Peter Pan in the Military-Part III

Ok, lets look backward a little to see what may have contributed to this emerging condition. First our Peter Pan had a number of older friends when he was about 14-15. The friends were nearing 18 and the draft. They shared social contacts such as drinking beer and limited dating.
Our Peter Pan was somewhat large and mature for his age. Well built and tall Remember from a young age he roamed the rugged mountains. He camped out alone starting at about age 10-11. Remember in those days they worried about him getting hurt and not of someone hurting him.

Then at age 16 he presented himself at the draft board in Seattle, WA. and managed with a little help from an adult friend to be inducted into the Army at Fort Lewis. From now on until he attains the legal age of 18 he will have to conduct himself as an adult. No more kid stuff. So he became an expert in appropriate language, handling a beer, and a certain mature facade. This must have been a strain. He picked one NCO to imitate. So around females, drinking, and having disagreements he acted as though he was 18.

As we mentioned he completed Infantry basic training and then won parachutist wings at the
Infantry School at Fort Benning. From there to Army Field Intelligence School. He was transferred around several times So we return to where he is a member of a Ranger Company
in South Korea. He is now 17 and about to experience some life changing events. The first such event occuried when he was engaged in combat with the newly arrived Chinese Army who entered North Korea to assist the Koreans. Oor soldier had severe wounds and required immediate medical treatment. Their medic was dead as were all members of the company except nine counting our soldier. He was the only one with rank.

Barely able to walk he gave orders for them to follow a creek bed with running water south. He
knew that water flowed south and that the Anerican forces were south of them. All eight of the soldiers helped him at times and they evenually contacted US Army units. Nearly dead he was evacuated to an Army hospital in Japan. It appeared that he would recover from the wounds and probably return to duty. Much to his surprise many ranking officers paid him a visit. He was awarded the Distingushed Service Cross, the Purple Heart, and several other medals. The
DSC is next to the Medal of Honor.

To his great surprise and barely understanding the significance of it he was commissioned a second lieutanent. He was able to get out of bed for the first time to receive this. A team of personnel appeared to present him with his officer's uniform. Not quite 18 yet. It will be another 2-3 weeks prior to discharge from the hospital. His future assignment is unknown.

We will continue in a new post. Remember his family has not heard from him since he left home and they do not know where he is. Is he dead or alive ? Those events will have a powerful impact on his future and the development of the Peter Pan complex.