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Uncommon Valiance
Uncommon Valiance
Uncommon Valiance
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Uncommon Valiance

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On any given day undercover operatives from our Intelligence Agencys and Armed Forces perform various covert operations around the world for piece and prosperity of our great nation and faithful allies.

Although seldom revealed these highly trained and dedicated operators are normal people with an uncommon since of pride and honor to their country to succeed at any cost. With failure not an option, their valor entrenches them among the elite few.

This is a gripping saga of a uniquely talented young man fulfilling his destiny as a world class shooter. Only the government learns of his extraordinary abilities and forces him to perform highly classified covert operations with some of the nations finest special operators.

Enveloped in a quagmire of dangerous and calculative clandestine missions on our homeland and abroad while balancing family and his new secrete life hes forced to cope with what he does for his country.

Experience the real-life tales and thrilling events as they unfold deep into the treacherous world of governmental espionage, national security and political warfare.

Dont miss the climatic conclusion with fierce gun battles, explosions, missile launches and the rapid race against time. Barely escaping the warlords, militia and mercenaries of Somalia as they attempt to rescue captures relief workers.

Discover the importance of one of the captured relief workers and how devastating it would be to Americas Presidency if he fails to complete his most daring mission in time.
LanguageEnglish
PublisherAuthorHouse
Release dateJan 4, 2013
ISBN9781477292570
Uncommon Valiance
Author

Thomas W. Wolfe

Born and raised until his early teen years near the heart of the Appalachian Mountains in the mid 1950’s, Bluefield West Virginia will forever be in his deepest memories. The Wild and Wonderful great outdoors still remains his sought after way of life. Residing in rural Central Florida, escaping the hectic day away from the hustle and bustle of the busy metropolis areas he’s still enjoying the wonders the quiet and serene countryside offers to his family and friends. Inspired by the many great writers and authors of various genres and motivated by their lexis, he’s honored to have the opportunity to share his stories to the readers. Grateful of their interest in his work and for their support of his passion for writing: The author wishes to thank each and every reader and sincerely hopes he has fulfilled their inquisitive desire of reading.

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    Uncommon Valiance - Thomas W. Wolfe

     1

    The Early Years

    On a mild early summer day in 1964; twelve year old Gunter Masters and his father were on their way to the National Guard Armory in Princeton West Virginia. After six years of preparations, his father thought his son was finally ready for a demonstration of his unique talents. Arrangements were made with the United Firearm Association to witness the young man’s remarkable shooting abilities.

    Arriving at the Armory, Gunter was curious of the numerous unfamiliar vehicles in the parking lot. His father unsuspectingly told him it was some people that wanted to see how well he could shoot.

    Upon entering the facility they were greeted by their old friend, Master Sergeant Lambert and several unfamiliar high ranking officers. His father saluted them, shook their hands and then began jovial conversation. It appeared they knew one another from their candid remarks.

    Unsure what to expect, Gunter followed everyone down the corridor to the large meeting room. The flags and banners from The United Firearm Association temporarily maintained his attention. While everyone was standing around conversing in small groups, he had some refreshments and stood quietly observing the crowd and wondered why there was such a spectacle on his behalf.

    Usually they arrived unannounced and went directly to the shooting range since his father was in the Army Reserve and had unlimited use of the facilities.

    After finishing the cookies and pop he went back to where his father was still chatting with the other men. He quietly walked up behind them, waiting for an opportunity to speak, and overheard a portion of their conversation.

    Before they realized he was there he heard them say: So you think he is ready for this Mr. Masters. Yes sir and I also believe he is ready for the next level of training. I hope your right; we are behind schedule and need to step this thing up! What about the other participants? He heard his father ask. Not promising, so far two have failed to qualify for the marksmanship round.

    Gunter startled them and they immediately ceased talking when he asked his father Dad, when am I going to shoot? In a few minutes son. His father quickly replied. He walked away as the men silently acknowledged each other with concern over how much he may have heard.

    Abruptly a man spoke into the microphone on the podium at the stage. He welcomed everyone and announced he was Mr. Franks with the United Firearm Association. He continued speaking for a few minutes and then turned the microphone over to another Army officer.

    He announced himself as Colonel Stinson of the U.S. Army and was in charge of the special training events that were about to take place. He thanked the U.F.A. for their collaboration with the Military and their diligent efforts for the necessary arrangements of the event.

    Gunter was uninterested with what the Colonel was saying but remained quite and listened as he continued speaking. The audience applauded when he finished and commenced dispersing from the building to the awaiting vehicles.

    MSgt. Lambert motioned for him and his father to get in an awaiting CJ5 jeep and rushed ahead of the other people to the firing range, a quarter mile down the winding two lane road. When they arrived technicians were setting up video equipment and associated components. He noticed a young man about his age assisting the technicians and went over to him.

    Chad was fifteen, busy working and asked Gunter Are you the one shooting today? Yeah, how did you know that? You’re the third one. Third one for what? He inquired of the busy young man. Continuing to hook up the cables to the equipment he responded The third kid shooting for some kind of stupid testing!

    Watching the teenager continue for a moment he then replied Oh I did not know there were others. Chad finished with his task, looked up at Gunter and haughtily replied Well now you do!

    Walking away wondering if there were others like him. He recalled the conversation he overheard earlier and realized that his father obviously knew there were other’s like him. Distraught and concerned why he was really there he looked around to locate his father.

    Before he could find him he was quickly whisked away by Colonel Stinson and instructed to get ready to shoot. MSgt. Lambert had already placed his rifle on the bench along with the spotter’s scope. All he had to do was to remove the rifle from the case and set it up. Making the necessary adjustments to the bipod legs he remembered when his father first gave him the rifle.

    He worked additional overtime at the coal mines for several weeks so he could purchase it at a nearby pawn shop. Picked it up on his way home and surprised Gunter with it. He was only five years old and his father spent weeks instructing him how to handle, aim, respect and maintain the used .30 caliber rifle. They also spent weeks learning how to use and adjust the powerful scope. It was several months, he had turned six before his father allowed him to fire the first shot.

    Gunter confirmed the range to target, checked his settings and patiently waited for the okay to load his rifle. The Colonel, his father and Mr. Franks approached him and asked if he was ready. He sharply replied I’ve been ready! His father gave him a stern look for his impudent response. When the other’s walked away his father quietly warned him Don’t be disrespectful! Yes sir. He timorously replied.

    Several minutes later Colonel Stinson gave him the authorization to fire; the audience became quite with anticipation. He loaded a single round into the chamber, closed the bolt action lever, leaned over the rifle, looked through the scope, relaxed his breathing, clicked off the safety and ever so gently squeezed the trigger.

    Ejecting the shell, policed the casing, he stood up, turned around and waited for further instructions. From six years of frequent shooting and perhaps a thousand rounds later, he was numb to the pain of the recoil and load mussel blast.

    Everyone was anxious to see the results of his first shot and waited for Lambert to return with the target. As he drove up, exited the tiny jeep and walked toward the Colonel, he winked at Gunter, secretly revealing his knowledge of the shot. The sergeant handed the folded target to the colonel. Unfolding it he quickly announced A perfect bullseye!

    With that annunciation everyone began applauding and congratulating his father, Mr. Franks and the Colonel. During the celebration MSgt. Lambert went over to Gunter, patted him on top of the head and said Good job kid! Thanks Sarg He somberly replied, disappointed that it wasn’t his father that was congratulating him.

    Seeing Lambert with his son, his father went to him I knew you could do it! The Sergeant respectfully walked away so they could be alone, only his father told him to get prepared to shoot again, turned around and informed the Colonel he was ready to continue.

    Mr. Franks then informed Gunter that if he could place three out of five consecutive shots inside the bullseye at 600 yards, he would be the first twelve year old boy in the history of the United Firearms Association to do so. The Colonel and other officers were smiling; their confidence was high after witnessing his first perfect shot.

    Gunter did not give it much thought, considered it another day at the firing range expending rounds at a paper target. He looked down the range through the spotter’s scope to assure the firing lane was clear. He began the check and double check routine to assure everything was in order for his next shot.

    Colonel Stinson gave him the approval to proceed with firing when ready. He inserted another shell, took his time and squeezed the trigger that released the first bullet toward a new unscathed target. After a momentary pause he ejected the spent casing and inserted round two. Adjusted his body slightly, relaxed his breathing, placed the predetermined point of aim on the target and gently squeezed the trigger again.

    He then reached into the shooting tray placed on the bench and removed a third .30 caliber bullet and precisely inserted it in the chamber. After closing the action, comfortably positioning his body, obtaining target acquisition once again and slightly applying pressure to the trigger, he completed his third shot.

    Remaining in the firing position with the butt of the rifle firmly against his shoulder for a moment, he then ejected the spent shell. Peering through the scope and mentally envisioning where the three shots impacted, he stood up straight, turned around and announced to the observing crowd I’m finished!

    The Colonel quickly responded You have two more shots! Gunter replied I don’t need two more shots. Colonel Stinson then insisted You do realize that if you stop now, you do not get another opportunity! Before Gunter could respond, the Colonel instructed his father First Sergeant Masters, inform your son he needs to continue shooting!

    His father apprehensively responded I can’t do that sir. And why is that First Sergeant? The colonel demanded. Sir, that would be in direct conflict with his intense training. Besides if he feels he does not need to continue, then I must respect that decision sir. Gunter was pleased to hear that his father supported his decision. The Colonel was highly upset with the noncompliance of his demands and instructed MSgt. Lambert to retrieve the target immediately.

    Tension was high while everyone anxiously waited for the Sergeant’s return. This time he was unable to give any early indication and went directly to the Colonel with the folded target in hand. Stinson studied the target for a moment, moved it closer to his face and continued to analyze it without saying a word. He turned it over to confirm there were three exit holes and then announced Three perfect bullseyes! He then started clapping with a smile on his face and everyone followed his lead and joined in with the applauding.

    Again most of the people were congratulating each other and his father until he was finally recognized for his achievements. His father looked at the target and was also amazed at what he saw. The three shots were so tightly grouped together it was difficult to determine if there were three shots. Later it would be determined that it was the smallest group ever placed by any marksman for three consecutive rounds at 600 yards. Unfortunately it would be a record that Gunter would never receive recognition for, since the training was top secrete.

    Mr. Franks and Colonel Stinson jointly acknowledged the tremendous accomplishment that young Gunter Masters had successfully completed. The United Firearm Association honored him with a lifetime membership, certificate of appreciation and a marksman award. Colonel Stinson honored him on behalf of the United States Army with a marksmanship medal.

    Mr. Franks then opened a new rifle case and showed him a brand new sharp shooter’s rifle and scope. He became extremely excited when he was informed it was for him, picked the rifle up, looked through the scope, read the information on the side of the rifle and asked What caliber is this? The Colonel replied 5.56 mm and it is a mighty fine weapon son! Mr. Franks also informed him that it was a limited edition, U.F.A endorsed with consecutive serial numbers and worth a lot of money.

    Gunter was completely surprised, equally grateful and sincerely thanked them because he knew his father would never be able to buy him anything that extravagant or expensive. Chad was removing the video equipment that he previously installed, observing and listening to the celebration. He saw how happy Gunter was receiving the rifle and shouted Why don’t you give him a lifetime of ammunition too!

    Everyone heard the suggestion so Mr. Franks acknowledged that it would be a good idea and gave him a business card with a special number on it for him to call when he needed additional ammo.

    After the excitement subsided he was getting tired and anxious to go home. People were finally beginning to disperse so he asked his father when they were leaving. His father was talking to Mr. Franks and Colonel Stinson again. They were very pleased with the results of the testing and agreed that he was ready to progress to the next level in the program.

    Gunter impatiently asked his father When are we going home dad? We will be leaving in ten minutes so get your gear ready. He was already packed and ready to go so he sat down and patiently waited for his father.

    On the way home he anxiously inquired Is there a faster way home? No son. Man that bites! he commented. After a few minutes of quietly riding and thinking, he asked his father questions he reluctantly answered: Why did that colonel call you first sergeant? That that was my rank. Is that like a general or something? No son, that just means I was more experienced than others. What did you do in the Army? Many things Like what? I was in charge of keeping the new men alive as long as possible! Did you do a good job? I don’t know, it’s hard to say, maybe I guess. We won didn’t we? Yes we won the war. Then I guess you did a good job! I never really thought of it that way! His puzzled father replied.

    He then asked his father about the other young contestants; Dad am I the only one shooting at these things? Why do you ask son? This guy named Chad told me there were other kids that can shoot like me. Surprised that he asked, his father quickly responded First of all this Chad guy doesn’t know what he’s talking about. Secondly don’t be concerned about somebody else and if there are others I can assure you that they are not as good as you are! It wasn’t a definitive answer, however he was satisfied with what his father told him.

    Further down the road he thanked his father and told him he enjoyed shooting in front of all those people. He then asked When are we going to shoot my new rifle? Whenever I have time As he continued driving his father told him that when they arrived home his mother might not be as excited as they were. She loves you very much and she doesn’t want you to get hurt I’m not going to get hurt, we know what we are doing don’t we dad? Yes we do but your mother doesn’t want you having guns until you are older so let’s be easy on her. He promised his father he would comply.

    They were almost home when his father began telling him something and then paused for a moment before continuing Some day you will understand why I insisted on teaching you these things and when you grow up I hope you will not hate me.

    Why would I hate you? I love doing this with you dad? Gunter responded. They were approaching their street and his dad slowed down for the stop sign ahead. His father looked over at him and said Someday you might see things differently and that is when I what you to remember the fun we had together. I want you to know that I did this for a reason and I hope that you will forgive me. You must promise me one thing! What’s that dad? Trust your instincts and strive to do the right thing even if it seems wrong at the time. Gunter saw two of his friends on their bikes while his father was talking and unwearyingly replied Sure Dad.

    He would later regret that he was not listening to his father attempting to reveal the truth about the training and the preparations he forced upon him.

    When they arrived home he excitedly showed his certificates, medal and the new rifle to his mother. She looked at them and told him they were very nice but then instructed him to get cleaned up for diner. Disappointed he replied Yes ma’am and did as instructed. Since his father had warned him in advance of her reactions, it did not hurt as bad that she did not share his enthusiasm and recognize his achievements.

    The following Saturday Gunter and his father went back to the Armory and spent the entire day test firing his new rifle. The new model 700 LTR (Light Tactical Rifle) was ergonomically correct, smooth handling and extremely accurate. He quickly became adapted to the feel and power of the new gun. The scope was unfamiliar and somewhat tedious but with constant determination and guidance from his father they soon had it perfected. He was shooting perfect bullseye’s at 200 yards and it wasn’t long before he was accurately shooting at the 600 yard targets again.

     2

    Later that week his father was contacted by Colonel Stinson and informed of the arrangements for the next level of training. Gunter and his father would accompany the 82nd Airborne Rangers during their next scheduled ground training exercises at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He was excited and eager to attend when his father led him to believe it would be like a camping trip.

    Meanwhile his father made the necessary arrangements with his employer for paid time off for his reserve duty status. He also made other necessary requirements for the two weeks they would be away from home.

    The training was extremely difficult for him and even though he struggled, he did not want any special favors or conditions. He endured the same gruesome training as the new Rangers. It did not take long for him to realize that he was not there to have fun but to experience, learn, respect and to feel the pain that the other men endured.

    His father assisted the instructors and observed from the side lines to ensure his son’s safety. Aware of the difficulties he was having, he always gravely struggled to complete each exercise.

    On the third day of training they were at the firing range where he excelled well beyond the capabilities of any trainee. Accurately shooting the maximum 600 yard distance of the range with perfection. Some of the trainees were having difficulties with the 200 and 300 yard targets and could not believe that the young boy was out shooting them.

    After witnessing his exceptional shooting abilities he quickly earned their respect and envy. During the remaining exercises, the other students were willing to assist him. The hard core guys even cut him some slack, and when he needed it, they helped him along so he would complete the training exercise.

    It was the hardest two weeks of his life; however he felt it was beneficial and was proud that he had the opportunity to be with those young men that were diligently training to be our country’s next young warriors.

    Several months went by and their usual weekend trips to the shooting range diminished. His father worked a lot of overtime again and didn’t have any spare time. One night he heard his mother and father talking about the coal mines were closing down. They seemed to be worried and unsure when it would occur. A couple months later he learned that his father had other jobs; he worked at a pool hall in Bluefield at night and drove a taxi cab during the day.

    As time went on his father was getting more upset with all that was going wrong for him and his family. He did not work at the mine anymore, the taxi cab job was twelve hour shifts and then he worked until 4:00 am at the pool hall. Whenever his father was home he was always mad about something. When he watched the World news on TV about the Vietnam War it would make him extremely irate at the way the Politicians were screwing it up. He became overwhelmed with anxiety and went away to the V.A. Hospital in Moundsville, West Virginia for six weeks.

    When he returned home he had improved considerably from the treatment and medications. Everything was fine for awhile until he returned to work and endured the long hours again. Their mother instructed them not to upset their father. She isolated her husband from the children as much as possible to give him the piece and quite he needed for recovery. Gunter was being exceptionally obedient for his father since he loved him very much and did not want to see him in that terrible condition.

    At night when he was in bed, he would think back at the good times he and his father had together and feared they would never occur again. He missed the outings they shared and the excitement of shooting with his father. He wondered how he would continue without him since his mother did not approve of his shooting. He did not know anyone other than his father that understood his desires and the enjoyment of striving to be the best.

    He sincerely hoped that his father would recover so they could continue with the one thing that he knew best, how to shoot extremely accurate at distances never conceived possible for someone only twelve years old.

    One night in early winter, only days before the first heavy snow and shortly after midnight, he awakened to the smell of smoke in the bedroom he shared with his older brother.

    Frightened he got out of bed, shook James’s arm and told him something was wrong. What are you talking about? His brother shrugged. Look at the smoke in the air! Gunter shouted. James opened his eyes and saw the smoke, quickly jumped out of the bed and ran into their parent’s bedroom. There was nobody there so he ran down the hall to their sister’s bedroom and woke her up Where’s mom and dad?

    How should I know? She angrily replied. He yelled at her saying Get your ass out of bed, the house is on fire!

    Gunter and Rachel followed James downstairs where they heard their mother’s voice through the floor registers. They went down to the basement and saw their father wearing nothing but his boxer shorts, shoveling coal into the furnace as fast as he could. He kept repeating Got to get a bigger fire! Their mother was frantically attempting to calm him down but he would not listen. She came over to her frightened children and told them to run upstairs and get something warm on. She then told Rachel Call the fire department and tell them that our coal furnace may explode at any minute, they will know what to do. Make sure you tell them where we live and make them repeat it to you. Then I want all three of you to go outside and wait for the fire truck. Can you do that for me? She calmly asked them.

    Shaking with fear they replied Yes momma and ran upstairs. They did as instructed and ran back downstairs and outside to the road and waited for the fire truck in the darkness of the cold winter night.

    They looked back at the house, it was not on fire but there was a tremendous amount of smoke bellowing out of the windows and doors. Gunter was extremely frightened and tried to do what his father told him about counting to five and the fear would go away. It helped a little but he was still scared and worried that the house would burst into flames with his mother and father inside. James said I’m going back and open up the windows. Rachel quickly commanded No your not, your staying right here just like momma said! He didn’t say anything more and remained beside them.

    Finally they heard the siren and waited to see the fire truck. It was speeding down the road toward them and they were running around yelling trying to get their attention. The driver finally saw them in the darkness. The fire truck slowed down, turned into the driveway and sped up until it reached the front garage door. The firemen started to open the garage door and all three children were running up to them screaming No, there not in there! James ran ahead and told them to follow him.

    He quickly led them around back and down into the basement where his mother and father were. Rachel made Gunter stay with her as they stood there shivering from the cold. A fireman began beating on the pad lock with an ax on the angled storm doors that led directly into the basement. As they watched the fireman he recalled his memory of the storm doors.

    When their grandfather and father were building the two story house they decided to put the storm doors in for emergencies. They led directly into a room in the basement that was fully stocked with food and supplies that would suffice and sustain the family for a long time. He also remembered playing with his friends in that room when he was younger.

    The storm doors remained securely locked and that was the first time he had seen them open in many years. When the fireman succeeded opening the doors, a plethora of black smoke bellowed out of the basement. Immediately after the smoke subsided, Rachel and Gunter saw two firemen assisting their mother out of the basement. Her night gown and body was covered with black soot and she was completely exhausted but breathing well from the oxygen mask the firemen put on her.

    Both of them quickly ran over to their mother and hugged her tightly as the firemen were helping her to the rear of the fire truck to sit down. Then they saw another fireman escorting James out of the basement. He too was covered in black soot but did not require any oxygen. He ran over to his mother and hugged her while she was being examined by a paramedic.

    Their mother was an extremely strong willed woman being the wife of an Army Ranger. She did her share of patriotism by working for defense contractors during the war assembling airplanes, other military vehicles and packing ammunition for the boys over seas. It was hard work, long hours and very little pay. However the women were needed to fill the jobs required to ensure the proper flow of equipment and supplies over seas to be victorious.

    Gunter asked James Is daddy okay? Trying to catch his breath he answered He’s okay, they made me leave, and there are four firemen still down there with him. The firemen did not want James to witness them subdue his father due to his persistent resilience. Even though their father was not in his right mind and completely exhausted it still required all four firemen to forcefully calm him down due to his Ranger training that could easily kill a man with their bare hands.

    While two of the firemen carried their father out on a stretcher, the other two remained behind attending to the potentially dangerous coal furnace. With the stoking of coal stopped they could now get the furnace under control as they were trained to do. The temperature around the furnace was extremely high and could overwhelm even a seasoned fire fighter if not extremely careful.

    When their father emerged from the basement on the stretcher, all three children ran to his side to be with him. He was unconscious, completely covered in black soot and coal. He was breathing erratically through the oxygen mask. The paramedic’s immediately worked on him on the ground, stabilizing him with an IV and properly secured him for transporting in the ambulance that had just arrived on the scene.

    Their mother approached and told them to stay back and let the paramedic’s do their job while she hugged them tightly. She had recuperated from her exhaustion and was much better. They watched the paramedic’s load their father in the ambulance and Gunter asked his mother Can I go with him?

    I’m sorry son but you can’t. Is daddy going to be okay momma? She hugged him again and replied Yes he will be fine, he’s just very confused right now.

    They were unable to visit their father in the hospital. Their mother did not drive and Rachel only had her learner’s permit. He was at Bluefield Memorial for a week before they transferred him to the V.A. hospital. Their mother finally was able to see her husband when her sister-in-law came by and picked her up. Aunt Freda was a finicky old lady that wouldn’t let the children ride in her precious old car.

    When they rarely visited their father’s sister in Beckley, West Virginia, Gunter and James made sure they brought there sling shots. She lived on a huge farm and somehow managed to take care of by herself.

    Gunter and his brother would have cow turd fights with their sling shots. Mostly they shot dried up turds at each other but sometimes they would still be wet inside and splatter upon impact.

    The return trip home was interesting when Rachel complained they smelled like cow crap and their father thought it was funny and made them ride in the far rear of the station wagon with the window open. Their mother was more concerned about the brown and green stains on their clothing.

    Two weeks later their mother told them that their father was coming home again. She reminded them not to upset him and let him have his piece and quite. They were so glad to see him again and were delighted he was home. He seemed happy and before long it was like nothing ever happened. The every day routine of life was back in order again and everything seemed fine for months after.

    Walking home the last day of school for the 1965 spring break, Gunter saw his house ahead and noticed their car wasn’t in the driveway. He ran up the stairs adjacent to the garage and quickly took his books to his room. Saying Hi mom as he ran by her. What’s the hurry? Were going to go ride our bikes! She then told him not to go far because diner would be ready soon. As he was leaving he asked Where’s daddy? She told him he was downstairs or outside somewhere. He told her the car was gone. Maybe he went to the store or something" She responded.

    Okay mom, I’ll be back in an hour!

    He went downstairs and opened the garage doors, not expecting to see the car parked inside. His dad never parked the car in the garage because it was too narrow and difficult to get around. He maneuvered around the car and to his bike, began taking it out of the garage when he realized the car was running. He stopped and thought that can’t be right. He went to the back of the car and saw a garden hose stuck in the tailpipe. It was draped around the car and entered the driver’s window.

    The window was slightly cracked, just enough to hold the hose in place without squeezing it shut. He went over to the window and was about to pull the hose out, and looked inside the car. His father was slumped over on the front seat. Gunter immediately pulled on the drivers door handle, it was locked and wouldn’t open so he quickly tried the back door and it was also locked. He ran around to the other side and both of those doors were also locked. He couldn’t help his father, beginning to panic he ran up the stairs screaming Momma daddy’s asleep in the car and it’s still running! He told her to hurry he might get hurt if the car goes forward.

    His mother couldn’t descend the stairway very fast because of her bad knee. She fell off the front porch of her parent’s house in Elkhorn, West Virginia when she was a teenager and badly broke her right knee. Slowly she finally made it all the way down the steep stairs, entered the garage and immediately realized what happened.

    She gasped aloud Oh my Lord because she knew right away what her husband had done. Gunter was unaware of the outcome and kept telling his mother to do something. She said to him We are going to do something! and instructed him to run next door to Mr. Johnson and tell him I sent you there and it is very important that he comes over right away. Don’t tell him anything else just tell him it is very important and that your mother needs his help now! Go, run, run fast and be careful!" He proceeded to run as fast as he could just as his mother instructed to their neighbor’s house.

    The Johnson’s were a retired elderly couple that lived alone since their children moved away and had families of their own. They were nice people that sometimes had difficulties managing things. His father would help them whenever he had the time by painting, repairing the plumbing and electrical and other various chores. Gunter also helped out by mowing their grass and raking the leaves for extra spending money. In return they were always there when his father or mother needed their assistance.

    When he arrived next door he rang the door bell several times and began knocking on the front door simultaneously. Mr. Johnson opened the door saying What’s all the ruckus about? Gunter began talking real fast saying his father was asleep in the car, the car was running and it’s going to destroy the garage! Slow down child I can’t understand a word your saying! Mr. Johnson exclaimed. So he repeated it much slower… . My mother sent me over here, she made me run real fast, she said for me to tell you she needed your help right now! About that time Mrs. Johnson asked her husband What’s wrong dear?" He told her he didn’t know but he thought something happened to Harold Masters next door.

    He told Gunter he was coming but he had to get his hat first. He angrily replied We don’t have time for that so please hurry! As Mr. Johnson was walking out the door he mumbled Children, always in a hurry these days! Gunter grabbed him by the arm and said Let’s go! Mr. Johnson told him he was too old to run and had to get his car. He begged him to please hurry as he started running back to his house.

    While he was running back home he remembered his mother told him not to tell him anything but he was so excited he forgot. He hoped she would not be upset with him when she found out and continued running as fast as he could.

    Mr. Johnson was coming down the driveway in his old Pontiac about the same time as Gunter returned. His mother was standing in front of the garage with the car still running. Mr. Johnson walked over to her and asked What’s wrong Helen. She sadly replied Harold has done something terribly bad this time!" as she pointed to the car in the garage. Mr. Johnson walked over to the driver’s door and saw the hose on the ground. She had managed to cut it off waiting on them to arrive. He then looked inside the car and also realized what his neighbor had done.

    Mr. Johnson told them to stand back and to cover there eyes as he reached for a garden tool hanging on the wall. He then broke the rear window out and reached around and unlocked the front door. Turned off the ignition and leaned over his body and started to say something. She interrupted him and said I’ve already called for an ambulance. Looking at Gunter and realizing her intentions, he told her he understood and did not say anything that would reveal the truth.

    Then they heard the ambulance’s siren coming down the road. His mother told Gunter to run down to the end of the driveway so they would know where they were. He took off running again to meet up with them. When he was gone she thanked Mr. Johnson for his help and understanding. He told her that he was sorry for her loss and to let him know if he and his wife could do anything for them.

    The ambulance knew where they lived and slowed down to make the turn into the driveway without hesitation. Gunter was running behind the ambulance but could not stay up with it. When he caught up the paramedic’s were talking to his mother and Mr. Johnson. Two of them had gone over

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