War Story

I remember sitting by the coal stove one night. It was in the 80's when I use to go over to Mom & Dad's a few times a week to do misc stuff. It was just me, Dad, and Mom. I wish I remembered why we were talking about the war...but, at any rate, Dad was telling me of a time that he was scouting. My understanding is that he was the scout for his group. He said that he had been walking along the ridge of a mountain looking for the enemy. The day had been very hot and his canteen was empty. He proceeded to hike down to the stream at the bottom of the raveen. After being sure that there was no one around he stepped out into the open. At the same time that he stepped out a Japaneese soldier also stepped out on the other side of the stream. He said that it was obvious that each of them thought that they were alone. They each stood there for a few seconds..staring. Then after a pause he said that they nodded to each other..filled their canteens and went back up their own side of the mountain. Dad said that although no words were spoken the message conveyed by each was the same. "I don't want to die anymore than you do."