1. Part 1: Lost Patrol.

8 November 1944, Hürtgan forest, South Germany.

My name is Adam Ryan. I am a corporal with First Infantry Division better known as the Big Red One. We have been in this forest for a month now trying to to expell the germans who are dug in. They own the high ground and bombard us constantly with artillery. It is cold and the woods are thick with trees and fallen leaves litter the ground to where one can not see the earth.

We have received orders to scout the forest, find the german positions and take prisoners. This mission should be simple but most often its usually not. We have patrol of seven men. Its a small squad but casualties have been high and replacements in short supply.

In my squad is Sgt Johnson a short, stout thirty four year old man from south Minnesota. He has five children who live with their grandmother for this wife died in child birth. He has a laid back attitude until the going gets tough. Then he is quick to call orders and has been with the division since North Africa. His face is round with caring dark brown eyes, he possesses a deep scar on his left cheek, a memorial of the heavy combat he has seen. He cares greatly for the men under him and is more then willing to put his life on the line for his squad.

Second in command in Corporal Tanner, the BAR man. He has seen action in Sicily and Italy. He doesn't speak much but has piercing blue eyes that seem to look past you. He has a no nonsense attitude, he is tall and skinny and has a sturdy jaw line with almost always a five o'clock shadow. we don't know how old he is or where he comes from. The bets say he is at least late twenties and from Arkansas.

Third down the line is Medic Avery also called Doc. A twenty four year old man from middle Georgia. He has a thick southern draw and a toothy grin. He landed ashore on D day and has been with the squad ever since. He has hazel eyes and a confident smile. He has a sturdy frame much owing to his previous life on a farm.

The fourth man is Private Coleman from Florida. He is twenty two and was wounded a month ago from shrapnel during a surprise air raid. He has a newly wed wife, and their newborn son which he talks constantly about. He landed ashore after D day and had been transferred here to our squad. He is tall and lanky, his uniform seems so baggy on him.

Fifth is Private Fist Class Guzzo from upstate New York. He is twenty six and comes from a wealthy family of Italian immigrants who have been in the states since the potato famine. He joined before the draft could find him. He is a royal joker and always has a joke on hand for any situation, even in the heat of combat. He has a medium built figure and always bears a smile.

Sixth is Private Townson from Indiana. He is eighteen so he says but looks more of fourteen. He volunteered without his mother's permission. He joined the squad three weeks ago as a replacement. He has a baby face and is short and thin. Always eager to please, he volunteers for just about anything needing to be done. He can mostly be seen riding Sargent Johnson or Doc's coat tails.

And finally there is me. I come from Nashville, Tennessee. I leave behind a wife and small child. I joined than rather be drafted. I have a small but stocky frame. My eyes are blue and is have a round face. I joined the squad during the push through Normandy. There I helped force the Germans out of France. And now I am here bringing war to the enemies homeland, something they are more than willing to die for.