In a phone conversation on April 7, 1946, Phil’s old boss, COL. McGarr, said he was happy to offer Phil a job at Fort Myer [in Washington, DC] as his executive officer, pending approval from above.[1]

“Thank you, sir. I’m delighted to accept,” Phil replied.

McGarr then put Ross [Calvert, serving at Fort Myer also and Phil’s best friend, with whom he had fought in Europe on the front lines for over 15 months] on the phone to instruct Phil on his next steps.

After they hung up, Phil immediately wrote Colonel McGarr using the exact language Ross suggested:

Subject: Return to Six Months Temporary Duty

1. As regards to my conversation with you on 7 April 1946, I would like to return to duty under your command for six months Temporary Duty.

2. The main reason for this duty is (1) I wish to give my prosthesis a good test before being retired from the Service.
3. I would like to return to duty for a while, even though it may be a short time.
4. I do not wish for this position if you think there is a chance that I might be reduced in grade before the end of my Temporary Duty.[2]

[All three of the men knew the main reason to be together in Washington was so Phil could fight the Army policy that all officers with an amputation had to be discharged at the end of rehabilitation.]

~~~~~

[1] Larimore, At First Light, 303.

[2] Larimore, At First Light, 303-304.

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December 24, 1945