Lost Rod Serling story unarchived

(WIVT/WBGH) – A lost short story showcasing the trauma faced by a young Rod Serling during combat has been published.

“First Squad, First Platoon” is a semi-autobiographical short story written by a 21-year-old Serling when he was attending Antioch College.

The chilling story begins with a preface to his future children, detailing the horrors of war as well as the importance of remembering the sacrifices made by those who fought for our country. Told from the perspectives of five soldiers, it follows the men’s lives until their untimely death when they are killed in action, leaving behind the lone Corporal Rod Serling.

The short story was discovered in the Rod Serling Archives in Madison, Wisconsin by Amy Boyle Johnston.

Rod Serling’s daughter Anne Serling says the story feels detached, but that is not the case because her father suffered greatly during his time in combat.

She says the story is powerful and fascinating, but still sadly relevant.

“My dad was quite vocal. His quote was when he originally went to Antioch, he majored in Physical Education because he wanted to teach kids, he liked working with kids, but then he switched his major to Language and Literature because as he said, ‘I need to get it out of my gut, I needed to get it off my chest’. He did talk quite a bit about the Vietnam War and the experiences that he went through,” said Anne Serling.

The publication of the story coincides with SerlingFest and the 100th birthday of Rod Serling.

SerlingFest is taking place this weekend, beginning on Friday at 6 at the Forum Theatre with speeches, discussions, and special screenings of his early work as well as “The Twilight Zone”. It will conclude on Sunday at noon with the unveiling of the long-awaited Rod Serling statue in Recreation Park.

For tickets and more information on SerlingFest, visit RodSerling.com .

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