#oakstump

[chrisstumps05]

(via https://youtube.com/watch?v=vVjMxbb-aV8&feature=share)

[uss-edsall]

Oakstump drew a canteen of water from the faucet. He tore a huge length of bread in two, surveying the halves thoroughly. “Guess I’ll make a sandwich,” he said. I snorted, “What the hell with—air?” "Salt,” he said. “I always make a salt sandwich.” He stooped, grabbed a handful of salt from the box, and deposited it on one half of bread, smoothing it carefully. He patted it and placed the second half upon it. “Just right,” he said dreamily. “Just enough salt for this sandwich.” He began to munch, pausing to slip the water, so satisfied it seemed sinful. Had I not recalled Oakstump on Guadalcanal, mixing his wormy rice with the contents of a stray can of peanut butter and smacking his lips over the mess, I might have pronounced him mad. But this was Oakstump of the oxen back and matching brain and unconquerable palate—and I ask you, how can such men be defeated?

Helmet For My Pillow, by Robert Leckie