rounds, even napalm dropped by our fly guys. Happened about five times a day in

’Nam. And your daddy was right there beside me every time. And he was already a

lieutenant colonel at that point. He didn’t have to be running with the grunts

like that.” He rubbed his chin and continued. “When he got his second star they

made him commander of the 101st. Best leader the Screaming Eagles ever had in my

humble opinion. Then he got his corps command when they pinned on the third

star.” “Helluva career,” said Puller. He felt a bit awkward, unsure where this

trip through his father’s past was supposed to lead.

 

Demirjian looked down at his shoes for a few moments. “I have no idea what set

off the notion in Lynda’s head about all this. She was moved to the hospice part

of the facility a month ago. That’s when she told me she wanted to let the

authorities know about this. That about gave me a heart attack. I begged her to

just drop it. Thirty years ago? Who would remember anything? And your father and

the way he is? Not able to really defend himself?” “So you know about that?”

Demirjian stared over at Puller, his features crumbling. “I visited him up where

he is now.” “I didn’t know that,” said Puller. “This was about a year ago. He

wasn’t himself anymore. But he remembered me. He remembered some of the old

days.” “He did back then. Not so much anymore.” Demirjian shook his head. “I’m

one tough son of a bitch and I left that place bawling my eyes out. To see your

daddy like that…” Puller didn’t say anything. He let Demirjian regain his

composure, rub at his moistened eyes, and then continue. “But Lynda wouldn’t let

it go. If I didn’t help her she’d just get someone else to do it. That’s what

she said. Well, I figured that it would be better coming from my hand, so to

speak.” He glanced up at Puller. “Did they show you the letter?” “They did.”