October 11 is Ben's birthday. Bull wakes him up at four a.m. and tells him to report to the kitchen on the double. Grumbling, Ben does as instructed and meets his ebullient father in the kitchen where a large wrapped bundle awaits him. Bull proudly tells Ben that he's been saving this present for his eighteenth birthday for a long time. Ben opens it to find his father's first flight jacket. The stylish leather jacket evokes strong memories in Ben. The Marine Corps no longer issues this style of jacket, making it even more precious. Ben puts it on and feels transformed. His father cautions him not to wear it around town where other Marines might take offense, but Bull agrees to let him show Toomer the jacket as he pours Ben his.....
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