Chapters Nineteen through Twenty-One Summary and Analysis

Tang cites the case of several officials who are chastised for their actions, which are not in keeping with the group's wishes. In one case, Tran Bach Dang is "educated" in the correct ways. In chapter twenty, Tang travels the Ho Chi Ming Trail, which he notes bears little resemblance to the rough trail originally hacked through the jungle brush. In 1974, soldiers are camped all along the trail to protect this vital supply and transportation route. With the constant bombing, crews steadily create bypasses around damaged sections of road and make repairs. Tang travels this trail to reach Hanoi where he is to receive medical treatment before going on a mission to seek "political and material" support from several foreign governments. He is dismayed by the subdued air and horrible living conditions in Hanoi, having...