Calico Pennants Read Online Free Page A

Putnam, just what is the range of your modified aircraft?”
    Amelia’s expression showed the confidence she felt in the plane she’d recently received from Purdue University.
    “Lockheed Corporation has done a marvelous job of designing and installing extra fuel tanks in the fuselage,” she told Forrestal. “In theory, the Electra can carry over eleven hundred gallons of fuel. But it’s doubtful I’d ever get off the ground with such a weight load. Still, with nine hundred fifty-four gallons, I was able to fly non-stop from Oakland to Honolulu, and on arrival there was plenty of gas in reserve. Presumably, the plane has a range of four thousand miles, though such a flight would have to be made in near perfect conditions. And such conditions exist only in theory, not in practice.”
    “So, it will not be possible for you to fly all the way from Asia to the Hawaiian Islands without refueling,” Forrestal concluded.
    “Quite correct,” said Amelia. “It will be necessary to refuel somewhere between Papua New Guinea and the Hawaiian archipelago.”
    “Have you determined a refueling point yet?” he asked.
    “I’m afraid we haven’t completed the flight plan. My husband has made inquiries to Naval authorities about the possibility of refueling in mid-air over Guam, and they’ve been quite encouraging. But a far better target might be Howland Island.”
    “Where’s that?” FDR wanted to know.
    Forrestal reached into his brief case and brought out a US Navy hydrographic map of the South Pacific. He laid the map out in front of the president and pointed out the spec of land in question. “It’s right here, Mr. President. Just south and east of the Marshalls.”
    “There’s only one problem,” said Amelia.
    “What’s that?” Roosevelt wanted to know.
    “There’s no runway there.”
    The president stroked his chin in thought. He took off his glasses and began cleaning them with his handkerchief. “Perhaps your friend, Mr. Vidal, might be of some help,” he suggested.
    “I don’t understand,” said Amelia. “How might Eugene help?”
    “Well, considering our need for intelligence in the region, I believe certain funds in DOC might be made available for such a project.”
    “Mr. President, are you suggesting that Eugene Vidal build me an airstrip on Howland Island?” Amelia asked incredulously.
    “Franklin only wants to ensure your success, my dear,” said Mrs. Roosevelt.
    “The Electra will need about fifteen hundred feet,” the aviatrix postured.
    “I’m sure that won’t pose any problem,” said FDR casually.
    “I don’t know what to say,” Amelia blushed. “If there is something I might do...”
    “Young lady, you’ve proven yourself time and again to be a credit to your country,” said FDR as he finished his coffee and dashed out his cigarette butt. “Still, there is a service you might perform for me in return for your runway,” negotiated the president.
    AE sat attentively. For the President of the United States was about to ask her for a personal favor. “Of course I’ll try my best to be of whatever service...”
    Forrestal moved the hydrographic map closer to the pilot. “Look here!” he addressed her. “If you were to leave Papua New Guinea around noon, you could be over the Carolines before dark, couldn’t you?”
    Amelia studied the naval map with interest. “Though it’s not the most direct course to Howland, I suppose I could,” she said.
    “Truk Island is the one we’re particularly concerned about,” said Forrestal, dead serious.
    “I presume it’s Japanese territory,” she said.
    “Yes, it is,” said Forrestal.
    “And you’d like me to...”
    “Photographs, Mrs. Putnam. We need rock hard evidence of ongoing military operations, but we can’t get near them. You’re another matter altogether! Thanks to your husband’s efforts at publicity, the entire world is aware of your upcoming attempt to circumnavigate the globe at the equator. A few