have been overruled by superior authority."
"My wife threatened to kick your butt, huh?" The President snickered.
The doctor only grinned. The President was dressed, his Secret Service Men escorted him through the halls to the hospital parking lot. There was a contingent of troops from each service gathered there. A band played "Hail To The Chief" as The President emerged. He was guided to a platform and The Commander Of The Joint Chiefs walked up. "They've been arguing the legality of this for hours," the General remarked, "but the senate finally said to hell with it!"
A young officer beside the General opened a box. The General took out a medal, walked over, and pinned it to The President's jacket. "Sir," he continued, "on behalf of a grateful nation, and with the authority of The Congress Of The United States I do award you The Cross Of Distinguished Service. May you wear it proudly, sir, and display it for all to see. The Commander Of The Marine Corps would like to present the next award as it was while serving with his troops that you won it."
The General Of The Marine Corps stepped up, pinned a purple heart to The President's jacket, stepped back, and saluted. "For that shed for us!" he snapped.
"Thank you!" The President managed. He came to attention, saluted, and the assembled officers returned the salute. "All present," the General snapped, "atten-TION! Present ARMS! Stand at ease."
"Time does not permit a proper pass in review," The Joint Chief sighed.
"Well we can add that to the next inauguration," The President promised.
"Most DEFINITELY!" the General snapped. "Most definitely!" The President lifted the medals, tears showing in his eyes. "We got to move, gentlemen!" he finally managed. "We've got a hell of a mess, but thank you, thank you all!"
He got into his limo and was driven away as the gathered troops hurried off to other duties.
In the limo The President fingered the medals again. "Bless their hearts!" he muttered.
"Definitely!" his wife answered, "Definitely!"
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