Friday, March 28, 2008

My Brief Career as a Child Spy

My childhood memories are such fun blessings to remember now that I’m so much older. Here’s one about my short career as a child spy.

We lived in Wildflecken, Germany (1958–1960) when I was in first and second grade. Wildflecken was a major training area for U.S. and other NATO forces.



The elementary school was directly across the street from our house with a playground in front and woods in the back.

One Saturday morning while playing on the playground, my friends and I heard a major commotion going on somewhere nearby. Our curiosity was aroused and, pretending to be spies, we stealthily made our way past the school and through the woods until we came to a fenced-off clearing.

Smoke billowed about and the noise was deafening. We were stunned to see a huge military tank lumbering along about 100 yards from us and what appeared to be the whole U.S. Army running around like wraiths in the smoke, waving weapons. One ran by the fence where our little spy-selves were hunkered in the bushes—it was my father.



Dad and his men did whatever it is Army men do and the tank stopped. The top popped open and men emerged, one by one, their arms held above their heads. The bad guys had been captured.

We wanted to cheer as my father wasn’t the only father out there but were afraid we’d be taken prisoners of war by enemy spies lurking nearby. Not at all sure who the enemy might be, the very idea terrified us. Our interest in being spies was definitely over. We ran home as fast as our little legs could take us where we were all punished for leaving the playground.



It wasn’t until I was an adult and my family was chatting and exchanging memories that I recounted my childhood spy activities that day so long ago and how proud I was of my father’s heroism. My parents looked astounded and then burst out laughing. And that’s when they explained it had all been merely joint NATO practice maneuvers.

It’s not easy being a spy when you’re six years old.

18 comments:

Rosie's Whimsy said...

What a priceless story! I could just envision the two of you as your recounted that memory.....thanks so much for sharing. :-) Rosie

Diana said...

Fun story. I was a military kid too and spent 3 years in Holland. We usually hear stories of growing up around Thanksgiving so my parents can tell my kids things about me!

Unknown said...

June what a cute story!! Must be a great memory for all of you who witnessed the event!

rohanknitter said...

That's such a cute story. Shows you how different things can look through a child's eyes.

Mom IsAmagpie said...

That's so funny, I can picture you guys being sneaky and catching all the action. It's amazing how being a child can make your views so different. Being able to see daddy as hero, nothing beats that.

Thimbleanna said...

That's SO cute June! I can just see you there hiding as a little girl. How exciting it must have been to live in Wildflecken back then -- although, the wall wasn't up yet, was it? I can't remember when it was built. Childhood memories are so fun -- especially when you find out your memory is really off from the truth!

Kristi said...

Aww how sweet. That brought back many good childhood memories for me, thanks!

Yummers! said...

That was a great memory... a great story. I played Nancy Drew for years... still have that desire to spy or be a detective. Could we write a book (that of course will become a series)about 2 older ladies who are detective-type spies???
Joni

Caleen said...

I loved your story.. What fun memories as a child.. I can envision
it all.. In the eyes of a child...
Thank you for sharing your story..
Have a great weekend..

Anonymous said...

Oh June thanks for sharing that great story!
xo
mary
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kari and kijsa said...

Love this story! A great memory of childhood 'heroism'!!

smiles,
kari & kijsa

ellen said...

This is wonderful..thank you so much for such memories.
I think I am going to talk about some of mine..they will be so different, but what the heck?
Love reading all you do and what you remember. Thanks..e

dottycookie said...

Oh, sweet! I'm reading Spies by Michael Frayn at the moment, which seems to be going along similar lines (though I fear in the book it may all end badly - we'll see).

Anonymous said...

from one Army Brat to another- that was a great story!

Mrs.Kwitty said...

Great story JunieMoon--I'll bet you were so scared!! Thanks for a little piece of your past--precious!
Smiles, Karen

Rosemary said...

Great story!!
Rosemary

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Such a sweet memory of childhood, June! You must have felt so brave and so proud of your Father!

Hugs, Pat

Anonymous said...

I hope you aren't getting tired of my posts. Here are some coincidences, besides LMC. I too was in Germany, an Army brat but I was there from 1960-1962 ;-) I guess I picked up where you left off LOL. My in-laws are also Irish, and right now I'm a southerner living in NC, itching to move west as my oldest and his wife are expecting in August.

Hugs!!!