“
I was just about to suggest to Barry that we stop for a moment and go rescue Marguerite when I realized it was too late. Marguerite was carrying a small evening bag, like a clutch purse, and I saw her wind up and throw it down onto the floor. At the same time I heard her almost scream, “ALL RIGHT YOU SONOFABITCH, I DON’T WANT TO HEAR ANOTHER WORD!!” It was loud enough that everyone heard her and even the band stopped to see what was going on. With the index finger of her right hand she began poking this guy in the center of his chest and backing him up at the same time, all the while shouting at the top of her lungs, “If it wasn’t for the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and the men who fought and died to help keep your country free, YOU would be living on the tiniest GERMAN SPEAKING ISLAND OF THE THIRD REICH!!! DON’T EVER LET ME HEAR YOU SAY ANYTHING BAD ABOUT MY COUNTRY AGAIN, IN FACT DON’T EVER SAY ANYTHING TO ME AGAIN, NOD IF YOU UNDERSTAND !!!” She had pushed him back against the bar and he was now leaning over backwards about as far as he could lean and she was still poking him in the chest. The room was completely silent. I said to Barry, “Excuse me a moment Barry, I think I need to go rescue one of your countrymen.” She chuckled and said, “I doubt if anyone will care if you rescue that one.” I went straight for Marguerite and the terrified LtCdr bent backwards over the bar. As I approached them I scooped up her purse from the floor and said, “I believe this next dance is mine my dear.” I gave her my arm and we headed for the center of the dance floor and as we did the band started back up. Everyone else picked right back up where they’d left off. About twenty minutes later the Commander came up to us. I had no idea what to expect but he had big smile on his face. “William, I just wanted to thank you and your good lady for that lovely cocktail party at your quarters this evening and tell you how smart you both look in your ball outfits. AND Marguerite, I think if we took a vote right now, most everyone in the room would want to award you a medal for setting that ‘Bloody’ man straight. Well done.
”
”
W.R. Spicer (Sea Stories of a U.S. Marine Book 3 ON HER MAJESTY'S SERVICE)