A MESSENGER ARRIVES
Scouts out to spot any Germans, the battalion marches through a stubborn haze softens the morning light. The cool, wet air wraps the paratroopers in dew.
Vandervoort hobbles on a French farmer's loaned crutches, focused on the small village three miles to the north. They have not gone far when a breathless messenger arrives.
"My sergeant sent me... Colonel Ekman wants you to bring your battalion to St. Mere-Eglise. The Germans are overrunning them!"
The disheveled messenger sounds confused. "Are you sure the Colonel wants my whole battalion?"
The man's eyes flick uncertainly. "I think so, sir, that's what my sergeant told me to tell you."
Vandervoort knows that it's possible the attack on St. Mere-Eglise went very badly. But questions cram Vandervoort's head.
What is left of 3rd Battalion? Where is the Colonel? How many Germans are in St. Mere-Eglise? Why weren't the orders written to prevent confusion?
And, most of all, what about his original mission. If he takes the battalion to St. Mere-Eglise, who will defend Neuville-Au-Plain?
