[CHAR] Operation Tropic Thunder

[Pepschep]

Name: Francis Jackson

Age: 35

Rank: First Sergeant, Section leader

Nationality: Caucasian

Physical Description: Francis has an unfriendly no-nonsense attitude, with deliberate and quick moves guiding his 6’ muscled mass. A Texan native, his skin is always brown or red from the sun, fitting well with his thick moustache and aviator sunglasses.

History: Born on the 20th of March, 1926 to a poor family in Texas that became even poorer due to the economic crisis, when the draft caught up to Frank in early 1945 he saw it as a relief from poverty. He was not opposed to joining up, either, since his father fought in WWI and came back a decorated hero. In basic training, he was noted for disobedience and excellent physical condition and marksmanship: both of which factored in him being assigned to the 101st in April 1944. Rotting away until 1946 in Germany, he was sent stateside and eventually demobilised. However, when the Korean War erupted he volunteered for service with the Army, doing two tours of duty, earning a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart on the way. After this, he decided to remained in the Army and requested a transfer to his old 101st, which was entertained and has ever since been with the Screaming Eagles. In his decade of peaceful service, he has done another tour in Germany and risen to the rank of First Sergeant. With a burning hatred of communism, he sits out his days in the army bullying recruits and greenhorn Lieutenants alike, waiting for some action. And boy, did he get it.

Equipment: Standard American uniform, rig, helmet, water bottle, everything.
M14 rifle
Aviator sunglasses
A cigarette case, always filled.

[Byrd Man]

Name: Robert "Bobby D." Derricks

Age: 19

Gender: Male

Rank: Private First Class

Ethnicity/Nationality: African-American

Physical Description:

Bobby D. is nineteen but looks fourteen with his baby smooth face and pimply complexion. His skin is a rich, coffee-colored with a smattering of freckles around his eyes. Bobby's very skinny, just barely above the Army's minimum weight requirement. He has put on weight since carrying the Pig around has improved his upper body strength, which is very muscular compared to his skinny legs. He has gap teeth that he shows whenever he smiles or grins.

Skillset:

Bobby has a sharp intellect but that is often hidden by his constant joking
As a trained gunner Bobby is a expert at maintaining high rates of fire at the cost of accuracy

History:

Born in St. Louis, MO in 1943, Bobby is the youngest of four children, conceived just before his dad joined the service. Richard Derricks was killed in action in Italy when Bobby was just ten months old. He never knew Rick Derricks, but the man cast a long shadow on Bobby's life. He idolized his father and wanted to join the Army just like he did. He was fourteen when he saw the 101st Airborne help desegregate Little Rock Central High. Inspired by their example, he wanted to be a Screaming Eagle. At eighteen he joined the Army and trained like hell to become a paratrooper.

His training paid off as he was inducted into the 101st and became the Pig Man, using the M60 to keep his squad safe. Just a few months into the job, Bobby finds himself heading south to kick some Commie ass.

Bobby D. has a reputation as a class clown among the men and often speaks in the third person.

Equipment:

Standard Army uniform and kit
An M60 Machine gun he calls Jack Johnson because it's big, black, and knocks people out.
Two days worth of C-rations