Love Thy Enemy

Sgt. Chris Vogel and his best friend Lt. Benny Montgomery, become prisoners when their mission fails. Chris Vogel, a decorated combat veteran, is determined to protect Montgomery from roving squads desperate to execute American officers.

Captain Hans Kegel, the German officer who captured Vogel and his men, is the son of the president of KMG, one of the world’s largest industrial giants. A delicate association develops between the two enemies. Kegel provides medicine that saves the life for one of Vogel’s wounded men.

When Chris Vogel and a few prisoners are permitted to work at a farm, Hans Kegel and Chris are able to repair a broken tractor for the farmer. It is here Chris meets the farmer’s daughter, Lisa Bauer. A delicate attraction develops for both although Chris is a prisoner at a neighboring prison camp. Hans Kegel continues to become more involved with Chris and Lisa.

Chris must deal with Germans posing as American soldiers inside the prison compound. With the advancing of American soldiers, fanatical groups take drastic actions to kill American officer prisoners. Montgomery becomes a target.

Chris enters the farmhouse prepared to ask Lisa to marry him. Instead, he flees from the house from what he sees. It will be five years before Chris learns the truth what he saw that day.

Can he reclaim love of the woman he could never forgive—or forget?

Love Thy Enemy

By

Vernon E. Beall

You are one lucky bastard!

Sergeant Chris Vogel barely raised his eyes to the man then returned to cleaning a .30 cal. Carbine.

Fat Boy heard you’re gonna get a Bronze Star!

Got one.

P.F.C. Leonard Garvey pushed broken furniture away to sit on a wooden cartridge box. Heard ‘bout Beck. He was a good soldier. A good man.

Vogel nodded concealing any emotion.

Guess that was a rough one, Sergeant.

They are all rough.

Beck was one of your original guys, right?

Getting no response Garvey said, I feel like a fuck’n recruit! ‘Been with this outfit five months and most guys don’t give me time of day. Bastards.

Vogel stopped work holding an oil soaked rag, and looked at Garvey. They are trying to do you a favor.

Garvey sounded angry when he said, What the hell you saying? I got a name!

Vogel said, They don’t want to see it on a white cross. Just do your job. After a pause Vogel added, You are a good soldier, Lenny. You should be corporal soon.

Garvey looked up when a figure entered, blocking the light. He jumped to his feet and yelled, Ten hut!

Lieutenant Benjamin Montgomery displayed a tired smile as he pushed inside the cramped quarters. At ease. Private Garvey don’t you have something to do?

Ah, yes Sir! Garvey eased past the second lieutenant and disappeared beyond a door that was hanging on broken hinges.

Montgomery said, I heard about Beck. Damn! Best BAR man in the outfit.

That’s why I picked him.

The officer found the seat Garvey had abandoned and sat down. He set a small army issue bag on the dirt floor. How many left?

Eleven.

Out of our original sixty-four. We have taken a real beating since we landed.

We made Jerry pay for everyone. Remember fifteen were TDY’d to the Seventh.

The lieutenant said, I think Montgomery wants both the British and American armies under his thumb.

He a relative?

Cut the crap!

Vogel laughed for the first time. Benny, you were always a little prissy.

Go to hell you frig’n kraut.

Both men laughed. Vogel used a dime to tighten a screw holding the stock to the carbine. Next he put two drops of army issue light oil on either side of the bolt. Montgomery watched with interest as the sergeant placed a bullet in the breech before inserting a full clip.

I hope you have that weapon on safety!

What’s a safety?

The officer studied the twenty-year old sergeant with friendly admiration. He remembered they had met in basic training where a bond of friendship developed along with sixty-two other men in their platoon. Vogel was masculine and carried his six-foot body erect in a natural way. Deep blue eyes and a smooth ruddy complexion were a magnet to girls when they went to town on weekend pass.

Benny knew it was Vogel who had drawn the attention of two attractive girls at a coffee shop. It was how he had met Sharon, the girl he was going to ask to be his wife when he got back home. When his commission came through, Benny knew he was lucky to stay with the old group.

Vogel had been top man at the end of training and was offered OCS but he turned it down. Chris also had rejected a battlefield promotion last week.

Benny opened a bag at his feet and pulled out a bottle of French wine. Vogel showed interest for the first time.

What the hell you selling, Benny?

Benny laughed as he worked the cork free. Can’t two old friends have a social drink?

It’s never social when an officer visits an enlisted man carrying a bottle of wine.

Lieutenant Montgomery shook his head. That was never a problem with you and me. Would you rather hear it from the captain?

Vogel’s eyes rested on his friend. Hear what?

Benny smiled holding out the bottle. Vogel took the first drink and wiped a sleeve across his mouth.

First, you are up for another medal. The gun bunkers you destroyed opened a door and saved a lot of our guys. You know we are short an officer for the third platoon. Why the hell don’t you take it?

We went over this before.

You speak German like a native. You would be valuable in intelligence.

You know my grandfather came from Bavaria. Our family spoke German when they got together. Vogel means bird and you guys never let me forget it once you found out the meaning.

Bird, my friend, you may get a chance to test your wings. Battalion has come up with a suicide mission. You were named to head it.

Bird Vogel took another drink from the wine bottle and handed it to Montgomery.

I knew it was a ball buster when you pulled out that bottle.

Yeah, Bird, you always read me like a book. Wish this was a volunteer one but I’m afraid this is top drawer and it’s an order.

Bird showed little emotion. What’s the deal?

Benny drank from the bottle and replaced the cork. Looking at Vogel he said, Let’s talk outside.

Soldiers paid little attention to them as they walked to a quiet place beside a parked Sherman tank. Benny said, Okay, remember all those red marks on your map?

Bird started to reach into a pocket.

Bird, don’t pull out a map. This is verbal. That red area is a hedgerow Crisscrossed with machine guns. Jerry can cut our advance to ribbons. Tanks can’t get through heavy hedgerows and when they do, an eighty-eight turns them into a fireball.

Bird said, How do I fit in?

You pick three men—no more. Find a way through or around that damned mess. Bring back prisoners from that area. Maybe the smart boys can get information from a prisoner to answer the problem. We jump off tomorrow and right now we will be cannon fodder.

When do I go?

Benny looked at his watch. Ten minutes.

Chapter 2

Private first class Virgil (Fat boy) Coon was point man carrying Beck’s BAR automatic machine gun. PFC Roy Wilson followed armed with a grand rifle and Private Charles Libman carried a carbine plus a box of 30 cal. bullets.

Vogel waited for the trio to catch up to where he lay hidden behind a hedge fence. PFC Coon was the first to arrive and flopped down beside the sergeant. Wilson and Libman were only a step behind.

Vogel pointed to the metal box and said, Fat Boy, grab a few clips. You other guys do the same. We leave the box here.

Libman said, I dragged that damn box all this way to leave it? That bastard must weigh fifty pounds!

Vogel remained serious when he said, That is why we leave it. Besides, it will make too much noise dragging it across bushes. The Krauts will be listening for movement. I am going to work my way up using this hedge for cover. Charlie, you and Roy follow. Fat Boy, set up a field of cover fire at about fifty yards. All set?

Three heads nodded. Chris Vogel had gone less than a hundred feet when he heard voices.

Do you think the Americans will come this way, first sergeant?

Yes. They must. Rudi, I depend on you and your machine gun to hold them back.

I will do my duty, first sergeant.

Chris smiled and motioned his two men forward. Roy, a gun is directly ahead. Ease to the right but be careful. I’m sure there will be others. Charlie, cover me while I move up. Hold your fire unless I fire first.

Vogel inched forward on his stomach without making a sound. He stopped less than six feet from the soldier he suspected was Rudi. The young soldier was manning a machine gun pointed in the direction he had come.

A second gun was spotted several yards to the left and another an equal distance to the right. The crew on the right was smoking and he heard a short laugh. Vogel could not see anyone at the other position. He figured they were resting or sleeping. It was time to make his move.

The young German behind the gun was startled when he felt something-hard press into his side. He turned and his mouth dropped when he saw an American holding a gun and it was pushed tight against him. The American put a finger to his lips and slowly shook his head. The soldier found it best to obey. When he was satisfied, Bird nodded toward the other man.

First sergeant.

The sergeant jerked to attention when he turned. A rifle was aimed at his chest.

Drop your weapons. Crawl to me without a sound or I will blow your head off.

Fat Boy saw the three figures crawling towards him. The hour had seemed like half a day. He wiped sweat form his hands.

Cover us ‘till we get beyond that hedgerow.

Bird, the big one has a pistol.

Vogel reached and jerked a luger from the surly man’s holster. The sergeant spit at his captor.

Forty minutes later the two prisoners were standing before Captain Crawford, Commanding officer of Company B. The younger prisoner stood shivering facing the floor. The two hundred- twenty-pound sergeant stood defiant poised to strike out.

After five minutes Vogel knew the interrogation would not get the desired information in time. A major from battalion continued to question the pair in poor German. The sergeant laughed boldly in the officer’s face.

I’d like to put my fist in this bastard’s face!

Captain Crawford said, Major, Sergeant Vogel speaks the language quite well. Perhaps you might like him to try.

The major stepped aside and said, I’ll give you five minutes, Sergeant. You know our schedule for attack so we don’t have much time.

Vogel motioned the younger man closer. Rudi, where do you come from?

Before the prisoner could answer the sergeant said, Tell him nothing. You are a soldier of the Fatherland and we will soon kill all these swine...

Vogel’s fist slammed into the sergeant’s face with force and the man dropped to his knees.

The major said, Sergeant, I didn’t see that. These men are prisoners and are to be treated as such under the Geneva Treaty. I don’t want to see that again.

The sergeant spit blood and wiped a split lip that was beginning to swell.

Crawford looked at Vogel and shook his head but there was a smile on his face.

Vogel directed his attention to the younger man. Rudi, there is no shame in being a prisoner. You did your duty and you will go home one day soon. Where is that?

The boy continued to shiver but remained silent. Do you think my knowing where you live can cause Germany to lose the war?

Rudi laughed before he was able to stop. How old are you, Rudi? Fourteen? Fifteen? I have a brother back home about your age. So which is it?

Rudi looked at the American who spoke his language flawlessly. Fifteen.

Vogel smiled. You come from Bavaria?

The young prisoner nodded. Kumbach. It is a small town...

That makes the best beer in the world! My grandfather told me when I was a small boy.

Did your grandfather come from my town?

No, Rudi, Bamberg.

Rudi was smiling and becoming relaxed. My Uncle Frederick lives in Bamberg. He is the postman!

Vogel put an arm around the boy and held him close. He felt the boy still trembling and continued to hold him. He spoke softly in the boy’s ear.

Rudi, would you like to go with me tomorrow?

Where?

Back where you were today.

Rudi pushed away, his eyes wide with fright. No! No I want to stay here!

But I must take you back, Rudi. You are too young to be considered a soldier in my army. You have to be returned to your officer.

Crawford caught the eyes of the major and winked. No one spoke.

We can go right back to where we found you. Okay?

The young soldier shook his head and looked bewildered.

Something wrong?

We can go a different way. Just me and you?

That depends on you, Rudi. I may not like the way you want to go.

It is the only safe way! We must go two or three kilometers that way. He pointed east.

Why, Rudi?

There will be no panzers or machineguns there. They are all waiting where you found me.

The German sergeant lunged for Rudi cursing him, but other hands quickly prevented it. Rudi looked frightened.

Did I do a bad thing?

Rudi, when you save lives you do a good thing. You will save German soldiers by telling me this.

You will take me back tomorrow?

Vogel put an arm on the boy. Rudi, I think you would be in danger so it is best you stay here.

But I told you that is a safe way!

Vogel, with an arm still around Rudi said, If there is no objection I will take Rudi to the prisoner compound. I want him treated right.

The major said, Vogel, right now you could kiss him for all I care! I’ll get the information to headquarters. You did a damn fine job!

When Vogel left with Rudi the major asked, Did you speak with Bird about the open lieutenant’s position in third platoon?

Montgomery did. Answer is still the same. Damn waste!

Well, maybe things will change his mind. We surely need him.

Chapter 3

At 0600 the next morning the 176th Regiment attacked with twelve thousand troops. Two companies were beyond German defenses before the breech was discovered. Too late, Colonel Von Fritch received information that American forces had attacked two miles east of his prepared defense.

Damn! We had them if they had entered this area! How did they find out? I will have the man shot!

Major Mueller said, Colonel, we must move the panzers quickly or we can be cut off from the 15th Division.

Von Fritch slapped a swagger stick hard against his leg. Then order it! And find the damned traitor!

Captain Crawford’s driver stopped his jeep at a road intersection where several officers were gathered. Crawford hurried to Colonel James Abbott and saluted.

How is it going, Sir?

The career officer looked trim in a clean combat uniform. When he removed a steel helmet, Crawford saw new grey in his commanding officer’s hair.

Fine, Captain. I understand I have Vogel to thank once again.

He brought in the two prisoners.

And Major Henry said Vogel got that boy to show the way?

Yes, Sir.

Abbott yelled at an MP to untangle several stalled vehicles. Turning to Crawford he said, Companies H and Headquarters linked up with Division twenty minutes ago. What was to be a massacre turned into damn near a cakewalk. I still have a medal for Vogel from last week. Looks like I need to get him another.

I cut orders last night to promote him to tech sergeant.

Fine. I need men like him for officers. Does he have a problem killings Krauts that may be related?

No, Sir. He just refuses the responsibility.

Damn, Paul! He leads a platoon just the same! That is certainly frig’n responsibility.

Loud whistling of an artillery shell caused everyone to fall flat on the ground. A supply truck exploded two hundred feet away. Abbott was on his feet running to staff officers yelling, Get the hell out of here! They have spotted us! Keep those troops moving!

Corporal Jeff Meekins had the motor racing when Captain Crawford jumped into the passenger seat. Corporal, me thinks Jerry just found out he got outsmarted! Troops racing for cover heard Crawford’s laughter above the jeep’s motor.

* * * * *

Sigmund Bauer stood at a twelve-foot high gate while a guard unlocked a heavy chain. You are back, Herr Bauer.

My crops still wait to be picked. He pointed a hand to the guard’s ample stomach as he walked away. I see you like to eat.

The guard laughed as he replaced a lock on an iron chain. Bauer moved past allied prisoners doing menial tasks on the bare prison grounds. He was stopped when he climbed three steps leading to a closed door painted Commandant.

When an armed sentry opened the door Major Otto Ruppert greeted him.

Herr Bauer, I am honored. Is your visit for the same reason?

Bauer placed his five foot ten inch body stiffly before the officer’s oak desk. He removed a hat marked with a permanent band of sweat and faced the commandant.

Major, the idiots running this war must think food grows on the table where they feast everyday! They will all soon know that is not so if my crops are not harvested soon.

Major Ruppert smiled at the man’s obvious disapproval of his superiors but was not offended. He indicated a vacant chair and Bauer sat down.

You walked, Herr Bauer?

Eight kilometers. I would walk twenty to get a few men to help on my farm.

Ruppert sighed and his shoulders sagged forward. I am sorry but my answer is still the same. We still have an epidemic here of respiratory infection. Four prisoners have died and it has been declared highly contagious. My colonel forbids any prisoner outside the prison walls. If any are found so, they will be shot.

And what will you do for food? My wife and daughter cannot do everything. Those idiots in Berlin instructed farmers to plant even more this season. Now they say crops must rot in the ground.

Ruppert sat erect and cleared his throat. Sigmund, please be careful with your words. That can get you into trouble. As a practical man I sympathize with your problem, but I am under orders…and I like to see the sun each day.

Major, you said you were raised on a farm. You know my need to save my crops.

But I cannot permit contagious prisoners to work for you. There is the Geneva Convention and my superiors grow anxious now.

And damn well they should! Our young men are slaughtered. Must women and children starve?

Shush! For God’s sake, Sigmund! I can’t permit you to talk like that!

Then give me six men—four; two. Otto, my situation is desperate!

Ruppert shook his head but his voice spoke with compassion. If anything should change I will see you get help. For now my hands are tied. But please give my regards to Frau Bauer and your lovely daughter. Lisa, correct?

Bauer nodded and put on his worn hat as he opened the door. As the man walked across the prison yard a guard stepped close to Sergeant Hauffmann.

I would give that old bastard the whole damn miserable lot of these swine! Then I would take them to a manure pile and shoot every one!

The soldier looked with disgust at the speaker. I don’t believe I saw the Iron Cross on your chest, Private Linder. You talk big for a man who never served a day in battle.

Bruno Linder’s face was a mask of vengeance. You didn’t get much for your time fighting Ruskies.

No, I didn’t get any medals but I did get a new leg. It’s wooden, of course, like that head on your shoulders.

Linder’s arm swung back but the soldier’s hand dug hard into the man’s throat. Try it, Bruno. You are a coward and I have killed better men than you. You disgust me and every soldier at this post.

Bruno pushed the sergeant’s hand away and rubbed his throat that was already turning red.

I tried to enlist with the paratroopers but there was no opening. I would have gone into panzers but the damn doctor turned me down. Maybe my cousin can get me in the SS.

The sergeant was walking away as Linder yelled, You’ll see! I’ll kill American bastards!

Chapter 4

Colonel Abbott saluted and the General touched a gloved hand to a plastic helmet boasting three stars. Abbott stepped out of his jeep joined by his aide Captain Bob Thomas.

You finally got here, Colonel. Have a little trouble?

Abbott’s face reddened. A division of Jerries had us blocked but we found a way around them. Casualties are light.

Damn casualties! Get your men’s asses moving! Men come in boxcars, Colonel. Victory does not come that way.

Abbott stood quiet, unsure, and then angry at what he had heard. Before the junior officer could reply the General pointed to a camouflaged van. When Abbott entered the mobile vehicle two other officers were busy at a large map fastened to a wall. Brigadier General Bert Cassey greeted Abbott.

Hello, Jim. You made good time. We thought those hedgerows would delay you.

Abbott glanced at the senior general who seemed not to have heard his Adjutant’s greeting. A sergeant carried a tray of coffee and set it down on an empty corner of a six-foot table. He then left. The general viewed the tray with a look of disgust. None of the junior officers poured a drink. The door opened and a 1st lieutenant entered. Abbott noted the officer wore wings of an army aviator. The man could not have been more than twenty but his face looked intelligent. He saluted and said, Lieutenant Bell, One Oh Seventh Liaison reporting, Sir.

The General turned to face the young officer. How does it look, Lieutenant?

Bell spoke with a firm voice. I saw only a few groups of the enemy, Sir, but I feel there are—

Lieutenant, these stars give me the right to think. Lieutenants get me what I need to know. You saw no major movement of Germans?

No, Sir.

Thank you. Have a cup of coffee before you go. Doesn’t look like anyone here is thirsty.

Thank you, Sir. I need to get back to my plane. The motor is running rough.

General Cassey called the men close to the map. Gentlemen, there is our objective.

Abbott looked with alarm at the place Cassey’ s finger pointed. General! That’s fifty miles into German territory!

Sixty-one, the General corrected.

Another officer asked, But why? That is well beyond our front line forces or supply.

The General barked, Colonel I am not sending good men for a picnic! They will carry whatever supplies they need with them.

Abbott thought the most needed supplies would be body bags but he remained quiet. Silent protest could be seen on the faces of other officers.

The General pushed Cassey aside and removed a brown leather glove and pointed. Here we are, gentlemen, and here is our objective. Here is how we get there, using this road that the Krauts were kind enough to provide.

The officers looked at each other with concern on their face.

What is the objective, General? a battalion colonel asked.

Stalag Twenty-two. Brave American boys are kept there like animals. I want them back here in forty-eight hours!

Silence. The General said, Colonel Abbott will lead with three hundred men from the Hundred Fifteenth and three Shermans. Williams, you will be in charge of transportation—requisition deuce and a half . Enough for the men plus the prisoners.

How many prisoners will there be, General?

Unknown. Bring every damn last one back!

After a pause the general added, Figure a couple hundred. Remember, gentlemen, victory does not come in boxcars. Move out in one hour.

Abbott had heard the victory speech before and he felt no more impressed. Looking at his wristwatch they had less than two hours to prepare.

Abbott