“Shit!” said the Press Secretary.
“I agree. We really need this out ASAP, sir,” said the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs. “This is hot as hell. I am already getting written stories, voice, and now this video,” he said.
“Let’s see it,” the President said.
The lights were dimmed and a crisp image of the Ronald Reagan came into view. It was obvious she was trying to launch airplanes. There were sounds on the tape of the helicopter and some talking in the background. Suddenly someone said “Look at that!” The camera panned to see the Iowa making a mad dash toward the carrier. A huge plume of water shot over the bow as she cut through the waves. In the background they could see the planeguard destroyer launch one missile and then another as the battleship heeled over, turning to go in the same direction as the giant carrier. The 5-inch guns on the Iowa were firing continuously at some target. The CIWS opened up and an explosion was seen in the distance. As the Iowa came up closely alongside the carrier, there was a streak and a flash as the first missile hit the turret. The turret actually jerked around just a bit and the ship heeled slightly when it happened. Flames seemed to spread across the side of the turret and deck while black smoke lifted high into the air. The second hit was slightly obscured, but the gout of flame and smoke was the same. The hit on the funnel occurred while the ship was still heeled over about 10 degrees. The missile struck the funnel just below the black funnel cap and the explosion occurred inside the funnel structure. The men watched as the funnel cap was wrenched from the funnel and thrown up and to the right. The camera operator zoomed out some to see it land upright on the side of the Ronald Reagan’s flight deck.
In just a minute, men could be seen from a damage control team in their gear exiting the side of the Iowa and attacking the flames with water. As they sprayed the turret and fires, a plume of white steam began to rise along with the smoke. Farther aft a second and third DC locker emptied onto the deck to fight the flames. Within just a few minutes, the fires were out and the smoke began to clear. It soon became evident that, aside from smoke and paint, no real damage had been done. That became even more evident as the massive turret began turning and its guns lifting. Pretty soon the hoses were stopped and the ship turned away from the carrier for some unknown destination. That was when the video ended.
Admiral Johnson stood. “Everything I have seen tells me that crew did it just right. Captain Hammond knew his ship and her capabilities and made a deliberate effort to protect that precious aircraft carrier and her 6,000 person crew. His actions saved lives and defeated the aims of the enemy. They are clearly above and beyond the call of duty,” he said using those magic words that rarely get uttered.
O’Bannon almost had tears in his eyes. “Does everyone agree this is a singular act of heroism?” They all nodded their heads. General Black looked like he would burst with pride.
O’Bannon nodded. “Then we are agreed. Admiral, write it up. Mister Secretary, I want this on every television station in the world by tomorrow. Everyone, and I mean everyone work together on this. Downplay the White House and the Defense Department and hit home this act of sheer bravery. Get word to the Reagan. I want that funnel cap. I want it saved and brought here to Washington to put on display. Next, I want a copy of that tape presented to the Mayor of Vallejo. Get whatever photos are out there on it and every story written. Make me up a nice little package we can have for the nation, the city, and the crew. Gentlemen, I know there are brave deeds done all over Korea, but this one was caught on tape and the evidence is clear. I know Hammond will probably hate this, but I want Iowa in the spotlight. The fact she is the music ship does not hurt. Put the video of that in the package too. As of now that ship has received the Presidential Unit Citation and anything else we can dream up. We’ll also need to make some briefings for the Hill. Let’s get the Iowa delegation in on it as well. Admiral Johnson, thank you for letting me see this first hand. Can we speak more in your office?”
Johnson nodded. “Yes, sir.”
“Good. Then let’s turn and burn, people. We have some heroes to acknowledge,” O’Bannon said as he stood. The men all left the room to get things started. General Black took Johnson’s hand. “Damn, Perry, you squids do good work.”
“Why don’t you join us, General?” the President asked.
“Don’t mind if I do.”
The men walked to the CNO’s office and sat down. “Admiral, what do you recommend for the crew?”
“It’s a little early for that, sir. We’ll need the write ups from the ship and a few others. That will tell us who performed during this evolution. We’ll set them up for the appropriate medals. We might even give them spot promotions. I’ll need to send someone onboard to look into it. We normally send an investigating team aboard after an incident where damage occurs anyway,” he said.
“Right now they’re traveling around with just one stack. We’ll need to get that repaired. I’ll make arrangements for the plans to be sent over and a replacement piece to be manufactured and installed. I know we could do it in Japan, but I wonder if we might get a better deal in Korea? Why don’t I send Mike Shranski over there to do some negotiating? He and his team could pull some double duty and do the investigation. Shranski has his Surface Warfare pin and he’s the ultimate bean counter. He would probably do a nice job of it as long as I send a good deputy along. I’ll get on it,” Johnson said.
“Good. Now what about Roger?”
Johnson smiled and looked at his President. He didn’t bat an eye. “Sir, I didn’t use the words above and beyond the call of duty as a lark. He did the same kind of thing Evans did on USS Johnston off the Philippines in 1944. He placed his ship between the enemy and his charges. He took the beating without thought to his personal safety. In this case, he was able to save the crew and the ship in the process. Those sailors did everything right. They did as they were trained. This thing about the music. It tells me he has a happy, professional, and well motivated crew. That counts for everything in a war. I not only want the medal, but I want to convene a review board. I wish I had a few dozen more just like him. If we make the decision, will you sign it?”
“If I don’t I’ll lose my political career. You guys on the E-Ring might run me out of town on a rail. Damn right I’ll sign it,” O’Bannon exclaimed. “Look, I know he’s a friend and all, but he did this without my help or influence. I’m so happy right now I could kiss the man. How about you, General?”
Black leaned back and howled. “Hell, I already offered to let him be a Marine, what more would a guy want!” They all joined in the joke. “You remember what we talked about when all this started? About pointing us in the right direction? Well, you did. This is a direct result of it. Leave the professionals to do their job and things work out okay. A lot of people think technology is everything, but this shows that it’s the people who make the difference. Just give them some tools and they go to town. I’ll admit he’s done better than most, but this is what happens. You threw him into the fire and it just tempered the steel. I’d give him anything he wants.”
“Let’s not get too carried away,” Johnson said. “I definitely want to hear what the investigator says first. But I doubt it will be bad. Let me get Shranski going. If it looks good, we can have all this in place.”
O’Bannon stood to leave. “That’s all I needed to hear. Please keep me informed. I am taking a personal interest. Thanks again, Admiral,” he said.