backuponthesea's blog: "onceuponthesea"

here's a scene from my new movie;

3a.m. on a ridge in luzon, phillipines-30 october-1945

3 american soldiers are out in front of the perimeter, which has been established on a hill.

MACHINE GUN AND RIFLE FIRE. GRENADES,TNT CHARGES AND LAND MINES ARE EXPLODING ALL AROUND THEM as the take cover behind a fallen tree.

As they are returning fire, a GRENADE EXPLODES just behind them.

KILLING TWO OF THE SOLDIERS AND SEVERELY WOUNDING THE THIRD.

TIGHT SHOT

ON TOM ATKINS,the wounded army private, as he slowly stirs. He is BLEEDING SEVERELY from 2 SHRAPNEL WOUNDS in his RIGHT ARM & UPPER ABDOMEN.

He pushes himself painfully, slowly up by his uninjured arm and begins returning fire.

MONTAGE

To illustrate his action during the next 4 hours, while he delivers fast and accurate fire on the approaching JAPANESE FORCES.

At 7 A.M 13 enemy dead are scattered around and near his foxhole. He had fired 400 rounds, all he and his dead companions possessed, and had used 3 rifles until each had jammed so badly as to be no longer usable.

During a lull, he withdraws to secure another weapon and more ammunition from his platoons base of fire, but was PERSUEDED to remain for medical treatment. While waiting, he sees a lone Japanese soldier lurking just outside the base, grabs a nearby rifle and kills him with one shot.

A few minutes later, while lying on a litter he spots an enemy group moving in, and despite his severe wounds delivers heavy rifle fire until the attack is repulsed.

Then, finally, he passes out.

In respect and admiration to THOMAS E.ATKINS,pfc,U.S.Army,Company A,127 Infantry Division. He was awarded the CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR for the actions described above.From the citation, "Pfc Atkins' superb bravery and his fearless determination to hold his post against the main force of repeated enemy attacks,even though painfully wounded, were major factors in enabling his comrades to maintain their lines against a numerically superior enemy force".

Talk about a MAN.

This entry dedicated with respect and admiration to all Veterans and current service men and women.on 11/11/11