Out of Context 17

Ranger Red Gilbert’s thievery, however, had more positive results (Red told me this story down at Ft. Benning).  During the invasion of Sicily, prior to landing, Red and other Rangers broke into the ship’s galley stores. The stock was in a wire cage, but Red had wire cutters to be used ashore if necessary.  Once in, they found ice cream and had just polished off a five gallon bucket of the sweet, culinary delight when the ship’s loudspeakers announced, “Attention on deck!  First boat team, man your boat!”  Being in the first boat, Red made for the landing craft, but not before grabbing another bucket and balancing it on the stack of mortar tubes that hung at his midsection.  On the way to shore, the bucket was passed and each Ranger scooped a handful.  Red said that he was later asked if he was scared during the invasion.  He replied, “No, I was eating ice cream.” 

     

From "Bon Appetite, Ranger!"--2011