Skylar Schultheis

12/01/14

Wind of Atlanta
In a small farm house in Atlanta there was a young man named Rick. Rick was a short
young man with an appetite of a 200 lb man. He was 19 years old and was turning 20 tomorrow,
November 5th, 1942. Rick did farm work for his dad, he milked the cattle, swept the barn and
basically did all the dirty work. Since his father was gone at war he was doing most of the work.
Rick was inside the house talking to his mother about going to see his father.
The house was once white as snow, but now it is an off white with paint peeling off the
edges. The house was made in 1902 and needed to be repainted, but the man that was supposed
to do it was gone. The windows were dusty and bumpy and scratched. There was an old rocking
chair on the front porch that would creak when the wind blew. The house looked abandoned
with only the cool breeze to come and visit every so often. The roof was slowly falling apart
because of the harsh, cold weather. Inside the house lived a man, a woman, and their son Rick.
The man had not been home for a while now because he was at war. He would send letters to his
family once a month to tell him how he was doing and how he missed them so. He was a simple
farmer. He did not have much experience with a M1941 Johnson rifle or or Ballester-Molinaany
or any kind of warfare.
The woman living in the house was named Lindsay. She was 44 years of age. She was in
the middle of an argument with her son Rick. They disputed back and forth about how he wanted
to join the military.
Why do you want to go to war? It is only for men who fight like savages, she said.
Her son Rick became flustered at the word savages. He said, How can you say that? Dad is
out there fighting for us!
How could he just leave us! That doesn't seem right to me, his mother said. At that moment
Ricks mother became hysterical all at once and said, Doesn't he care about us?
Yes, mother. He will be back and I want to go make sure he is ok. I have to see him. Rick
said in a calmer voice.
Rick left the room and went outside to check the mail in hope of a letter from his dad,
Dads letters always put a smile on Ricks face and brightened his day. He saw nothing, so he
came inside, still angry at his mother. His mother was preparing for a meal that evening. She
asked Rick if he could get some more firewood from outside as though there was no argument.
Rick was silent. He left to go get the wood for the fire that was still barely burning. The flame
was dim and growing colder. While Rick was gone, his mother continued cooking and through
the side of her eye she saw a pile of letters from her husband. She grabbed them and threw them
in the fire. Rick came back and bent over to put the wood on the fire and he saw the burning
letters. He did not know what they were until he saw the stamp on one of the letters that said
Passed By Naval Censor.
He screamed, Mother! Why are you burning these?filled with grief and anger.
She said nothing and continued cooking. It would seem as if she had nothing to hide
from him. When dinner was ready there was little talk, only few words like, How is dinner,

ok? and Its fine, thank you. During dinner Rick picked at his food and thought about their
argument, Could she be right? No. After dinner Lindsay, whom was Ricks mom, said to him,
See you in the morning. Rick replied, Good night, with his mothers secrecy still baffling
him.
Rick crawled into bed and laid there for half an hour. He was anticipating seeing his
father tomorrow and pondering his argument with his mother. Maybe mom is right, maybe dad
is selfish. Then he rebuked that idea and thought, No! Im going to see him. He fell fast
asleep. He was utterly exhausted from the farm work and from the emotions of arguing so much.
The next morning Rick woke up, blocking out yesterday. He walked down the creaky,
old, wooden stairs slowly, in hopes of not waking mother. He walked in the kitchen and saw his
mother at the table with a grave look on her face. At that moment Rick remembered yesterday,
he spoke to his mother.
What are you doing? he said in an inconsiderate tone.
His mother replied in a ghostly voice, Foods on the counter. ignoring his question.
Rick grabbed his food and scarfed it up. Today was the day he was going to sign up for
the military and walk away from his life at home. All of this to see his dad. The sun was shining
through the window giving off a calm heat down on Rick and it made him feel a glimmer of joy
and hope. Lindsay felt Rick's passion he had, even though him leaving would kill her. She know
she couldnt stop him, but only let him go. There was something she needed to say, but she
could not find the time to say it without Rick crumbling at the sound of her voice. Rick ran
around the house, packing stuff in his backpack. He grabbed clothes and an empty journal that
he could possibly write in. As he was heading towards the door Lindsay grabbed Rick by the
shoulder.
She said, Bring these. as she held his fathers jeans.
Rick grabbed them and walked out the door.
Be safe, and I love you, she said as he closed the door.
Rick got into his car. He drove into town which took about thirty minutes. When he
arrived, he saw a woman running towards the front of the car. Rick was so distracted by the
woman that he almost hit a little girl, but he saw her just in time to brake. The woman grabbed
her child and the child said Wheres daddy? I want to see daddy! The mother barely even
noticed Ricks car and paced away rapidly.
When he arrived at the recruiting office he felt different. Rick played this moment over
and over in his mind, and each more thrilling than the last. He really never expected it to be like
this. In his dream he would be impatient to go in, but he was not when it actually happened. But
he felt debilitated, as if concrete was in his shoes. There was an empty feeling in his stomach
and was afraid to go in. He went in anyways, forgetting his fears, and saw a short line of men of
all ages. Inside the office was cold, the concrete floor was like ice. The walls were rough and
had no windows. The room altogether felt dark and the man behind the counter was bald with a
gray face and a feeble posture. On one of the walls was a poster that said I want you for U.S.
Army! There was one lamp by the man behind the counter that gave a subtle warm light. As he
moved slowly up in line, waiting for the person in front of him to find out where he was going.
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He was slowly growing impatient. The man in front of him was named Leonard, he found out
that he was going to go on a train to Yemassee. Next the man said behind the counter. Rick
walked up and said:
I would like to sign up for the military.
Yes, of course. the man said in an agitated voice. He clearly didnt like his job. You will be
taken to Parris Island for boot camp for seven weeks.
Seven weeks? Rick said in shock.
Yes, now fill out this form. said the man.
Rick looked at the form, although hesitant, he decided that he would go for his father. He
signed it and gave it to the man. The man told him he would have to board a train that was
leaving for Yemassee and get on another train to get to Parris Island. Parris Island was a training
ground for new recruits. The train would leave in thirty minutes. Rick was finally on his way.
He went to the train station and sat on a bench where the train would arrive. Rick was
pleased at the idea of some shut eye because his rest last night was deprived. He shut his eyes
and fell asleep instantly. He dreamt that the train arrived to pick him up, he was about to board
it, but then he saw his father. His father had his luggage in hand and a big smile on his face. He
exclaimed through his mustache in a cheerful voice My boy! His hands raised to give Rick a
hug. Rick came to greet him in his wonderful dream. The suddenly a bell rang and a yell woke
him. As Rick woke up he heard a man yell All aboard! Rick grabbed his bag and passed the
man with the bell and climbed on the train. He found his seat and fell in it with relief that he was
there and he was going to see his father at last.
The ride from Atlanta to Parris Island was about 12 hours, including the stops. The seat
next to him was empty, he stared blankly at that chair for a few minutes. Eventually Rick
decided to try to sleep again since it was such a long ride and there was nothing else to do. So
Rick fell asleep and dreamt of many things such as his father and how his mother was acting so
peculiar. When he awoke it was a little after midnight and he was half way to Parris Island. He
looked at the chair and saw someone in it. He stared at the man, who was wearing glasses and a
old, brown hat. He looked as though he was going to write a book. Then the man looked at Rick
and saw he was awake and said:
Oh, hello. I did not know you were awake.
Yeah Rick said as though he was in a daydream.
Well, my name is Leonard. I sat here because my seat was occupied by someone else and there
was a whole mix up. He paused for a second. But anyways, I thought you could use the
company. Leonard said in a more cheerful voice.
Where are you heading? Rick asked.
Im heading to Parris Island, and you? Leonard answered.
Same. What brings you, of all people, here? Rick said in a somewhat rude tone.
Completely ignoring Ricks rudeness Leonard said To fight for my family.
Leonard was 25 years old and had a wife and two kids, a son and daughter. He wore his
hat constantly and a pair of glasses. Rick and Leonard fast became friends and talked for hours
on end of anything that popped in their heads. After that Rick rested for a while until a sudden
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force made his resting head slip off his arm. The train had stopped. Rick grabbed his backpack
and followed Leonard out of the train. Outside there was a sign that said Parris Island. In
front was a man that would tour all the recruits. In a serious voice he announced: My name is
Lieutenant Richard and I will be showing you our training camp today. The crowd followed
him everywhere he went. Lieutenant Richard showed everything from the cafeteria to the
showering areas.
He showed the recruits where they would be sleeping and after the tour everyone went to
the cafeteria for dinner. The food was alright, a little stale, but there was plenty for all. There
was enough for two rations for each soldier. After dinner all the recruits ran five laps around the
field and went to bed. While Rick was lying in his bed he was thinking about his father, What
will he say? When will I see him? and so on. His dorm had eight recruits in it, but none were
of any interest to Rick except for Leonard. He very much liked Leonard. Inside that room were
bunk beds, the walls were stone and the floor was cement. There was one window Rick stared
through. It had a tall tree that swayed back and forth, he stared at it before he fell asleep.
That morning Rick was woken up at 5 a.m. sharp! Lieutenant Richard roared, Up and at
em, girls. You've got a busy day. Rick was sleeping lightly, he got up at the arrival of a the
Lieutenant, while the other recruits slipped out of their deep sleep and stood in front of
Lieutenant Richard. Go, go, go, five laps girls! So that day they trained like there was no
tomorrow, they ran, practiced stances, and many courses that they repeated over and over again.
All the recruits did one lesson on charging, the lesson as is follows:
March! Duck! Fire! Find cover! Lieutenant Richard said. Remember, never retreat,
girls, or else youll be killed. He called all the new recruits girls, he felt it made them want to
prove themselves and that they would not dare to cross him for he was their superior. They were
told to fight until they die. The training lasted till dawn.
At dinner Rick and Leonard sat together. They talked about the camp and what they liked
about it and what they didnt like about it. Then Leonard started to talk about his family and
asked Rick:
Do you have family? Leonard asked.
Well yes, I have my mother and my father. I came here to see my father. Rick answered.
Whats his name? Leonard asked.
Paul. Rick answered while picking at his food, this was a hard topic for Rick to talk about.
What are you going to say to him when you see him? Leonard asked, inquiring more
information.
I I am not sure. I think Ill write something out to help me think. Rick said.
Good thinking. Leonard said.
Rick did infact start writing to his father in a journal he brought. He wrote what happened
and everything he learned. It was like his diary. After dinner they did their nightly routine and
ran 5 laps and went to bed.
The next morning things were normal for all the recruits except two, Rick and Leonard.
Once again Lieutenant Richard barged in and yelled Up and at em ladies. Im promoting you
girls to ladies. You have proven your worth yesterday. Rick and Leonard were about to leave
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until Lieutenant Richard grabbed them by their shoulders and said Except for you, General
Adam wants to see the both of you. Rick and Leonard thought they were in trouble for some
reason and they felt like they were going to faint. They thought, It is barely our second day,
what did we do?
As they were walking to General Adams in his office, Lieutenant Richard said to them,
General Adam saw your potential and he chose you two clowns to be shipped off to the battle
field for a special operation, they must need more troops or something. When they arrived there
were two metal chairs waiting for them. The room was hot, just to show that the General was
fortunate to have heat. The General said:
Sit down, please. Do you know why you are here?
Rick answered in a shy voice, still confused why they were there. No, did we do something
wrong?
No, no, god no. Im promoting you two, you will be sent to fight in French North Africa for a
special operation and youll be gone by evening and you'll stay in Spain until the invasion
begins.
Rick was so excited that he forgot to ask when the invasion began, this is where his dads
latest letter came from, he may be there still. I am beyond grateful you chose us but, why did
you choose us? Rick inquired.
You two seem like a good fit. You are much stronger and in better shape than the other recruits
and I have limited choices! Anyways, you two will leave at two this afternoon.
Thank you, sir. Leonard said in a polite manner.
The rest of the day Rick and Leonard did their daily routines and later met the General at
his office at 1:48 p.m. with their bags ready. The General escorted them to their plane and
informed them to wait for their pilot. The flight was long, about fifteen hours including stops.
Their pilot didnt talk much, he just flew while they slept most of the time. They arrived at their
next camp at 5:28 a.m. They grabbed their bags and went to their cabins to go to sleep.
The next day there was a loud commotion outside, men marching and yelling orders and
then a man came in and yelled, Up boys, we got a hard day ahead of us. So Rick and Leonard
got up and went outside, they saw men getting on boats and leaving. They were so confused on
what they needed to do that they were almost ready to panic until someone yelled at them, Stop
standing around! Get on that boat! They marched over to the boat he pointed at and anxiously
climbed aboard with 30 other men. Off they went, confused and deluded. They had no clue
whatsoever of where they were going nor did they realize at the time that they were going to war
that instance.
They were heading to Oran, Algeria. On the boat, the crew was silent, none of them were
prepared or could ever be prepared for what was coming. After about five hours they saw the
coast. Rick was watching the shore come closer and closer until it arrived. Men jumped out and
ran on the beach to find cover. Rick and Leonard followed behind them and took cover. Rick
could see the beach was dusty and there was a dock to his right and there was grass on a ledge of
dirt.
What do we do? Rick asked.
I am not sure Leonard answered unsurely.
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As Rick was hiding, rather than taking cover, he saw the dock. He saw two British
destroyers come to it to try to dock on it. There were many rangers on them and they both
received heavy fire and one was not able to land the rangers. The other one dropped off about
200 men and the ship quickly escaped. Some boats waited away from the shore and all the
troops on land pushed inland.
At first there were few French soldiers that slowed down the troops. Rick could hear the
heavy gunfire as he crept behind the moving soldiers, knowing that if he turned back he would
be shot. He felt his heart pounding and all his safety flee. As he came closer to inland, more and
more French troops started pouring in. Rick was running behind the men in front of him and
tripped on a dead body. He saw the dead mans face and that his final emotions were filled with
fear. Rick saw the houses and structures ahead and related them to his home. How Rick missed
his home and his mother and father.
They were coming into town and they stopped again to position for a charge. Rick was
losing his strength as he saw the warfare around him, he saw men yelling out in pain. He also
saw citizens that lived here on the battlefield before now, on the ground, lifeless. Rick, holding
his gun in his hand, saw his own men falling in front of him from the bullets of the enemy. A
man yelled Charge!, everyone ran towards the enemy. Rick was pushed up and began to ran.
He saw his men being shot down and he dove for cover. He fell to the ground, out of breath. He
found himself hiding behind a pile of manure and heard his men getting farther away. Rick
couldn't stay there long for he would be killed. He got up and walked a ways and saw a man
lying on the ground. He went over to see if the man was alive. He found that his eyes were
staring into his soul with a gun in hand. Rick began to panic and feel for his gun and he heard
the man's first shot at him, but thankfully it missed. Leonard heard the gunshot and ran back to
see Rick. He left the group and his small amount of security. Leonard saw the man aiming at
Rick, who was frozen out of fear, and shot at him, making his next shot at Rick hit his foot.
Rick cried out for mercy and fell to the ground. Leonard carried him as far as he could to
the group, but the rest of the men had gone too far ahead. They sat down and Leonard patched
his foot up and then they sat there for a while. Later, they began to walk toward their group, as
far as Rick could go, then they stopped and slept through the night. When they awoke they
walked the rest of the way and met up with the other soldiers. The other soldiers barely noticed
what they were missing. Most of the others were dead so the rest that were still alive were
waiting for reinforcements.
When reinforcements came they immediately charged, once again Rick and Leonard
followed. French forces charged at the same time and there was a collision. Rick shot at the
enemy and felt his heart beat out of his chest, his foot was throbbing and he was thinking of his
father, Where is my father? Rick felt lost and all at once he felt sadness, he charged the enemy
and fought them with all his might. At the end Rick found himself sitting down. He was chilled
to the bone so he thrust his hands deep into his pockets for warmth and felt a rough piece of
paper. He unwrapped it and it had a note on it, the note said:
Rick,

What I am going to tell you will hurt you deeply, but you have to know. The letters from
Paul, your dad, stopped arriving over ten months ago. The newer ones are fake I wrote them.
I wrote them to protect you. Your father died at Pearl Harbor on December 7th in the heat of the
battle. I have tried to tell you but I couldnt bare to see your face
At that moment Rick became enraged, but still he sat. He had to understand the letter, he
had to look at it again to fully understand what it meant. When he read it again he began to
shake, his eyes dilated. He cried and whimpered Dad. How could you do this to our family.
How could mom lie to me? He felt the wind and a chill come over him, is this what war does?
Is this what war does to families.destroys them. Rick could never see his father again and had
no desire to see his face. His face represented the lie his mother told and the pain of losing him.
Today was November 10th and today was the day this war tore his family apart. Rick became
distant from reality and became overwhelmed with darkness and regret.
Rick fell asleep after a while and dreamt of his father. At first it was pleasant and his
father was there with him. They were laughing. Then his mother came. His father slowly
walked away. His mother began to cry and he felt alone. Maybe his mother was right.