Battlefield Action #17

Dec 1957 · Charlton · 0.10 USD

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This issue of Battlefield Action is an anthology containing at least two war stories. "Bucket of Bolts" follows a soldier who discovers an abandoned Sherman tank in Germany—the same tank he served in during World War II—and must reunite with an old comrade to tell her about the coincidence before the tank is scrapped. "The Wrong Guy Got the Medal" depicts ground soldiers discussing how medals are often awarded based on luck rather than true heroism, using the example of a sergeant who received a decoration for shooting a sniper during a headquarters engagement. A third story involves U.S. cavalry operations in Cuba, where soldiers prepare to march toward Santiago under General Young's command, facing Spanish positions and disease-carrying mosquitoes.

Contains 4 stories

Sick, Lame, and Lazy

6 pp · War

Sergeant Jones thought Private Kissam's days of faking illnesses were behind him once they shipped out to Korea, but the lanky Georgia Marine has other ideas—and his malingering antics are about to collide with real combat. When food poisoning strikes during a surprise enemy attack, Jones finally realizes his perpetual sick-call regular might be tougher than anyone gave him credit for. As the regiment faces a critical battle, Kissam's unexpected courage under fire suggests there's more to the troublemaker than meets the eye.

The Has-Beens

7 pp · War

Sam Jones, a drifter ten years removed from World War II, finds himself staring at a weathered Sherman tank scheduled for scrap—a relic as forgotten as he is. When a fire traps children in the town's school, Sam discovers that the old "Bucket of Bolts" still has life in her, and together they're given one final chance to prove they're worth more than the world thinks. A tale of redemption where a man and machine discover that purpose, not time, is what defines a person.

The Wrong Guy Got the Medal

6 pp · War

When a hard-bitten PFC named Curly joins a battle-worn platoon just in time for a major Communist offensive, his coolheaded leadership helps turn the tide—but the brass sees things differently when it comes time to hand out medals. "The Wrong Guy Got the Medal" asks a pointed question about who really deserves recognition when heroism happens in the chaos of combat, where the men doing the fighting often go unnoticed while those in the right place at the right time get the glory.

Teddy Roosevelt and His Rough Riders

6 pp · War

Teddy Roosevelt seizes the chance to organize and lead the Rough Riders—a cavalry regiment of cowboys and plainsmen—when war with Spain looms inevitable, and he's determined to get his men into combat despite military bureaucracy standing in the way. As the regiment proves itself ready for action in Cuba, Roosevelt leads them into the thick of battle at San Juan Hill, where his boldness and tactical instincts help turn the tide of the campaign. It's a rousing account of Roosevelt's first combat experience and the legendary unit that fought alongside him.