many people including my father and other family members who were sitting there making sure to include Sue but not mention her by name, I didn't want the NKs figuring out who she was just yet.'

'The reception was mercifully quick, and I had a chance to speak to the President elect as well as to the sitting President about my plans to take back my area of Colorado and move the war in our favor. I told them that I had no plans to play nicely and would hit hard and fast and never give the NKs a chance to hit back. Someone once told me that when you have your foot on your enemy's neck that you don't lift it to reposition it. Once it's there, it's there to stay.'

'The next several days were spent running over to the CIA or the Pentagon to meet with someone about something or present my plan to move in a large group of troops and then attack like hell. I told them that I would need at least a Battalion of troop and other assets either on call or at a high priority if called upon including recon intel and Artillery units and engineers to build a fire base at the Northeast end of my property.'

---------- I can still look out my den window and see the covered tubes of the M777 155mm guns that make up Fire Base Revenge. It's still improved upon every few months and the guns now have concrete bunkers to hide in if the shit kicks off yet again. They control an area out to between 30km (19mi) and 40km (25mi) in all directions with the special rounds that are stored underground in the mountain. ----------

'It took me several days of fast talking and reassuring the powers that be that I could put a serious dent in the NKs plans by doing what I had planned if and when I got the troops that I not only wanted but needed. Besides I hated running a war on a shoestring budget, it made no sense.'

'After I put my family on a plane back up North, I then spent a few more days locking down all plans and lining things up, Hell I even got to take Sue on a tour of DC and show her all the really cool places like the museums and gallery's that they had to offer. Having that little blue ribbon on my chest really opened a few doors for me and I even managed to get ahold of my company at out second site in Tennessee. It was good to know that the trucks had managed to make it out of the invasion zone hauling several million in finished and partly finished weapons, the plant they were now in was under heavy guard by the local National Guard in that area.'