Part 1: Chapters 1-13 Summary

First Blood is the debut novel of writer David Morrell. Published in 1972, First Blood was inspired by news reports about the Vietnam War and unrest in an American city.

Rambo is leaving a small town gas station when a patrol car pulls over beside him. The man inside offers Rambo a ride and Rambo can tell by his demeanor that it is not a simple offer, but an order. Rambo gets into the car and listens politely as the sheriff asks him a few questions and offers some polite advice. The sheriff then drives Rambo to the city limits and suggests politely that he move on. Instead, Rambo heads back into town.

Rambo goes into a small diner and orders a couple of hamburgers. Moments later, the sheriff enters the diner. The sheriff, Wilfred Teasle, tells the waitress to...