WEBVTT 1 00:00:02.480 --> 00:00:08.400 Tired of the everyday grind, ever dream of a life 2 00:00:08.439 --> 00:00:14.960 of romantic adventure, want to get away from it all. 3 00:00:17.039 --> 00:00:22.679 We offer you Escape from. 4 00:00:24.960 --> 00:00:27.960 Escape, designed to free you from the four walls of 5 00:00:28.000 --> 00:00:30.960 to day for a half hour of high adventure. 6 00:00:45.320 --> 00:00:49.840 You are one hundred miles from your own lines, waiting 7 00:00:49.920 --> 00:00:53.119 for the enemy who will lead you to your destination. 8 00:00:54.200 --> 00:00:58.920 While the danger to you and your men becomes more acute. 9 00:01:00.119 --> 00:01:04.000 If you are discovered, the only road of escape will 10 00:01:04.000 --> 00:01:05.280 be dath. 11 00:01:06.040 --> 00:01:09.560 So listen now as Escape brings you The Thirteenth Truck, 12 00:01:10.000 --> 00:01:12.519 based on the story of Captain Douglas M. 13 00:01:12.560 --> 00:01:12.959 Smith. 14 00:01:26.840 --> 00:01:29.239 Some of the men called it a joy ride. Two 15 00:01:29.319 --> 00:01:33.680 days before we left headquarters at cabrit Egypt, Sickletobrook sneaked 16 00:01:33.680 --> 00:01:38.640 across into Nazi Hell Territory destination, a Nazi airfield one 17 00:01:38.719 --> 00:01:43.239 hundred miles behind enemy lines. A joy ride. The next 18 00:01:43.239 --> 00:01:45.840 twenty four hours could turn our army truck into a hearse. 19 00:01:48.680 --> 00:01:51.959 Just six of us in that truck Sergeant Heley, a corporal, 20 00:01:52.359 --> 00:01:56.519 re enlisted men, Hutchins, Swambling and Guffy, and myself, Captain 21 00:01:56.560 --> 00:01:59.640 Paul Brown, US Army I was the only American in 22 00:01:59.680 --> 00:02:01.879 the group. The others drafted from Montgomery a f army. 23 00:02:02.640 --> 00:02:07.560 As a unit, we were called desert Commandos. Our business sabotage. 24 00:02:08.759 --> 00:02:12.319 He deserts, he does it. Sergeant didn't see it, Captain, Sorry, sir, 25 00:02:12.719 --> 00:02:14.240 break an axelent. We're in big trouble. 26 00:02:17.639 --> 00:02:19.680 Listen to it. I think they were on a bloom 27 00:02:19.680 --> 00:02:22.319 and joy ride. You would, uh, Captain? 28 00:02:22.759 --> 00:02:24.120 What I was thinking? 29 00:02:24.639 --> 00:02:26.759 The man been wondering what they're in for this trip. 30 00:02:27.240 --> 00:02:29.599 Well, i'll hear about it tonight when we stop. 31 00:02:29.919 --> 00:02:32.319 That'll make him feel brighter. If a man's gonna die, 32 00:02:32.360 --> 00:02:33.840 it makes him feel better if he knows why. 33 00:02:34.599 --> 00:02:37.439 Cappy Brown I'm playing. I'm playing where. 34 00:02:38.840 --> 00:02:41.280 I'll pick him up the glass maser Schmidt can't tell me. 35 00:02:41.360 --> 00:02:43.599 Get too far, Pull up, Sergeant, I will have those rocks. 36 00:02:43.639 --> 00:02:53.560 Hurry, get the truck covered, man and try not to 37 00:02:53.639 --> 00:02:54.439 raise any dusts. 38 00:02:55.159 --> 00:02:55.639 What did yet? 39 00:02:55.680 --> 00:02:55.960 Captain? 40 00:02:56.159 --> 00:02:59.879 Nah, Hutchins said to the east, don't hear it? 41 00:03:00.759 --> 00:03:03.039 Hoped it with that couple heads got it. It's a plane, 42 00:03:03.039 --> 00:03:03.360 all right. 43 00:03:03.360 --> 00:03:05.479 I can't tell what kind it's kind this way and. 44 00:03:05.639 --> 00:03:06.680 They made this time with rock. 45 00:03:06.719 --> 00:03:08.960 Make him at it's a master smid on a truck man, 46 00:03:09.000 --> 00:03:11.199 Massa Schmidt, Come on, let's go, Sergeant. 47 00:03:12.680 --> 00:03:13.240 Keep it quiet. 48 00:03:13.319 --> 00:03:21.560 Nets and don't move, yeah, coming in. Yeah, if there 49 00:03:21.639 --> 00:03:23.919 came a large nettle pulling, that's what it's for. 50 00:03:24.479 --> 00:03:27.000 We had duck from a ready pond. If it doesn't pose. 51 00:03:26.879 --> 00:03:29.639 Moving back there, he said that knock you ductions. 52 00:03:29.960 --> 00:03:33.280 But the heads falling around and he has said stop 53 00:03:33.360 --> 00:03:36.479 right over an air we're sitting on it, big red heads. 54 00:03:36.520 --> 00:03:38.240 Captain, Well, don't move and whatever you do, don't touch 55 00:03:38.280 --> 00:03:38.639 that net. 56 00:03:40.319 --> 00:03:41.639 Shut or corporal. 57 00:03:42.199 --> 00:03:47.360 They're all over the place, captain and he's stickling back, 58 00:04:06.479 --> 00:04:34.480 giving away. Maybe don't hear him, sir, we'll out check. Okay, 59 00:04:35.000 --> 00:04:39.920 Jerry's gone. Come on now what I'll get that net 60 00:04:39.959 --> 00:04:41.920 loaded and let's get moving. We can put in another 61 00:04:42.000 --> 00:04:43.240 fifty miles before dark. 62 00:04:43.600 --> 00:04:45.319 This right, I guess we'll be in driving right in 63 00:04:45.360 --> 00:04:46.160 the Rummel's front yard. 64 00:04:49.759 --> 00:04:52.160 Sergeant Healey scratched in an ant under his shirt and 65 00:04:52.199 --> 00:04:53.920 then turned and hustled the man into the truck and 66 00:04:54.079 --> 00:05:08.000 we were on our way again. No singing now. The 67 00:05:08.079 --> 00:05:10.560 corporal stared across the desert from his side of the truck. 68 00:05:11.399 --> 00:05:14.519 Hutchins kept his eyes up where the messagement's roamed. The 69 00:05:14.639 --> 00:05:17.240 rest just scraped away at the layers of dust and sweat, 70 00:05:17.519 --> 00:05:23.319 Staring at each other. They covered twenty miles thirty zig 71 00:05:23.439 --> 00:05:27.800 zagging deeper into Nazi territory. Just before dark, we parked 72 00:05:27.800 --> 00:05:30.639 in some low lying hills above the Coast Highway, Rommel's 73 00:05:30.680 --> 00:05:33.439 main artery of communication and supply to the front lines. 74 00:05:34.279 --> 00:05:35.879 It was time to tell the men what they were 75 00:05:35.920 --> 00:05:36.120 in for. 76 00:05:37.199 --> 00:05:38.959 Settle down legs, Captain Brown of the. 77 00:05:38.959 --> 00:05:49.639 Wood ah Kesha wondering where we are. We're right here, Yeah, 78 00:05:51.160 --> 00:05:54.040 long me right down Jerry's throat. That it's just about 79 00:05:55.120 --> 00:05:57.600 intelligence reports say the Germans have established a hidden the 80 00:05:57.600 --> 00:06:02.759 airfield somewhere in this right here, just off the coast Highway. 81 00:06:02.800 --> 00:06:03.360 How do I know that? 82 00:06:04.120 --> 00:06:06.360 Our Nazi supply trucks have been spotted leaving the coast 83 00:06:06.439 --> 00:06:09.680 Highway taking a camel trail up into the hills right here, 84 00:06:11.000 --> 00:06:13.439 and they're supplying something up their headquarters is certain that's 85 00:06:13.480 --> 00:06:14.399 a hidden airfield. 86 00:06:14.680 --> 00:06:17.279 Oh, that explains all them fighter planes in the forward area. 87 00:06:17.480 --> 00:06:20.879 You're right well then, as I see it. So where 88 00:06:20.959 --> 00:06:24.519 to find that hidden airfields? Find a corporal and destroy 89 00:06:24.560 --> 00:06:25.720 it destroyed? 90 00:06:25.839 --> 00:06:29.040 So aw go in and dynamite. Where do we get 91 00:06:29.040 --> 00:06:29.680 the dynamite? 92 00:06:29.720 --> 00:06:32.240 We've got it, Corporal, You've been sitting on it for 93 00:06:32.279 --> 00:06:35.600 the last couple of days. Do you mean them boxes 94 00:06:35.680 --> 00:06:37.120 in the track dynamite? 95 00:06:38.000 --> 00:06:39.759 Hey, just a six ye that are. 96 00:06:39.680 --> 00:06:41.959 Going to blow up this airfield by ourselves. 97 00:06:42.600 --> 00:06:46.040 That's a job hut keeps getting all the what that 98 00:06:46.240 --> 00:06:48.120 swombly naphing Sarge? 99 00:06:48.920 --> 00:06:51.639 Captain say, we find the field? How do we get 100 00:06:51.680 --> 00:06:52.920 close enough to use the dynamite? 101 00:06:53.480 --> 00:06:56.279 Close won't do? Sergeant? You mean we're going right into 102 00:06:56.279 --> 00:06:59.240 the ruddy placer. That's right, Corporal, That's where we can 103 00:06:59.279 --> 00:06:59.959 do the most damage. 104 00:07:00.079 --> 00:07:02.879 One more questions it how do we get inside the airfield? 105 00:07:03.959 --> 00:07:07.079 We drive in, drive in. I could just see them. 106 00:07:07.160 --> 00:07:08.879 Not is letting us drive into their airfield with a 107 00:07:08.879 --> 00:07:09.920 truckload of explosives. 108 00:07:11.519 --> 00:07:13.160 So as it's dark, we move on to that next 109 00:07:13.240 --> 00:07:15.839 hill up ahead. From there, we watch that camera road 110 00:07:15.879 --> 00:07:18.120 that comes up from the Coast Highway. We'll rest up 111 00:07:18.120 --> 00:07:20.639 there all day tomorrow. Then tomorrow night, after dark, we'll 112 00:07:20.720 --> 00:07:22.399 leave a sentinel at the top of the hills. That'll 113 00:07:22.439 --> 00:07:24.959 be you Hutchins get Then we'll move the truck down 114 00:07:25.000 --> 00:07:26.839 and park at a sharp curve within twenty hours of 115 00:07:26.879 --> 00:07:29.920 the camel road and wait wait for what, sir, for 116 00:07:30.040 --> 00:07:32.120 you to spot a German supply convoy and its way 117 00:07:32.199 --> 00:07:34.360 up to the Camel Road. You're to wait and count 118 00:07:34.399 --> 00:07:36.959 exactly the number of trucks in the convoy and the 119 00:07:37.040 --> 00:07:40.360 distance separating room. Yes, and when you've got that information 120 00:07:40.439 --> 00:07:42.360 you come back and report. Then we wait until the 121 00:07:42.439 --> 00:07:45.040 Jerry convoy comes around the curve. We let all but 122 00:07:45.120 --> 00:07:47.680 the last truck pass by, and before this last truck 123 00:07:47.720 --> 00:07:50.319 comes in sight around the curve, we'll cut into the 124 00:07:50.399 --> 00:07:53.639 road and fall in line. You'll get the picture now 125 00:07:53.639 --> 00:07:57.560 of corporal. Yes, sir, only why aren't we falling at 126 00:07:57.560 --> 00:07:58.279 the end of the commons? 127 00:07:58.319 --> 00:07:59.240 Oh, come off it. 128 00:08:00.120 --> 00:08:02.519 Jerry's in the last truck gets suspicious when another truck 129 00:08:02.560 --> 00:08:03.319 comes up behind him. 130 00:08:03.439 --> 00:08:04.920 Unpaid to fight, not to think so? 131 00:08:05.199 --> 00:08:07.000 All right, corp then, but once you'll have a chance 132 00:08:07.040 --> 00:08:07.639 to earn your pay. 133 00:08:18.959 --> 00:08:21.560 After dark we moved onto the hill overlooking a long 134 00:08:21.680 --> 00:08:24.079 stretch of the Camel Road, a short distance from the 135 00:08:24.120 --> 00:08:28.160 sharp curve. We broke over the dynamite and attached time mechanisms. 136 00:08:28.800 --> 00:08:32.200 We finished preparations just before daylight, and the men covered 137 00:08:32.240 --> 00:08:34.519 the truck with a camouflage net and turned in for 138 00:08:34.679 --> 00:08:39.559 some sleep. With the sun it got hot under the net, 139 00:08:40.759 --> 00:08:50.000 then hotter plus the flies. And the flies reminded me 140 00:08:50.080 --> 00:08:58.240 of a of another place on a hillside in Ohio, sandwiches, 141 00:08:59.000 --> 00:09:09.799 potato salad, and a girl, dark eyes, dark hair, laughing 142 00:09:09.879 --> 00:09:14.600 and pushing me away. I had forgotten a name. I 143 00:09:15.600 --> 00:09:17.679 wanted to kiss her, but she was worried about the 144 00:09:17.799 --> 00:09:26.039 flies on the potato salad. What was her name? Jane, 145 00:09:26.200 --> 00:09:45.600 no Elaine, Eileen, And she let me kiss her lips? Cool, nice. 146 00:09:48.679 --> 00:10:00.279 We forgot about potato salad and the flies, blasted flies. Oh, 147 00:10:00.480 --> 00:10:04.159 what's the matter, sergeant getting dark? Sir ah, Yeah, there's 148 00:10:04.240 --> 00:10:05.799 time you slept since we left Cabritza. 149 00:10:06.279 --> 00:10:09.720 You needed it. Yeah, you were streaming. 150 00:10:10.919 --> 00:10:15.279 Yeah, your wife sirs. No, just a lady friend, Just 151 00:10:15.440 --> 00:10:16.919 something that happened a long time ago. 152 00:10:18.399 --> 00:10:20.919 I remember a bit of strawberry jam in Naples. It 153 00:10:21.120 --> 00:10:23.279 was she tended bar in one of them places you 154 00:10:23.320 --> 00:10:25.799 can never find when you go back. She never meant 155 00:10:25.799 --> 00:10:29.320 nothing to me. Funny thing I'd try to remember. Her 156 00:10:29.399 --> 00:10:30.840 name never comes to me. 157 00:10:33.519 --> 00:10:38.159 Oh, this heat, dripping wet. I guess we better get 158 00:10:38.159 --> 00:10:49.799 the man out. In a few minutes, the men were 159 00:10:49.919 --> 00:10:52.200 up on the truck with packs of dynamite on their backs. 160 00:10:52.799 --> 00:10:54.480 We left Hutchins on the hill to watch for the 161 00:10:54.519 --> 00:10:57.799 approaching convoy and moved down and park twenty yards from 162 00:10:57.840 --> 00:11:01.559 the sharp curve on the camel road. Now we waited 163 00:11:03.919 --> 00:11:14.799 two hours, passed, three four, No sign of the German 164 00:11:14.840 --> 00:11:15.519 truck convoy. 165 00:11:16.200 --> 00:11:18.360 What do we do if no convoy comes through tonight, sir? 166 00:11:19.120 --> 00:11:29.919 Try again tomorrow night? Oh five hours Still waiting, I 167 00:11:30.000 --> 00:11:31.720 began to think of the things that could go wrong. 168 00:11:31.840 --> 00:11:31.960 Now. 169 00:11:32.200 --> 00:11:35.240 I considered the possibility that Hutchins might have fallen asleep 170 00:11:35.360 --> 00:11:38.440 up on the hill. There were patrols scouting the area. 171 00:11:38.480 --> 00:11:40.799 What if one of them discovered us. Could be a 172 00:11:40.879 --> 00:11:44.120 run for our lives. Then we needed darkness to get 173 00:11:44.120 --> 00:11:45.799 at that airfield, and there was only a few hours 174 00:11:45.840 --> 00:11:55.480 of it left. Still we waited no convoy. I was 175 00:11:55.519 --> 00:11:57.440 about to send the corporal to relieve Hutchins when he 176 00:11:57.480 --> 00:12:02.840 came scrambling down the hill. Captain, Gerry convoy twelve trucks, 177 00:12:03.120 --> 00:12:07.399 twelve you're positive, Hutchins and positives. I carry them three times, 178 00:12:07.879 --> 00:12:11.559 twelve trucks about one hundred yards apart, averaging thirty morein 179 00:12:11.639 --> 00:12:15.600 how good climb aboard Hutchins. I'm your tars Man. I 180 00:12:15.679 --> 00:12:17.799 can't each truck as it passes, we move in behind 181 00:12:17.840 --> 00:12:18.759 the eleventh truck. 182 00:12:18.799 --> 00:12:20.519 I just thought of something, all right, what are they 183 00:12:20.519 --> 00:12:20.960 going to think of? 184 00:12:21.000 --> 00:12:23.120 They count thirteen trucks when we reached the airfield, when 185 00:12:23.159 --> 00:12:24.519 they were only twelve trucks to begin with. 186 00:12:24.759 --> 00:12:26.440 We'll figure that one out when we get to it. 187 00:12:26.519 --> 00:12:29.840 If they can't captain first Jerry trucks coming around. 188 00:12:29.600 --> 00:12:43.159 A bench, we will return to Escape in just a moment. 189 00:12:43.279 --> 00:12:47.360 But first, CBS Radio wishes to call your attention to 190 00:12:47.440 --> 00:12:50.000 a new five a week daytime show on many of 191 00:12:50.080 --> 00:12:53.679 these same stations under the expert guidance of Jack Sterling. 192 00:12:54.440 --> 00:12:57.639 This new show asks members of the panel to make 193 00:12:57.720 --> 00:13:01.000 up your mind or for problems with the psychological Twist. 194 00:13:01.960 --> 00:13:04.679 The first week's guest list on make Up your Mind 195 00:13:04.960 --> 00:13:10.399 included Ilka Chase, Wendy Berry, Deams, Taylor, Earl Wilson, and 196 00:13:10.639 --> 00:13:14.600 Vic Marcillo, former manager of Jersey Joe Walcott. 197 00:13:15.759 --> 00:13:18.720 And now back to Escape. 198 00:13:36.360 --> 00:13:38.919 The first truck of the Nazi convoy roared around the 199 00:13:39.000 --> 00:13:46.320 curve and passed thirty seconds later another one. All we 200 00:13:46.360 --> 00:13:48.840 could see was two pinpoints of dim light coming at us, 201 00:13:49.159 --> 00:13:51.759 A dark shadow as it passed, and a tiny red 202 00:13:51.879 --> 00:14:00.320 light at the back of the truck. Three four rucks, 203 00:14:02.240 --> 00:14:05.519 then a command car. Now what if a number eleven 204 00:14:05.600 --> 00:14:08.360 or twelve were command cars? They'd stop to investigate the 205 00:14:08.360 --> 00:14:11.960 sudden appearance of a truck at the end of the convoy. Well, 206 00:14:12.080 --> 00:14:33.000 we'd take a chance. Truck number seven, eight, nine, two 207 00:14:33.120 --> 00:14:57.279 more start arrangine, Sergeant, Yes, here comes number ten. We 208 00:14:57.399 --> 00:15:00.200 pull out behind the next truck, Sergeant, and no headlights toil. 209 00:15:00.200 --> 00:15:19.919 We're in mind, right, sir. Here it comes eleven. 210 00:15:20.080 --> 00:15:34.480 Let's go. If you're in line, now you're lights on? 211 00:15:37.000 --> 00:15:39.519 Can't number curve just came around the curve and I'll 212 00:15:39.559 --> 00:15:39.840 gift the. 213 00:15:39.919 --> 00:15:45.679 Yards back a little pastor, Sergeant, come much twelve, he's 214 00:15:45.720 --> 00:15:49.679 dropping back now, good only that's number thirteen. Back there, corporal, 215 00:15:49.879 --> 00:15:53.080 where number twelve? Now, I'll keep your eyes peeled for 216 00:15:53.120 --> 00:15:56.159 that airfield. They'll have to do something about the extra 217 00:15:56.320 --> 00:15:59.559 truck in this convoy before we get there. In the meantime, 218 00:16:00.279 --> 00:16:05.840 sit tight and enjoy the ride. What did you say, swombly, Nothing? 219 00:16:06.080 --> 00:16:06.840 Nothing at all? 220 00:16:06.960 --> 00:16:10.080 Side All right, settle back, boys and enjoy the ride. 221 00:16:10.559 --> 00:16:13.559 Enjoy the blooming ride. Who them Jerry's in front of 222 00:16:13.639 --> 00:16:16.720 behind us. I'll enjoy the ready side more on the 223 00:16:16.840 --> 00:16:19.840 return trip. I can tell you trouble with you, Etchens 224 00:16:19.840 --> 00:16:22.759 you're a stinking pessimist. So if you're ready, well right, 225 00:16:22.799 --> 00:16:24.120 if we're all blown to blazes. 226 00:16:31.879 --> 00:16:35.799 The following half hour was uneventful. We moved along, keeping 227 00:16:35.840 --> 00:16:39.559 our place in line, watching the other trucks, watching for 228 00:16:39.639 --> 00:16:43.480 the airfield, seeing nothing but a small red dot ahead, 229 00:16:44.159 --> 00:16:48.919 two gray dots behind. Then the corporal noticed something about 230 00:16:48.919 --> 00:16:52.600 those two gray lights behind us. They grew larger, came closer. 231 00:16:55.000 --> 00:17:00.679 Captain, the rear truck is moving up on us. I 232 00:17:00.759 --> 00:17:02.960 think they want us to stop. What for? I know 233 00:17:03.679 --> 00:17:04.119 what do we do? 234 00:17:04.240 --> 00:17:04.359 Sir? 235 00:17:05.680 --> 00:17:07.400 Pull up right? 236 00:17:12.119 --> 00:17:15.240 The corporal Germans better than mine. You do the talking. 237 00:17:16.200 --> 00:17:18.240 The rest of you keep your knives handy. Nope, guns. 238 00:17:18.279 --> 00:17:23.799 There might be sentries along the road, game and I 239 00:17:23.960 --> 00:17:29.319 bang home. They want to match boys, have one. 240 00:17:31.720 --> 00:17:35.079 In my point if it cost a roof keeper. 241 00:17:36.400 --> 00:17:41.799 Okay, Uh, what's up to? Corporal gave him his letter 242 00:17:41.839 --> 00:17:43.119 that Jerry says it's a French one. 243 00:17:44.480 --> 00:17:45.039 I keep going. 244 00:17:46.920 --> 00:17:49.359 It's okay. He covered says they got a lot of French. Major. 245 00:17:52.519 --> 00:18:02.880 I mean, oh clear, go to work, Corporal, Okay, let's go. 246 00:18:09.119 --> 00:18:10.880 You've got to catch up with a convoy before they 247 00:18:10.960 --> 00:18:11.799 come back looking for you. 248 00:18:11.880 --> 00:18:14.000 Yes, and if we don't spot that airfield pretty soon, 249 00:18:14.039 --> 00:18:14.920 I'm gonna have conniptions. 250 00:18:14.960 --> 00:18:15.240 I am. 251 00:18:23.880 --> 00:18:26.440 We caught up and took our place again. We were 252 00:18:26.440 --> 00:18:28.480 about to reach the Nazi airfield soon, so I gave 253 00:18:28.519 --> 00:18:31.640 the men their final instructions. There was still one truck 254 00:18:31.720 --> 00:18:33.400 too many in the convoy that had to be taken 255 00:18:33.480 --> 00:18:36.079 care of. Then we topped a height and spoted the 256 00:18:36.119 --> 00:18:38.519 cluster of pinpoint lights up ahead. This had to be 257 00:18:38.559 --> 00:18:41.279 the hidden Nazi airfield. I gave the sergeant the order 258 00:18:41.319 --> 00:18:51.240 to swerve the truck across the road, blocking it. I 259 00:18:51.319 --> 00:18:52.920 had a couple of years circle around behind them as 260 00:18:52.920 --> 00:19:02.200 they reach us. Hurry there they come fasting you there, 261 00:19:02.680 --> 00:19:03.640 motor trouble corporal. 262 00:19:05.359 --> 00:19:07.599 The motor is to salmon block and camerade. 263 00:19:09.400 --> 00:19:14.039 Yeah yeah, they comes only two. 264 00:19:20.240 --> 00:19:20.400 Now? 265 00:19:24.519 --> 00:19:29.319 Yeah, that does it? Okay, transfer everything to the Jerry truck. 266 00:19:29.440 --> 00:19:31.960 Fast a Twamley. You take our truck and hide it 267 00:19:32.000 --> 00:19:32.799 and that wady off the road. 268 00:19:32.880 --> 00:19:33.319 Stay with it. 269 00:19:33.559 --> 00:19:35.400 We'll rally back here no more than fifteen minutes from 270 00:19:35.400 --> 00:19:37.799 aunt and you got that man and Twamley. This is 271 00:19:37.839 --> 00:19:40.359 an order. Wait here for fifteen minutes, then start back 272 00:19:40.400 --> 00:19:42.160 to the base, even if you have to go back alone. 273 00:19:42.240 --> 00:19:42.519 Yes, sir. 274 00:19:54.079 --> 00:19:55.640 Just as we caught up with a Jerry convoy, the 275 00:19:55.680 --> 00:19:58.720 truck ahead pulled through the front gate. Two guards leisurely 276 00:19:58.839 --> 00:20:04.799 watched each truck as it passed stund a spotlight. We 277 00:20:05.000 --> 00:20:12.720 moved up slowly in our proper position. We reached the gate. 278 00:20:14.160 --> 00:20:18.240 The guards didn't know then we were through the gate 279 00:20:19.079 --> 00:20:24.119 and inside. We'd made it. The other trucks parked about 280 00:20:24.119 --> 00:20:28.599 one hundred yards further on. We pulled up at the 281 00:20:28.640 --> 00:20:31.160 end of the line and we got out, stalling as 282 00:20:31.200 --> 00:20:34.279 much as possible. The light over the front gate went on. 283 00:20:35.759 --> 00:20:39.599 The other drivers were gone. Now it was quiet and 284 00:20:42.519 --> 00:20:53.079 come on quiet, okay, okay, I'll hold it here. We'll 285 00:20:53.079 --> 00:20:55.680 split up now, Corporate, you and Guffy take that side 286 00:20:55.680 --> 00:20:59.039 of the field. Look for planes, Hutchins, you work on 287 00:20:59.079 --> 00:21:01.880 those buildings along there. Sergeant, we'll take the side of 288 00:21:01.920 --> 00:21:05.279 the field and the hangars. I'll make sure you'll plant 289 00:21:05.319 --> 00:21:08.319 that dynamite where will do the most good good luck. 290 00:21:11.039 --> 00:21:28.599 Come on, sergeant, they're the bunker. Captain in here, Captain, look, yeah, 291 00:21:29.079 --> 00:21:30.519 three planes, bull fighters. 292 00:21:30.599 --> 00:21:32.319 It must be at least half a dozen bunkers along 293 00:21:32.359 --> 00:21:34.200 this side of the field with planes in all of them. 294 00:21:34.480 --> 00:21:37.119 We've hit the jackpot, Captain. Yeah, you start at the 295 00:21:37.119 --> 00:21:39.720 other end, sergeant, work your way back. Meet you here 296 00:21:39.720 --> 00:21:47.400 in three minutes. Right there, I found three bunkers, planes 297 00:21:47.440 --> 00:21:49.799 in each of them, a squad structure with a sign 298 00:21:49.839 --> 00:21:53.559 out front actung explosives. I put two loads under that one, 299 00:21:54.319 --> 00:21:58.039 then a warehouse, a bulldozer, trucks, cars, and three barracks buildings. 300 00:21:58.960 --> 00:22:00.960 From somewhere in the pitch blow, I could hear voices 301 00:22:01.000 --> 00:22:04.039 laughing and talking, and I was back at the first bunker, 302 00:22:04.119 --> 00:22:05.440 and the sergeant moved out of the dark. 303 00:22:05.839 --> 00:22:08.240 He was smiling, lanes and all them bunkers. 304 00:22:08.279 --> 00:22:10.039 Then I got a fuel reservoir. While I was editor. 305 00:22:10.240 --> 00:22:11.319 Good, let's get out of here. 306 00:22:14.519 --> 00:22:15.240 We've been spotted. 307 00:22:20.279 --> 00:22:21.960 The sergeant cut the guard down before he could pull 308 00:22:22.000 --> 00:22:24.200 a rifle off his shoulder. Spotlights went on everywhere. Other 309 00:22:24.240 --> 00:22:26.799 guards came running. Then a door opened behind us. Excited 310 00:22:26.799 --> 00:22:28.640 figures rushed out and stopped dead in their tracks when 311 00:22:28.680 --> 00:22:30.359 they saw us. We stood there, face to face with 312 00:22:30.359 --> 00:22:32.920 a half a dozen surprise Nazi officers. The sergeant whipped 313 00:22:32.920 --> 00:22:36.680 his machine gun around, and they dropped one after another 314 00:22:36.720 --> 00:22:40.559 right at our feet, all but one. He stumbled forward, 315 00:22:40.640 --> 00:22:42.759 right into the sergeant's arms. The sergeant held him as 316 00:22:42.799 --> 00:22:44.359 a shield with one arm and went quite on firing 317 00:22:44.480 --> 00:22:44.759 the other. 318 00:22:46.640 --> 00:22:48.759 Wait for the main game, sergeant, right for that. 319 00:22:49.839 --> 00:22:52.160 We moved through patches of darkness and smoke, dragging the 320 00:22:52.279 --> 00:22:54.680 Nazi officer with us. The guards were firing and wild, 321 00:22:54.759 --> 00:22:59.960 confusion and down. A strange thing happened as we moved 322 00:23:00.079 --> 00:23:02.640 under the light at the main gate. The Jerry's quit 323 00:23:02.720 --> 00:23:06.039 firing at us. They were all around us, but out 324 00:23:06.039 --> 00:23:12.319 of sight, silent watching us. We made a perfect target, 325 00:23:12.400 --> 00:23:15.519 but not a shot was fired. I couldn't figure it out. 326 00:23:15.640 --> 00:23:18.759 I don't get it, Captain, What are they waiting for? 327 00:23:19.000 --> 00:23:22.000 I don't know. Maybe it's that Jerry officer you've got 328 00:23:22.039 --> 00:23:22.519 there him. 329 00:23:22.960 --> 00:23:27.799 You don't look important, better fatigues, no rank, insignia, nothing 330 00:23:27.839 --> 00:23:28.680 but that campaign metal. 331 00:23:29.000 --> 00:23:30.200 Hang out to him, just the same. 332 00:23:30.480 --> 00:23:31.000 Don't worry. 333 00:23:32.119 --> 00:23:34.519 Hello, the main gates closed. 334 00:23:34.880 --> 00:23:37.799 It's locked. Yeah, how are we going to get out? 335 00:23:38.759 --> 00:23:43.559 Look? There was a staff car park just fifteen yards away. 336 00:23:43.920 --> 00:23:45.799 We moved to it, wondering how long it would be 337 00:23:45.839 --> 00:23:47.960 before the guards made up their minds to start shooting again. 338 00:23:48.400 --> 00:23:50.119 The sergeant got in the back with the Nazi officer 339 00:23:50.160 --> 00:23:51.720 and I started the car and headed right for the gate, 340 00:23:57.319 --> 00:23:58.160 and then we were thrown. 341 00:23:59.440 --> 00:24:01.359 Let's get a wro his bloody place. I'm exposing. 342 00:24:01.440 --> 00:24:03.039 This is going off any second now. See if any 343 00:24:03.039 --> 00:24:05.440 of them pull out after us. I don't think so. 344 00:24:06.279 --> 00:24:08.039 Not kid hell the water. He should be up around 345 00:24:08.079 --> 00:24:09.640 that bend in the road. I wonder how many of 346 00:24:09.680 --> 00:24:10.359 the men made it back. 347 00:24:10.400 --> 00:24:14.279 You'll soon find out, hi, say, she goes. 348 00:24:16.640 --> 00:24:19.519 The sky turned white and red as the shockwave crashed 349 00:24:19.519 --> 00:24:22.599 against us. The car swirred from side to side, shells 350 00:24:22.640 --> 00:24:24.680 through the Amadut screamed in at us from every direction, 351 00:24:24.960 --> 00:24:27.680 tearing the landscape open everywhere. I could hardly hold a 352 00:24:27.759 --> 00:24:30.519 car on the road and movie. Finally, the road curved 353 00:24:30.519 --> 00:24:32.799 around a hill, offering some protection from the bob. 354 00:24:32.599 --> 00:24:37.559 Barker of the explosions. God did we do all? That's? 355 00:24:37.880 --> 00:24:40.119 Looks like it that was meant for you. Fritz, Hey, 356 00:24:40.240 --> 00:24:41.519 come back at you. What's wrong? 357 00:24:41.720 --> 00:24:44.680 He's I'm gone hold it? 358 00:24:45.160 --> 00:24:49.000 No, he got away. Well, I'm going off for how 359 00:24:49.079 --> 00:24:49.640 it's till dark. 360 00:24:49.759 --> 00:25:08.880 Never find him now, anyway, lost? We found them in 361 00:25:09.079 --> 00:25:12.480 waiting at the Waddy. They piled into the Nazi staff 362 00:25:12.559 --> 00:25:17.640 car and there were six of us again, yep, all six. 363 00:25:18.920 --> 00:25:22.759 Operation completed and we didn't lose a man. We still 364 00:25:22.839 --> 00:25:25.319 had a long, hazardous drive back to our lines, but 365 00:25:26.160 --> 00:25:31.559 it was different now it was going home. Hy drove 366 00:25:31.640 --> 00:25:35.240 and Sergeant sat next to me. He was brooding about 367 00:25:35.279 --> 00:25:40.319 the Nazi officer. Cheer up, Sergeant, maybe you can get 368 00:25:40.359 --> 00:25:41.680 yourself another on the next raid. 369 00:25:41.839 --> 00:25:42.440 I suppose. 370 00:25:43.119 --> 00:25:46.200 Well, anyhow, I got a souvenir part of his jackie too. 371 00:25:47.400 --> 00:25:50.319 Ever see a Jerry medal like that before, Captain, I haven't. 372 00:25:50.640 --> 00:25:56.759 Oh, yeah, that's what's the medica? Holy? What's the meta? 373 00:25:58.000 --> 00:26:01.960 You got this off that officer? Yes, sir, do you 374 00:26:02.039 --> 00:26:03.000 know what it iss? 375 00:26:04.079 --> 00:26:04.119 What? 376 00:26:05.279 --> 00:26:08.720 It's the Hitler knights Cross Hitler knights Cross. Yes, the 377 00:26:08.839 --> 00:26:11.480 furious personal medal that there's only three that he's ever 378 00:26:11.519 --> 00:26:17.160 given out. Oh, sir three, Garying got one one for 379 00:26:17.279 --> 00:26:18.079 von Runstedtt. 380 00:26:18.720 --> 00:26:19.720 What about the other? 381 00:26:20.319 --> 00:26:24.920 Rommel Take your pick, Sergeant, which one of them did 382 00:26:25.000 --> 00:26:25.200 we have? 383 00:26:39.440 --> 00:26:42.680 Under the direction of Anthony Ellis, Escape has brought you 384 00:26:42.880 --> 00:26:47.519 The Thirteenth Truck, adapted by Gus Bays from the story 385 00:26:47.599 --> 00:26:51.759 of Captain Douglas M. Smith, as told to Cecil Carnes, 386 00:26:52.279 --> 00:26:56.200 starring High ever Back as Captain Brown, with Richard Peel 387 00:26:56.279 --> 00:26:59.960 as the Sergeant. Featured in the cast were Alistair Duncan, 388 00:27:00.400 --> 00:27:04.960 Charlie lung, Alec Harpord, and Jack Krushian. The special music 389 00:27:05.039 --> 00:27:08.319 for Escape was composed and conducted by Leeth Stephens. 390 00:27:09.839 --> 00:27:18.400 Next week, you are the subject of an experiment, an 391 00:27:18.519 --> 00:27:22.079 experiment to make you the most powerful man on earth, 392 00:27:22.799 --> 00:27:27.319 while if it succeeds, from that moment on, you will 393 00:27:27.440 --> 00:27:31.119 be forever locked in a world from which there can 394 00:27:31.240 --> 00:27:33.200 be no escape. 395 00:27:33.720 --> 00:27:37.160 So listen next week when Escape will bring you Irving 396 00:27:37.319 --> 00:27:56.519 Rhese's extraordinary story The Man from Tomorrow, A sensational trial 397 00:27:56.599 --> 00:27:59.440 of old San Francisco in eighteen seventy, will be your 398 00:27:59.519 --> 00:28:02.759 Crime for Classic on CBS Radio tomorrow evening. The title 399 00:28:03.480 --> 00:28:05.920 The Incredible Trial of Laura D. 400 00:28:06.240 --> 00:28:06.519 Fair. 401 00:28:07.079 --> 00:28:09.559