Scars of War

by Swinson, Marilyn

• ISBN13: 9781462028719
• ISBN10: 1462028713
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2011-07-29
• Publisher: Textstream

Summary

War is not romantic. It is bleeding and dying and holding a lifeless comrade in your arms. It is storming a beach through a hail of bullets. It isfighter planes spiraling from the sky and Americans being taken captive. In "Scars of War," author Marilyn Swinson tells true and often horrifyingstories of war. Based on one-on-one interviews with more than forty veterans, all members of the Combat Airmen/Joshua's Troops of Mayodan, North Carolina, Swinson brings the narratives to lifeas the soldiers relay a variety of war experiences: a soldier aboard a ship moored at Pearl Harbor on that fateful December morning when Japanesebombs rained fire from the sky, and a seventeen-year-old young man forced to endure the horrors of the Bataan Death March, only to face three and ahalf years of torture and deprivation in Japanese concentration camps. A pilot lives to fly again after his plane hits the ground traveling three hundred miles per hour, igniting sixteen thousand pounds of jet fuel. A battle-weary Marine finally sees Old Glory raised on Iwo Jima. "Scars of War" provides a firsthand account of the pathos and pageantry of war from those who survived.

Excerpts

It was a busy late November evening in the AllSenses gentleman's club. The main room, being on the 62nd floor of a modern tower block, had a fabulous view over the city lights, but not many eyes were focused outwards. About 100 guests, all highly successful men from various backgrounds in commerce, politics and entertainment, sat around in small groups, closely attended to by numerous young, very attractive and scantily clad hostesses. The subdued lighting and plush seating gave the curtained booths a private or secretive air, despite the fact that each guest had formally signed in on arrival.At this late hour, the drink was flowing freely and the chat was growing increasingly bawdy and suggestive. The girls were teasing, but each guest new the rules. Light affectionate kissing and petting were allowed, but a zero tolerance policy was in force for any more aggressive behavior. The girls themselves made the call, so regular guests got to know those with a more liberal outlook. Generous tips helped.Those guests with a greater need could always use the 30 separate bedrooms on the 61st floor.No-one noticed the group of five beautiful young girls who crossed the room, pulled back a heavy curtain and pressed a small semi-hidden bell on the wall. They were expected, as the door opened immediately, and they were invited inside.The room was furnished like a comfortable sumptuous living room. Five large lounge chairs surrounded a low marble table, carrying five crystal brandy glasses and the remains of a light dinner. A fake log fire flickered warmingly and realistically. Heavy drapes covered another wall blocking out what would have been another spectacular view. And a second door led out opposite the one just used.Four of the chairs were occupied, and a fifth man stood near the entrance reaching out for the hand of the nearest girl to draw her and her friends into the room.'Bellissima', he said approvingly in a lilting Italian accent. 'We must be good customers'.The other four, one of whom was the club owner, chuckled lasciviously.'My friends' he continued 'today has been a memorable day. We have made good plans. Our collaboration has already brought profits for us all, yet there is more to come from this final phase of our venture. It will take care and daring to execute but I have every confidence that it will succeed. For now we should relax and celebrate our agreement. I thank Frank here for his generous hospitality. And,' looking towards the girls 'his perfect choice of the fairer sex.'With that he grabbed the hand of the nearest girl, the prettiest and youngest at 17, and led her through the back door and down the stairs.