//------------------------------//
// Chapter I 
// Story: Under Fire 
// by bosoxboy521 
//------------------------------//

	June 6th, 1944
England

"Hustle up men! Today's the day we drop into France. Load up and let's get ready to take off!" shouted a man out to the waves of Airborne troops. Men of the 101st Airborne began to load up the planes and climbed in. With their parachutes packed and gear tied on, the men began to mentally prepare themselves for the biggest moment of their lives. This was the moment they trained their lives for, and it was that time. By one of the planes, a group of soldiers said their prayers and concluded their final sentiments in case they don't make it out alive, which some knew it was entirely possible for it to happen.
As the planes loaded up, Corporal James Matthews read the letter from his girlfriend one last time.
"Your parents have deep concern for your safety, but, I reassured them you were gonna be fine. I told them that you were the strongest and bravest person out of the entire army, and you'll make it out of there alive. I have full confidence that you'll return home and I get to hold you in my arms once more baby. Your family wanted me to tell you that they love you as well, and they told me to tell you to come home safely. But, again, I know you'll be back James. I just know it. Anyways, I miss you and I love you, Joyce."
James folded up the letter and put it in his front pocket. He looked down at his feet, boots tied on tight and equipment on his body. With one deep breathe he got up and walked on the plane. The plane was crowded with men, with giant parachutes equipped and dark face paint to blend into the night. Most of the plane was full, so James had to sit up front, near his commanding officer, Captain Nathan Kelly. James liked the feeling of being up front, so he would be one of the first out. It was one of the perks of being the company sharp shooter.
"You ready for this Matthews? This is the moment you've been training for," said Kelly.
"Yes sir I am," replied James.
"Good, remember, once we get to the LZ, we'll link up and continue on foot until further orders. I'm counting on you to keep my head attached to my body, can you do that?"
"I will do my best sir."
"That's what I want to hear Corporal. You're the Airborne's best sniper, you can do this."
"Thank you sir. I will sir." James felt some sense of relief, but at the same time, he felt some pressure mounting on him. Yes, he was very proficient with his weapon, and could easily take out targets 500 yards out or more. But, he never considered himself to be the BEST Airborne sniper out there. To him, he was just an average soldier, and if anything, he wasn't so sure if he wanted to be the company sniper. While he does stay away from some of the more intense action, his head becomes more valuable to hit, as he's always near one officer or another. Plus, he really didn't like the weapon he was issued, an M1903A4 Springfield rifle, fitted with an M73B1 scope, which was prone to fogging up and only having an 2.5x magnification. He wanted an M1 Garand, while having no scope attached, at least he could dish out faster shots with the semi automatic Garand compared to the bolt action Springfield. But, he had to make do with what he was given.
His thoughts came to a sudden end when he heard the plane rotors begin to spin.
"This is it," he thought to himself, and the plane began to drive off the runway and take off into the sky, the sun setting and thus beginning the biggest military operation in history, Operation Overlord.