Chapter 14: A new kind of war, a new kind of leader
February 1918
Hakodate
"...we shall defend this island, we shall defend the beaches, we shall defend shores, we shall defend..."
Corporal Adolf Polzl's English had improved a great deal. Even the Austrian conceded that Governor Churchill's speech was rousing. Though young, Polzl knew charisma when he saw it and Churchill had it in spades. Almost against his will, the Detroit tough allowed the New Yorker's odd accent to draw him in. By the end of the speech, even Polzl felt the stirrings of patriotism.
Of course that passed quickly. The Austrian-born Detroiter had long since given up such sentimental nonsense. He merely wanted to see out his time in the army and return to Chicago where Ulyanov better damned well keep his promises for rewarding his right hand man for his services. Only a few years remained on his sentence. He'd hoped to spend them in the casinos of Salt Lake City but that didn't appear likely at the moment. Defending the beaches of Hokkaido against four hundred million Chinamen?
Not overly profitable.
Yerba Buena Army Base
"Hot damn, we got us a war!"
George Patton's cry initiated a surge of officer's attempting to emulate his enthusiasm. For his part, Colonel Joseph Doroteo could not summon the joy. A great deal of en were about to die and the US Armored Cavalry, built at such expense, would no doubt be at the forefront of it all. Indeed, Doroteo proved quite correct. When General Jack Pershing was dispatched to command the American Armies in the Pacific, the first units he demanded from the President were his cherished Armored Cavalry.
By March, the first of the American tank units were en route to Hokkaido, though they would not stay there for long. A rocky island was not the ideal setting for armored tanks (as they were now routinely called). However, the vast expanses of Manchuria? Yes, that would do quite well.
Army Air Signal Corps - Topeka Kansas
Lieutenant Quentin Roosevelt never felt so at peace as when he was in the air. His Stout 1918 was a work of art. Never before had the twenty-one year old felt such a firm yet flexible frame. The engine, a Dodge, was first rate. Only the damned machine guns kept the plane from performing as well as the British or French offerings. Why the hell was that so damned hard?!
But at least it would be a quick fix. When he returned to land (always too soon), Roosevelt learned of the declaration of war. Already the pilots of his squad were volunteering for Pacific Service. Desiring to escape his father's long shadow, Roosevelt did the same.
February 1918
Hakodate
"...we shall defend this island, we shall defend the beaches, we shall defend shores, we shall defend..."
Corporal Adolf Polzl's English had improved a great deal. Even the Austrian conceded that Governor Churchill's speech was rousing. Though young, Polzl knew charisma when he saw it and Churchill had it in spades. Almost against his will, the Detroit tough allowed the New Yorker's odd accent to draw him in. By the end of the speech, even Polzl felt the stirrings of patriotism.
Of course that passed quickly. The Austrian-born Detroiter had long since given up such sentimental nonsense. He merely wanted to see out his time in the army and return to Chicago where Ulyanov better damned well keep his promises for rewarding his right hand man for his services. Only a few years remained on his sentence. He'd hoped to spend them in the casinos of Salt Lake City but that didn't appear likely at the moment. Defending the beaches of Hokkaido against four hundred million Chinamen?
Not overly profitable.
Yerba Buena Army Base
"Hot damn, we got us a war!"
George Patton's cry initiated a surge of officer's attempting to emulate his enthusiasm. For his part, Colonel Joseph Doroteo could not summon the joy. A great deal of en were about to die and the US Armored Cavalry, built at such expense, would no doubt be at the forefront of it all. Indeed, Doroteo proved quite correct. When General Jack Pershing was dispatched to command the American Armies in the Pacific, the first units he demanded from the President were his cherished Armored Cavalry.
By March, the first of the American tank units were en route to Hokkaido, though they would not stay there for long. A rocky island was not the ideal setting for armored tanks (as they were now routinely called). However, the vast expanses of Manchuria? Yes, that would do quite well.
Army Air Signal Corps - Topeka Kansas
Lieutenant Quentin Roosevelt never felt so at peace as when he was in the air. His Stout 1918 was a work of art. Never before had the twenty-one year old felt such a firm yet flexible frame. The engine, a Dodge, was first rate. Only the damned machine guns kept the plane from performing as well as the British or French offerings. Why the hell was that so damned hard?!
But at least it would be a quick fix. When he returned to land (always too soon), Roosevelt learned of the declaration of war. Already the pilots of his squad were volunteering for Pacific Service. Desiring to escape his father's long shadow, Roosevelt did the same.