As we followed the Private across our base, I began to notice more and more how desolate the base was. I nudged Jackson and whispered towards him. “Hey, have you noticed a lack of personnel around here?”

“Uh, yeah, man there is barely anyone here. I knew that we were deployed. But it feels like every regiment in the 17th is gone. Man, it's kinda creepy.” He says as he looks around, scanning the area.

“Yeah, this is wild.” I quickly responded. Before we could say anything else the Private swung open a door to the command building and motioned for us to move inside. As we walked through the halls of the building, American flags and pictures were strung up throughout. We finally reached the office of Colonel Jeff Strand. Myself and Jackson walk in and salute. There we get a good look at Colonel Stand. He is in his mid fifties, graying black hair with his New army greens standing out in the all wood room. He quickly stands up, only reaching my shoulders at the tip of his head. He salutes us, Quickly dismissing the Private in the process. We stand at ease.

“First Lieutenant Jason Thane and Staff Sergeant Tyler Jackson, it is very nice to make your acquaintance. As you both know, in the disaster that was the northern push into Tehran, the former commanding officer of the 507th infantry, Colonel Frank Gilmore, was killed. I am the man taking up his former post. Now that we have the pleasantries out of the way. Lieutenant Thane.” His old eyes darted to mine in an instant. “Excuse us for a moment, Sergeant Jackson, could you please step out of the room. Don’t go far, I will be asking you to come back soon.” I found this very weird, why would he just ask Jackson to come then ask him to leave? Jackson quickly stood at attention, about faced, and walked out.

“Now, Lieutenant Thane. I read over your debrief and after action reports. And they are very different from the rest of your company. Now I need to get to the bottom of this, right now.” He begins to shuffle papers about.

My heart began to sink, “what happened? What did I do? How could I have been so stupid to mess up paperwork? Oh god, am I going to lose my platoon?” A million thoughts rushed through my head.

“Ah, here we are. In your report on July seventeenth, you stated that your platoon came under fire by enemy forces, specifically Iranian Quds forces, and you fulfilled your duty and led your men out of the engagement. As to how you did this, you had Sergeant Patterson and first squad to advance with you towards the destroyed front vehicle of your convoy. At which point your weapons squad leader, Sergeant Stobbliz was shot in the chest, later succumbing to his wounds. In effect Corporal Carmine then took command. You then ordered Corporal Carmine to use his MRAP to push out of the convoy and allow Sergeant Jasper’s squad to push up using it as cover. Thus leading to the elimination of the enemy position.” He removes his glasses and looks at me, “Now, while this is the general consensus of your men, they seem to think that you played a far bigger role in the situation in question.” He says while twirling his glasses. “While the rest of your men all agree that you rushed forward, through a hail of gunfire, to a burning IFV, you did so because your first squad second-guessed the orders you had given, to which after seeing this, you rushed to the aid of the soldiers in the disabled Vehicle, only after this galant act of bravery and selflessness did they decided to fulfil your orders. Multiple other reports including your helmet cam footage and drone footage over the firefight show this to be true. To summarize, They in fact did not follow your orders, so you led by example to attempt to spur them into action. This is the exact definition of bravery, So why not include it?”

“Sir, I did not see the necessity to include personal actions in my report.” I quickly said.

“Son, after that discrepancy I decided to overview every bit of helmet camera footage from every engagement, over the last week and a half you have been home. There are dozens of acts just like this one you and sergeant jackson performed that proved that Yourself and Sergeant Jackson were more than just instrumental in our victory in the north, you were quite possibly the catalysts that directly caused it. Dozens of smaller engagements that would’ve been lost by any normal command. But most importantly, when your company commander and XO were wiped out by enemy air support, you took it upon yourself to rally your company, and not only did you hold out for relief, but you, in fact, decided to advance. Is this true?” He looks at me dead in the eyes for my response.

“Sir, i would not s-“

“Lieutenant, am I correct?” He cuts me off, his voice stern.

“Yessir.” I say instantly.

“Sergeant Jackson please come back in!” He shouts. As soon as he does, Jackson walks back in and stands at attention.

“I apologize, it had seemed that there were some discrepancies that I needed to clear up. Now that they are, Sergeant Jackson! Congratulations! You are being awarded the Silver Star! And as for you Lieutenant Thane. Your constant meritorious service could not be ignored, as for this I originally put you in for a Silver star, but we felt it was too low. So then I thought a distinguished service Cross would suffice, alas this was not high enough either. So then I decided that I should put you in for the Medal of Honor. And let me tell you something, with your recommendation I sent your combat footage. I have never seen it accepted so fast! Son, you are a hero! And you deserve it. On top of that, you proved yourself a more than capable leader. I'd like to give you Saber Company, along with a promotion to Captain. What do you think?”

“Sir, with all due respect, I don’t want the company, I am happy with my platoon, and I do not wish for a promotion either. Permission to speak freely sir.”

Colonel Strand looked at me with visible confusion, “Granted.” He said.

“Sir, in Operation Javelin, I did nothing more than what was asked of me. And I lost men, I don’t want to be praised for my failure to keep my men safe. Sir, half of my platoon was wiped out, I watched as fourth squad was obliterated. I don’t want to have anymore lives on my hands then what I have now. I can’t be responsible, this war is nothing like any human has ever seen before. And I lost way to many men, to many friends, to accept any of these pleasantries. Those men are dead, and their families had gotten folded flags. While I’m sitting here getting praise. Those were my men, and I got them killed. I cannot accept this.” I said in a cold heartless voice, attempting to hide my pain.

The colonel sighed as he raised his hand to his brow. “Lieutenant Thane, I cannot rescind the Medal of Honor as President Harvy already accepted it. But if you feel this strongly I will not ask you to raise in rank or pos-“

“Sir, permission to speak!” Jackson quickly pipped up. Shocking the colonel.

“Uh, ‘em, Granted.” Colonel said with a shake of his head.

“Lieutenant Thane! I believe you should accept all that comes with this promotion. You did your best out there and saved far more lives than you lost! You did incredible! Better than I ever thought you would when we shipped out. In all honesty I had zero confidence in you when we first reached Kuwait. But after the last year and a half I realized not only was I wrong. But our platoon made it out with the least casualties in the regiment because you were our leader. Lieutenant Thane, not only have you put your men’s lives above your own, but you actively go out of your way to make sure your men are safe, secure, and in high moral. You are easily the best man for the job. The men that we lost, weren’t on you, it is war, and every single one of those men knew the cost. They would all agree if they were here today, they were not just lucky to serve under you, but we’re proud to serve under you. So please accept this!” Jackson began to choke up as he spoke.

“Jackson, I-“ my eyes widened at him, my mouth barely able to find the words, I wasn’t sure what to say.

“Lieutenant Thane, with the return of Saber Company, I am granting 6 weeks of leave to all members of the company for R&R. During this time, you will be traveling to Washington D.C. in the final week. After which your company will be supplemented and given three more weeks before next deployment. When you return, I will ask you to take the promotion again. How about then you can make your decision?” The colonel says with a smile.

“Sir, wouldn’t that cause issues with command?” I say in protest.

“While normally it would, I believe a special exception can be made as we are very low in officer candidates at the moment. Until then, the basic duties of your company will be handled by myself personally. Until then, you are dismissed.”

As we began to leave, Colonel Strand called to me, “Just a second, Thane come here for a moment would you.” I quickly turned to look at Jackson, “hey wait a sec” I said to him as I made my way back into the office.

“Thane, I served in Operation Desert Shield, Iraqi freedom, and in Enduring Freedom. I’ve seen more than my fair share of war. Look, I saw everything from your helmet footage. I think, before you leave, you should go see Mental Health. Listen I’ve been in your shoes, and I’ve seen plenty of death. I know it isn’t easy, and I can guarantee if you ever need help, I can make sure it’s “off the record”. We need men like you, especially in top shape. So please don’t hesitate to come to me and I can get you someone, and I will personally pull strings so it isn’t on your record.”

“With all due respect, sir. I am fine. All I need is some leave and I’ll be back in top shape.” I say as I look into the Colonel’s eyes.

“Alright, well, there is one other thing. If you think your platoon is up for it, General Kimber needs a convoy driven from here, to Fort Green, in Elkhart. Usually He’d just have some National Guard Unit handle it, but I’d prefer if I could have a combat experienced unit handle the convoy. The cargo is top secret, and needs to get there safely. I know you and your men have been through a lot, so I will not push it on you. It is completely voluntary.”

“Sir, I believe my men and I require rest before we can adequately do any further operations, at home or abroad. I apologize but I must deny this request.”

“I understand, you are dismissed.” I give him one final salute as I turn to walk out the door.

As I open the door and walk through, Jackson is seen waiting for me. “Hey, let’s get the platoon all together, I’ll let them know they are getting leave.” I say as I motion with Jackson to walk with me.

“You got it, Lieutenant.” He says as we begin to make our way towards the barracks.