Uncle Sam's Boys as Lieutenants; or, Serving Old Glory as Line Officers

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

26381

Title

Uncle Sam's Boys as Lieutenants; or, Serving Old Glory as Line Officers

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Two young sergeants, Hal Overton and Noll Terry, finally earn their commissions as lieutenants after rigorous training in the Philippines. Now stationed on the Mexican border, they face smuggling rings, rebel insurgents, and moral dilemmas while upholding their duty to Uncle Sam.

Summary up to 500 words

In H. Irving Hancock's *Uncle Sam's Boys as Lieutenants*, Sergeant Hal Overton and his friend Noll Terry return from active service in the Philippines to New Jersey, eager to receive their long-awaited commissions. After months of intense study and waiting, both young men pass their final examinations at Fort Leavenworth and are officially appointed as second lieutenants. However, their promotion brings new challenges; with limited vacancies, many qualified soldiers are left without commissions, a reality that tests the patience of the boys and their families. Ordered to the Mexican border, the newly commissioned officers arrive at Agua Dulce, where they immediately face a dangerous network of smugglers and Mexican rebels attempting to ship rifles across the Rio Grande. Assigned by Captain Foster to guard the river bank, Hal and Noll quickly find themselves outmaneuvered by the enemy. In a tense night patrol, Hal is ambushed and captured by a stealthy rebel, held hostage while his reputation is viciously attacked in the local press. Through sheer bravery, quick thinking, and the unwavering support of loyal friends, Hal and Noll manage to escape captivity. Their ordeal continues as they rescue American women trapped during a violent riot and expose a traitor who attempted to bribe them with money to compromise their duty. The narrative highlights the rigorous demands of military life, emphasizing themes of honor, discipline, and the personal sacrifices required to serve as an officer. The story concludes with the boys attending a double wedding at Fort Clowdry, celebrating their new status and the happiness of their peers. As they look toward the future, the narrative hints at the looming shadow of a great world war, foreshadowing the heroes' destined roles in the coming conflict with the German Empire. The novel serves as a testament to the character of young Americans, portraying them as manly, adventurous, and dedicated to upholding the honor of the United States Army.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• History
• Fiction