There is very little direct dialog presented in this play. It is my firm belief that actors should portray these characters as I have described them. Directors and producers should use their artistic talents to insure an accurate portrait of the characters and the scenes described is conveyed to the audience to maximize the impact of the closing scene.

Beyond the few specific recitations provided use your creativity to fill it out. I DO recommend that two amature videos be employed as indicated. First is the battle scene closing act one. Second, the arrival home scene in act two. These videos are to be played later during scenes which refer back to them. Thank You, John Rogers

CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS

JOE:

Joseph Laird Wilson, 20, is the son of Washington Courthouse Ohio's most prominent leading citizen. His father earned his money through car and machinery sales, and is currently mayor. His mother is active in every charitable organization in town. His sister enjoys popularity similar to that he had while in high school and is on the girl's basketball, volleyball, and track teams as well as on the football cheerleading squad and is a member of the band.

Joe was a four-sport star in high school and has a football scholarship awaiting him at Ohio State University when he leaves the Army in two months. He recently was promoted to corporal, and has been commended by his commanding officer for his contributions to morale and his overall leadership abilities.

JEB:

Jeb Stuart Appling, 19, is the oldest child of Luther and Annabell Appling, tenant farmers on a tobacco farm in Lewis County, Kentucky, near Vanceburg. He has two teenage sisters, three younger brothers, and a baby sister whom his parents struggle to support on the worn out old farm. His fiancé Penelope Ann (Penny) Franks is recently orphaned and also lives with the Applings. Jeb's career passion is mechanics, he recently completed the Army's Heavy Equipment Maintenance course, and today received notice of promotion to Private First Class. Jeb will be getting discharged on the same day as Joe. They have been in the same outfit since boot camp.

LINK:

Abraham Lincoln Peavey, 24, is the only son of William Sherman Peavey and Martha Spinks Peavey of Covington, Kentucky where the father is a very successful dentist; and Covington's only practicing Black Dentist. Link was about to start his junior year at Kentucky State University, majoring in Architecture, when he was drafted. He is still only a buck private even though his commanding officer has three times recommended him for promotion. Link will be discharged in 13 days and will resume his interrupted studies.

PENNY:

Penelope Ann (Penny) Franks, 18, has known Jeb and his family all her life. When her mother was killed in an auto accident, Mrs. Appling provided the missing mother figure, while Luther Appling and Jimmy Lee Franks farmed both their adjacent parcels. Penny has just graduated from Vanceburg High School where Jeb had preceded her but not graduated (he completed his GED in the Army).

Five months ago Penny's father was killed when a tractor turned over on him. Penny now lives full time with the Applings, helping Annabell with the younger children. She wants to become a nurse as well as Jeb's wife.

LT. ELWOOD ROBINSON:

Lt. Robinson is the Family Affairs Officer for the Cincinnati Region. It is his job to inform families when their loved ones are injured, killed, or missing. He is a career officer, West Point graduate, who was given this assignment while recovering from his own wounds.

Act 1/ Scene 1

In a barracks somewhere in Vietnam. Two sets of simultaneous activity.

Joe, at a table, is finishing a package and letter he is sending home, and discussing where to go and what to do with several friends (all white men). Dialog not specific as long as its nature relates to bar hopping, drinking, whoring, etc. Typical activities of young American soldiers in a foreign country.

In another corner of the barracks near some bunks and lockers, Link is talking with two or three other black males. They are attempting to get him to accompany them on a similar excursion to the one Joe and friends are discussing, though destinations are different in name, functions are the same, again dialog not specified. Link refuses to go choosing to remain in the barracks and write home, then work on an architectural model.

Jeb enters from the showers, and speaks to no one as he proceeds past both groups to his bunk and locker. He puts his toiletries away and gets out a tablet and pencil. He approaches the table just as Joe is leaving with his friends and Link is approaching from the other side as his friends also leave following Joe's group. Both men look at each other then proceed to opposite ends of the table and sit down to begin their tasks.

Scene closes.

Act 1/Scene 2

Spot lighted:

Joe's father, mother, and sister are gathered in their elegant living room looking at Joe's package and letter as his voice recites the letters contents. Appropriate comments may be adlibbed by various family members as they are mentioned.

Joe's recital:

Dear Mom, Dad, and Sis,

I received the official notice of my full scholarship to Ohio State in this morning's mail. They have provided a scholastic and athletic scholarship since I am clearly a candidate who can handle the grades as well as sports. They also said I can play a spring sport if I choose.

Dad, I took your advice and went to a local tailor to have a couple suits made. I am also having some shirts, ties, and shoes tailored at the same shop. They gave me quite a discount over prices my buddies told me were their best deals. Maybe I do take after you a little bit, like Uncle Bob says.

Dad, there is a set of Montanyard knives enclosed for you and another for Uncle Bob. Mom, I sent you that set of Mahogany-Bronze Tableware I promised. Sis, I hope you like the silks, I sent some bolts of brocade, some of finished, and some of raw silk fabrics.

Hey Sis, glad to hear that Harry has asked you to the prom already, I figured he would finally get up enough courage. Have a great time! Do you and Mom really think you can sew a prom dress from that silk brocade in time? Don't you guys wreck my car, OK?

Did Uncle Mel and Aunt Rose get the porcelain chess set I sent them from Hong Kong?

Well, I gotta close, the guys want me to go to town with them, but maybe we'll just go over to the club.

Love to All,

Spotlight fades from Joe's family, rises on Jeb's.

Farm family, father, mother, two teenage sisters, three younger brothers, a baby sister, and fiancée (Penny) are gathered in the kitchen as Jeb's voice recites his letter. Appropriate comments may be adlibbed by various family members as they are mentioned.

Jeb's recital:

Penny, I know you'll be reading this for Ma and Pa, but the last page is for you only. Don't read that to em.

Please tell Mr. Lewis that I got my heavy equipment repair school certificate like he said I needed and am looking forward to working for him soons I git out. Also like you said after I passed the school I got a promotion and am now a PFC.

Sorry to hear about the poor crop and bad prices. Good thing you all got the garden. Course now you also got poor Mr. Carrs cow and Chickens thatll hep with the eats. I am senden a money order for $50 in this letter. I dont need it here and know that youall can use it.

Hows pa a-holdin up since Jimmy Lee died? And o course now old Sam Carrs dead too. Leaves a lot fer pa to do. I know him an Sam an Jimmy Lee was close. Is Mr Tyus hirin other help to git crops in? I know hell proly git some new tenants for nex year. Tell pa not to give up.

How is Janey doin with her pieano lessons from ole missus Willets? That woman shure likes mas preserves?

Tell Marylou to watch out for that Edney Pickel. He may be the ony good apple in thet barl, but the way he treats animals is a bad sign I say.

Beryl, you big enough to be doin man stuff now an need to hep pa git them crops in. I no I kin count on you fer that. And to git them lil brothers o ours to do what they kin also.

Petey n Pike you guys mind Penny and Beryl sames you would me. I dont want ta here no more of this runnin off stuff. Everybody needs you all til I kin git back, n you boys promised me you hep so I could go to the army. Now DO IT!!!!!!

Hope Maggieanne is over her croupe.

Luv yur son

JEB

Penny removes the last page and starts to put it in her pocket, while handing Mrs. Appling the Money Order.

Pike notices Penny putting it in her pocket and demands to know what it has to say. His mother tries to quiet him, but he snatches the letter, and is quickly grabbed by Beryl. The letter is returned to Penny. Spotlight fades from Jeb's family, rises on Link's.

Dear Mother and Father,

I hope this letter finds you both in good health and good spirits. I am finishing the design project for Dr. Ellis, he says to just send him a set of photographs of the finished model with all the proper views since there is no good way to assure the model's safe transport to him. With successful completion of this project, Dr. Ellis assures me that admission to the College of Architecture is a matter of formality. He also said that the school is under a lot of pressure to admit more minority students, but they want to show that they do not have to compromise quality to meet quotas.

I borrowed Jarvis's camera for the photo set. He offered to take all the pictures, but I want to do it. He will develop them for me though. He also will give me all kinds of advice about angles and lighting, whether I want it or not. He has become a good friend, I hope to stay in touch with him after we get home.

I'll be home in less than a month, with barely more than two weeks here before heading to San Francisco for discharge. So you can relax now. I know you two have worried about me excessively ever since I got here. It has been apparent from your letters and tapes, especially the tapes, the worry is in your voices.

I love you Mom and Pop, but I am a grown man and able to take care of myself reasonably well. I know there is always danger in war. This war is not like yours was in Korea, Pop. There is a lot less likelihood of something happening in the next few days. Until now I have not gotten so much as a hang nail or a cold. Chances are I'll spend all my time here on base until I ship out for home.

Not really much else to say, so see you in a few weeks.

Your devoted son, Lincoln

Spotlight fades, scene closes.

Act 1/Scene 3

Battle scene description: (This scene must be video taped for use in the next act).

1. Link, a BAR rifleman covering a machine gun crew on the right flank of the rear guard.

2. Joe, leading a grenade squad to cover opposite flank from machine gun crew.

3. Jeb, Jeep driver for Platoon Lieutenant and Radioman.

Jeep is hit by mortar, killing Lt. and radioman, Jeb is unhurt. Stands for a moment confused, being urged to cross the river to safety by soldiers already across river behind sandbags. Instead Jeb begins walking slowly toward platoon sergeant and other rear guard platoon members at center of action scene. As he starts, a mortar flash kills everyone he is moving toward except the sergeant.

Joe is sole survivor of his squad and also moving toward sergeant. Joe reaches sergeant before Jeb and begins to drag/carry him toward river. When Jeb arrives Joe gives sergeant to Jeb and points toward river and sandbags.

Joe then starts toward machine gun position with a couple other soldiers who have arrived out of the smoke and mist. Just as Joe's group nears machine gun, two explosions occur. One kills everyone in machine gun position, except Link, who is seriously wounded, and the two soldiers with Joe are also killed. Joe is left standing bloody and blinded. Link continues firing his rifle protecting Joe from several would be attackers.

Second explosion knocks Jeb down, wounding his arm, and kills sergeant. Jeb recovers slowly and starts toward Link and Joe (Link has now talked Joe to his position).

Jeb arrives under a hail of bullets, which miraculously leave him untouched. He hoists Link onto his chest in a fireman's carry and both talk Joe into holding onto Jeb's belt. The trio begins a slow retreat toward the safety area, with Link steadily firing over Jeb's shoulder at advancing enemy soldiers.

Joe periodically, twists and fires his pistol blindly toward the rear. Two riflemen and a medic await the trio on the riverbank. As the trio near the rescue party, another mortar explosion knocks them to the ground. One of the riflemen helps Joe across the river while the medic helps Jeb, still carrying Link to his feet and across the river. Jeb now has a leg wound and must lean on the medic. Link and the other rifleman continue firing, now also covered by soldiers behind the sandbags.

End of Act 1.

Act 2/Scene 1

Wounded men in hospital being visited by former friends. Joe’s head is bandaged (he has lost and ear and an eye), Jeb as his left arm in a sling and a cast on his left leg. The leg was broken in that final mortar hit, but Jeb limped on it while carrying Link, with the support of the medic.), and Link is in a wheelchair having had his right arm amputated at the shoulder and his left leg just above the knee).

Scene opens with Joe and Link being visited by their friends from the barracks, much idle chatter, generally uncomfortable situation for all of them since both Joe and Link want to include Jeb in the visiting. He, himself, declines but the old friends finally drift off in ones and twos. Leaving the three men to themselves and in animated conversation.

Act 2/Scene 2

Battle Action is projected in background.

Note:

Medals should be presented in reverse order of precedence: Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Legion of Merit, then Silver Star.

The Purple Heart is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the US who are wounded by an instrument of war in the hands of the enemy and posthumously to the next of kin in the name of those who are killed in action or die of wounds received in action.

The Bronze Star is given for heroic or meritorious service, not involving aerial flight in connection with operations against an opposing armed force.

The Legion of Merit is presented to any member of the Armed Forces of the US or a friendly nation who has distinguished them selves by exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements. The performance must have been such as to merit recognition of key individuals for service rendered in a clearly exceptional manner. Performance of duties normal to grade, branch, specialty, or assignment, and experience of an individual is not adequate basis for this award.

The Silver Star is given for distinguished gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States or while serving with friendly forces against an opposing enemy force.

The Medal of Honor (not presented at this time) for risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. The Medal of Honor is usually awarded by the President in the name of Congress. It can be presented by any "high official".

The presenter places the medal around the neck of each recipient, steps back an renders a salute, then steps forward and shakes hands. (In Link's case, he will take his left hand in both of his). In each case he will congratulate the man informally.

Captain Elwood Robinson at podium center stage is spotlighted as he reads citations for each soldier to family highlighted group. (Each group seated in folding chairs is spotlighted as their loved one's citation is read. Simultaneously, the individual soldier being cited is spotlighted in the battle scene (behind Robinson).

On another part of the stage the soldiers are shown in the formal presentation ceremony at the hospital.

(The Purple Heart citation is identical for all three men, as follows:

It is decreed by the Congress of the United States that for wounds received during action against the enemy at the Bo Dee River on 13 July 1970, you, Joseph Laird Wilson, Jeb Stuart Appling, and Abraham Lincoln Peavey are hereby authorized to wear the Purple Heart Medal from this day forward.)

Joe's citation: (Silver Star)

It is decreed by the Congress of the United States that for your actions and leadership during the action against the enemy at the Bo Dee River on 13 July 1970, you, Joseph Laird Wilson are awarded the Silver Star Medal of The United States of America for distinguished gallantry in action against the soldiers of the Army of North Vietnam an enemy of the United States. Your actions during this battle exemplify the highest standards of valor established by the United States Army. You are hereby authorized to wear this medal at all appropriate occasions from this time forward.

Jeb's citation: (Legion of Merit)

It is decreed by the Congress of the United States that for your actions during the action against the enemy at the Bo Dee River on 13 July 1970, you, Jeb Stuart Appling are awarded the The Legion of Merit for your exceptionally meritorious conduct in the rescue of your wounded comrades at great risk of your own life. These actions are clearly beyond any ordinarily expected on your part under any conditions. You are hereby authorized to wear this medal at all appropriate occasions from this time forward.

Link's citation: (Bronze Star)

It is decreed by the Congress of the United States that for your steadfast actions despite being seriously wounded during action against the enemy at the Bo Dee River on 13 July 1970, you, Abraham Lincoln Peavey are awarded the The Bronze Star. This Medal is presented to you specifically for your heroic action in providing covering fire even after being critically wounded by an exploding mortar shell scoring a direct hit on your position and killing the remaining members of your machinegun crew. Rather than attempt to save yourself, you provided an effective covering fire, permitting many men from your company to escape across the river and establish a defensive position. This position, eventually led to your own extraction from harm. You are hereby authorized to wear this medal at all appropriate occasions from this time forward.

Act 2/Scene 3

A video of this scene should be made for use with the finale of act three. Trio returning to US and families amid anti war protest.

Scene opens with all three families standing in separate areas awaiting the arrival of their men. Several soldiers come through the door none of them are Jeb, Joe, or Link. An antiwar chant is growing in volume just off stage. As our three soldiers arrive, the war protesters also emerge. One young woman breaks from the group of protesters, runs over to Jeb, spits in his face, and calls him a baby killer. She and the other protesters are then herded off by police, MPs, and airport security personnel.

Joe enters with his head bandaged and pushing Link in his wheelchair.

Jeb follows Joe and Link at some distance . His left arm is in a sling, and he supports his bandaged right leg with a crutch. One of the female protesters breaks away from the crowd, rushes at Jeb spitting on him and shouting "Baby Killer" repeatedly until the police drag her out of hearing.

As the remaining protesters are being cleared away, the families of each soldier rush to them. After brief introductions by the soldiers of each other to their families and vice versa, each man is led away by family in various directions.

Act 3/Scene 1 (25 years later)

Scene opens with Joe, Link, and Penny wandering about looking for each other. No one remembers Jeb until Penny runs into Link, together they soon find Joe. After initial ritual greetings, Penny gives a brief explanation of Jeb's absence, then all leave for a nearby cafe.

Penny's explanation:

"Jeb committed suicide a week ago. (Both men hug Penny and express condolences). You two guys meant so much to him, I felt that I needed to come and tell you about his life in person. So I am here."

Joe: " Why did he do it, he seemed to be the most solid of us?"

Penny loses her self-control and begins sobbing with her grief, attracting the attention of other reunion participants.

Link: " Let's go over to that cafe, and get away from this crowd. Then we can all catch up!"

Act 3/Scene 2

Joe and Link meet with Penny at cafe. All three fill in lives since coming home. They agree that Penny needs more time to get herself composed. Joe begins.

Note: These monologues may be expanded adlib to fill time, if needed.

Joe's monologue:

" When I got home, OSU sent me a letter stating that due to the fact my wounds would prevent me playing ball for awhile, my scholarship was given to another athlete. I was encouraged to attend the university and make use of athletic department rehab facilities. The promise was that my scholarship would be restored if my progress from my injuries went well.

Dad paid to send me for my freshman year. But I got really bummed out by the scholarship loss and joined a party fraternity. I did not study, did not go to the athletic department rehab. Began drinking and drugging to kill the pain, both physical and mental. I got hooked bad on coke and booze. Dad refused to pay my bills, and I wandered from scut job to scut job to support my habits. my girlfriend married someone else..... Then , I have a blank for over ten years… Finally, Mom and Dad checked me into an expensive rehab, under a court order. I had hit and run a man and left him paralyzed.

I was in that place for over three years before I even began to get an inkling of getting straight and sober. When I finally got serious, I met Jeannine, she was also rehabbing. We began to support each other and got through the program. We went to State and got degrees. Almost a year ago, now, we got married. (Penny and Link express congratulations and good wishes) Both of us support each other in staying clean. I got a job at a stock brokerage, and Jeanie's working for my dad. He wants me to come and take over the business so he can retire. We are still talking it over, but he feels I have proven myself and of course, I have Jeanie to help and to keep me straight. I have a picture of her here in my wallet, I always carry it. Would you guys like to see it?

(appropriate approvals from Link and Penny)

What have you been up to Link?"

Link's monologue:

"Well, It took me quite awhile to rehab. Had to learn to write left-handed, and use my artificial leg.

Mother and Father were prepared to keep me at home in their care forever if need be, but they soon had a rival, of whom they approved. Lisha is a nurse. When we met she was just out of school and working at the rehab center. She still works there part-time. Turned out our birthday is the same, she is also an only child.

One thing led to another and we began seeing each other outside rehab. She was warned by the director not to get personally involved with her patients, but she stood up to him and threatened to quit. Dad raised a stink about that and the man backed down. Lisha got mad at dad for interfering, but she was really grateful.

It took me two and a half years to master my disabilities, but Dr. Ellis still recommended me to the Architecture College, based on a new project I did for him. I had several excellent references, and the college still needed qualified blacks so I got in. It took me a bit longer than normal to graduate, but I finally did. Lisha and I got married after I became a junior architect for Smith, Briggs, Shanner and Horowitz, the biggest firm in town.

It did not take long to realize that I was considered only a double token hire, since I was not given any serious projects. But Lisha was pregnant and I did not see an alternative. Then, two year later Dr. Ellis contacted me with a proposal to setup a firm of our own. He had been passed over for tenure again and wanted to resign. I brought in two other young blacks from Smith, Briggs, Shanner and Horowitz, Dr. Ellis brought several students and one other older architect, who is Hispanic, Jose Parra. We established a partnership, With Dr Ellis handling the business affairs, Jose brought several customers with him and was the senior architect. Myself and the two other escapees from our rival also brought customers and started as Junior partners. I am now a full partner in Ellis, Parra, and Peavy. The original students are all junior architects now. Through Dr. Ellis's contacts at the school we get plenty of student interns. Last year our total project value exceeded that of Smith, Briggs, Shanner and Horowitz for the first time.

Lisha and I celebrated our 12th wedding anniversary last month. I have three wonderful children. Here are pictures of Lisha and the kids.

Now let's hear about Jeb, (pause) if your up to it Penny."

Joe: "I read about you in one of my business magazines about three month's ago. Named to Who's Who in America. Named the most successful black entrepreneur in the USA. President of the Covington Chamber of Commerce. Chairman of the Council for Business Opportunities for the Handicapped. That's a lot of accomplishments."

Joe pats Link on the shoulder.

Penny hugs him and congratulates him on his success. She also thanks him for getting them away from the mob at the reunion.

Note:

Jeb: returned home, went to work as a mechanic at the farm equipment repair business in Vanceburg. Married has two children and one grandchild with second soon to arrive. After five years, succeeded in buying business, which he ran until his suicide a week before the reunion. (On the same day that Jeb's notice of the reunion came he received the Medal of Honor. His Congressman had been working for many years to get this award for him.

Penny's monologue:

"When Jeb got home, Mr. Lewis gave him a job and he went to work the next week. He made sure the family could get by without him on the farm. His mother and brothers and I assured him that he could help the best by working for Mr. Lewis. Mrs. Appling wanted to move into town since the farm was worn out and Mr. Tyus wanted to sell to a developer. Jeb's father did not want to leave the farm, since farming was all he knew how to do, but he realized the farm could not support his family any more.

Mr. Tyus got Mr. Appling a job as the groundskeeper for a hotel in Portsmouth, Ohio. He is now the head groundsman and the family has done well. All his brothers and sisters have married well and have good jobs and many children. Mrs. Appling bakes and sell her goods to a local IGA Market in Portsmith.

About six months after Jeb got home we were married. We have two grown sons, both married. One grandchild and one to arrive next month. I went to Nursing School, at Jeb's insistence. He knew I had wanted to and insisted that I go. I have worked in the Emergency Room at Vancesburg Community Hospital since I graduated.

Mr. Lewis decided to retire and made Jeb manager at the Equipment Repair Shop. In 1975 Jeb bought the shop from Mr. Lewis's estate. He was a very good mechanic and his sister Marylou took bookkeeping at the Junior College and kept the accounts and did the business end for him. The business was a success because Mr. Lewis suggested that Jeb expanded it from just heavy farm equipment to all kinds of repair work from bulldozers to lawnmowers.

Congressman Kirk Pilton decided that Jeb should have a Medal of Honor. Jeb kept protesting, but Pilton kept the publicity level high and was re-elected many times based in part on Jeb's not being properly honored.

Finally, last May 15th, Congress approved the Medal for Jeb. It was presented to him on Memorial Day during the parade festivities. The whole community was proud of him. But, I had to call his brothers to drag him to the ceremony. the letter announcing this reunion arrived in the same mail with the notice of the medal.

Jeb became really depressed from then on, until last Monday, he went down to the shop and.…..and.…..and shot himself with his dads old .38. (These last words, after the ands, are pushed out in a rush).

Both men try to help Penny get calmed down. After a few minutes she leaves for the restroom and Joe and Link discuss what Penny has told them, until she returns a few minutes later.

Link (very softly): "Are you doing okay now Penny?"

Joe: 'I am sorry things went the way they did. You had no earlier signs of trouble?"

Link: "If you are not up to more Penny, we will get you a cab, so you can rest."

Penny: "No I need to finish this. (Takes a drink of water).

"No, Joe, Jeb had received a couple of honors for his contributions to the community. We...I had no idea that he had held those feelings in all these years. I brought his Medal of Honor citation and his final note with me to read to the two of you. I think you may be the only ones who can truly understand.

The Medal of Honor citation for Jeb, read by Penny

By the order of the Congress of the United States of America, Jeb Stuart Appling is to be honored with The Medal of Honor for risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. On 13 July 1970, during the Battle of the Bo Dee River Triangle, Jeb Stuart Appling ignored the urgings of his fellow soldiers and put his life at risk to rescue wounded comrades in the face of an enemy advancing into the same ground into which Jeb Stuart Appling advanced unarmed and unflinching to save two seriously wounded American soldiers from death or imprisonment. Appling, himself, received crippling wounds while performing this rescue.

It is with extreme pride that Congress presents this award, with all attendant honors. Congress regrets that your sacrifice was needed and that so much time has elapsed before that sacrifice has been properly rewarded. Any of your descendents desiring admission to a military academy will be given exemption from competitive entry, if minimum requirements are met.

We humbly salute your heroics and your sacrifices.

Signed in Congress, this 10th day of April, 1995 anno domini.

Jeb’s suicide note (read by Jeb off stage): Project the video of the arrival scene ending act 2 with this recitation.

Dearest Penny,

I am sorry to leave you like this, but this reunion thing and that Medal of Honor has brought back too many painful memories. Please, just remember two things, I have always loved you, and I NEVER KILLED NO BABIES!!!!!

End of Act Three

The End

Copyright 1/1996