March 28, 1945. As I lay in my bed, I hear the trumpet set of outside. Sergeant Howard burst through the wooden door, “Rise and shine magots, today we scout the North side of the island.” Everyone rises from their slumber and heads outside. My brother Cliff calls to me, “Hey Desmond, how about me and you get a bite before we go?” I shrug, “I guess, but i’ll catch up with you.” I grab my bag that carries my medicine and Sergeant Howard looks my direction and says, “Private Doss, are you well stocked on medicine and supplies?” I answer, “Yes Drill Sergeant!” He chuckles then grins, “Good, because you are going to need them for the injured men we are going to have.” Doss was confused didn’t Sergeant Howard say we were only going to scout? I walked
