Chapter Ten Summary and Analysis

Rowe is recognized very soon and given food all the way to their first destination. He says that the men aboard the chopper are kept busy during that initial ride, opening cans of c-rations for Rowe. He says that the fruit cake - the first can offered - is the best food he's ever tasted. He is seen initially by a doctor and then moved to another base where he's examined again and debriefed. He learns that he has been promoted to major during his absence.

Rowe arrives at a hospital and is allowed to talk to his mother and father by phone. His mother's words are, "What took you so long?" The question posed by his mother prompts a flood of emotion, including tears. Chicken and ice cream are part of the first meal he is able to...