We were about five minutes early, which was fine. I knew according
to protocol we were on time. As we walked in, I noticed all eyes were
on Sue and she new it. I loved every minute of this. I wanted
everyone to see her. Our escort seated us next to the General on his
left side. On the other side was Colonel Gregory. The General
gave a five-minute speech about honor and country then introduced me.
“Gentlemen, on rare occasions I have the honor of introducing valiant men.
I have the privilege today of introducing another, Staff Sergeant Jay Lamour.
Awarded The Congressional Medal of Honor for Conspicuous Bravery above and
beyond the call of duty.” Everyone stood including Sue and applauded
and after thirty seconds, I stood up to stop them.
“Thank you, thank you,” I said, as they stopped. The general interrupted me.
“You may sit as I have something else to add.” Everyone took his or
her seat. “Jay, as he wants to be called now that he’s a civilian,
doesn’t know that I know but this young man has other awards. The Silver
Star for Heroism and life saving, The Distinguished Flying Cross for Heroism,
The Bronze Star for Valor, The Army Commendation for Valor and two Purple
Hearts all during separate conflicts,” he announced and began the applauding
over again. I looked at Sue being suspicious she may have told him
but she shrugged her shoulders. After a minute, I stood again holding
my hands up to stop them as they did.
“Sir’s, please be seated. This reception was much unexpected coming
here today. Sue and I, gripped by your receptiveness would like to
say thanks to, in my view a great commander that I had the privilege to served
under while stationed here. I know he has this same loyalty of all
that served under him. Colonel Gregory! Everyone began applauding.
When the applauding stopped, I stood looking around the room. The mood
became solemn.
“To whom should we pay Honor? To the individual, no, to the whole,
I think so. I’m a mere speck to the honor that fills this hall.
As I look around, I see whole lives given in honor and in service to our
country. I’m a part of you and you a part of me. We are one,
serving and sacrificing for our God and Country. You men and women
are the ones that this country and I, Honor,” I began applauding as everyone
stood and applauded.
Colonel Gregory leaned over to me. “Did you just pull that speech out of your hat?” he asked.
“Sometimes I say what I feel sir.”
“That was an amazing speech Jay,” he remarked.
“Thank you sir,” I replied. General Davenport raised his hand as everyone became silent.
“Everyone to the chow line,” he said as most went to the lines. Sue
held on to my arm as we worked our way through the line. Photographers
were continuously taking pictures as I posed with Sue refusing to pose without
her. Everyone came over and thanked me for the speech. I think
they wanted to get a closer look at Sue. We had gotten our plate and
were sitting down when General Davenports’ aid asked me to come over to see
him.
“I’ll be back in a few minutes. Sir would you hold her chain for me until I get back,” I said, joking to Colonel Gregory.
“Sure Jay,” he replied laughing. I looked at Sue smiling and walked
away. As I approached the general, seeing a boy and girl standing with
him. I knew they were his children he had spoken. They looked
the same age as me, maybe a little older. They looked like twins.
She was beautiful with brown hair and eyes.
“Jay, I want to introduce you to my son Douglas and my daughter Catherine.”
“Very happy to meet both of you. May I ask if you’re twins?”
“You noticed! Yes we are. It’s an honor to meet you.” Catherine stated.
“Yes, very much an honor.” Douglas affirmed.
“You three chat, I’m going over to see someone.” The General said and walked away.
“Your father has been quite gracious to me. He’s a good commander.
Is he that good to his children?” I asked jokingly.
“He’s a pretty good father.” Catherine answered.
“You are very beautiful. Because you’re twins do I say he’s also beautiful?” I said, smiling.
“Let’s just say he’s cute,” she replied smiling.
“Okay I get the message,” he said. I didn’t understand what he meant by that. There was no message.
“Dad wanted us to invite you over for dinner next Friday evening. Will you come?” Douglas asked.
“Sue and I will be glad to except,” I said, to include her.
“Good! Will you tell me then how you received your medals?”
“Sure, I would be happy to,” I answered.
“You two have a good time, I’ve got to leave.” Douglas stated.
“It was nice to meet you and I will see you Friday evening,” I said, has
he walked off. “Are you in school?” I asked Catherine.
“Yes, the University of Louisville but we are out this week.”
“Oh no! I’m in the enemy’s camp. I’m from Memphis,” I joked.
“There are no enemies in this camp,” she said taking my hand. Let’s
take a walk, it’s noisy in here,” she said pulling my hand. We walked
out the exit into the hallway. It was too cool to go outside.
“I never get to talk to any of the soldiers,” she remarked.
“I’m not a soldier, I’m a civilian.”
“You know what I mean,” she said but I didn’t know what she meant. I assumed her father wouldn’t allow it.
“So you have to be in class a week from Monday morning.”
“Yes, but I would like it if we were out a month. Thank you for what you said a few minutes ago.”
“What was that?” I asked.
“That I was beautiful. I can see that you’re use to beautiful.”
“You’re speaking of Sue,” I said.
“Yes I am.”
“ You should see her when she’s fixed up,” I said, teasing.
“How long have you known her?”
“Nearly two years. I met her before I went to Vietnam and I’ve come back for her.”
“Barely, from what I heard today,” she replied.
“I had a couple of close calls.”
“You wouldn’t want to leave her home Friday night would you?” She asked, boldly.
“Why would I want to leave Sue at home?” I asked baiting her.
I could feel there was no beating around the bush with her.
“Let’s just say, “Three is a crowd.”
“You are tempting me. Under other circumstances, I would kiss you at
this moment. But I’m getting married next Saturday,” I said, as she
put her face within an inch of mine.
“Why don’t you kiss me anyway?” She said with a soft sexy voice.
“I need to go back inside,” I said, trying to avoid trouble.
“Are you sure?” She said trying to seduce me.
“Maybe we can talk about this Friday evening. Come on, let’s go inside,” I said, slipping away from her.
“You will see that I don’t give up easily.”
“Are you coming with me?” I asked.
“You go on in, I will see you Friday night and if I get you alone you may see a lot more of me.
“Bye!” I said, and walked back in. Damn, that girl is bold. I walked over to the table and sat down with Sue.
“How has everyone been treating you?” I asked.
“Everybody has been wonderful. What about you?”
“Great! Everyone has been great. We need to be going,” I stated.
“Where were you? Some of the men had to leave and wanted to say bye
before they left. Colonel Gregory left with the general,” she explained.
“I was wondering why you were sitting alone.”
“Where did you go?” She asked, again. I put my mouth to her ear to whisper.
“I was being seduced by the Generals daughter. That girl has tenacity.
I’ll tell you about it when we get home.” We shook more hands working
our way out and posed for a few more photos.
We changed cars and drove to the house. I told her the General invited
us for dinner next Friday at his house. The driver had said that if
I were to visit on post he would pick me up if I called ahead. None
of this was my style but I enjoyed doing it for Sue. I was hoping she
enjoyed all of it. I began thinking I wanted to get married sooner.
I wanted to introduce Sue as my wife when we went places together.
I wanted to be with her every minute of the day. She consumed all of
my thoughts and I knew she loved me as much or more because of what she endured
the past year. Sometimes my heart ached when I compared her to myself.
I could feel the innocence and purity in her heart to mine, which was just
opposite. If she could look inside my heart, would she still love me?
I think that she would. Her kind of love has no conditions.
After dinner, I sat on the porch alone thinking about my life, wondering
how and where we were going to live. I had the job in Memphis but we
had not discussed that subject at length. I smoked a couple of cigarettes.
Sue came out to sit with me.
“I just talked to Bess, they’re coming over here in awhile. I didn’t
tell them about us. What are you doing out here in the cold?
She asked.
“Thinking,” I replied. We both sat quietly as I wrapped my arms around
her. She sat staring into space as I did. I felt she wanted to
say something.
“What is it?” I asked.
“That!”
“What do you mean, “that”?” I asked.
“It amazes me how you always seem to know things. Like just now you
knew I wanted to say something,” she said as I smiled at her.
“Well, what is it?” I asked.
“What was this about the generals daughter? What was her name and what did she try to do?”
“Catherine, she invited us to dinner then ask if I would leave you at home.
She said that I would see a lot of her Friday night. I don’t think
she meant see her around the dinner table.”
“What do you think she meant?”
“Think about what I’m saying and you tell me.”
“She’s going to take her clothes off for you.”
“See, by reading my train of thought you have read my mind.”
“So what are you going to do?”
“I’m not going to leave your side all evening. If she takes her clothes
off your going to get a good look at her too,” I said, smiling.
“You are so silly!” She laughed. “Why do you think she came on to you?”
“What I’m about to tell you, I believe with my heart. You are so beautiful,
people wonder what is in me or what do I have that is so special that you
would want it.”
“That’s ridiculous!” She stated.
“Look in my eyes Sue,” I said. “I’m serious. I know in my heart
that this is true. I was teasing Douglas, her twin brother and said
she was beautiful but I didn’t know what to say about him. She said
that she could see that I was use to being around beautiful. She was
speaking of you. Many times since I met you, men have asked me what
do I have that is so special. They are teasing but I know they think
that way. Do you know something, I don’t think you realize how beautiful
you’re,” I said, in praise of her. We sat holding one another a few
minutes. “We need to discuss something very important,” I said, leaning
forward, turning to look into her eyes.
“What is it?” She asked, with a curious expression.
“Your going to lose your Pension from the Army aren’t you.”
“Yes, but I’ve already considered that and it isn’t that important to me,”
she said leaning to kiss me. After we kissed I pulled away turning
my head to hide my smile. Putting her arm around my neck, she pulled
trying to turn my head to face her. “What was that smile for?”
She asked, continuing to tug on me.
“I was just thinking what else do you have that you could sacrifice for me,”
I answered not able to cover my smile. Her face became serious.
“There's nothing I wouldn’t give up for you. You should know that by now.”
“I haven’t thought about it until now but I know you would.”
“There they are!” She said as Bess pulled in the driveway. We
got up and walked to the car. Jennifer got out and we hugged.
“Hi Jay! It is good to see you!” Jennifer said.
“It is great to see you too Jennifer! Hi Bess!” I said, as she walked up and hugged me.
“You still look good Jay, what brings you this way.” She said.
“I came up to ask you three, one at a time to marry me until one of you said yes,” I responded.
“Well, ask me then.” Jennifer said smiling.
“Your too late. This beautiful lady has already said yes,” I said.
“Really! When?” They both asked.
“Next Saturday!” Sue answered.
“Next Wednesday!” I interrupted.
“I thought we agreed on Saturday.”
“I can’t wait that long,” I said, putting my arm around her.
“Wednesday!” Sue repeated.
“Unless she’s having second thoughts,” I said.
“Stop that! You see what I’m going to have to put up with,” sue said looking at me with a frown.
“Yes! For the rest of your life!” I responded.
“Let’s go in,” Sue suggested.
Sue began telling them all the events of the day so I left them went to sit on the couch and fell asleep.
I awoke three hours later. They were still at the table talking.
Her mom and Joni were also with them. I walked by them saying I was
going to shower.
“By the way, you’re invited to the wedding,” I said, to Bess and Jennifer.
“That is nice of you to invite us.” Jennifer replied.
“When you get through come back down and tell us about Catherine!” Bess commented.
I looked at Sue shaking my head as I walked up the stairs. I knew Sue
had told them all the events that had taken place that day. I didn’t
go back down, I got the letters down and pulled the last few out to read
and lay on the bed.
November 12, 1970, 8:05 pm.
Jay, my only Love,
You are home now. I thank God for that. I spoke to your mother
last night and she said you were fine but seemed a little confused.
She said I should give you more time to sort things out in your life before
I call you. My greatest fear is that you will not settle matters in
your heart soon. I have learned patience this past year and I continue
to be patient only because I see the end. That end is that we will
be together forever.
Jay is fine and as loving as you are. The kids are spoiling him.
Mother is too! She also advises me to be patient. She sees into
my heart, the love I have for you. I have to say it again. I
Love you so much. Please love me. Good-bye for now my love.
Your Love, Sue
January 11, 1971, 12:15 am.
I breathe a little sigh of relief. You called mother today. Somehow,
that call kindled a spark in my heart and I see that ray of hope for us.
I anxiously waited for you to call tonight hoping the end of my wait was
near but it wasn’t to be. At least I now know that you still think
of me. Mother said that you sounded so sincere when she spoke to you.
She said for me to be patient a while longer that she could sense that you
still had feelings for me by your conversation. Oh how I hope she’s
right. I want so much to hold you again. My life is empty without
you. I love you.
My continuing Love, Sue
January 19,1971, 11:oo pm.
To my Long Awaited Love,
God has answered another one of my prayers. You called me tonight.
I cannot explain what is going through my heart at this moment knowing tomorrow
I will see you face to face. As I write, my eyes are full of joyful
tears in anticipation of that moment. Are you coming to say that you
love me and need me or as you said? You want only to explain the past.
I have to believe that you love me and that is why you want to be here.
All the time I have spent conditioning my heart to accept the possibility
of rejection was in vein. My life will never be full without you.
Well, tomorrow I will know. You will walk through the door and I will
know in that instant if what I have dreamed of will come to pass.
This letter will be the last of many I have written to you. From now
on, the feelings I have in my heart will not be written on paper but spoken
in words to the one I love. Tomorrow we will end a long journey but
a new one will begin. I want you to know my thoughts of you this past
year, so all the letters I have written, I will finally give to you.
I will get up in the morning and go to work as I normally do but my mind
will not be where I am. It will possibly be the longest day of my life.
If you’re feeling what I hope you’re feeling, tomorrow will also be your
longest day. Take care my love and know that you have been the best
part of my life.
My Never ending Love, Sue and Jay,
PS. I will say now that this has been the longest year of my life.
The next morning I awoke before Sue and awoke her. I showered and was
shaving when she entered the bathroom to take a shower. I returned
to the bedroom, dressed and went down stairs. When I entered the kitchen,
everyone was sitting at the table talking in a way that seemed they were
excited. After I got a cup of coffee and walked over to sit at the
table, everyone became quiet.
“What are you up to?” I asked all of them. Doug, Ray, Joni, and Lisa along with Mom were looking at me.
“We were looking at this mornings newspaper.” Mom held it up and read
the headline. “Medal Of Honor Winner Returns to Marry Local Sweetheart”.
You and Sue’s picture cover half the front page,” she said.
“She’s gorgeous in that one but it still doesn’t do her justice,” I replied.
“There is a great article in here about the reception yesterday. The
paper called this morning and wanted to do a follow up interview with you.
I told them to call back later this morning.”
“Oh no! I don’t want to talk to them,” I said, frowning.
“Come on Jay! This doesn’t happen every day!” Doug stated
“Your father is still over there. Why do they not do an article on
him? He’s still newsworthy and I’m history!” I exclaimed.
“I want you kids to accept whatever Jay decides. Okay?” Mom said to them. They all remained silent.
“Thank you Mom,” I said, winking at her.
Sue came down the stairs and walked over to us.”
“What is going on?”
“They are admiring the towns new celebrity,” I said. They showed her the paper as she sat down to read it.
The phone began ringing. All of Sue’s friends began calling to talk
to her. She carried on with all of them for hours. I didn’t know
she knew that many people. This was her moment. I would see that
she got as much as she deserved. Bess and Jennifer didn’t call but
drove over!
I interviewed with a reporter from the “Denton Register”, the town newspaper
and “Channel 4 news station” under two conditions. No personal questions
about my experiences over there and Sue remains by my side. We were
on the news that night and our picture was again in the newspaper the following
morning. Sue’s father and all his family’s names were mentioned in
the article. Everyone was excited and clipped the pictures and articles
out to save. I was enjoying every minute watching her as she took it
all in gracefully as I had expected she would.
Time passed quickly that week, and we were married Wednesday at 7 o’clock
that evening. Colonel Gregory and his family were there along with
Sue’s close friends and some from the hospital. There were about forty
people in all. Afterwards a handful of us went out to dinner.
I was so happy we were finally married.
We ate dinner Friday evening at the general’s house and it was uneventful.
I introduce Sue as my wife to Catherine and I think that sent a message.
The dinner was great. Several Generals were there along with other
Ranking officers. I think Sue was wonderful during this time and handled
herself as well as any celebrity and I told her so.
Saturday morning we were up by eight. Sue had already packed our suitcases.
We spent all day with her family and friends visiting and were ready to leave
at seven thirty that evening.
“Will you put the bags in the car?” She asked.
“Okay,” I replied going up to get them. After we had loaded everything, we went in to say good-bye to the family.
“You drive safely!” her mom said.
“I will mom, see you soon”. I replied.
After an hour of driving, I suggested to Sue that she get some sleep.
“I’m too excited right now, I can’t go to sleep,” she replied.
“Did you meet all of my family when you went down there?” I asked.
“Most of them, but only your mom knows anything about me and Jay.”
“How is that?” I asked.
“We said that I was a daughter of an old friend. No one asked any questions
so I didn’t volunteer anything. You have some sweet brothers and sisters,”
she explained.
“I know my brothers, they probably made fools of themselves over you.”
“I could tell they were curious as to whether I was single or not.”
“Yep! That sounds like them. I’m surprised none of them asked you to marry them,” I said, laughing.
“I thought a couple of them were going to,” she replied laughing with me.
“To a more serious note, where would you really want to live? Do you have any thoughts about that?” I asked.
“I will live wherever you want. I’ll leave that up to you,” she answered.
“That won’t be fair to you, I would rather live where my family is,” I stated.
“If you want to live there, that is fine with me. I would miss my family
sure! But at the same time, you have to be where your work is,” she
replied.
“A hundred million women in this country, and I end up with a selfish one. That could only happen to me,” I said, smiling.
“Too bad! You’re stuck with me, for better or worse,” she responded.
“We can begin in Memphis, if it doesn’t work out, we will move where ever
you want. Would that be fair to you?” I asked. “I will
leave that up to you, I just want to be with you,” she answered
.
“You are so intolerant, I don’t know how we are going to survive,” I said, smiling again.
She had fallen asleep, but I awoke her when Jay began crying. I pulled
over and she got in the back seat to feed him and slept again after he was
satisfied. I began thinking how lucky I am to have her. I wanted
to give her everything. I didn’t feel I was making enough to support
a family. I needed to search for something better.
I had not called mom to let her know we were coming. I thought we could
surprise her and the others. We arrived home at one thirty in the morning.
I knew the kids occupied the bedrooms so I pulled out the hideaway bed from
the couch in the living room and we slept there. I was glad to get
some sleep because it had been awhile.
I woke up to the kids talking to Sue who was already up. It was ten
o’clock as I got up and showered. Entering the dining room, they were
all sitting at the table giving Sue the third degree. They were asking
her all kinds of questions and after making me a cup of coffee I sat down
with them.
“I understand all of you have met before,” I stated.
“Jay, how come you never told us about Sue?” Phyllis asked. She was sixteen.
“I don’t know, I guess I was embarrassed because she’s so homely. I
have to put a sack over her head when we go anywhere,” I joked.
“Your crazy Jay! She’s beautiful!” Bob, the thirteen-year-old stated.
“Thank you Bob! You are so sweet! Sue leaned over and kissed him on the cheek as he blushed.
“Show them your warts!” I said, looking at Sue.
“Stop that Jay! We have had to put up with him all of our lives acting
this way Sue. We know he’s lying!” Phyllis said.
“I love his humor though, don’t you?” Sue stated.
“Jay, tell us again about your Medal of Honor, how you got it”. Bob said.
“They were just explaining to me about your other medals and how you got
them,” sue interrupted. “Why haven’t you told me the stories?
All I know is you were shot two times.”
“I got two purple hearts but I didn’t get shot but once. The other
Purple Heart was when a Mortar exploded next to me and a piece hit me in
the side,” I said, raising my shirt, showing her and the kids my scar and
turning my neck showing them that one. She sat looking at me still
disappointed I had not told her. I saw this and leaned over to whisper
in her ear. “I’m sorry, anything you want to know ask me in private.
“I want to hear about the Silver Star.” Bill said. Who was as inquisitive as any fifteen-year-old.
“One of our helicopters crashed and I ran over to it and helped the pilots out,” I explained.
“Was it on fire?” he continued asking.
“No, but all the jet fuel was leaking out. I didn’t have time to think, I just did it.”
“What about your Bronze Star?” he asked again. I didn’t feel like discussing this subject now.
“We can sit down later, and I’ll tell you all about them, okay?”
“Do you promise?”
“I promise.”
I had gone into the den and called Wesley to see if he was home. I
told him we were going to drop by for a visit. He was married now so
I had not seen him but once since I had gotten back. I told him I was
married but nothing about Jay. I wanted Sue to meet one of my old friends.
Later that day we drove to his house.