_Lieutenant Barry_: “I will try, sir. I will order:
“‘Sergeant C (platoon Sergeant) turn out a reconnoitering patrol of
four privates, with Sergeant B (section leader) as patrol leader.
Have the men carry a ration and 40 rounds of ammunition. Leave
bayonets here. Have Sergeant B report to me as soon as he is ready
to go out.’
“I will frame up my orders to the patrol leader, and as soon as he
reports to me I will give them to him:
“‘I have just received information that there is a Red force in the
vicinity of (_h_). Here is the point. Here is the road leading in
that direction. (Indicating on the map.)[15]
“‘There are no other patrols out from this support. I will notify
the other supports that you are going out.
“‘You will take this reconnoitering patrol of four men and proceed
toward (_h_) and find out what you can about the enemy. Information
as to his strength and composition and what he is doing is
particularly desired.
“‘Return when you have accomplished your mission.
“‘Carlin will be second in command.
“‘Here is a map.
“‘Send messages here.’
“I will send a runner to the other support commanders to inform them of
the fact that I am sending out a reconnoitering patrol and give them the
information we have about the enemy.
“I will send the citizen who gave me the information to the outpost
commander accompanied by a runner and a message:
“‘I am sending you a Mr. ——, who lives at ——. He informs me that he
just had a telephone conversation with a friend of his who lives ——
miles —— of here and who states that a Red force is in the vicinity
of (_h_). The telephone went out before he could get any further
information. I am sending out a reconnoitering patrol of four men
under Sergeant B to find out what they can. I will notify other
supports of the action I have taken.’
“I will explain to Mr. —— that the information he has given me is very
important and tell him that it will be necessary for him to go back to
the outpost commander with the runner.”