This is the true story of a Marine wounded in Korea in 1950. In a letter written to his mother told the fascinating encounter that experienced during the war. Father Walter Muldy, a military chaplain who spoke to the young Marine and his mother, in addition to the officer of the unit, always defended the veracity of the story. We hear it from someone who read the original letter and told us the story here, with all its details and in person, to keep the impact that the marine should have when she told her mother.
Dear Mom,
I am writing from his hospital bed. Do not worry, Mom, I'm fine. I was injured, but the doctor says I'll be standing in almost anything.
But this is not what I have to tell you, Mom. Something occurred to me that I dare not tell anyone else for fear that I created. But I have to tell you, you're the only person I trust, but maybe even you find it hard to believe.
Remember the prayer of San Miguel that I taught as a child? " Miguel, Miguel, in the morning ... " * Before leaving home to Korea instanste me to remember that Prayer before any encounter with the enemy. But really did not need to remind me, Mom. I have always prayed, and when I went to Korea sometimes say a few times a day, while we run or rest.
Anyway, one day we ordered the front crawl in search of Communists. It was a very cold day. While walking I noticed another fellow who was walking beside me, and looked to see who it was.
was a big guy, a Marine 1.80 cm and a proportionate body. It was strange, since they do not know him, and thought I knew everyone in my unit. I was glad to have company then he broke the silence between us.
" It is cool now, eh? " I laughed, because I suddenly seemed absurd to talk about the weather when we went to face the enemy.
He also laughed softly.
" I thought I knew everyone in my unit " I continued, " but you've ever seen."
" not" confirmed, " I just join your unit. My name is Miguel .
" Really? I also .
" know, "replied the Marine," Miguel, Miguel in the morning ... "
Mom, I was very surprised that he knew of my prayer, but it teaches many of the other guys, so I figured that the newcomer had to hear it to someone else. In fact I have heard rumors that some mates were calling me "San Miguel".
Then, suddenly, Miguel said, " going to be trouble there in front .
I wondered how he could know that. I was gasping for the march that we had, and my breath pierced through the cold dense air like wisps of fog. Miguel seemed to be in top form, he can not see any visible traces of his breath. Just then it started snowing heavily, and soon grew so quickly that I could neither see nor hear the rest of my unit. I was a little nervous and called him " Miguel! ." When I did I could feel his strong hand on my shoulder and hear his voice in my ear " soon will brighten."
And suddenly dawns. And then, just in front of us and within walking distance, as in many horrific nightmares, seven Communists were quite funny with their strange hats. But really there was nothing funny about that time, their weapons were ready and pointed straight us.
" to earth, Miguel! " I screamed as I pulled in for protection. Even when we still had not fallen at all I looked up and saw Michael still standing, as if paralyzed with fear, or so I thought at that time. The bullets flew in all directions, and mother, there was no way that these communists could have missed the mark so close. I jumped up and pulled it, and then they gave me. The pain was like a flame burning in my chest and my head fell as faded, I remember thinking "I must be dying ... ." Someone deposited on the ground, strong arms held me and let me gently on the snow. I opened my eyes half-dazed, and it seemed as if the sun pierced me with her light eyes. Miguel stood still, and his face shone with a terrible glare. Suddenly it seemed as if the glow grow, as the sun, rising strongly about it, like the wings of an angel. Just before I saw it vanish completely Miguel holding a sword in his hands, and sparkled like a million rays.
Later, when I woke up, the rest of my teammates and the sergeant came to me.
"How did you, son? "he asked.
" Where's Michael? "I said in reply.
" "Michael who? . "The sergeant looked puzzled.
" Miguel, the huge marine who went with me, just a moment ago. I saw here as fell. "
" Son," the sergeant said gravely, "you're the only Miguel in my unit. I brought all your friends, and only one Michael. You. And the son, you were not walking anyone. I watched you because you were away too much of us and was concerned . "
" Now tell me, son " he repeated, " How do you do? ."
was the second time I've been asked, and began to bother me.
" What I've done what? ."
" How do you kill those seven Communists here?" Your rifle is still all bullets. "
" What? "
" Come on, son. They are all scattered around you, each with a deadly pit sword."
And this, Mom, it's the end of my history. May have been the pain, blinding sun or bitter cold. I do not know, Mom, but one thing I am sure. Happened.
Love, your son
Miguel. Translated
here directly.
* Prayer, in English in the original, is as follows: " Michael, Michael, of the morning, / Fresh chord of Heaven adorning, / Keep me safe today / And in time of temptation, / Drive away the devil "(Miguel, Miguel in the morning, / Frescos adorn heavenly choirs, / Keep me safe today / And in the temptation / Aleja the devil).
