Chapter 42
"We have now passed beyond the point where the Jap
troops are assembled, but this little ravine is narrowing down
to extinction. We're going to abandon it and cut across
to where the hill seems to level out a bit.
I can't see any more signs of enemy activity from
here, but I doubt if the main force of the
detachment has shown itself yet.". . ."About how much farther can
you go?". . .You look at the reel and you estimate
the length of its coils. "About 75 yards.". . ."Okay, then.
But don't use up too much of the wire zigzagging
around. Keep to a fairly straight course and don't take
unnecessary chances. Remember, we've got other patrols
mmmworking in the
same general area, and if one of them is discovered
it will make it tough for everybody. How does the
ground look? Do you see any more defense positions?". . ."No.
There are considerably less trees in this part of the
slope, and the Japs are using it as an approach
route to their fortified line down below. When we stand
perfectly still we can hear them passing along the trail.
For some reason, they are not especially cautious. I doubt
if they even have scouts on the flanks or in
front.". . ."Pretty snifty, eh? Where are they coming from?". . ."I
don't think the noise is from above. They seem to
be headed this way from some place along the side
of the hill.". . ."Is there a bivouac area around there?". . .
"I couldn't say, but the terrain is suitable.". . ."I see.
There's a big blank space in my chart between the
positions facing Beach Blue and their apparent line of departure
here. I wish to hell I could find out what's
going on in between.". . ."We'll do all we can, Captain.". . .
You cannot quite comprehend the enemy's immediate strategy.
mmmIt's like
looking at a crossword puzzle and finding that it makes
sense when you read it horizontally, but also adds up
to proper meaning when you read it down. There are
no printed programs and all events are unscheduled,
mmmand whatever
happens is the end product of the stupendous manufacturing
mmmprocess
wherein millions of actions are performed by millions of men.
Many wars have been fought and a few armistices have
been concluded, and that peace which we have crucified will
never come again for our redemption. Nevertheless, we do not
hold that life is so short that we must do
everything possible to make it shorter, and even in defeat
we can go back. But not the enemy. There is
no place in his homeland for the dishonored Jap soldier,
and when a man is unaccounted for, though he be
missing or captured, his family receives notice of his death.
You'd call it enthusiasm if you agreed with it, fanaticism
because you don't. But it's the thing that makes him
into the tough little guy he is. Always beware of
little guys. Like Napoleon. Like Hitler. Like Hirohito. They're sore
about their stature and it makes them ugly and vengeful.
It makes them cunning and resourceful, too, and their methods
of fighting are like jiu-jitsu, with surprise and mobility substituted
for massed strength. They avoid the slugging match and they
try to strike when the blow is unexpected, and they
do battle with a mixture of military art and vainglorious
audacity and their units are not withdrawn until they are
completely annihilated. Pugnacity, to a Jap, is its own reward,
but each of his coins has a hole in it.
If fanaticism didn't exist it would have to be invented.
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