A Dance with Death: Soviet Airwomen in World War II (51 page)

I am on the street in Red Square. I breathe deeply. My next remembered breath is late at night, and I am in my hotel room, on my bed,
with the medal still pinned to my chest, the lost hours never recalled,
I am assured by my friend Jim that I conducted myself properly, rode
the metro, went to my room, and disappeared for the night. My dear,
dear country, I did not disgrace you after all!